Brisbane Moss
Brisbane Moss, a venerable name in the textile industry, traces its roots back to the middle of the 19th century when Moss Brothers Limited, weavers and converters of Corduroy and Moleskin fabric, emerged on the scene. Faced with the looming threat of a monopoly in the dyeing trade from The English Velvet Cord Dyeing Company, Moss Brothers Limited joined forces with several local clothing companies on February 13, 1901, giving birth to The English Fustian Manufacturing Company Ltd (EFMC).
Throughout the ensuing decades, the EFMC evolved into a fully integrated operation, incorporating Spinning, Weaving, Dyeing, Clothing Manufacture, and Retail outlets. This strategic consolidation allowed Moss Brothers to establish itself as a prominent player in the industry. In 1970, a significant milestone occurred when Moss Brothers acquired Brisbane Jones, a local Velvet and Velveteen manufacturer, leading to the rebranding of the company as Brisbane Moss Corduroys. Subsequently, in 1983, Brisbane Moss became an integral part of the Chapman Group, marking the beginning of a new era.
Under the Chapman Group's stewardship, Brisbane Moss experienced transformative changes and adapted to the evolving landscape of the Textile Industry. In 1983, the company introduced a stock-based fabric service, signaling a shift towards broader accessibility and customer-centric offerings. This move proved immensely successful, culminating in the prestigious Queen's Award for Export in both 2004 and 2012, underscoring Brisbane Moss's commitment to quality and traditional fabrics.
Brisbane Moss has navigated the dynamic textile industry, embracing change while maintaining a steadfast dedication to its core values. Corduroy and Moleskin fabrics, woven with a high ratio of weft to warp threads, have been the company's hallmark. Corduroy, with its distinctive ribs known as Wales, and Moleskin, characterized by a smooth appearance, both boast the exceptional quality of 100% cotton. The fabrics undergo various dyeing and finishing processes, often brushed or sueded to provide a soft and supple feel.
The common thread binding these fabrics is the use of premium cotton yarns, ranging from traditional ring-spun double ply to the latest generation spun on open-end machines. For high-quality sueded finishes, soft ring-spun yarns are exclusively chosen, creating a luxurious texture.
As Brisbane Moss looks to the future, the company confronts the challenge of crafting innovative textiles and fashion fabrics without compromising the planet. The commitment to sustainability is evident through initiatives such as the use of organic yarns, Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification for dyeing and finishing, factory audits, and recycled packaging. Brisbane Moss is actively working towards lowering its carbon footprint and exploring new frontiers, even incorporating locally sourced yarns woven on traditional Lancashire looms.
The journey of Brisbane Moss over the last 150 years has been marked by resilience and adaptability. The company's "Heritage" is firmly anchored in core values of Quality and Service, guiding its trajectory through changing times. Today, Brisbane Moss stands as a formidable force, well-positioned to meet the challenge of supplying a unique range of stock-supported fabrics to existing loyal customers and fostering relationships with new customers for many years to come. The narrative of Brisbane Moss is one of enduring legacy and a forward-looking commitment to excellence in the world of textiles.