Johnstons of Elgin open new facility in Hawick, creating new jobs and investing in industry
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.
We have supported the project through a £250,000 grant and advice and guidance.
Facts and figures
- £1.6million expansion
- 50 new jobs
- Adds 950 square metres to the site
- 18% increase in overall site size
- 25% boost in production capacity.
The development includes 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.
Local support
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 from across the Borders.
Chris Gaffney, CEO, Johnstons of Elgin, said:
“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.
"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."
Jane Morrison-Ross, Chief Executive of South of Scotland Enterprise added:
“We are delighted to have supported Johnstons of Elgin with the expansion of its Hawick manufacturing facility.
“It will provide jobs, training and growth for the company, and is a significant investment for the town.
“The expansion also aligns with SOSE’s recently announced plans to create an Innovation and Advanced Manufacturing Hub in Hawick - putting the town, the Scottish Borders and the South of Scotland at the forefront of innovation in this country.”