In 1906 Brinton and Preen Carpets of Kinderminster, England, one of Great Britains most prominent textile firms, established a Canadian branch factory in Peterborough. The first plant manager was G.P. Preen. Gripper looms and other equipment invented by Brinton's were shipped over from England. In 1908 the company employeed over 100 people. In 1910-1911 the Peterborough factory was taken over by Canadian interests. Throughout most of its operation in Peterborough the company was know as the Brinton Carpet Works or Brinton-Peterborough Carpets. The Peterborough branch of Brinton Carpets became a leading manufacturer of wool and synthetic carpets and rugs. All designs, carding, spinning, warping, dyeing and weaving were done locally. The factory was located on a large lot south of Lansdowne Street at Lock and Braidwood. During the Second World War, Brinton Carpets was contracted by the Canadian Defense Department to manufacture all the cotton duck (waterproof coat linings) for uniform overcoats. In 1945 Brinton Carpets opened another plant in Lindsay to manufacture carpet yarns. The Peterborough plant was used primarily for weaving after the expansion to Lindsay. In 1966 the company was taken over by Armstrong Cork Carpets. One of the most popular Brinton carpet lines was the Sar-U-Kan Persion style carpet. They also produced a popular line of oriental style carpets. In the 1980's Brinton's closed their Peterborough plant. In 1999 the Braidwood Avenue factory was demolished. The large empty site is now being redeveloped for housing.