Textile business steps up to supply council with PPE

Lantex, a textile manufacturing firm in Accrington, are being thanked by Hyndburn Borough Council for stepping up during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Cllr. Miles Parkinson OBE, leader of Hyndburn Borough Council, said: "When the pandemic first hit it was essential that services were able to continue, we still had to operate as a council, and we also needed to protect our staff as much as possible. We put out a call to local Hyndburn manufacturers asking for help with masks, Lantex stepped up, were a perfect fit for what we needed and have been a pleasure to work with throughout."

Lantex is a traditional Lancashire business, positioned in the heart of East Lancashire's traditional cotton/textile heartland, who have built a solid reputation and continued to grow over their 100 years in operation. Knowledge and skills passed down through each generation are the key to their continued success.

Paul Chalker, production director at Lantex said: "When we were first approached by Hyndburn Borough Council we had a conversation about specific requirements for PPE. Employees, such as refuse workers, needed to continue their jobs and it was essential these key workers would be protected. At Lantex we made some initial samples and this resulted in a great order for 1,000 masks from Hyndburn Council, which we completed and delivered as quickly as possible 

"To make the masks we didn't need any new equipment or training for staff, our workforce is already very skilled and as a business we are adaptable. We frequently work with customers to develop new products and are more than happy to take enquiries for any job, big or small. Our extensive experience and expertise come from working with both artisan designers and high-end retail outlets over the years."

Miles continued: "As part of our #ThinkHyndburn campaign we are not only encouraging shoppers to use our high streets, but businesses to shop locally too. If we all work together our economy can recover and thrive. We need to see a shift in mindset, we need to choose local and think of the big picture for the good of workers, families and our community."

For more information about the #ThinkHyndburn campaign being led by Hyndburn Borough Council visit: www.hyndburnbc.gov.uk

For more information about Lantex visit: www.lantex.co.uk