1989 - Present

In February 1989, James Dyson Ltd hit an all-time low. After surviving the recession of the 1980's, the company was severely hit by other factors such as foreign imports and the privatisation of the Water Industry. The company was forced to take the regrettable decision to cease production.

However, all was not lost. In March of the same year James Dyson Ltd was rescued by a last minute take-over that managed to save 33 out of 43 jobs. The firm was now in the confident hands of two men who between them had 50 years experience in the dyeing trade. They were Dyson's dye house manager Robert Shaw and a former branch director of another local dyeing company, Howard Gledhill.

1960 - 1989

Following the death of Mr. James R. Dyson in 1958, Mr G.S.S. Sykes joined the company as chairman. Throughout the future years, he was the force behind the modernisation of the business. These improvements included a complete revamping of the dyehouse and the laboratory; and the introduction of a new, efficient plant and heat exchange unit.

Prior to the take-over of the company in 1989, James Dyson Ltd specialised in knitwear and had only 11 customers. In just 3 years, Robert and Howard had increased that to 30, this was achieved by targeting the carpet and upholstery sector which tends to be less cyclical than knitwear.

In July 2000, Robert Shaw retired from the company after being associated with Dysons for 44 years. Howard Gledhill continued his role as Managing Director and strengthened his team with two new members of staff who assisted in the technical and management side of the business.