Apparel & Footwear
We are the global market leader in the manufacture and supply of premium thread that delivers on sustainability and innovation to the A&F industry.
Coats Epic ProtectV
Coats Epic ProtectV powered by HeiQ Viroblock is a premium quality polyester corespun sewing thread treated with HeiQ Viroblock component.
A&F 2020 revenue
$823m
Powered by HeiQ Viroblock
The microsilver technology uses recycled silver to enhance its sustainable offering, while the vesicle technology is bio-based.
A&F 2020 operating profit
$96m
(11.6% margin)
Joined Gerber PPE Task Force
Coats joined the Gerber PPE Task Force as a coalition partner to help empower manufacturers to switch to personal protective equipment (PPE) production and match supply and demand for critically needed products.
30,000
Apparel & Footwear manufacturers
PPE Fast Start
Coats Digital launched PPE Fast Start, an initiative to support manufacturers switching part of their production facilities and supply chains to help address the global shortage of PPE.
4,000
Retailers & brands
Performance Materials
We are experts in the design and supply of a diverse range of technical products which deliver sustainable connections that touch every aspect of life.
Gotex
StremX
We’ve launched industry disrupter Gotex StremX, the first new product of its kind for the telecom cable industry in 20 years.
PM 2020 revenue
$341m
Disrupter
Provides a cost effective alternative to aramid strength members by offering exceptional mechanical properties with excellent temperature, UV and corrosion resistance.
PM 2020 operating profit
$15m
(4.4% margin)
Game
Changer
Coats Armoren uses a pioneering J Spun engineered yarn technology that extends the frontiers of safety awareness in cut protection.
$13m
Incremental new product sales in 2020 from innovation
Sustainability
We continue to focus on sustainable business activities providing products and services that make sustainable contributions to our people and planet.
100%
RecycledThe Coats EcoVerde range is the first globally available 100% recycled line of premium corespun and textured sewing thread, zips, interlinings and trims.
115m
Bottles recycled in 2020
Saving
Energy
Recycling 67 plastic bottles produces 1kg of PET fibre and saves 71.8MJ energy and 1.56kg CO2/kg
2,670 tonnes
Savings of Scope 3 CO2 emissions
Highlights
Our purpose is to connect talent, textiles and technology to make a better and more sustainable world.
Purpose
Delivering value to all our stakeholders
We connect talent, textiles and technology to make a better and more sustainable world.
Digital technology, services and solutions
Taking the lead in delivering process driven innovations and technology
Digital solutions and services are playing an ever-increasing role in everyday life and this is replicated in the industries in which we operate, giving us a market leading online proposition. Together with our Coats Digital software solutions business, we are applying digital technology and services proactively for the benefit of both our internal operations, and as a service offering for our customers. Our e-commerce platform was a significant differentiator in our offering during 2020 when Covid forced many interactions to be performed virtually. Digitisation and the development of software solutions continues to be a strategic focus.
Response to Covid
Protecting our workforce, their families and the communities in which we operate
Health and Safety is our number one priority. In 2020, we widened our approach to provide H&S to the community. Examples of this include providing nearly 29,000 H&S kits to employees, temp workers and contractors; distributing 7,500 kits to the local community and donating 60 million feet of thread for the production of PPE.
Collaborative working practices
Working together in partnerships for the greater good
2020 presented unprecedented challenges. Coats embraced these challenges and forged new collaborations and industry partnerships. We joined the Gerber PPE Task Force as a coalition partner to help customers switch to PPE production. We also partnered with leading textile tech innovators to create the world’s first garment fully powered by HeiQ Viroblock.
Statements
A message from our leaders
During 2020 we focused on four key priorities: the health and safety of our employees and families, cash management, supporting our customers and maintaining the critical elements of our supply chain. We have delivered a strong operational performance despite a very difficult global backdrop.Rajiv Sharma Group Chief Executive
Governance
In conversation with our Board
“I have already seen the power of our revised purpose in driving a quicker consensus in the boardroom on our acquisition pipeline. It will help with resource decisions, and the focus of our innovation hubs.”
“Our biggest opportunities in 2021 will be leveraging our investments in talent, digital, innovation, ESG and global capacity to meet customer needs and out-perform the market.”
“I am proud that Coats has taken the leading sustainability position in the apparel and footwear industry. This will have a significant positive impact on the climate, customers and communities in which we operate.”
“I am excited about the opportunities we have to grow within the premium brand thread market and the innovation into new products with Performance Materials.”
“Investors increasingly see the opportunity to influence business practices through their investment choices. Coats' purpose is to deliver a better and more sustainable world and the Board takes a leadership role in achieving that.”
“There are few risk free options, the key is recognising risk upfront in any choice or decision we make, putting in place appropriate mitigations and being quick to recognise and respond when change is needed.”
“Over our 200 year journey we have earned trust from our stakeholders to pioneer ideas and develop talented people that continue to enhance our total business. Our new purpose reflects our determination for continuous Improvement.”
“Engaging directly with local communities, suppliers and partners allows the Board to gain different and objective perspectives to better inform our decision-making.”
“Meeting employees in informal small groups around the world provided great insights into the many strengths of the Coats employee culture as well as some areas of opportunities for improvement.”
“In many ways Coats is in a unique position to capitalise on major trends in the industry, given its history, market presence and resources. This complexity associated with the embedded opportunities are very exciting.”
Performance
2020 in numbers