On a recent visit to Tokyo Fabrics, Joanna Privett, BFA Membership Manager, discovered the company had roots tracing back to the 1970s and that this family-run business had evolved from a garment printing venture into one of the UK’s largest stockholders and suppliers of upholstery fabrics.

Inside Tokyo Fabrics

Founded by Tarsem Sandhu, Tokyo Fabrics began its journey in garment printing. The late 1990s marked a pivotal shift when his sons, Sukh and Jag Sandhu, joined the business and steered it toward upholstery fabrics. Today, the company is a powerhouse in the industry, known for its vast inventory, cutting-edge treatments, and customer-first ethos.

One of Tokyo Fabrics’ standout commitments is its use of Halogen Fire Retardant (FR) treatments. Despite the significant cost—an estimated £3 million annually—the company refuses to compromise on safety. Director Jag Sandhu emphasizes that “quality is not negotiable,” even if it means absorbing higher costs. This dedication is more than just talk. A recent visit to their Wednesbury facility revealed a production line capable of treating over a million meters of fabric per week, with over 30 million meters in stock—a testament to their scale and readiness to supply the market.

Tokyo Fabrics

Tokyo Fabrics doesn’t just follow trends—it sets them. With a resolute design and innovation team, the company ensures its collections are always fresh, stylish, and aligned with market demands. While their fabrics are treated in-house in the UK, Tokyo Fabrics has invested in several mills in China, ensuring a robust and consistent supply chain. Their own UK-based transportation network further guarantees timely delivery, making them a preferred supplier for many high-street retailers and manufacturers.

Despite a challenging economic climate for many, expansion is ongoing in Tokyo Fabrics. Having now outgrown their second site, a new several-acre area of land adjacent is also being mapped out for further development, with state-of-the-art offices planned and initial building beginning. It is encouraging to see that through the can-do attitude of its owners, Tokyo Fabrics is poised to remain a leader in the upholstery fabric space for years to come.