Morada Ensures the Future is Bright for Gradus Fabrics

Click on image to enlarge

Contract interiors specialist Gradus has announced a new future for its fabrics business, which will now be under the management of Morada, a fast growing North West textiles business, with over a century’s tradition in fabrics.

The complete range of Gradus fabrics, including Finesse, Avebury and Serenity, will now be available through Morada, who plan to introduce new ranges in the autumn and extend the fabrics offering to maintain Gradus’ appeal to the ‘technical specification’ sector of the contract fabrics market.

Morada’s Managing Director, Anthony Stennett, commented:

“Gradus Fabrics have a very strong position in hospitals, universities and other contract applications. The range also appeals to care homes, sheltered housing, educational premises and other institutional contracts, especially those operating under PFI or ‘design, build, operate’ contracts, where longevity, durability and lifecycle issues are critical.

“The Gradus brand will perfectly complement Morada’s focus on the ‘design aspects’ of the contract market, primarily for hotels and hospitality venues, offices and other commercial premises.

“Gradus fabrics are 'performance enhanced' by the use of anti-bacterial, anti-microbial finishes and have specialist characteristics including fire retardancy to CRIB 5, rub fastness up to 100,000 Martindale and high light fastness.

“By having both brands under the same umbrella, we can now offer specifiers and procurement managers the best value choice.”

The history of Morada dates back to founding company B. Cohen & Co. established in Whitechapel, London in 1876 and today the private equity backed and acquisitive company continues to support UK manufacturing, as all curtains, cushions and accessories are individually handmade in Altham, Lancashire. In addition the company supplies bespoke digital fabrics and wallpapers.

Announcing the alliance with Morada, Gradus’ Managing Director Steve Watt said:

“This agreement for Morada to take over responsibility for the future sales and development of Gradus Fabrics offers the best of both worlds. It allows Gradus Fabrics to develop and grow with expert support in the right type of environment, whilst Gradus concentrates its main focus on stair edgings, wall protection, barrier matting and floorcoverings. The alliance allows Gradus to continue to offer a full package of interior products including fabrics.

“Gradus Fabrics will continue to offer the same brand values and high quality products, and service levels will be maintained on an ongoing basis for loyal customers who have repeatedly turned to Gradus Fabrics for the healthcare sector in particular.

“We are delighted that the fabrics business is being taken forward by Morada who are experts in this field, making the venture a positive fit.

“We are also pleased that this alliance is between two ‘North West’ companies committed to maintaining manufacturing in the region, with our operations in Macclesfield and Morada based in Altham, Lancashire.”

To ensure continuity, Soozie Bloomfield from Gradus is joining the new operation and customers can continue to call the familiar telephone number: 0845 602 1023. Alternatively, Karen Riley, the National Sales Manager, can be contacted by email at kriley@morada.co.uk.