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Join us on a journey through time as we share our rich heritage across the parts and our stand out milestones that span across 122 years, creating a unique legacy and story of excellence!
Situated in the historic town of Bury, East-Lancashire, Excelsior stands tall on its 44,000 square-foot site. As a family-owned and operated company, we take immense pride in our Heritage.
With a dedicated team of 50 skilled professionals, we blend experience, technical expertise, and unwavering enthusiasm to drive our success. At Excelsior, we firmly believe that investing in our people is the cornerstone of a thriving business. Our loyal workforce, many of whom have served with us for decades, embodies our commitment to excellence. Their unwavering dedication has shaped our heritage which spans over the past 122 years.
A Rich History
Founded in 1896 and officially incorporated in 1902, Excelsior holds a unique place in British manufacturing history. In October 1902, The Excelsior Fibre Company Ltd became one of the pioneering businesses to be incorporated under the new Companies Act—a testament to our resilience and vision. Three years later, John Fielding and Son were also incorporated, further solidifying our position as industry leaders.
The Early Days – Where Our Story Begins
The company was established as the Excelsior Fibre Company by two Swedish businessmen, with their primary focus on supplying fibre ‘sliver cans’ to spinning mills in the North of England. These spinning cans, affectionately known as “sliver cans,” played a crucial role in textile production during that era. Imagine the bustling mills, the rhythmic hum of machinery, and the skilled artisans meticulously crafting these essential vessels.
The Fielding Family Connection – Shaping Excellence
Around the same time, the Fielding family was embarking on their journey in the coal merchant business. John and Abraham Fielding were making their mark in the industrial landscape. John passed away in 1913, leaving his son Abraham to continue expanding the business. As World War II unfolded, Abraham’s 21-year-old son, Kenneth Fielding, took charge of the family enterprise upon his return from the war in 1946. It was Kenneth who would later acquire Excelsior, bringing it into the Fielding family fold.
Textile Mills – Reinforcing Our Reputation
In the heart of our story and heritage lies the production of spinning cans, affectionately known as “sliver cans.” These essential vessels played a vital role in textile mills, and we crafted thousands of them over the years. Additionally, our skilled artisans produced a diverse range of other mill-related products. Notably, we designed trucks (or wagons) with reinforced fibre sides and wooden frames, facilitating the efficient movement of goods within the mills.
Excelsior’s commitment extended beyond spinning mills. We continued to supply top-quality fibre products to mills while also serving a diverse clientele. Our sample cases and other offerings garnered trust across the spinning and weaving industry. Despite minimal competition from other manufacturers, our loyal customers consistently returned, reinforcing our reputation.
Excelsior continued to do well enough for the next 20 years but then a new product began to compete with the old, vulcanised fibre spinning cans and trucks. This new material (plastic), was moulded using a process called rotational moulding.
Excelsior’s story is one of innovation and resilience. From our humble beginnings to our current stature, we have consistently adapted to changing times and market demands. Our commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and customer satisfaction remains unwavering.
Stay tuned for Part 2 of our journey through time as a long-standing family business, where we delve deeper into the pivotal moments that have defined Excelsior’s rich heritage…