Looking back... New carpet factory in Carnmoney set to employ hundreds

The 76,000 sq/ft premises was to be taken over by Cyril Lord, who owned a second factory in Donaghadee.

Production at the Carnmoney site was to begin later in 1959, and the factory was expected to employ 400 workers.

Mr Lord’s factory in County Down employed 360 members of staff.

The Carnmoney outlet was to be engaged in the production of carpet squares at a time of expansion for the tufted carpet industry.

According to a report in the Larne Times, it was expected to give “substantial employment for chiefly male labour.”

Mr WH Watt, the company’s deputy managing director, said: “The enterprise has seen a tremendously rapid growth. It is only about 16 months since the new tufted carpet came on the market.

“Sales are reaching record figures. Developing carpet squares is bringing in much new business.

“A big new campaign is being launched with the objective of persuading the British people to enjoy the luxury of a carpeted bathroom.”

He noted that the admiralty is a “considerable purchaser” of carpets.