Industrialist. Born in Paisley. Joined his brothers in their Paisley thread manufacturing company, J & P Coats. Regarded as the driving force behind the company, successfully leading it through a major expansion in US markets, particularly in the 1860s and 1870s. The company, now Coats Viyella Plc based in London, is the world's largest textile-thread manufacturer, with 60,000 employees, operating in 60 countries and an annual turn-over of £2 billion. The company have diversified into a range of sectors, including clothing, with brands such as Jaeger and Van Heusen.
Thomas Coats left more than £1.3 million, and was a generous benefactor.
