25 years of Advanced Dyeing Solutions Ltd
Founded in 2001, the business behind the Roaches International brand celebrates 25 years in textile dyeing and finishing solutions.
Advanced Dyeing Solutions Ltd (ADS) proudly marks its 25th anniversary this February, celebrating a quarter‑century of innovation and growth in textile dyeing and testing technologies. Founded in 2001 by Sean O’Neill alongside colleagues Graham Dixon and Philip Cox, the company began its journey at a challenging time for European textile engineering, emerging from the closure of Longclose Dyeing Machinery and quickly establishing itself as a trusted specialist in laboratory dyeing, finishing and testing equipment.
Through the expertise the three of them had acquired from their time at Longclose, they were able to combine their skills and resources to provide a service for customers using dyeing machinery out in the field. It was here that Advanced Dyeing Solutions Ltd formed.
From even the early years, ADS demonstrated year‑on‑year growth, driven by a commitment to provide a high standard of service, as well as producing new equipment for partners across the industry.
A defining milestone arrived in January 2008, when the company acquired the Roaches brand, a respected manufacturer with a 40‑year heritage in laboratory dyeing and textile testing. This strategic step broadened ADS’s capabilities, expanded its global reach and laid the foundation for the strong international brand that we see today.
From Sean
“At the start in 2001, following a redundancy from Longclose Group Ltd, I was 33 years old, had been married for 18 months and had a 4 month old baby boy. For some crazy reason, myself, Philip and Graham had the dream of running our own company. How quickly time flies, from a small office at the enterprise centre in Dewsbury in 2001 to where we are today. The baby boy is now 25 and working at the company, and with the support of our colleagues, suppliers, and customers, it has been a roller coaster with many more ups than downs. I’m looking forward to the future.” – Sean O’Neill, Managing Director
Looking forwards
The future outlook for both ADS Ltd and the Roaches brand looks exceptionally bright. With Liam O’Neill joining what is now the largest team in the company’s history, there is renewed momentum behind product innovation and market-responsive development. The focus now is on what’s next. What is the next generation of textile machinery for dyeing, finishing, and testing.
The most recent projects, including the Martindale AXYZ and Sentire, have both been met with industry praise, reinforcing the company’s commitment to delivering forward‑thinking solutions that address the challenges of modern textile production. The team is excited to continue this trajectory, pushing boundaries and shaping the future of textile technology.
Watch the recent company video introducing the Roaches brand and ADS Ltd, with Sean and Liam O’Neill.
