A MAJOR Chinese textile company has struck an agreement to become a shareholder in a Harris Tweed mill on the island of Lewis.

Carloway Mill announced that, after several months of discussion, a joint venture agreement had been concluded with one of the world's largest and most innovative textile companies.

It is the first time a Chinese firm has bought into the industry.

The Shandong Ruyi Technological Group Ltd is headquartered in Jining, in the southern part of Shandong Province.

It currently specialises in woollen textiles, garments, cotton spinning and weaving, spandex fibre, printing and dyeing, cotton denims, cotton knitting and real estate.

The joint venture will herald an expansion programme at the mill with the buildings to be extended and machinery installed. There will also be a recruitment campaign.

Carloway Mill spokesman Bruce Armitage said: "This is a very important announcement not only for Carloway Mill, but for the Harris Tweed industry and the future economy of the Western Isles.

"Although the industry has developed and grown appreciably over the past three years, this new association with a global textile company is a first for Harris Tweed and will allow Carloway Mill access to a potentially massive platform to expand its volumes and profitability."

He said Shandong Ruyi had a home market place of 1.3 billion people, but it also had a sales presence in 51 countries.

He added: "This and their extensive knowledge of the textiles industry, together with their ambitions for Harris Tweed make them a desirable partner."