Building Wilkie
From our beginnings in Scotland over 150 years ago, Wilkie has always been defined by progress. What started as a family business in 1868 has since evolved into a global leader in industrial materials and technical textiles.
As we expand our capabilities and global reach, our focus remains on the same goal that’s driven us since the beginning; creating extraordinary materials that perform where it matters most.
In our words
I’m proud to work alongside our global team, combining generations of textile expertise with the ambition to grow sustainably through shared values and innovation. With the future of technical textiles shaped by performance, sustainable manufacturing, and strategic capability, our planned investments perfectly position Wilkie for a strong, long-term future. I’m excited that we are building the next chapter of Wilkie with the same drive, ambition, and values that have defined our extraordinary company.
Hamish Rowan, CEO
A 150-year weaving legacy
Founded in 1868, Wilkie’s roots run deep in Scotland’s textile heartland. Starting out as a small linen manufacturer, the company expanded into jute production in the 19th century as part of Dundee’s Jute, Jam and Journalism heritage.
In the 1920s, Wilkie began supplying textiles to the UK military, which we continue to serve to this day. We then became one of the first UK companies to pioneer synthetic weaving in the 1980s, working alongside Sulzer to develop their looms and revolutionise the industry.
Today, Wilkie remains a family-run business with headquarters in Scotland, where our weaving operations are still centred. We’ve since introduced Airjet and Waterjet weaving to enter new lightweight technical markets.
From Scotland to the world
Our Scotland sites are supported by advanced manufacturing facilities in Jiaxing, China. Each site serves the unique needs of its region while working as one connected global team to deliver extraordinary textiles to industry-leading customers worldwide.
Wilkie China
Established in 2007 in Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province, Wilkie China serves as a vital manufacturing base for our Asian and global customers. With in-house spinning capabilities, the site enables vertical integration from fibre to finished material, allowing us to meet high demand and complex specifications.
Built by people
Behind every fabric, process, and innovation are the people who make it possible. From engineers and craftspeople to researchers and technicians, Wilkie’s strength comes from generations of individuals united by a shared purpose: to make extraordinary materials built for performance.
Honouring the past, building the future
Building Wilkie means building with purpose; ensuring our innovations contribute to a better, more sustainable future for the planet, and the industries and communities we serve.
Today, we operate in a global textile market valued in the hundreds of billions. As the industry continues to grow with new technologies, applications, and sustainable solutions emerging, our role is to stay ahead of that curve.
With ongoing investment in R&D and sustainable manufacturing, Wilkie continues to evolve as a company that honours its heritage while shaping the future of textiles.
Work with Wilkie
Whether you’re looking to refine your product, rethink your process or develop something new, we’ll work with you to bring it to life.
Ready to start your next project? Contact our expert team today.
