William Clark & Sons Teams Up with BRÜCKNER for New Plant
William Clark & Sons, the oldest linen manufacturer in Northern Ireland with a legacy of nearly three centuries, has partnered with BRÜCKNER to commission a new finishing facility. The company remains the world’s sole producer of authentic Beetled linen—recognized by its signature sheen, achieved through a unique method where fabric is continuously hammered by wooden blocks for 20 days using century-old Beetling engines still in excellent working condition.
Due to limited expansion capacity at their historical site—where the company was originally established more than 300 years ago—William Clark & Sons has now set up a new production facility nearby. This state-of-the-art plant features advanced equipment, including a BRÜCKNER stenter frame and coating line.
The six-zone stenter, equipped with vertical pin chain return, is tailored to finish a wide range of textiles, from apparel fabrics and military uniforms to home furnishings and technical fabrics. With the integration of dual bowl pad mangle and a versatile knife coating unit, the new line is capable of applying various treatments such as:
- Water and stain repellency
- Flame-retardant coatings and backings
- Fabric stiffening and softening
- Abrasion resistance enhancement
For optimal process control, the stenter is equipped with a modern recipe management system and energy monitoring tools that record batch-specific consumption, ensuring energy efficiency. Additionally, automated exhaust air regulation sensors ensure minimal energy waste by controlling the airflow precisely.
Kevin Devlin, plant manager at William Clark & Sons, emphasized the importance of the investment:
“The purchase of a new stenter and coating line was essential to control processing costs and provide the quality and consistency demanded in today’s market. We found BRÜCKNER to be a supportive and reliable partner in this venture and would have no hesitation in working with them again.”
This collaboration represents a seamless blend of heritage and innovation, ensuring that William Clark & Sons continues to meet modern demands while honoring traditional craftsmanship.