About HSF
Hardings Specialist Fiber (HSF) is a specialist manufacturer, processor, and supplier of yarns to a diverse range of sectors across Europe.
We’ve operated in the UK yarn industry since 1949, supplying specialist materials used to produce end products globally.
70+ years
of specialist experience in the yarn industry
UK-based
laboratory, warehouse, and manufacturing facility
ISO9001: 2015
certified yarn manufacturer
Cost-effective
solutions tailored to your requirements
Timeline
The business started in 1949 in Macclesfield, also known as Silk Town due to its central role in the UK’s silk weaving industry.
Founded by Frank Harding, the Harding family still run HSF from its current location in Leek.
To this day, we are based just a few miles away from our original location and have supplied many of our customers for decades.
1949
Frank Harding (furthest left) started the business in Macclesfield. Established as F Harding, the company grew rapidly as silk was supplied in large quantities for military parachutes.
1960s
In the late 1960s, the company diversified its offering to manmade fibres, including polyester and polyamide (nylon). These were supplied to a broad range of sectors that required high-performance textiles for end products.
1970
The company purchased its first factory called Waterside Mill, where fine yarns were manufactured for industrial end uses. Frank’s son, John M. Harding, took over in the early 70s, looking after the company in its next period of growth.
1973
Shortly after, Bond Street Mill was purchased to manufacture heavy DTEX yarns as it facilitated larger machinery. The company surpassed 100 employees and was a key supplier in the UK yarn industry.
1997
Matt Harding, Frank’s grandson, takes over the running of the business. To this day, he leads the team at the Staffordshire facilities.
2004
The company relocated to Langley, a few miles outside of Macclesfield, and rebranded to Harding Yarns. The unit offered 185,000ft of production and warehousing facilities.
2020
We became Hardings Specialist Fiber (HSF) after relocating to larger premises in Leek, Staffordshire. This came with the purchase of heavy DTEX machinery to scale up manufacturing.
2022
WeDo Investments acquired a percentage of the business to support the growth opportunities that are available in the specialist yarn and fibre processing markets in the UK and Europe. This has helped push HSF further at the forefront of the specialist industry.
HSF is ISO-certified
We process and source yarns to order for technical and industrial applications, with intensive performance testing at our in-house Staffordshire lab.
Our approach to quality management has achieved ISO9001: 2015 certification, a globally recognised certification for our commitment to excellence throughout production.
Our customers and stakeholders choose HSF for our consistent quality and our tailored customer service as one of the UK’s most established yarn suppliers.
Industries
As an essential supplier in the pre-manufacturing process, we have operated in various industries and organisations in UK and international manufacturing.
Whatever your requirements, we have the in-house expertise to discuss technical considerations when it comes to selecting yarn.
Aerospace
Automotive
Medical
Industrial
Ministry of Defence
Oil, gas & offshore
Our commitment
We comply with the important requirements of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 to minimise the environmental impact of our operations. Plus, our recycling policy significantly reduces the amount of waste that goes to landfill.
Find out more in our brochure
For more information on the specialist yarns we manufacture and supply, download our brochure.
Let’s chat about your requirements
Our team of specialists will help you find the right solution for your application.