Christy builds on U.K. foundation

Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 10/1/2001 12:00:00 AM

Christy

Manchester, England

Ceo: Joel Rosenblatt

President, Christy USA: Oliver Newman

Principal business: bath towels

Established in 1850, Christy is a leading supplier of bath towels in the United Kingdom and was the first to manufacture a terry towel, said Oliver Newman, president, Christy USA. Now independent for more than a year, the company is split into Christy UK Ltd., Christy USA LLC, and Christy Europe GmbH.

Seventy percent of Christy's product is made in England, while the rest is sourced from India, Turkey and Portugal. The company's U.K. manufacturing facility, which has weaving, dyeing and finishing capabilities, has recently increased its capability to a level in excess of 50 tons of towels a week. Christy also has strategic alliances with other factories.

The lines are divided into the Christy brand, which is a very strong brand in the United Kingdom, he said, and the private label product for such retailers as Marks and Spencer. Solid-color towels, embellished towels and tub mats and rugs are manufactured in England, while other solid-color towels, embellished towels, jacquard towels, beach towels and robes and wraps are sourced.

The U.S. division and distribution center began nine years ago, first in Secaucus, NJ, and then relocated to Gordonsville, VA. "There was huge potential in the United States," Newman said. "We were one of the first companies in the States with Egyptian towels."