History
Narrated by renowned journalist Sir Mark Tully (Former BBC Indian Correspondent), The Rugs for Life video traces OBEETEE’s 100 year journey and gives us a tour of OBEETEE’s modern rug production facilities in India.
bg

OBEETEE is the global leader in handwoven rugs. A dynamic, creative and ethical company, OBEETEE is driven by design excellence, quality craftsmanship and process innovation throughout its almost 100 year history.

Today, OBEETEE has one of the largest and most modern rug manufacturing facilities in the world, including the industry’s first water effluent treatment plant. However, we place an equal focus on the integrity of our craftsman heritage. Our 25,000+ independent weavers create extraordinary woven carpets, using traditional artisanal skills that have been handed down through generations. Our craftspeople are the cornerstone of our business, and therefore, we place great focus and responsibility on our contribution not only to our weavers, but also to their families and the communities in which they live.

As such, OBEETEE is the first company in the handmade woolen carpet industry that was awarded the Social Accountability System Certificate (SA 8000) by DNV (DET NORSKE VERITAS), which is one of the most reputable auditing/certification bodies accredited by Social Accountability International of New York, in 2004.


Carpets are works of art. Weaving them is one of the ancient crafts for which India is so rightly famous and carpet manufacturing put money where it’s most needed: into the villages of India. "

Sir Mark Tully, journalist and former Bureau Chief of BBC, New Delhi.
Timeline
1920

OBEETEE - 1920 Oakley Bowden & Taylor founded OBEETEE in Mirzapur, India.

‘Founding Fathers’ of Oakley, Bowden, Taylor in Mirzapur, India.

1936

OBEETEE - 1936 Foundation laid for the O’Ganj Factory,

Foundation laid for the O’Ganj Factory, the heart of the OBEETEE operation, serving as a hub for over 16,000 weavers.

1955

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II admires an OBEETEE rug.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II admires an OBEETEE rug.

1956

OBEETEE - 1956 Visit from India’s Prime Minister, Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru

Visit from India’s Prime Minister, Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru.

1969

OBEETEE - 1969 world's first licensee of the 'Woolmark' for hand-knotted rugs

OBEETEE becomes the world's first licensee of 'Woolmark' for hand-knotted rugs.

1984

OBEETEE - 1984 The Industry's first ever water effluent treatment plant

The industry's first ever water effluent treatment plant is set up by OBEETEE

1989

OBEETEE - 1989 OBEETEE donates school facilities and begins long-term relationship with Project Mala

OBEETEE donates school facilities and begins long-term partnership with Project Mala, a specialty school program for children.

1992

The President of India commissions two Obeetee rugs, one of which over 5000 Sq ft

The President of India commissions two OBEETEE rugs, one of which over 5000 Sq ft.

1999

OBEETEE - Obeetee introduce Multi Effect Dyeing in a carpet industry to process the adding of color to wool fibers, yarns etc.

OBEETEE introduces Multi-effect Dyeing to the carpet industry, a process of adding color to wool fibers and yarns.

2001
OBEETEE - Muesum collection with new vintage finish.

The Museum collection is introduced, a line with a new vintage finish that illustrates OBEETEE’s cultural growth and gives a nod to its rich history.

2004
OBEETEE - 2004 The first carpet company in the hand made rug industry worldwide to have secured The SA8000 Standard

OBEETEE becomes the first carpet company in the handmade rug industry to secure the prestigious SA 8000 Standard.

2007

OBEETEE introduces the Biomass Gasification system for generation of electricity using rice husk.......a first in the carpet industry.

OBEETEE converts steam generation from coal to rice husk thereby improving its carbon footprint.

2012

OBEETEE - 2012 International Labour Organization recognizes OBEETEE’s pioneering efforts on child labor

The International Labor Organization (ILO) recognizes OBEETEE’s pioneering efforts on child labor.

2013

Printed carpets an innovation process immitiative helps Obeetee introduce a segment to the gamut of products offered.

OBEETEE introduces Printed Carpet, an innovative imitative printing process that allows the company to expand its product offerings beyond of the handwoven category.

2015

OBEETEE - 2015 Launch our first event Social Fabric Auction.

OBEETEE launches its Social Fabric Auction, a philanthropic initiative to support social and environmental programs such as Pratham School, Gopepur Village and Project Mala.

OBEETEE -  OBEETEE trains women in rug weaving techniques, and helps them balance out the training with their household responsibilities until they are equipped to fly solo.

The Women Weavers is launched, a training program to instruct women in the art of rug weaving, to reshape the concept of the traditional female role in rural India and create a viable, long-term employment opportunity.

OBEETEE - Obeetee supports Pratham as an innovative learning organization created to improve the quality of education in India.

OBEETEE supports Pratham, an innovative learning organization dedicated to providing high-quality, low-cost systems to improve education in India.

Obeetee has installed 60 solar streetlights and built 75 toilets in Gopepur village.

Gopepur Village sees the installation of 60 solar street lights and 75 toilets, provided and installed by OBEETEE to improve the quality of life in entire Gopepur community.

2016

OBEETEE - With RF Dryer technology at Obeetee, drying time reduce from 24 hours to 90 minutes.

OBEETEE introduces RF Dryer Technology, a process that significantly reduces drying time from 24 hours to 90 minutes.

OBEETEE -  Obeetee introduces Proprietary Technology which reduces water by 90% for washing carpet.

Continuing its effort to improve the manufacturing impact on the environment, OBEETEE unveils proprietary technology that reduces water usage for washing a carpet by 90%.

Obeetee will not sell, trade, share or rent your email address.
Newsletters Gallery App Media Room www.obeetee.org Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions   Copyright OBEETEE 2024. All rights reserved.