An historic West Yorkshire wool textile company has today unveiled its first consumer brand and launched a drive to boost export sales.

Pudsey-based Hainsworth, which dates back 228 years, has launched Scarlet & Argent, a collection of woollen blankets, throws and accessories for the home. They will initially sell through the company’s newly-created website – scarletandargent.co.uk – before being rolled out to major retailers and independent stockists. The range will also be promoted as an international brand to stores around the world.

The company, which has focused on innovation and developing new markets during the economic downturn, makes products ranging from protective fabrics for the emergency services and military to pool and snooker table cloth and interior fabrics for exclusive homes and palaces around the world.

Hainsworth has also launched a global sales and marketing push to promote its innovative fabrics used by several British fire brigades as well as fire services in the United States, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Sweden and Germany. The company is aiming to increase sales in the Middle East, United States and Australia.

Hainsworth is also looking to win a bigger market share in China for its snooker and pool table cloth following a huge growth in the sport there.

The company is run by the seventh generation of the Hainsworth family, led by managing director Tom Hainsworth and fellow directors Adam and Rachel Hainsworth along with sales director Diane Simpson.

For more on this story, see today's T&A