History
The famous John James brand is supplied by Entaco Ltd., which appeared listed as a business for the first time in an 1860 directory of the Redditch area.
Having been at the forefront of hand sewing needle manufacturing for more than 250 years, the John James brand of Finest Quality Needles continues to be recognised by needlecrafters around the globe as the benchmark to which other hand needle manufacturers can only hope to aspire.
Evidence of the factory's existence at that time is further corroborated by none other than celebrated English novelist, Charles Dickens (1812-1870) who, in his journal “Household Words” documented a visit to the factory.
"We have been to Redditch, that remarkable little...town, to see needles made...because our English needles of to-day are spreading all over the known world, wherever exchange of commodities is going on. We are allowed to go over the Victoria Works, the manufactory of Mr John James. That so many (needles) should go forth into the world from one house is wonderful enough...but the making ready for sale exhibits a miracle of dexterity."
Charles Dickens