ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
BELFAST MINI MILLS Words by Rebecca Spinner Photos: LaVie in Pictures PEI’s Fibre Trail Begins at
components while running a Belfast- based goat dairy; however, demand led them to produce mill equipment exclusively. Today, Nobles says, Belfast Mini Mills remains family-based, employing eight of her relatives (including her twin sister and octogenarian mother). The company continues to operate in the goat dairy’s former location. “Our farm is a lovely destination for visitors,” she explains. “Most guests visit from big cities. They can view our chickens and our flock of sheep; it’s a beautiful setting.” By Nobles’ reckoning, Belfast Mini Mills “attracts up to 10,000 people a year.” In other words, the facility is a full-fledged tourist attraction. “It’s free entertainment. We try to make it interesting for everybody.” Past guests have ranged from the 4H Club to domestic and international dignitaries, such as former Governor General Adrienne Clarkson.
Belfast Mini Mills’ machinery is spinning yarn worldwide.
“We’re ten thousand feet up in the mountains in Bolivia; we’re in the Ecuadoran jungle,” says owner Linda Nobles. “We’re in the North Sea. We’ve had clients in Libya spinning camel fibre. It’s crazy.” International demand for their mills likely stems from practicality: the machines are compact, customizable, and require minimal manpower. They’re in use “in 40 countries,” says Nobles, noting that Ireland and Russia may soon acquire machines as well. “We’re proud to represent the province and service the world.” Nobles’ family founded Belfast Mini Mills almost 25 years ago. The long- time shepherds sought out equipment to spin their own textiles, she explains, when their flock’s high-quality fleece made production too valuable to outsource. They first sold mill
▲ Linda Nobles
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