A Positive Story from Sanquhar: My Visit to Shaw Contract

Shaw's Scotland product history from 2018 to today.

We all like a positive story, don’t we?

That’s exactly why I was so keen to accept Donna Howard and Marie-Clare Riordan ’s invitation to visit Shaw Contract ’s manufacturing plant near Sanquhar, Dumfrieshire last Friday. Because here’s a story we don’t shout about enough: a huge American company making millions of square metres of carpet tiles… in Scotland. Yes. Scotland.

Let me rewind a little.

Shaw, one of the world’s largest carpet tile manufacturers, was looking for a European base to serve their EMEA market. They explored multiple sites across Europe before eventually setting their sights on an existing – albeit much smaller – manufacturer in Sanquhar: STS Flooring.

In 2018, Shaw acquired STS – a business that last week celebrated its 111th year of history. That alone deserves applause. But it didn’t stop there. Shaw went on to purchase additional buildings in the area, including a former furniture manufacturing site, and invested millions in refurbishing, expanding and modernising the facilities.

Most importantly? They secured long-term employment for around 170 people. 

And that wasn’t an afterthought. Investing in the community and protecting local jobs was a key part of Shaw’s strategy. By establishing a European manufacturing hub in Scotland, they added service, flexibility and value for the EMEA region. No longer everything shipped from the US. Instead, faster response times, regional production and a much stronger sustainability story.

Walking through the factory, I was taken through the design evolution since 2018 – from the very first Scottish-made collection (fairly simple, strong on value), to today’s eclectic colours, layered textures and confident patterns.

We’re not talking decades of design heritage here – but honestly? The shift in aesthetic, in ambition, in demand has been remarkable in just seven years. It’s a reflection of how quickly workplace design expectations have evolved too. Clients want more personality. More warmth. More narrative underfoot.

And this is why I love factory visits.

It’s so easy to see a carpet tile as a “simple” product. But behind that square sits research, engineering, sustainability strategies, supply-chain logistics, serious capital investment, and skilled people who care deeply about what they’re producing.

I’ve worked with Shaw on and off for years, but spending the day in Sanquhar gave me a renewed appreciation. Seeing the scale. The precision. The pride.

 And yes – as someone who champions local industry and sustainable specification, I’ll say it:

If you’re serious about reducing transport miles and supporting jobs closer to home, choosing a Scottish-based manufacturer for your flooring is a bit of a no-brainer, isn’t it?

 I’m genuinely excited to have Shaw back with us at #DesignPopUp Glasgow this year. Because behind every product sample sits a story – and this one is worth telling.