UK firm Coats launches new footwear division
Fibre2Fashion
Coats Group, the leading industrial thread manufacturer, has created a new footwear division following its acquisition of Texon and Rhenoflex in 2022. After a period of integration, the group has launched Coats Footwear, “a global powerhouse” offering footwear and accessories producers worldwide an increased range of components and material solutions, alongside” unrivalled expertise, and technical know-how”.
As independent companies, Coats, Texon, and Rhenoflex were already established leaders in the development of sustainable and innovative performance materials for footwear and accessories applications. Now, the company said Coats Footwear is ready to capitalise on its collective capabilities and drive forward a new wave of technologies that can improve the design, performance, comfort and environmental credentials of all kinds of footwear and consumer lifestyle accessories.
The new unit offers more than 450 different products for manufacturers. The range covers materials and components needed to assemble shoes, from structural components to upper materials, and insoles and threads. Brands available from a single supplier include Nylbond, CoatsKnit, EcoVerde, Powerflex, ProWeave, Rhenoprint, Cyclea, Vogue
Coats Footwear’s geographical reach is also greater. Part of a business with a global workforce of more than 17,000 employees and a customer base of more than 34,000 companies, the division has staff and operations spanning more than 50 countries worldwide.
“This is an exciting time for both the Coats Footwear team and our customers. With three world-class businesses now working seamlessly together, we are stepping up our offer—giving our customers an unequalled combination of expertise, innovation, and product choice. Through our technologically diverse product portfolio, we can cater to both current and future trends, setting new standards in the process. Where once we were competitors, we are now colleagues—united in our passion for turning customer ideas into a reality and accelerating sustainability. With the very best talent, textiles, and technologies now in place, our mission is clear: to connect talent, performance, and comfort for a better life,” said Coats Footwear division CEO, Frederic Verague.
