A thoughtful history
Five generations of textile expertise and knowledge.
ABOUT US
A heritage of adaptation and innovation
Think Group’s roots stretch back to 1873 when the Taylor family acquired James Robinson and Sons, a wool dyeing and finishing business. Recognising the potential in textile waste, the business expanded into shoddy and fibre reclamation, pioneering circular economy practices long before they became industry buzzwords.
Throughout the 20th century, we continually adapted to market changes. From exporting reclaimed fibres globally to pivoting towards polyester fibres in the 1970s, we’ve always stayed ahead of the curve. This spirit of innovation led us to invest in new facilities and technologies, including the acquisition and revitalisation of Texfelt ltd, now a cornerstone of our non-wovens division.
Thinking about the future
Ideas For Tomorrow’s World
Today, as Think Group, we’re writing the next chapter of our story. We’re leveraging our deep understanding of textiles, commitment to sustainability, and drive for innovation to create solutions for the 21st century and beyond.
At Think Group, we believe that every fibre, every material, and every product has the potential to make a positive difference. Through our three dynamic divisions – Think Fibres & Fillings, Think Non-Wovens and Think Engineering – we’re challenging conventional wisdom and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in material science.
To be a ‘Thinking’ textile company, pioneering innovative and sustainable solutions that inspire our customers and their customers to think differently about textile fibres, applications and their impact on the world
Michael Walsh Group Technical Director
Meet our family
James Taylor
Group Executive Chariman
Nick Batty
Group CEO
Danny Shortall
Group Sales Director
Rachel Taylor
Group Director
Michael Walsh
Group Technical Director
Adrian Tate
Operations Director
Charles Self
Head of Sales (Fibres & Fillings)
Mark Longley
Commercial Director
Charlie Taylor
Export Sales & Group Marketing Manager
Harry Self
Business Development Manager
Gabriel Urhan
European Sales Manager (Fibres & Fillings)
James Gibbons
Transport Manager
Sarah Newman
Office & Accounts Manager
Karen Turner
Accounts Manager
Paula Hollas
Office & Accounts Manager
Lee Senior
Head of Operations (Non-Wovens)
Mark Newton
General Manager – Engineering
Our History
Our story through the years
1873
James Robinson & Sons Established
Dyers and finishers based in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire
1940s
The Taylor family aquired James Robinson & Sons
Post WW2 restarted dyeing and finishing operation and moved shoddy and textile waste reclamation to Smithy Place Mills.
1950s
Expansion into shoddy and textile waste reclamation
Early adoption of textile recycling – the circular economy before it was a trend
1960s
Growth of export business for reclaimed fibres
The early days of supplying recycled textile fibres around the world
1970s
Pivot to polyester fibres in response to market changes
Leading innovation in European textile fibres
1980s
Investment in new distribution facilities in Bradford
Creates the UK’s largest stockholding of polyester fibres to meet growing demand
1990s
Acquisition and revitalisation of Texfelt
Development of the UK’s first sustainable carpet underlay, Envirolay
2018
£9m investment and relocation of Cutler Heights site
Creation of the UK’s first non-woven carpet underlay, SpringBond
2022
Innovation in non-woven technology to create foam replacement for various applications
Ongoing development of SpringBond for upholstery, bedding and insulation materials
2024
James Robinson Fibres and Texfelt come together as Think Group
A strategic integration of our core competencies
