Heritage

1922

John Manning Van Heusen brought six machines from the USA

John Manning Van Heusen brought six machines from the USA which could be used to produce semi-stiff collars on the curve, a process invented by his father, John Senior, using woven cotton fabric. This revolutionised the industry and made the previous uncomfortably stiff collars obsolete. The brand name Van Heusen attained international renown.

1936

A new wing is constructed

A new wing fronting Queen Street and a further extension across Prices Street involved the construction of a high-level covered walkway and a brick stack. The existing brick stack is only the lower portion of the original, and the walkway was demolished in 2011

1952

Branch factories open

The British Van Heusen Co Ltd came into being and this stimulated the opening of branch factories at Bishop's Lydeard, Bridgwater, Crewkerne and Watchet.

1962

Administration block built

In 1962, a three-storey administration block in Victoria Street flanked by the additions to the production units was built.

1971

Collar production ended

Collar production ended to make way for more fashionable collar-attached shirts. By this time the company had become a subsidiary of Coats Viyella.

1990

Factory ceases

The factory ceases production entirely