Plymouth's Berkertex Textile Factory

Plymouth’s Berkertex Spinning Yarns

Driector of the Berketex Textile Factory in Honicknowle Plymouth takes us through the process of dressmaking from design, to samples and mass production. The factory was one of the first and biggest post-war employers to open in the South West, the company employed over one thousand dressmakers and tailors. The factory along with all its workers were featured in an episode of Westward’s programme “Open House”.

The Berketex Factory closed its doors in 1985 following strong competition from abroad. It became cheaper to import materials and clothes and UK mass manufacturing in general declined.