Fashion – Enter Ltd Wales – Case Study 2

01-02-2022
In August 2020 Fashion-Enter (FEL) opened a second factory in Newtown, Powys, in mid-Wales following the sad demise of the Laura Ashley manufacturing plant (Texplan) closure; over 75 experienced Welsh machinists have now been employed allowing FEL to supply a total of 30,000 garments a week.
The Newtown factory produces approximately 15,000 units a week for multinationals including N Brown, I Saw It First and ASOS, as well as it’s own in-house homeware brand Spyce Jones featuring aprons, tea towels and oven gloves. During the pandemic the factory also provided PPE for luxury clothing brand Private White VC.
Located at the Royal Welsh Warehouse, known locally as the Pryce Jones Building, both Laura Ashley and Pryce Jones are a part of the incredible garment production heritage in the area and FEL is thrilled to continue this manufacturing legacy. The landmark building is owned by the Potter Group of Welshpool, who have also invested in the building to facilitate its use by FEL.
FEL recognises the importance of the local community within Newtown and is delighted to have the support of the Welsh Government who provided grant support to buy the latest high spec of machinery for the factory as well as support from the ReAct program.
FEL CEO Jenny Holloway said: “Many of the stitchers we have hired had loyally worked at Laura Ashley for more than 35 years. I couldn’t rest knowing they were going to lose their jobs. You also don’t find experienced stitchers of that number anywhere anymore, they are like gold dust. They are a pleasure to work with and the quality of their work is just outstanding.”
In January 2021 FEL Fashion Technology Academy launched in the Wales Factory in collaboration with NPCT Group of Colleges. Local residents can join a free Level 1 stitching academy course to upskill and progress onto an apprenticeship or a trainee role in the Factory as a machinist.
Future plans for Newtown are to increase local employment and invest in local skills levels, as well as being committed to promoting good sustainability garment making practices, and reducing its own environmental impacts along with that of its partners and clients. The site is currently being Fast Forward audited and has also signed up to the Code of Practice on ethical employment in supply chains.
Support received from Welsh Government.
Grant 1
Economy Futures Funding Award to Aid Capital Investment and Job Creation
Grant award £113k – Based on £393k Capital investment and creation of 77 jobs.
Grant award in 2 instalments £75k and £38k
£75k received however £38k still under review due to failure to secure 77 full time roles (Capital target met)
Grant 2
ReAct 111 Funding – FEL re-employed circa 50 ex Laura Ashley employees.
Redundancy Action award of £3k per head if continuously employed for a 52 week period.
FEL received £127 k support via this mechanism (not all LA staff stayed the course).
Grant 3
ReAct Employer Training Support
Based on training received from FEL Head Office staff during the initial set up of the Welsh factory £23 k support received.