SOUND ARCHIVE

Living Linen Interview LL2_R00/19

Sound Recording : Magnetic Tape, Reel

Sloan, Fred (Dr) (Primary maker)
Sloan, Fred (Dr) (interviewee)

31/03/2000
31/03/2000

Sound Recording on Reel: Kirkpatricks & Lintrend. Library Transcript: Transcript. Summary: Dr Sloan drifted into the linen industry almost by chance. His father ran an agricultural machinery business that he was not drawn towards, and, while his mother tried to push him in the direction of medicine, Fred himself was more interested in science and secured a scholarship with the Linen Institute Research Association (LIRA) in 1944. Although his interest lay primarily in pure research Dr Sloan pursued a lifelong career in the textile industry. In 1944 LIRA was involved with research work for the MoD, and in particular linen aircraft wing coverings that were designed to reduce friction and generate lift. In 1947/8 Dr Sloan joined Kirkpatrick's of Ballyclare as a Research Chemist. The then Managing Director H B McCance placed a huge emphasis on R & D and was, at one time, Chairman of LIRA. Kirkpatricks, owned by the Bleachers' Association, was a prominent bleaching, dyeing and finishing concern. They specialised in producing Organdy - an almost transparent cotton that was made by passing the cloth through a bath of concentrated sulphuric acid. Kirkpatrick's major customers were in England. Kirkpatrick's had massive dams that provided excellent water reserves. The firm also had a highly efficient water treatment plant that negated any problems associated with effluent discharge. Kirkpatrick's had their own, fully-equipped, laboratory that actively engaged in research programmes as well as carrying out routine testing. Dr Sloan experimented with fluorescent dye-stuffs and was heavily involved in the search for crease-resistant linens at Ballyclare. Dr Sloan also developed the Linron process of bleaching linen yarn using sodium chlorite. This was then blended with other yarns, including wool in conjunction with Amblers of Carrickfergus. On H B McCance's retirement in 1966, Dr Sloan succeeded him as Managing Director - reflecting the company's research orientation. In 1976 Dr Sloan left Kirkpatrick's to set up his own business in London. Lintrend focused on Dr Sloan's research into Molinease, a fibre that blended linen with viscose to improve its crease recovery. Dr Sloan purchased the Inver Bleach Works in Larne shortly afterwards and eventually closed down the London operation. Dr Sloan retained Inver's commission bleaching, dyeing and finishing operation, which has helped keep the business ticking over. Molinease was badly hit by vagaries of fashion and after a period of uncertainty Trend Technology moved into Arab head-dresses. This venture proved very successful and constitutes the single largest part of Dr Sloan's business to this day. Dr Sloan's endeavours to perfect a crease-resistant linen focus on treating the yarn rather than the woven cloth. By coating each fibre with a polymer he has extended its bending radius, to prevent it from nipping, while retaining the natural look and feel of the fabric. Although Trend is mainly concerned with cotton at present Dr Sloan is hoping to move back into linen. The linen yarn and cloth used by Trend is produced in China. They employ agents in Spain, the USA and in several middle Eastern countries. The closure of LIRA was a major blow, although the IDB have provided funding. Dr Sloan remains upbeat, ''Well, linen has a wonderful past and I believe it has got a future - provided that money is spent on R & D and solving this problem of creasing and making linen more tuned in to the modern day requirements. I believe it can be done; we are still working on it. Before I eventually retire I hope that I can solve it.''

HOYFM.R2000.51

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