A STOURPORT textile firm looks set to boost its fortunes even further with the introduction of a revolutionary Australian rug-making machine.

Forte Cloth, based in Mart Lane, has defied the downsizing of the UK textile industry over the past four years by harnessing the skills of more than 20 UK designers to sell to manufacturers across the world.

Bosses say their success is due to one of the major thorns in the side of the carpet industry - the growth in popularity of wooden and natural flooring.

The firm has a turnover of more than $1 million, with 95 per cent of business involved in export - but it is now turning its attention to the home market.

And thanks to the new rug-making machine, staff are able to create samples for overseas manufacture or produce a one-off rug for stores, hotels or homes.

The machine can also be bought for production, offering entrepreneurs the opportunity to enter the rug business directly.

Managing director Ian Wallace said: "We have truly put English design on the world map.

"Selling to the USA, Europe, the Middle East, India, Brazil and the Far East, we have been responsible for the design and colour of a large proportion of today's best-selling carpets, rugs and fabrics."

More information is available on 01299 878487 or www.fortecloth.com.