Out of the charred remains of Tullis Mill, Culshaw Street, Burnley, the firm of Sheerloom Carpets Ltd has risen again to embark on a quarter of a million pound development which has brought it doubled production and a booming export trade. Just two years ago fire swept through the 13-year-old mill, but instead of accepting this stroke of misfortune lying down the firm came back with an expansion plan which has reaped dividends. In place of a smoke blackened shell there is now a brightly-painted blue warehouse, new machinery, additional floor space, and a streamlined rubberising plant. The sales force has expanded accordingly, and representatives are now sharing in the success story with a new fleet of 11 Austin A60 Countryman cars supplied by Hatton's.
Sheerloom, a subsidiary of British Steel Constructions Ltd., of Birmingham, and of Barry Stains Ltd., employs some 90 workers. As well as exporting to Scandinavia, Australia and Canada, it also exports carpets to the Middle and Far East. The home market is also booming, and local people have had an opportunity to view some examples of work in the new Trafalgar show flats, which were carpeted by Sheerloom in co-operation with Pendle Co-operative Society. Besides luxury carpeting Sheerloom made something of a breakthrough with its "Carnaby" range of hard-wearing rubber-backed carpeting in bright, strong self-colours.