1st Generation
Wilson Knowles
Born 1840 · Started the business in 1861 · 1861 – 1900
A Heckmondwike engineering name in textiles since 1861
1st Generation
Born 1840 · Started the business in 1861 · 1861 – 1900
2nd Generation
Circa 1890 – 1925
3rd Generation
1920 – 1965
4th Generation
1948 – 1996
5th Generation
1984 – Present
6th Generation
2014 – Present
Our machinery is designed to prepare fibres prior to nonwoven and woven applications. We manufacture preparatory equipment and fibre conveying systems used before nonwoven lines, as well as blending equipment used before carding and spinning.
We also manufacture bespoke machinery for recycling and for a wide range of nonwoven applications. Our equipment helps transform textile waste into reusable products, used across various manufacturing processes. Our machines are involved in the manufacture of fillings for mattresses, furniture, upholstery, soft furnishings, pillows, duvets, construction insulation, carpet underfelts, automotive felts, loft insulation and carbon fibre felt applications.
Alongside fibre preparation and recycling systems, we manufacture needlelooms, boards and plates for these applications. We have also developed decortication and cleaning systems for bast fibres, including machinery for the processing of hemp and flax.
Our wider equipment range includes bale breakers, bale unwinders, crushing machines, straw shakers, step cleaners, weighing and blending systems, fibre conveying systems, delivery wheels, condensers and filter units.
In fibre processing environments, machinery is often selected on the basis of long-term service life rather than short-term output. Production managers are typically looking for equipment that can be maintained easily, cleaned without extended downtime, and supported with readily available replacement parts throughout its working life.
Our approach to machinery design reflects this reality. Systems are engineered with maintainable construction, accessible service points and reliable parts supply in mind, helping operators keep production running without unnecessary interruption.
In addition to complete processing systems, we manufacture key support components that are critical to plant uptime, including rag machine lags, textile pins, needleloom boards and stripper plates. These are the items that wear first in continuous processing environments, and their availability can often determine whether a line continues operating or is forced offline.
By focusing on serviceability alongside performance, we provide processing equipment and components that support day-to-day operation across recycling, nonwoven and natural fibre processing facilities worldwide.
If you have any questions, why not get in touch...
Yes. The registered office is 6 Chapel Lane, Heckmondwike, WF16 9JT.
Textile fibre preparation and related machinery, plus bespoke systems to requirement.
Trading history is publicly stated as operating from Heckmondwike since 1861; the current limited company was incorporated in 2000.
