Resilience, Innovation and Heritage: The 100-Year Journey of the Standfast & Barracks

Renowned textile printing facility, Standfast & Barracks celebrates 100 years who are known for their expertise in rotary, flatbed and digital printing techniques. Debbie McKeegan looks at the history of the company and speaks to Lisa Montague, Managing Director about how they have adapted over the years and their future plans.

A centenary celebration is no easy feat for any company, in fact only 1% of all business make it to their 100th birthday. It’s a testament to resilience, innovation, and the ability to adapt to an ever-changing industry climate, that Standfast and Barracks, a renowned textile printing facility and part of the Sanderson Design Group, led by Managing Director, Lisa Montague recently market this historic milestone.

The Sanderson Design Group comprises several prestigious brands, each renowned for their distinct style and contribution to the world of interior decoration, furnishings and design. These brands include Zoffany, Sanderson, Morris & Co., Harlequin, Scion, Archive and Clark & Clark. The group boasts two manufacturing facilities: Anstey Wallpaper and Standfast & Barracks. Each brand brings a unique perspective and a rich heritage, reinforcing the group's reputation as a powerhouse in the interior design industry.

CAPTION: “Celebrating a century of resilience and innovation, Standfast & Barracks, a part of Sanderson Design Group, leads the textile industry in honouring heritage, and embracing the future”. Image Credit: FESPA

Integral to the Sanderson Design Group’s operation is the Standfast & Barracks print resource. This facility stands as a beacon of both tradition and innovation within the textile printing industry. Renowned for its expertise in rotary, flatbed and digital printing techniques, Standfast & Barracks bridges the heritage of timeless designs with the technological advancements of modern production methods. The print resource's capability to produce high quality, intricate patterns with exceptional precision supports the group’s diverse brand portfolio, ensuring each design is brought to life with unparalleled quality.

Standfast & Barracks also serves as a pivotal element in the group’s commitment to sustainable production practices. With continuous investment in eco-friendly processes and materials, the facility continues to evolve and align with the forward-thinking ethos that drives the entire company. This dual focus on quality and sustainability ensures that the Standfast & Barracks print resource remains at the forefront of the textile printing industry, fostering innovation while honouring the group’s rich heritage.

The business now manufactures 80% of all printed output using Durst digital textile printing technologies.

Their digital journey began over 20 years ago, during which time S&B have continually invested, researched, perfected, primed, and developed their facility to offer a powerhouse of digital textile production. Their heritage and its preservation have ensured that knowledge is protected, nurtured and shared and that excellence and talent are rewarded, there is a palpable pride in every member of the team, and they function as a team - there is no "I".

CAPTION: “S&B began their journey to digital production some 20 years ago. Their facility now manufactures over 80% of printed textile meterage using digital technology. Image Credit: FESPA

Born from traditional beginnings in 1924 as Standfast and Barracks, is now a worthy custodian of the UK's textile industries heritage and importantly its future.

In 2015, disaster struck when a flood evolved into a formidable adversary, devastating their site. During our recent podcast, Lisa Montague emphasised "that it was during this testing time the company showcased its greatest resilience and ability to adapt. Instead of allowing the flood to spell the end of their journey, the setback catalysed a successful transition into a digital and design-led operation—a bold move that revitalised the company's trajectory".

Their adaptation wasn't merely a survival tactic. The company used it as a springboard for innovation, celebrating its rebirth in 2020 with a rebrand as the Sanderson Design Group. That same year, it scooped the prestigious Queen's Award for International Trade—a testament to its business acumen, design ingenuity, and tenacity.

Lisa proudly recounts the group's impressive portfolio, encompassing heritage brands like Zoffany, Morris & Co, and their namesake, Sanderson, all of which are renowned for their unique design and consummate craftsmanship.

Not one to rest on its laurels, Sanderson Design Group keeps its eyes firmly on the horizon. Lisa shares the company’s vision for innovation and sustainability, with plans to expand into the burgeoning US market—a strategic move bound to solidify their place on the global stage.

The group has also carved a niche in the licensing business, translating archival designs onto finished goods. This innovative step not only diversifies their revenue stream but also brings traditional designs to contemporary markets.

Lisa’s optimism about the group's future is contagious, as she expresses unwavering faith in the company's commitment to championing design, manufacturing and maintaining the 'Made in the UK' seal— a symbol of quality and dedication.

Listen to the Podcast here:

Key takeaways from the conversation with Lisa Montague:

1. Resilience and adaptation are critical to survival, as evidenced by the company's rebound from the 2015 flood.
2. The transition to digital and design-led operations was a monumental turning point for the group.
3. The company prides itself on innovation and sustainability, focusing on expanding into new markets while maintaining heritage quality.
4. The development of a licensing business illustrates the company's innovative approach to utilizing their rich design archives.
5. The company’s commitment to championing UK design and manufacturing signifies a dedication to preserving cultural heritage and craftsmanship.