A growing West Yorkshire firm is aiming to expand even further with new deals it aims to pick up at a major textile exhibition in Paris.

James Holdsworth, which makes equipment used for wool combing called card clothing, is pulling out the stops for the ITMA 99 show in the French capital.

The event is being held between June 1 and 10 and the Mirfield-based firm will be showing off a series of products which have helped the company shrug off the effects of the textile recession.

The 200-year-old family firm, based in Station Road, exports more than 50 per cent of its turnover in 30 countries world-wide and the Paris show is expected to bring in even more deals.

Sales director John Murray said: "The Paris show is of crucial importance to us.

"Because it represents the largest and most important international exhibition of its kind, we intend to use it as a shop window to demonstrate to the world both the quality and range of our portfolio of products as well as our success and expansion overseas."

The firm is holding an ITMA 99 preview on February 10 at its South Brook Mills headquarters which will include a demonstration of one of its most popular products, the Sliver Knitting Ring, which helps in the production of fur fabric and has opened up new markets for the company.

Mr Murray added: "We have now expanded into a global enterprise to be reckoned with.

"This has been done through the development of innovative products as well as by adding increased value to our products through high customer service."

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