A New Chapter at Wisla Narrow Fabrics

Tom Judge, Managing Director, Wisla Narrow Fabrics

When we acquired Wisla Narrow Fabrics in May 2025, I knew I was stepping into a business with an incredible legacy and enormous potential. What I didn’t fully anticipate was just how intense, challenging, and overwhelmingly positive the journey would be from the very first day. The past months have been a period of rapid learning, strategic investment and, above all, deep appreciation for the people who make this company what it is.  

Buying Wisla was an easy decision. From the moment we first learned about the company, we felt a connection to the vision Eddie and Ingrid created, and we knew we wanted to move the business forward. What truly confirmed our decision, though, was the people. The dedication, and pride shown by the incredible staff, many of whom have been part of Wisla since day one.

I am genuinely grateful for each and every member of the team. Their knowledge, their experience, and their unwavering commitment are the heart of this company. It’s because of the team that I am confident Wisla will not only continue to grow, but will strengthen its place as a leading force in the narrow woven fabrics industry.

From the moment I walked through the doors, I was met with a team whose dedication, professionalism, and openness made the transition feel not just manageable, but genuinely smooth. Their willingness to embrace change while continuing to deliver quality for our customers has been nothing short of inspiring.

While settling into the role, one of my first priorities was reinvesting in the business, both to strengthen our operations and to create a better working environment for our team. I’m proud to say that these early initiatives are already paying off.

To improve air quality and comfort on the factory floor, we upgraded our ducting and ventilation systems, ensuring a healthier, more enjoyable workspace. We also added two new cutting and winding machines, allowing us to produce webbings in both rolls and cut lengths with greater speed, accuracy, and efficiency. These additions give us more flexibility and position us to support increasing customer demand.

Behind the scenes, we’ve installed new racking to optimise our layout and streamline day-to-day operations. Better organisation means less time wasted, improved safety, and a more efficient workflow. These small changes will make a big impact over time.

Perhaps most importantly, we’ve grown our team. Bringing new people on board not only strengthens our capabilities today but also ensures we’re equipped for sustained long-term progress. Each new hire brings fresh energy and skills that enrich the company as a whole.

I want to extend a heartfelt thank-you to previous owners Eddie and Ingrid Kozaczek, whose depth of knowledge and steady guidance have been invaluable. Their support helped me find my footing quickly and has given me the confidence to lead Wisla into its next phase of growth alongside my father, David, who has a wealth of knowledge and experience in running businesses within the textile industry.

Looking ahead to 2026, I’m especially excited about implementing a new manufacturing ERP system. This will dramatically improve our efficiency, visibility, and communication across every stage of production, ultimately allowing us to serve our loyal customers even better.

I’m incredibly proud of how far we’ve come in such a short period. The foundation we’ve built this year gives us strong momentum, and I’m eager to push forward with even more improvements, innovation, and growth over the next 12 months.

Here’s to a successful year ahead and to the continued evolution of Wisla Narrow Fabrics… we’re just getting started.