Curtain maker adds operator comfort to quality principles

British Velvet is one of the last UK manufacturers of premier quality curtains, producing millions of metres annually. Quality and environmental best practice is the company’s benchmark. Similar attention is given to its operator comfort, which has led to the installation of an ACI Jetblack at its Padlam, Lancs premises.

Yarn is transported to two beaming machines which, at 700-800 metres/per minute, produce six ‘beams’, daily. The yarn ‘beams’ are then sized to strengthen them. This allows the weaving machines to run at the high speed but it also reduces ‘fly’ - minute airborne fibres that get on the clothes of all who work there.

“We have used a variety of methods to remove fibre deposits from clothing so staff can go home as they arrived, including Velco-type brushes and compressed air. Nothing seemed to work and meet Health & Safety standards - until we purchased the ACI Jetblack”, comments Patrick Saunders, Operations Manager.

“It has a foot operated on/off switch and an airflow speed controller for ease of use. The gun has received approval by all our staff in the removal of ‘fly’ from footwear and clothing.

“My requirements were understood immediately,” says Paul Knight, “and the solution offered has met all our needs. It’s quiet, it’s efficient and its electricity demands fall within the power limitations of our on-site generator.”