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Boohoo Group has announced it has opened its first manufacturing facility as a ‘Centre of Excellence’.
Boohoo said this comes as the group identifies a ‘bright future’ for garment manufacturing in Leicester. The factory represents a multi-million pound investment by Boohoo and aims to “reintroduce skills” in garment manufacturing that have been lost in the UK over time.
Production at this 23,000 sq. ft. factory is already underway and has created around 180 new jobs for local people. In a change from the traditional way of operating a garment factory, the brand said this modern facility will operate across two shifts, creating double the job opportunities and “greater flexibility” for the team.
The site also includes office space and will be used to train the group’s own product teams’ in responsible purchasing and the technical aspects of garment production.
The company added it is in further talks with local education providers about hosting students and other groups who are keen to learn about garment manufacturing and the UK fashion industry.
All workers at the site will be awarded a full range of benefits for Boohoo employees, including private medical care and free allocation of company shares.
John Lyttle, Boohoo Group CEO, said: “This is a landmark moment for us and is a very visible demonstration of our commitment to Leicester and UK garment manufacturing.
“By operating the site as a centre of excellence, we want to bring back skills that have been lost over time and help our suppliers to diversify their product offerings, meaning they can win business from other retailers who we are hoping will be tempted to start sourcing from the UK again.”
He added: “It has been a difficult few years but I am confident there is a bright future ahead and today marks the start of a new chapter for the garment industry here in Leicester.”
