UKFT member Johnstons of Elgin has officially completed a major new building at its Hawick site, marking a significant investment in the town’s future as a centre for textile excellence. The £1.6 million expansion adds 950 sqm to the site, an 18% increase in overall site size and a 25% boost in production capacity. The development brings with it new jobs, advanced machinery, and opportunities for local skills development.

The new facility enables the relocation of key processes like garment pressing and finishing, freeing up space in the main mill for a dedicated accessories department. The expansion will also accommodate up to 30 new Shima knitting machines and allow for the creation of 50 new roles, ranging from experienced craftspeople to trainees entering the industry for the first time.

“There is nowhere better in the world to knit cashmere than in Hawick and Johnstons are committed to investing in the town and its highly skilled workforce,” said Chris Gaffney, CEO, Johnstons of Elgin. “This expansion will allow us to meet the growing demand for the highest quality Scottish knitwear and accessories, whilst also improving facilities for the team. We look forward to welcoming many new employees in the coming years as we continue to train and develop the next generation of craftspeople”.

The development also includes the purchase of two adjacent car parks, nearly doubling on-site parking capacity from 23 to 43 dedicated spaces, a practical improvement for employees and visitors alike.

Importantly, the project was delivered entirely through local partnerships. Longstanding collaborators included Aitken Turnbull Architects (Galashiels), James Swinton & Co (Hawick), and Marsh Riddell Gibson project management (Selkirk), along with other local tradespeople across the Borders.

“This type of expansion is a major undertaking, and we want to sincerely thank everyone who helped make it possible,” said David Hamilton, Site Director. “From our site staff and local council to our MP John Lamont, South of Scotland Enterprise, and the skilled tradespeople who built it, we’re proud to continue investing in Hawick.”

The facility broke ground on 13 May 2024 and opens as the company ramps up for its next chapter of growth and innovation.

Johnstons of Elgin is a family owned manufacturer and retailer of cashmere and fine woollens. Founded in 1797, the company runs two mills in Scotland in Elgin and Hawick. The company produces clothing, accessories and fabric for luxury brands and under our own “Johnstons of Elgin” label. Johnstons of Elgin has retail visitor centres sited at our mills in Elgin and Hawick, a shop in St Andrews, an online store and flagship stores at Burlington Arcade, London and 11 Multrees Walk, Edinburgh. The company employs around 1100 people.

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