1700

William Clark & Sons began trading in 1700 when John Clark bought land in Upperlands and began to buy linen locally from handloom weavers which he exported to America.
When the market demanded white linen, he began a bleaching process laying the cloth out to dry in the sun. No machinery was involved at this stage.

It was John's son Jackson who expanded the business by building a water-wheel on the River Clady where there was a high enough fall. Here began the first mechanical process, Beetling. The Middle House, John's original building, remains today, as a museum.

Deep in the heart of Ulster, in the picturesque little village of Upperlands, this thriving business grew and Clark's of Upperlands were soon supplying linen to Saville Row tailors who made suits for the Royal Family.

The Clark family have created an international business that supplies garment manufacturers and bespoke tailors world-wide, exporting to some 30 overseas markets. Besides its manufacturing location in Northern Ireland, there are sales offices in London and Leeds.

1960

William Clark & Sons has been dedicated to offering its customers the optimum in quality of products and services throughout nine generations and has remained at the forefront of innovation since the early 1960's when, following several years of research, Everbond Limited was formed to market the company's latest collection of fusible interlinings which now offers a comprehensive range of woven and non woven interlinings for clothing.

A further breakthrough, as a result of research, is set to revolutionise the quality end of menswear and womenswear throughout Europe.
"Tailorluxe", a revolutionary product which uses unique, patented and innovative technology is now on line.
It allows every jacket manufacturer to produce a distinctive product that gives the customer a return to those traditional standards of tailored appearance and natural comfort. What is more incredible is that the "bespoke" look can be produced without the need for the skills associated with the tradition of tailoring. The jacket can be made by modern fusing methods after which the simple application of steam frees the interlining from the outer fabric.
The Design Council has awarded the company Millennium Product Status for this new product, Tailorluxe. Selection means that this product has been shortlisted for inclusion in the Millennium Dome exhibition in London.