History
Cohen & Wilks founder was PM Quas-Cohen, a Jewish refugee from Tzarist Russia who, at the end of the 19th century, had settled in Manchester.
With finance from a short lived partner Wilks, he successfully commenced manufacturing men's tailored product and fabric under the brand 'Aquatite' in Manchester, Bradford and Galashiels. During the first world war, the company was seconded to manufacture uniforms for the British expeditionary force.
In 1974, the relationship with Mitsui & Co. was validated when a separate business, Cohen & Wilks International, was formed as a joint venture. The UK manufacturing division was now wound down. Today, the Mitsui & Co. Ltd turnover is in excess of $150 billion.
Through the 1980s, the business continued to grow as Casual products replaced tailored product and focused on its largest Multiple and Mail Order customers. Childrenswear products also took an increasing share of sales.
In 1994, CWI acquired Casket, followed by the leisure business from the liquidation of the Hollas Group.
Today, the CWI Head Office still based in Leeds, Yorkshire, where Design, Merchandising, Quality Assurance, Warehousing for finished products and the business distribution functions are located. Manufacturing operations are undertaken with strategic and ethically compliant partners located worldwide.