COMPANY PROFILE
ABOVE: Embroidery manager, Brian Faulkener, selecting thread for sampling and despatch. LEFT: One of the many winding machines, winding polyester.
distributor of A&E to distribute polycottons, Perma Spun, Perma Core, all the standard sewing threads, plus nylons, which come from America or A&Eʼs European set-up in Slovenia. “We have been with them for a year now,” says Paul, “and we couldnʼt be happier with the relationship we have with them. The A&E products complement our range very well.”
Individual needs
One area that Somac wants to improve on is online ordering. Says Paul: “We exist to supply threads to whatever businesses we serve, and always look to provide the best route to market that serves those individual needs. “Weʼre dipping a toe in things like bonded polyesters for the leisurewear market – things like awnings and sails. You need a specialist thread that is UV resistant and water resistant. “Weʼve started flirting with products like that and the product works. We also do Nomax and Kevlar threads. We strive to find something that catches the imagination. “Thread isnʼt the most exciting product in the world, but when you think about what we do, where would you be without it?”
uring my visit, I learned that there are some surprising uses for Somac threads… “Our waxed products are used by morticians – itʼs a special waxed thread which is used to sew up bodies. We are
D
Sewing thread had at least two historical heydays. In the Middle Ages, improvements in shipping, wool production and processing, and the opening of the Silk Road to Asia provided fertile ground for the flowering of woven tapestries and needlework. Tapestries were an art form that allowed large spaces to be filled with colourful scenes that were also portable. Tapestries were woven of wool yarn primarily, but linen, cotton, silk, and gold and silver were also used in weaving these magnificent paintings in fibre. Seamstresses and needleworkers were inspired to
www.printwearandpromotion.co.uk
the main supplier to an American company which sells it on to morticians,” says Paul. “Thatʼs the sort of thing that we get involved in because of our experience.”
And technical support is all part of the service. Continues Paul: “If people get into technical difficulties with a thread – we have three external sales representatives, split into territories. Theyʼre available to go into any of our embroidery customers. But to be honest, we rarely get a problem and if there is one, it usually comes down to stitch tension or other machine settings.”
He accepts that embroiderers are sometimes reluctant to change threads once they are set up, but he advises that with a bit of thought, you can do it the right way and end up with a better product. “We have flexibility and can offer something that gives customers a competitive edge. Get the price point right and once you start ticking those boxes, you have a fighting chance. Weʼve got the foundations, weʼve got a good product,” adds Paul.
“Weʼve grown organically and we have grown through acquisition,” says Paul. “We intend to build up the embroidery threads side of the business and move the business forward.” ■ For more information call 01244 680506, email
sales@somac.co.uk or visit
www.somac.co.uk
M
from animal hide and wool to refined Japanese silk make fabric.
uch has been achieved in the first 30 years and with Paul as part of the team, the company will be creating a vision for the years ahead.
use the same materials in smaller works stitched with sewing or embroidery thread.
During the Industrial Revolution in the 17th and 18th centuries, production of thread moved out of the cottages and into factories equipped with high- speed machines.
Machine manufacture generated more uniform thread with fewer flaws.
Producers could devote more time to maximising the characteristics of the types of fibres being used. Stronger thread, truer dye colours and production of a wider variety of thread for different applications were among the direct results.
February 2012 | 73 |
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