Barry Schacht, left, and Jane Patrick, right, signing the deal with Louët B.V. owner and CEO, Paul Vervoorn.
Barry Schacht and Jane Patrick, owners and founders of Schacht Spindle Company, announced, they’ve sold the business to Louët B.V., a Dutch company that also makes spinning wheels and looms. The couple’s daughter, Nora Schacht, and her husband Michael Yaeger, will retain a minority share in the business.
History of Schacht Spindle
Schacht Spindle has roots in the maker movement of the late 1960s. In 1969, Barry was living in a van and mowing lawns at the University of Colorado, a job he was later fired from for mowing a peace sign into the grass. After crafting a spindle for his brother’s girlfriend, Schacht became intrigued by spinning and weaving.
He began making portable looms and teaching weaving classes. He and Jane met in a yarn shop. Between 1981 and 1992, she was an editor at Interweave Press, where she edited books and Handwoven magazine. Jane has served as the Creative Director at Schacht. The company has a 33,000 square foot production facility in Boulder and employs 50 people.
Assembling a Baby Wolf loom at the Schacht facility in Boulder.
About Louët
Louët B.V. has been a leader in the manufacturing of spinning wheels and looms for 50 years. It’s based in Lochem, a small town in the southeast of the Netherlands. The CEO and owner of Louët, Paul Vervoorn, will become the CEO of Schacht in August. In a press release, Vervoom described the acquisition as “marking a key milestone in [his] international growth strategy.”
“With a market potential of over $400 million in spinning and weaving, and $1 billion in knitting, there is significant room for expansion,” the release stated.
In a letter to dealers, Barry and Jane wrote, “Paul is uniquely suited to lead Schacht into its next era. He understands what makes this company special and he shares our values, our vision, and our care for each and every maker who uses our tools.” At the end of last year, Louët B.V. acquired the weaving yarn company Venne B.V. (formerly Venne Colcoton).
The Schacht team will remain in place, and Barry and Jane will be available for several months during the transition. “With Paul at the helm, we are confident that Schacht
Spindle is in good hands and ready for a bright future,” they wrote.
Reaction
Weaver and weaving instructor, Liz Gipson, whose brand, Yarnworker, is a staple of the weaving world, had a positive reaction to the news. “My first thought was this is extraordinarily good news to see a legacy industry resource acquired by someone who understands the complexities of manufacturing tools for the handweaver and who has a reputation for quality and innovation,” she said.
“I am relieved to see this stellar brand on good footing for the future and that the new owner will retain the employees who hold the manufacturing expertise and the critical relationships with the weaving community,” Gipson continued. “I could not be more pleased that the heritage of Schacht Spindle Company will continue.”
Weaver and weaving teacher Rebecca Mezoff agrees. “Schacht has been a home for me in terms of tools and collaboration for many years. Barry Schacht and his development team have consulted with me on new tapestry tools over the last decade resulting in many wonderful products that I’m sure Louet will continue to produce,” she says. “I’m glad Schacht can continue in the hands of another excellent loom company.”
Abby Glassenberg
Co-founder
Abby co-founded Craft Industry Alliance and now serves as its president. She’s a sewing pattern designer, teacher, and journalist. She’s dedicated to creating an outstanding trade association for the crafts industry. Abby lives in Wellesley, Massachusetts.
I really cannot think of a better choice for either company and the people involved. The photograph of the three company leaders says it all with their smiles. They have excellent tools made by super employees.
Too bad Jensen and Lendrum didn’t make similar deals.
Hoping the Boulder Colorado site remains intact.
Good luck!
I called Schacht yesterday, and they said that nothing would change. I did ask about the recent price rise on April 28th, and they said that some of the parts that they use come from countries that are being hit with tariffs.
I have bought louet looms – 3. Quality has been lacking lately.
Congratulations Barry and Jane on your pending retirement.
I can’t tell you how much I appreciated you, Barry, giving us wandering Minnesotans an impromptu tour when we stopped by a few weeks ago during our visit to Boulder.
So happy for everyone involved. Best of luck going forward. Much love to Jane, Barry and family!
I have had the honor of dealership for the 4 top selling manufacturers of weaving and spinning products on the planet! When Serendipity Farm’s Studio was launched, Schacht was my first supplier and Louet products followed very soon as second. Barry was a fantastic boss and Cindy was a brilliant engineer!
At Louet North America, and at Schacht, I have always felt like part of the family. As a Navy wife, I appreciated that so very much.
Having traveled extensively overseas, I know my Scaninavian and British friends will welcome the possibility of having access to Schacht AND Louet products.
Mostly, I am pleased to know the legacies live on! Thanks to both companies for understanding how important that is to so many.
I own three Schacht wheels and a Louet loom. While I love both, I also love the uniqueness of both companies in the differences of their products. I very much hope that while the ownership has come together, the product lines will be able to continue under the two separate and unique designs and products. But also very thankful that this doesn’t mean the end of Schacht…whose wheels I absolutely love.
My mother worked for Schacht in the late 80s. I’m glad to hear such beautiful products will continue into the future and their staff will be retained. All the best for Barry and co.