GROWING global demand for Harris Tweed has sparked a near £2 million expansion of the ancient cloth’s main manufacturer.
Harris Tweed Hebrides, based in Shawbost on the west coast of the Isle of Lewis, is being supported by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) with £300,000 towards its £1.8m development. It will create 10 jobs at its mill.
Rachel Mackenzie, HIE area manager in the Outer Hebrides, said: “Harris Tweed Hebrides has provided a significant number of opportunities for young people to get involved in an industry with long-term career prospects.
“We are delighted to invest in the company’s latest venture which will see many more new jobs created as a result of expanding production space and exporting in new international markets where demand for the fabric is rising.”
“Communities across Lewis and Harris also benefit from a strong Harris Tweed industry with tourism, creative industries and food and drink sharing the opportunities for growth that emerge from the vibrant sector.”
Harris Tweed Hebrides chief executive, Ian Angus Mackenzie, said: “Over the past eight years, we have built a successful and profitable company, committed to continuous investment in its own future.
“HIE’s support will enhance the overall level of investment available and will underpin our objective of a sustainable industry providing high quality employment to islanders and an iconic product to the world.”
Harris Tweed Hebrides employs 82 people and also provides employment for more than 130 self-employed weavers whose skills are fundamental to the Harris Tweed process.
The company exports to more than 60 countries and customers include Chanel, YSL, Paul Smith and Vivienne Westwood.
Employees from Harris Tweed Hebrides are currently working hard to fulfil customers’ orders from the recent Première Vision - the biggest global trade show for the fashion and textiles industry, held in Paris. The show enabled the company to meet existing customers from around the world, particularly Japan, Germany and the UK. They met a number of new customers from Korea, France and the USA.
The tweed boom has also sparked a loom rush.
Major investment to help plug a gap in the lack of looms was recently approved meaning more weavers, once considered a dying breed on the isles.
The move comes at a time of major growth for the Harris Tweed industry. Only six years ago, it was suffering from an all-time production low of just 450,000 metres of a fabric a year.
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