The Bani Walid factory suffered extensive damage during Libya’s civil unrest in 2011 and 2012, with 50% of the complex, and the machinery contained within, being destroyed. Fortunately, the remaining machinery has now been fully repaired and the factory and is now back in action. With finance from the Libyan Economic and Social Development Fund (ESDF) the company hopes to replace the rest of the machines and repair the damaged factory floors².

The repairs required to bring the Bani Walid factory back to production are difficult to action, given that the factory cannot afford to import spare parts for the many machines which are made in Germany, hence why the financial funding from the EDSF is crucial. From 2006, the factory became a joint stock company. However, at the beginning of 2017, the Libyan Presidential Council took it over and earmarked the company for EDSF funding³.

The majority of wool used in the production of their famous carpets is obtained from the country’s Barbary sheep: these animals are a species indigenous to Libya and are farmed for wool and consumption. Due to the long length of the coat and the large fibre diameter, the Barbary sheep breed is classed by textile manufacturers as a ‘long carpet wool breed’⁴.

The factory is now producing 200 metres of carpet per day and exporting two types of carpets, fine luxury ones and those for everyday use. Prior to 2011, the factory produced 1500 metres per day, decreasing in 2012 to 1000m and by 2015 it had reduced its output to just 700m. This was due to the high prices of raw materials and the extent of damage to some of the machines⁵.

Now the factory produces 200 metres of carpet daily. There are currently around 50 machines operating, one of which is used in the high-end luxury carpet division⁶.

Many smaller factories in areas of Libya that had been subjected to clashes over the past years suffered total destruction due to their locations. In addition, regional insecurity has meant many of the foreign workers have left the country. This has worsened the production rates and is symbolic of the deterioration of the Libyan economy in general. Most of these smaller factories were unable to resume or have done so in a limited capacity⁷. These smaller textile factories include small to medium size companies which comprise the clothing industry, producing material and clothing for the population and some for export, mainly to other North Africa countries. These companies have also been affected by the civil unrest, with both manufacturing and retail premises being damaged or destroyed.