specialists in

specialists in personalised schoolwear

smarter for longer

2014/15

Welcome to Rowlinson. We have been in business in the UK since 1935; we manufacture quality garments designed specifically for the rigours of school uniform. Our expertise lies in supplying fast specialist and personalised uniform that is affordable for parents and built to last. We have our own warehouse and embroidery facility here in the UK for quick response, and we can deliver plain garments from stock in 24 hours direct to your door.

Rowlinson Knitwearwelcome to

trusted to deliver on performance

Ordering

Trust

Our values

SweatsPerformaWoodbank

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Polo ShirtsWoodbank

Corporate wear

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20 24 26

Intr

oduc

tion

Cont

ents

visit our website www.rowlinson-knitwear.com or call us on 0161 477 7791

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contact us today

Embroidery

KnitwearPerforma 50Performa CottonRowlinson Courtelle

1413Producing durable garments to ethical standards has its challenges, but we are committed to making sure that the garments that we make, not only have the best fibres and fabrics, but that the skilled people who make them work in safe and responsible environments.

We are proud to be patron members of The Schoolwear Association and to subscribe to its Code of Practice. We endeavour to contribute fully to the long term future for our industry, believing as we do, that we have a corporate and social responsibility to conduct our business in an ethical manner.

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02 03

Being number one for service and customer care is our priority.

smarter for longer

TM

Warehousing

0161 477 7791 [email protected]

Jeff Oliver | +44 (0)7967 375 [email protected]

Region 2

Jeremy Lewis | +44 (0)7811 167 [email protected]

Region 3

. . .our team


Tru

st

Tru

stTrust

Jon Lock | +44 (0)7989 597 [email protected]

Region 1

David Reid | +44 (0)7889 160 163

Region 4

We rely on teamwork to get the job done. We are not all Stockport based, in fact four of us, Ken, Celia, Mary and Menchi are based in Asia and spend their time at our factories everyday working on product development and quality control. The rest of us are here in Stockport where we have our head office, warehouse and embroidery.

Our Customer Care team are at your disposal to offer help and advice. Whether they are placing your orders or organising your embroidery samples they will make sure that they offer you the benefit of their knowledge to meet your requests.

Our Account Managers are trained to offer you expert advice and support. They do not work on commission and between them they have many, many years of experience. They are well placed to help whether it is plain or bespoke garments that you require.

BUILT ON TRUST AND SERVICE TO OUR CUSTOMERS.

It is not our policy to supply Schoolwear direct into schools or direct to the consumer. We do not deviate from this principle. Please do not ask us to supply shops within schools, or any school large or small, our preference is to support those stockists who support us. Transparency leads to the trust and excellent partnerships which we enjoy with our customers. These are the official stockists of our products.

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Tru

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. . .our factories

We love what we do, one sweater at a time.

At Rowlinson we look for more than just a supplier who can make our garments at the right price. We look for a partnership, a business that we can invest in, one that shares our vision and our ethics, one that reflects our own core values of care, trust and continual improvement.

We have two such partner suppliers and we are extraordinarily proud of them both.

Firstly our partner in Alexandria; TotexWe have a very close relationship with our supplier in Egypt. Totex produce garments for their own retail brand for the Egyptian market and work exclusively for Rowlinson on many of our products. Totex is fully integrated with all our systems and absolutely dedicated to our production, importantly for us, they share our ethical values and we have much joint investment in the facilities and the staff at the factory.

This is a tried and test relationship, we have been working together now for ten years, our staff are continually at the factory and we continue to be impressed with their commitment to our business and their attention to detail.

And secondly our more recent partner in Bangladesh; New HorizonWe have been working with New Horizon for two years now and already we have a very close relationship which is reaping its rewards. Like Rowlinson and Totex, New Horizon is a family business; it was established in 2001 and combines the best of Asian and Western practices.

The factory produces exclusively for Rowlinson we use its full capacity thus giving us full control and long term stability. Much recent investment in machinery has been made and we provide employment for the 400 staff who work on our Performa Cotton and Performa 50 garments.

Rowlinson tests with AQL system and conforms to British Safety Standards.

All our garments are tested to a rigorous testing process through an AQL Statistical Quality Control System. This process ensures that we capture all the relevant aspects of both the fabric, and the garment manufacture. We capture detail such as aesthetic appearance, dimensional stability, colour continuity and the precise measurements to specifications. All our products are fully checked to make sure that they do not contain harmful chemicals and substances.

We also adhere to strict Health and Safety Standards; all our accessories, including buttons, cords and zippers conform to BS compliance and we implement metal detection and needle policy to make sure that broken needles are removed from garments.

Our QC department is based off shore. Director Ken Edgar and dedicated QC team spend their time equally between Egypt and Asia checking garments and controlling production every day.

We operate an environmental policy and are constantly striving to reduce the impact that we have on the world in which we live.

Our Quality

Health Safety and Care

We take our responsibility for Health and Safety very seriously at all of our factories. We care deeply about all who work in our factories around the world to produce our garments, and we believe that each is entitled to a fair wage in a safe environment. Each factory undergoes an annual rigorous check to UK standards which are carried out by Chris Rowlinson our Production Director. Any concerns that are raised are dealt with immediately, and this includes structural surveys of buildings. Our QC team are Asia based and spend their time equally between Egypt and Bangladesh, they report into Ken Edgar our off shore Director based in Asia and the whole team is highly trained in quality control.

We are pleased to say that New Horizon was one of the first factories in Bangladesh to be certified structurally by the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers & Exporters Association (BGMEA) following numerous serious incidents in the country. It is our duty as manufacturers (and indeed as consumers) to help lift standards and make sure that history does not repeat itself and that our workers are safe.

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TrustExclusive suppliers


War

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sing

War

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sing

. . .our warehouses

Warehousing

In 2013 we have spent over £100,000 on updating our

storage racking and our forklift equipment in Stockport.

Everything is state of the art with computer assisted

picking for accuracy, we can pick from anywhere in

the warehouse at a moments notice so that we meet

customers’ needs quickly.

We also have Satellite warehouses in Totex and New

Horizon which “feed” Stockport as we call off stock.

It is our policy to build huge quantities of garments all

year around so that we can offer a 24 hour stock service

on plain garments to our customers. At any one time we

try to have the entire range available for calling off.

We receive containers into our warehouse every day

of every week ensuring our warehouse is full twelve

months a year.

But efficiency doesn’t stop at the warehouse, when

a customer orders before 5pm, we pick the garments

and dispatch for delivery the following day. DPD is our

carrier and our customers receive regular communication

to tell them when they will receive their order. Plain from

stock is a 24 hour turn around even at the busiest times.

The secret to quick service in a business as seasonal as our own is to carry massive stocks all through the year. Having learnt this lesson fully we are continually updating our warehouse here in Stockport and our satellites in Egypt and Bangladesh.

Specialist packaging that

prevents garments from creasing

Fulfilling your orders quickly with large quantities of stock in our new storage

facilities

Up to date systems so we

can pick up from anywhere in the warehouse at a moments notice

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smarter for longer

Embr

oide

ry

Embr

oide

ry

Our 78 years of experience counts, and last year we embroidered over a million garments all to specification and all to time. Whether you want a five day from order to delivery service (even at the busiest times of the year!) or you want to take advantage of our pre-booking embroidery offers and plan ahead, we can accommodate your needs. We have substantial embroidery

capacity and our facility in Stockport runs 24 hours a day to make sure that we consistently turn our orders around quickly and get them out of the door and on their way to you.

Of course if you just want the garments plain then we can supply those too in 24 hours to your door.

see how it works

Consistently the fastest embroidery

service


. . .Skilled embroidery

….grew around knitwear and embroidery, we offer plain stock suitable for embroidery. We manufacture special knitwear to order in special colours and stripes, to individual specifications, ideal for schools or corporate clothing where a more “bespoke” approach is needed. We also manufacture sweats and polo shirts plain for a full personalisation service.

. . .our business

We have a quick and skilled embroidery facility on each of our sites, in Egypt, Bangladesh and here in the UK.

Embroidery

Personalised embroidery

24 hours a dayFAST AND

ACCURATE.

FIVE DAY

TURN

AROUND.

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Consistently fastest

Ord

erin

g

Val

ues

EmbroideryIf we have your design approved, then order and you can have your garment embroidered and delivered within a five day turn-around, even at back to school time. Or if you prefer to plan ahead look out for our pre-book offers and take delivery when you want it.


Ordering

Ordering specialsDo you need particular stripes and personalisation? Approve your requirements and from Jan 2014 you can have your specialised garments with the fastest service.

December pre-orderIt helps us to know in advance what we are making, and guarantees your production and chosen delivery dates, so we would encourage you to ask us for our pre-order deals or check our website for updates. If you can plan ahead you will benefit enormously from these offers.

Core values

Trust We will earn the trust of all our stakeholders, our customers, our supplier partners, our people and our shareholders. We do this by being open, fair, honest and at all times treating everyone with respect.

Care We will care for our customers, for each other, for our suppliers and shareholders. We do this by giving great service and wanting to be a great company to work for and work with.

Be better We aim for continual improvement in everything we do.

Download our customer charter at www.rowlinson-knitwear.com

MinimumsIf you don’t need a large quantity of bespoke garments we can support a minimum quantity on “specials” of only 12 garments per style (3 per size) handy for those top up orders. This service incurs a small surcharge, please ask us for the details.

An ordering

option to

suit you

Plains from stock

Order by 5.00pm and have your garments delivered to your premises by DPD carrier within 24 hours.

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Quite simply if you need your special garments “bespoked” really quickly… then this is your speedy option. Approve your design, and for a small surcharge per garment then you can have them within four weeks. Look out for our Fast Track logo denoting the service available.

. . .our values

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This product is 50% cotton and 50% acrylic giving both comfort and fantastic durability. We even wash it during manufacture for extra softness, and then we put a silica pad in each bag to make sure that it stores well. All garments are tested to rigorous quality standards, and for over one hundred harmful chemicals to make sure that they are safe and free from harm. They can all be personalised.

• Raglan sleeves for comfort• 2 x 2 rib neckline• Coolwash at 40º or 30º

to be kinder to the environment

• Soft handle fabric with hardwearing performance

Cardigan• Quality stitching for

performance• 2 x 2 rib cuffs and

hem for good fit• Shape and colour

retention• Resistant

to pilling

Slipover• Made to order • Cool and comfortable

to wear• Great for schoolwear and

corporate clothing• Can be personalised

Styles: Unisex V-neck pullover, and cardigan from stock. Crew neck and slipover made to order.

Sizes: 24” to 48”

Make up:• 1x1 rib main body construction for ease of movement• Snug fit hems, cuffs and neckline for fit• Raglan sleeves for ease and comfort• Fully fashioned garment construction

Colours: Please check availability chart. Available garments plain from stock on 24 hour service with no minimums. Crewneck, Specials and Slipovers to order with small minimums.

Fabric: A supreme blend of 50% cotton and 50% acrylic, this hybrid gives the best of both worlds. World class performance together with the softness and comfort that you would want from cotton, it is one for the future!

Easy care is a given with washing at 40º or even 30º for environmental kindness and a cool tumble dry. Colour retention is second to none and our QC quality system means that you can be assured that garments have been tested for shade continuity and pilling among many other things.

V-Neck pullovershown in navy with red trim

Cardiganshown in navy with red trim

2 x 1 rib on all cuffs, welts and neckbands for a snug fit

PE

RF

OR

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CE AND COMFORT • TH

E B

ES

T O

F BOTH WORLDS •

Raglan sleeves for ease and comfort

V-Neck pullover

Fast Track service is available for special orders.

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The best of both worlds!

Crew Neck• Made to order• Excellent colour fastness• Wash at 40º degrees or 30º to be kinder to the environment

• Extra strong stitching for strength and durability

• Resistant to pilling

Excellent colour retention Buttons sewed on to last

Washed in manufacture for softness

speedy 5 day embroidery service

or our Fast Track special stripes

service

ask about our

Black Bottle Grey Maroon Navy Red Royal

Kni

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Kni

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FIT

FO

R F

ASHION • LIGHT

WE

IGH

T FO

R COMFORT •

2 x 2 rib for a snug fit

Raglan sleeves for ease of movement

V-Neck pullovershown in grey with

green trim

This product is 100% cotton and is pre-washed for even more softness from the first wear. It is comfortable and lightweight to wear with all the inherent attributes of a natural fibre. The girls garment has a deeper welt and is fitted for fashion. There is also a cardigan style for the boys. Silica gel pad in each garment bag protects garments for transport and storage.

• The best cotton fibres• Has the ‘breathability”

of a natural fibre• Quality stitching• Fitted for fashion

Cardigan• Easy care• Cool wash at 40º or

30º which is kinder to the environment

• A deeper welt for better fit and fashion

Slipover• Made to order • Cool and comfortable

to wear• Great for schoolwear

and corporate clothing• Can be personalised

Styles: Boys and Girls versions with V-neck pullover, cardigan and slipover from stock.

Sizes: 5-6 years to XL

Make up:• 1 x 1 rib main body construction for

ease of movement• Snug fit hems, cuffs and neckline for fit• Deeper welt for that fashion look• Raglan sleeves

Colours: Please check availability chart. All garments available plain from stock on 24 hour service with no minimums. “Specials” to order with small minimums available.

Fabric: 100% finest cotton, specially produced for outstanding softness. Knitted on the latest machinery, and offering all the benefits of a natural fibre with breathability being inherent in the garment, this product has been developed to offer a more fashionable, finer, lighter fitted garment. Easy care laundering and colour retention add to its appeal.

Slipovershown in navy

V-Neck pullover




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The softness and comfort of Cotton

Finest cotton fibres

Soft and comfortable



service

ask about our

Kni

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Kni

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Raglan sleeves for a comfortable fit all day long

Soft handle fabric which is hard wearing and has superior pilling performance

Lighter weight 1 x 1 rib neckline

Cool wash at 40ºC or 30ºC (it’s kinder to the environment to

wash as 30ºC)

Improved fit for comfort

2 x 2 rib construction for fit

BR

AN

D H

ERITAGE • DUR

AB

LE

CO

N

STRUCTION •

Recognised since its inception in the 1960’s as a quality brand; Courtelle® is now owned exclusively by Rowlinson, and has been brought bang up to date for this exceptional garment made from 100% Courtelle® acrylic yarn. The consumer recognises this as a premier brand which delivers its promise.

Styles: V-neck pullover and cardigan from stock. Crew neck and slipover made to order.


Make up:• 1 x 1 main body construction offering ease

of movement• 2 x 2 rib cuffs, and hem and neckline for fit• Raglan sleeves for ease and comfort

Colours: Please check availability chart. Available garments plain from stock on 24 hour service with no minimums. Crewneck, Specials and Slipovers to order with small minimums.

Fabric: Internationally recognised in the market for its ability to stand the rigours of day to day wear, Rowlinson Courtelle® is engineered for terrific performance particularly when washed and washed. The 100% Courtelle® yarn achieves everything you would expect of it. Colour and shape retention are excellent and we batch test for shade continuity, resistance to pilling and a whole host of other issues so when you buy it you can be confident that we have got it right.

Rowlinson Courtelle® garments feature a new

yarn specially engineered by Rowlinson Kilsyth Grey ForestBlack Bottle Brown Burgundy Ensign Grey Mariner Maroon Navy Purple Red Royal Scarlet Vintage Port Windsor




retention• Resistant to

pilling

Cardiganshown in maroon

with gold trim

V-Neck pullovershown in maroon

with gold trim

• Raglan sleeves for comfort• 2 x 2 rib neckline• Coolwash at 40º

or 30º to be kinder to the environment


V-Neck pullover

Slipover

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Brand heritage which delivers on its promise

Crew Neck• Made to order• Excellent colour fastness• Wash at 40º degrees or 30º to be kinder to the environment



• Made to order • Cool and comfortable to wear• Great for schoolwear and

corporate clothing• Can be

personalised



service

ask about our


knit

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Swea

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ange

Swea

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rt r

ange


These sweatshirts are made from 60% cotton 40% polyester blend in a weighty 320gsm fabric, which we then brush to give softness and warmth. We have designed them with all the quality features that you would want, strong seams, cuffs and welts to survive the rigours of the playground. The full range offers, sweatshirts, cardigans and jogpants and we believe that Performa is the best range of sweatshirts on the market.

Crew Neck V-Neck

Cardigan• Matching rib/body fabric• Raglan shoulders for

more comfort• Twin needle

stitching• Lockstitch

buttons for added safety and durability

Jogpant• Bar tacked cord (non-

removable) for safety• Additional strength

stitching applied to crotch for durability

• Strong strength tested pocket seams

• Elasticated bottoms for smart fit

Styles: Crew neck, V-neck, Cardigan, Jogpant

Sizes: 2-3 years to XXL

Make up:• Classic raglan sleeve for ease of movement• Elasticated cuffs and hem for comfort and fit• Reinforced top stitched sleeve seams for strength,

twin needled neck, cuff and hem for neatness• Seam covered back neck (except age 2-3)

Fabric: 60% cotton and 40% polyester 320gsm extra performance and comfort.Reactive dyed for locked in colour. Brushed for warmth and softness.

Colours: Please check availability chart. All available 24 hr service – no minimums.

Cardiganshown royal blue

Crew Neckshown royal blue


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FE

EL

TH

E WEIGHT • EN

JO

Y T

HE SOFTNESS •

The best sweatshirt in the market

• Excellent colour fastness

• Wash at 40º degrees or 30º to be kinder to the environment



Elasticated cuffs, hem and neckline for consistent strength

Seam covered back neck

Extra heavy 320gsm fabric brushed for softness

Cotton rich for comfort

• Matching rib/body fabric• Raglan shoulders for

more comfort• Twin needle

stitching



service

ask about our

knit

wea

r

Swea

tshi

rt r

ange

Swea

tshi

rt r

ange


These garments are made from a 65% polyester and 35% cotton fabric which combines quality and practicality with comfort and value. All sleeve seams are reinforced for extra strength with top stitching and the fabric is brushed on the inside for warmth and softness.


Styles: Crew neck, V-neck, Cardigan, Jogpant.


Make up:• Classic raglan sleeve• Elasticated cuffs and hem rib for snug fit together with twin needled neck, cuffs

and hem for extra strength• Seam covered back neck (apart from age 2-3)

Fabric: 65% polyester and 35% cotton blended 280gsm hardwearing fabric brushed for warmth and softness. Easy care features with wash at 40º or 30º for the environment, cool tumble and cool heat ironing.

Black Bottle Brown Grey Maroon Navy Purple Red RoyalAmber WineEmerald SkyJadeDark Royal

Crew Neck V-Neck• Matching rib/body

fabric• Raglan shoulders

for more comfort• Twin needle

stitching

Cardigan• Matching rib/body fabric• Raglan shoulders for

more comfort• Twin needle stitching• Lockstitch buttons

for added safety and durability

• Spare lockstitch button on care label

Jogpant• Bar tacked cord

(non-removable) for safety

• Additional strength stitching applied to crotch for durability

• Strong strength tested pocket seams

• Elasticated bottoms for smart fit

Cardiganshown in purple

Crew Neckshown in purple

Ribbed elasticated cuffs, hem and neckline use elastane for consistent strength

EX

PE

RIE

NCE THE QUALITY

• AP

PR

EC

IATE THE VALUE •

Brushed back fabric for warmth and comfort

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• Excellent colour fastness

• Wash at 40º degrees or 30º to be kinder to the environment.



Strong seams and quality top stitching for long lasting performance

Hard wearing reactive dyed fabric for excellent colour fastness

The benchmark for blended sweatshirts in the market



service

ask about our

Polos

hirt

ran

ge

Polos

hirt

ran

ge


When it comes to functionality and affordability our Polo shirts certainly fit the bill! No lightweight garment, this fabric weighs in at a full 185gsm, is 65% polyester and 35% cotton and is designed for everyday wear. Tried and tested they won’t let you down!

PlainChoose from a myriad of colours, take them plain or let us embroider them for you with our speedy service.

Tipped

Polo shirt & Jogpantsshown in amber & black

Styles: Available in plain or tipped version.


Make up:• Hemmed short sleeve cuffs• Hemmed welt means shirt can be worn loose or easily tucked in• Flat knit collar and cuffs for added strength• Dyed to match buttons• High finish placket

Fabric: 185gsm soft handling fabric designed for embroidery purposes and for everyday wear. The fabric is 65% polyester and 35% cotton combining the best of both fibres for easy care and wear and tear. Garments can be washed at 40º or at 30º if preferred to be kinder to the environment. Excellent colour fastness and a great range of shades.


White Light Blue Royal Bottle Amber Purple Navy Black EmeraldGold Red Jade Maroon Grey Sky

Flat knit collar and cuffs for added strength

Cotton fibres for comfort

Hem short sleeve cuffs

Tipped Polo Colours

Bottle Amber Royal Red Navy Maroon

These come white with a choice of 6 colours on the tipped collars. Ideal for “house” or club colours.

FE

EL

TH

E D

IFFERENCE • FE

EL

TH

E DIFFERENCE •

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The gold standard polo shirt in the marketspeedy 5 day

embroidery service or our Fast Track special stripes

service

ask about our

Corp

orat

e W

ear

Corp

orat

e W

ear


Styles: V-neck pullover and cardigan from stock. Crew neck and slipover made to order.


Make up:• 1 x 1 main body construction offering ease of movement• 2 x 2 rib cuffs, and hem and neckline for fit• Raglan sleeves for ease and comfort

Colours: Please check availability chart for colour range of specific products. All available 24 hr service – no minimums.

Fabric: Knitwear is available in:

• 100% cotton for lightweight garments that breathe and have all the benefits of a natural fibre

• 50% cotton/ 50% acrylic which offer both comfort and excellent performance• 100% acrylic for increased durability and wash and wear attributes

Quality control is paramount and we can ensure shade continuity and resistance to pilling on all of our garments making them suitable for the uniform market.

We are well known for our schoolwear but we also do corporatewear too!

V-Neck pullover• Raglan sleeves for comfort• 2 x 2 rib neckline• Coolwash at 40º or 30º

to be kinder to the environment





retention• Resistant to

pilling

Slipover

BE

SP

OK

E KNITWEAR • C

OR

PO

RATE COLOURS •

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• Cool and comfortable to wear

• Great for schoolwear and corporate clothing

• Can be personalised• Black and navy x-stock



service

ask about our

Quality garments for business

Bespoke knitwearAny of our knitwear products, Courtelle®, Performa Cotton or Performa 50 can be manufactured to your specific colour requirement and we can incorporate special striping on the V, the cuffs and the welt if required. These colours can reflect your corporate identity and can be dyed to match on garments. Easy care is a given on all our products which can be washed at 40º or even 30º to be kinder to the environment and cool tumble dried.

Plain GarmentsIf you don’t need anything bespoke buy plain from our extensive colour range in stock and have it next day delivery no minimums required.

Quick Turn AroundThese garments can be made available if required on our Fast Track service and you can have your special bespoke garments with you within four weeks subject to your approval.

Speedy embroideryWe have our own in-house facility in the UK to provide a standard 5 day service on embroidery on all plain garments which are from stock.

Small QuantitiesUnlike many of our competitors we can accommodate small minimums and can take orders for just twelve garments (three per size minimums).

Kilsyth Grey ForestBlack Bottle Brown Burgundy Ensign Grey Mariner Maroon Navy Purple Red Royal Scarlet Vintage Port Windsor

smarter for longer

We are a people business, we thrive by working as a team but we couldn’t do it without the help of many people who contribute to our efforts.

We would like to thank our customers, many of whom have been with us for many years; we appreciate your constancy, your custom and your feedback.

Our suppliers... we love all our key suppliers here in the UK and around the world but we give special thanks to Totex and New Horizon who give us their undivided loyalty and we are all the better for it.

Our Bank... HSBC who have been fantastically supportive of us and at understanding our needs. Their people are talented and they add lots of value across our business.

Our people... are terrific, they really care about what they do for us to give great service. We love their team working and dedication to improve our business.

Your official supplier:

Rowlinson Knitwear LimitedWoodbank Mills, Turncroft Lane,Stockport SK1 4AR

Please contact us by:

Phone: 0161 477 7791Free Fax Orderline: 0800 072 0217Email: [email protected]: www.rowlinson-knitwear.com

Thanks...

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specialists in