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Scaling skilled
craft
HSL Chairs scales manufacturing, retail, and digital capabilities while preserving craftsmanship and customer focus
When you visit HSL Chairs’( HSL) manufacturing facility in Batley, you immediately see the company’ s story. Automated cutting technology works alongside hand-sewn upholstery. New products launch and move through the factory, while traditional woodworking skills remain at the heart of the process. Across the business, new stores are opening, delivery fleets keep growing, and for the first time, customers can buy online.
HSL has grown from a regional furniture maker to a national retailer with 62 showrooms and projected revenues of £ 85 million in 2026. Charlotte Akroyd, Head of Manufacturing, helps drive that growth. She oversees manufacturing at HSL’ s 95,000-square-foot Batley facility and plays a key role in preparing the company for future expansion.
Charlotte’ s journey from the production floor to Head of Manufacturing is a testament to the opportunities for growth at HSL. She reflects,“ I started at the young age of 17, didn’ t really know what I wanted to do, but knew I had to get out there and start to earn some money. I found an apprentice-type role in the sewing department, joined, and was absolutely terrible at sewing. But I did know
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