The establishment and growth of Borval Fabrics

Producer of Woollen fabrics

Borval Fabrics was started in 1952, when the Founder asked one Mr JJ Valner, who had experience in woollen manufacture in his native Czechoslovakia, to set up an operation to produce woollen fabrics for the Partnership. The company name –Borval-simply came out of the names of two other Partners (Mrs Bird and Miss Ord) and Mr Valner’s own.

Small operation

The business began on Dundas Street in Huddersfield, and as the operation steadily grew, it was moved to new premises on Albert Street in the Lockwood district of the town. It remained in this area of Huddersfield, operating as one of the Partnership’s smallest production units. There were rarely ever more than twelve members of staff employed there in one go.

No fuss made

During the first twelve years, Partners in general knew little if anything about this burgeoning project. The name Borval only became more familiar after the formal integration into the Partnership in 1964. In 1977, the company celebrated its Silver Jubilee, and one year later, Mr Valner retired after 26 years at its managing director.