About Us

Pioneers in the Alpaca Industry

With almost 90 years experience and know-how in the processing of Alpaca fibre, Michell & Cia. is today a pioneer and the leading Alpaca tops and yarns producer and exporter in the world.

Frank W. Michell founded Michell & Cía. in 1931, dedicated to the purchase, classification and commercialisation of Alpaca and wool. Totally identified with Alpaca, his intention was to bring the qualities of this singular Andean product to the attention of the rest of the world.

The Michell family has been involved in the Alpaca industry since the beginning of the 1920’s. However, it wasn’t until 1931 that Mr. Frank W. Michell founded Michell & Cía. in Arequipa, where he began as a sorter and exporter of greasy Alpaca fibre.

Passion for Alpaca since 1931

The name Michell is recognized and associated with the finest Alpaca yarns in the main markets of Asia, Europe, North and South America.

Nevertheless, with the aim of maintaining its recognition and leadership in the industry, the company has continued to invest Money and implement quality programmes to ensure the continual improvement of all the stages of production right up to the service it provides to its clients.

Pioneers int the Alpaca Industry

The first few years were difficult but the effort and ingenuity put into offering the textile industry in the New World something other than raw Alpaca fibre, helped to develop the art and science of the classification of the fibre.

The raw materials were gathered in the southern sierra of the country, hand sorted, transported by train to the port of Mollendo before being shipped to destinations such as Bradford in the Unitedk Kindgon and Boston in North America.

Our First Factory in Peru

"The permanent contact with the demanding international market highlights the need to advance beyond the export of raw materials and in the 1940’s the dream becomes reality."

In 1947, Michell & Cía. set up its first combing and spinning plant in Peru and in so doing, created and established the standard for the Alpaca industry today, not just in Peru, but all over the world.

Years later, Mr. Michell’s idea to increase the value of Alpaca fibre was successfully undertaken through the selective breeding of Alpaca, the improvement of industrial processes such as washing, carding, combing, spinning, dyeing and weaving and the sales method to the final consumer.

With nearly 89 years in the industry, Michell & Cía. has achieved an undisputable consolidation. From its outset with Mr. Frank W. Michell at its head, who knew how to set such an important company on the right path with the support of his children and grandchildren.

Michael Michell

Later, in the 80s and 90s, came another visionary, Mr. Michael W. Michell, promoted Alpaca fibre in several countries, hired and trained highly capable collaborators, invested in more modern production facilities, improved manufacturing processes and adopted a culture of change with the aim of adapting and responding to the ever changing needs of the world market.

"Today the third generation of the Michell family is leading the company through Derek Michell, who is taking the company to the 100 years anniversary."

All the team at Michell feels that 89 years is just the beginning of our story, and everyone is more motivated than ever to continue sharing the finest Peruvian Alpaca to world.

OUR FIRST 90 YEARS

During 2021, we will be celebrating our first 90 years!. It has been a surprising journey and one which began when Mr. Frank Michell became aware of the sumptuousness of Alpaca fibre and its unequalled qualities. His passion for this high quality, noble fibre led him to spread the finest Alpaca fibre throughout the world.

Everyone at Michell is more motivated than ever and feel that this journey of the first 89 years has only just begun. Despite the incredible achievements of the past, we believe that there is still a long road ahead which will lead us to spread our passion for Alpaca all over the world.