James Robinson Fibres and Texfelt, part of the Yorkshire-based JR Group, have rebranded as Think Group as it sets in motion its ambition to revolutionise the fibres and fillings sector and diversify into new markets.
The rebrand follows James Robinson Fibres’ recent 150th anniversary celebration, alongside achievements such as Texfelt’s 20% growth in flooring sales over the past year and winning the Sustainability Award at the 2024 Harrogate Flooring Show. These milestones and significant investments in manufacturing facilities at their Bradford sites and creating a new engineering division have paved the way for this strategic transformation.
Think Group will consist of three key divisions: Think Fibres and Fillings (a division of James Robinson Fibres), Think Non-Wovens (a division of Texfelt), and the newly established Think Engineering, dedicated to advancing machinery and engineering solutions for the textile and manufacturing sectors.
Think Engineering’s product offerings include the Coverfill system for upholstery fillings, optimising material use and quality, Checkroll and Checkmaster, digitaIly automated fabric inspection solutions, and custom fabrication, precision machining, and repair services for various industries.
Group Chairman James Taylor commented on the rebrand, calling it a natural evolution to meet the demands of a fast-changing industry. He said, “Today, we face a rapidly changing world. Sustainability is no longer optional; it’s imperative. Technology is transforming every aspect of our industry, and customer needs are more complex and diverse than ever. We need to evolve once again to thrive in this new landscape.”
The rebrand will streamline operations, improve efficiencies, reduce supply chain complexities, and ensure faster delivery and consistent quality for customers. Think Group is also committed to sustainable practices, with complete control over each production stage, allowing for eco-friendly processes.
Since James Robinson & Sons was established in 1873, the company has remained deeply rooted with values and heritage central to its vision.
James Taylor continues: “This change doesn’t mean we’re stepping away from our roots or the values that have guided us for 150 years and across five generations of the Taylor family. Our heritage is built on a foundation of adaptability and innovation. From reclaiming textile waste long before sustainability was a trend to expanding globally and developing cutting-edge facilities like Texfelt, our journey has always been about meeting the needs of the future.”
Throughout the 20th century, the company consistently adapted to market shifts—from exporting reclaimed fibres worldwide to pioneering polyester fibre usage in the 1970s.
“As Think Group, we’re building on this foundation to tackle new market challenges and continue moving forward,” says James Taylor. “This rebrand isn’t about leaving the past behind; it’s about honouring the legacy of JR Fibres and Texfelt by evolving to meet the needs of the future. With the same forward-thinking mindset that has guided us for a century and a half, we’re proud to continue putting service above self and to write the next chapter for our family, teams, and customers.”
