Palestine Industry before Nakba: Textile, British Mandate: A Survey of Palestine: Supplement - Page 66

INDUSTRY.

TEXTILES.

(p. 519) (§ 140}

The spinning, dyeing and printing, and knitting industries were, until recently, almost entirely Jewish in their composition; however, a large Arab spinning plant operating 6 ,200 spindles was recently erected, in which production has commenced, and is in process of expansion. In weaving, Arab production constitutes some 20--25% of the total output.

(p. 521) (§ 143}

A concentration of textile factories is taking place around Petah Tiqva where fourteen enterprises are erecting new premises on an area covering 102 dunums. This centre will comprise cotton, wool and sisal spinning plants, cotton, wool and artificial silk weaving establishments, a textile dyeing and finishing concern and a factory producing chemicals for the textile industry. Another such centre is also developing in Kfar Ata (around the leading textile mill of Messrs. Ata Textile Co. Ltd.). The industry anticipates that the concentrations of these various branches of textile production will lead to coordination and rationalisation. An Arab spinning, weaving and dyeing enterprise is now under construction in the vicinity of Acre.

(§ 145}

The capacity of the local spinning industry has been increased by the erection, during 1946 and the first few months of 1947, of four additional cotton spinning plants operating some 20 ,000 spindles (Arab sector-6,200, Jewish sector-14,000) the output of which, it is expected, will shortly be marketable. As a result of this increased local output, Palestine weavers will in future be able to obtain their yarn requirements to a greatly 'increased extent from local spinners. These spindles represent a first installment of the 100,000 spindles licensed for importation into Palestine (six Jewish firms ordered 65 ,000 and three Arab firms 35 ,000). When these ultimately arrive and are installed, the cotton weavers will become practically independent of imported cotton yarn, except for certain special qualities and counts.

Two spinning mills for the production of worsted woollen yarn and hand-knitting wool, operating some 3,000 spindles, were erected during 1945-1946.

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