Luxury Knitwear Firm To Take On 50
UNITED KINGDOM — October 25, 2011 — One of the UK's largest knitwear companies has announced it
will take on 50 new trainees over the next three years as global demand for its signature sweaters
soars.
Hawick Knitwear — based in the eponymous Scottish Borders town — has embarked on the first phase of recruitment, which generated 140 applications.
The first 15 trainees have recently started their new jobs and are undergoing intensive training at the company's Hawick headquarters.
Earlier this year Hawick Knitwear announced it had ramped up production to 9,500 sweaters to keep pace with demand. This week will see another 9,500 luxury jumpers roll off the production line.
The company now employs over 230 people and recently reported an annual turnover of over £8 million, an increase of 20 per cent on the previous financial year.
Hawick Knitwear sweaters can be bought in the UK at many quality men's outfitters, ladies' boutiques and independent department stores. The company exports to 12 countries worldwide.
Benny Hartop, Hawick Knitwear's managing director, said: "Global demand for authentic, stylish, well-made, British products continues to increase with top-end consumer awareness at an all time high.
"We continue to benefit from discerning consumers rejecting disposable fashion items from low-labour-cost countries in favour of buying authentic, British-made, luxury goods.
"Despite having to accept huge raw material price increases, we have had a busy year with branded range sales taking off and private label business up as well.
"It is fantastic to be able to give 50 people the chance to join an industry and a company which is going places. We wouldn't make the decision to increase our workforce if we weren't confident there was a growing global market for the sort of luxury knitwear we provide.
The company, which produces classic and contemporary knitwear for both ladies and men, launched its own Hawick Knitwear Brand range in January this year, which has far exceeded sales expectations. This is in addition to its strong and continuing private label business built up over the past nine years.
With a continued focus on increasing international distribution of its products as part of an ambitious export strategy, the company now boasts over 14 agents across twelve countries who will continue to grow product demand in these markets.
Cathy Black, head of textiles, Scottish Enterprise said: "This is great news for the Scottish textiles industry. The fact that Hawick Knitwear is providing employment for 50 trainees over the next three years is a testament to the continued growth in the industry.
"Recently we have witnessed even more customers coming to Scotland for textiles as they know they are guaranteed quality, luxurious products. Made in Scotland continues to be a coveted label across the world."
Posted on October 25, 2011
Source: Textiles Scotland
Hawick Knitwear — based in the eponymous Scottish Borders town — has embarked on the first phase of recruitment, which generated 140 applications.
The first 15 trainees have recently started their new jobs and are undergoing intensive training at the company's Hawick headquarters.
Earlier this year Hawick Knitwear announced it had ramped up production to 9,500 sweaters to keep pace with demand. This week will see another 9,500 luxury jumpers roll off the production line.
The company now employs over 230 people and recently reported an annual turnover of over £8 million, an increase of 20 per cent on the previous financial year.
Hawick Knitwear sweaters can be bought in the UK at many quality men's outfitters, ladies' boutiques and independent department stores. The company exports to 12 countries worldwide.
Benny Hartop, Hawick Knitwear's managing director, said: "Global demand for authentic, stylish, well-made, British products continues to increase with top-end consumer awareness at an all time high.
"We continue to benefit from discerning consumers rejecting disposable fashion items from low-labour-cost countries in favour of buying authentic, British-made, luxury goods.
"Despite having to accept huge raw material price increases, we have had a busy year with branded range sales taking off and private label business up as well.
"It is fantastic to be able to give 50 people the chance to join an industry and a company which is going places. We wouldn't make the decision to increase our workforce if we weren't confident there was a growing global market for the sort of luxury knitwear we provide.
The company, which produces classic and contemporary knitwear for both ladies and men, launched its own Hawick Knitwear Brand range in January this year, which has far exceeded sales expectations. This is in addition to its strong and continuing private label business built up over the past nine years.
With a continued focus on increasing international distribution of its products as part of an ambitious export strategy, the company now boasts over 14 agents across twelve countries who will continue to grow product demand in these markets.
Cathy Black, head of textiles, Scottish Enterprise said: "This is great news for the Scottish textiles industry. The fact that Hawick Knitwear is providing employment for 50 trainees over the next three years is a testament to the continued growth in the industry.
"Recently we have witnessed even more customers coming to Scotland for textiles as they know they are guaranteed quality, luxurious products. Made in Scotland continues to be a coveted label across the world."
Posted on October 25, 2011
Source: Textiles Scotland
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