Stroud MP Siobhan Baillie meets business at Woodchester Mill

The MP met with Stephen Lewis of Lewis and Wood at their Woodchester Mill recently where she toured the facility to learn more about what the company does and how it exports its goods to markets like North America.

Lewis and Wood specialise in making high quality fabrics and wallpapers for the interior design market both in the UK and Europe with a showroom in Chelsea Harbour, London, and an office in the USA at Long Island.

Digital technology has changed the way both fabric and wallpaper are printed, the MP was told.

The company used to screen and rotary print its textiles which relied on heavy water use and resulted in the disposal of waste ink and water.

Now, the printing at Woodchester Mill is almost entirely waste free and massively more environmentally friendly.

Stephen said: “It was a real pleasure to show Siobhan round the mill at Woodchester where by harnessing digital technology we can make world class textiles and wallcoverings which is a considerable source of pride for all who work at Lewis and Wood.

“It’s rewarding that in a small way we are reviving textile manufacturing in the Stroud Valleys.”

The MP said: “It was fascinating to visit this technologically advanced company that is exporting and has undergone huge changes in how it produces its products.

“Demand for its goods is strong in the US too where there is the demand for higher quality interior design products.

“This visit shows again just how many high-quality businesses we have in the Stroud area who are employing, innovating, investing, and exporting.

"I understand the need for skilled workers and specialist training is also key to the country’s ongoing success in this field.

“Many thanks to Stephen and his staff for allowing me to visit and see a thriving company in action.”