Take The Tour
Private White V.C. is manufactured in its very own factory, nestled in the heart of Manchester, the world’s first industrial city. The factory is currently run and managed by Jack White’s great grandchildren who all share his undying love, passion and dedication to British textiles and local industry.
It was this very factory where Jack White served his apprenticeship after WWI and where he later became owner. During his time as owner, Jack laid the foundations of what the factory is today, bringing with him Yorkshire influences which led to the company specialising in woollen garments, rather than just the traditional Lancashire cotton raincoats and mackintoshes.
Following World War II and with failing health, Jack sold his interest in the factory to Emblem Raincoats who continued to manufacture military-grade coats and uniforms for the armed and Allied forces. In 1949 the factory was sold on again to Waverley Weathercoats which specialised in supplying the big five tailors at the time.
In 1983, a local entrepreneur Mike Stoll partnered up with Waverley and the new business flourished further, designing and manufacturing for the likes of Aquascutum, Burberry and Nigel Cabourn, as well as providing uniforms for many, including the Metropolitan Police Force who to this day still wear the Waverley designed jacket.
In 1997, the company was acquired by Jack White’s great grandchildren who as a family, more than 60 years after his untimely death, are immensely proud to be championing the virtues of the region’s garment making industry.
All garments are expertly constructed in the Private White V.C. Factory, Manchester, where we endeavour to design and develop garments using only the finest regionally sourced fabrics, trims and materials.
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ARCHIVE ROOM
Over the past century the factory has collated what must surely be the largest archive of vintage garments in the UK that date back to the 1920’s.
With over 5000 pieces in the library the designers are never short of inspiration or ideas for new products.
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PATTERN DESIGN ROOM
The team of talented pattern cutters have over 200 years experience between them. They, like all at the factory have dedicated their lives to making the finest garments Britain has to offer. All the patterns are cut, graded and altered by our talented and dedicated team of pattern cutters who have over 200 years of experience between them.
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CLOTH ROOM
Being one of the most established and innovative garment manufacturers in the UK, the factory has unparalleled relationships with the UK’s leading mills and suppliers.
The unique collection of fabrics and trims covers everything from British Millerain wax cotton to Brisbane Moss corduroy, from Harris Tweed lambswool to cashmere from Mallalieus of Delph in Yorkshire.
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production room
Home to the country’s most passionate and experienced machinists, the factory floor has been producing the country’s finest hand-stitched garments for almost a century.
{Our people}
Meet Brian Lang — Cutting Room Manager
Brian is the Cutting Room Manager at Cooper Stollbrand, the factory where Private White V.C. is carefully crafted. After leaving school at 16, Brian went straight into the industry laying cloth for a large coat manufacturer. He has just celebrated his three year anniversary with the company.
"I love working here, the factory still remains as it was with all the originality and quirkiness. You can tell the building has been around for years - old fashioned but charming. The industry itself has changed remarkably since I first started, although it feels like things may be going full circle as it appears British manufacturing is making a big comeback. There has been a whopping demand for 'Made in England' garments over the last few years, long may it continue!"
Meet Jean Seddon, Factory Floor Supervisor
Jean has just reached 75 years young and has worked at the factory for over twenty years. Starting in the industry at the tender age of 16. Jean learnt all she knows from on the job training. Rising to the level of Production Room Supervisor, she recently relinquished this title to her daughter, Diane but has no plans to retire just yet.
"From the minute we start at 8:15 am it's go, go, go! There is so much to do in so little time. No day is the same and you don't get chance to get bored which is great in my opinion. I love working in such a fast pace environment it keeps me busy but most importantly it keeps me young!
The industry has changed enormously since I first started, it's become vastly more competitive forcing most people to make abroad. Outerwear, one of our specialities, is much more detailed and fashionable now with a lot more technique involved. When I was younger we just made basic raincoats to keep the rain off you, now it must serve that purpose as well as looking the business.
The people that work here play a big role in making this factory so special. That with the fact this is practically the only factory left going. In difficult times you must be willing to work hard and pull together through challenging times - the Dunkirk Spirit! I wouldn't be anywhere else."