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Scottish firm to set up technical textile plant in China

31 Jul '15

2 min read

Scotland-based J&D Wilkie is going to set up a new £3 million ($4.68 million) factory in Jianxing near Shanghai in China to produce technical textile products.

Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon, who was on a trade visit to China and Hong Kong this week, visited the site of the factory with the mayor and vice mayor of Jiaxing and presented a commemorative foundation stone to be laid at the location, according to an official release.

The Angus-based firm began producing jute and flax in Scotland in 1868 and has almost doubled production since it established operations in China eight years ago.

The new plant will safeguard 90 jobs in Scotland and has the potential to double the J&D Wilkie positions in China. It will also increase the company's competitiveness by bringing its entire yarn-spinning operations into one location.

“Scotland's textiles industry offers a unique fusion of rich heritage, innovation and unrivalled creativity, producing internationally revered products which are desired the world over,” said Sturgeon.

“Across technical textiles, interiors and fashion, Scottish textiles offer the perfect mix of quality and innovation that Chinese businesses and consumers demand,” she added.

According to the minister, J&D Wilkie has established itself in China and is looking to grow its business, thus setting a good example to others on how to expand into and benefit from foreign markets.

Bob Low, director at J&D Wilkie, said, “We are proud to show the first minister of Scotland the start of our new 180,000 sq foot factory being built in Jiaxing, China that will house an integrated spinning and weaving unit on one site.”

“This will further strengthen our position in Europe where we have seen our Scottish weaving unit almost double since starting the yarn production in China,” he added. (RKS)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India