Exhibition - Over 200 Years of Cashmere in the Making - 13/04/12
13th April 2012 - Borders Textile Towerhouse in conjunction with Johnstons of Elgin are delighted to announce the opening of ‘Johnstons of Elgin – Over 200 Years Of Cashmere In The Making’. The exhibition runs from 5th April until 23rd September in the Borders Textile Towerhouse and showcases some of the very best garments and fabrics from Johnstons of Elgin, makers of the finest cashmere, knitwear, accessories and cloth at their mills in Hawick and Elgin.
When you see an authentic Johnstons of Elgin product, you can be sure it has been made in Scotland to a standard of quality synonymous with a company that has been manufacturing since 1797 and this quality and heritage are celebrated in the exhibition.
The exhibition illustrates the diverse range of products designed and manufactured by Johnstons of Elgin. Accessories, both knitted and woven, are the heartbeat of the company with scarves, gloves, hats, throws and cloth comprising a substantial proportion of business. Womenswear and menswear garments make up the rest. Johnstons of Elgin is the only Scottish business to offer such a comprehensive range of knitted and woven product. Cloth weights produced vary from lightweight jacketings to heavier weight outerwear and coatings, and a recent addition to the portfolio is home interiors cloth for soft furnishings and upholstery.
Johnstons of Elgin celebrate 215 years in business in 2012, and this year will see continued growth and success for the brand. Johnstons of Elgin manufactures cashmere, tweed and other fine woollen products for many of the world’s leading international luxury brands.
Notes to Editors:
Johnstons of Elgin’s history is one of quality, resilience and outstanding provenance. It is one of the last remaining vertical mills in the UK and manufactures under the Made In Scotland label. Skilled craftsmen and women produce a luxury product that is exquisite, relevant, contemporary and enduring. Johnstons of Elgin employs more than 700 people at their mills in Elgin and Hawick and has a presence in over 50 countries. In 2011, the company won the UK Fashion and Textile Gold Award in recognition of export achievements and retention of domestic production, skills, standards and employment. Exporting continues to be a core business and in the last two years export sales have grown significantly. In 2012, Johnstons of Elgin will continue to invest heavily in design, innovation and maintaining quality, ensuring a profitable and sustainable future. In Hawick, Johnstons of Elgin are redeveloping their mill to create a state of the art 3,600 sq ft Visitor Centre, café and retail outlet to open in June 2012. Borders Textile Towerhouse Opened in 2009 Borders Textile Towerhouse tells the story of the Borders Knitwear and Tweed Industries. Changing exhibition showcase contemporary fashion and design. Garments, artifacts and photographs tell of over 200 years of tradition and innovation. It is an accredited museum and 4 star visitor attraction. Borders Textile Towerhouse is part of Heart of Hawick partnership, principally funded by Scottish Borders Council, the European Regional Development Fund and Heritage Lottery Fund.Borders Textile Towerhouse, 1 Tower Knowe, Hawick TD9 9BZ, Tel: 01450 377615. Admission is free.
Opening Times: Monday - Saturday 10am - 4:30pm, Sunday 12noon - 3pm www.heartofhawick.co.uk
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For further information, please contact:
Jenny Stewart, PR & Marketing Co-ordinator Tel. +44 (0) 1343 554061 j.stewart@johnstonscashmere.com
Or:
Shona Sinclair, Curator, Scottish Textile Towerhouse Tel. +44 (0) 1450 373 457 ssinclair@scotborders.gov.uk
Johnstons of Elgin Award Winners Announced - 12/04/12
12th April 2012 - The Scottish Academy of Fashion is pleased to announce the winners of the Johnstons of Elgin Prize. Edinburgh College of Art student Andrew Alastair McLaren wins the tailoring award, and Sonia Jane Hunter from Heriot-Watt University the knitwear category. The students will receive £1,000 each plus a week’s internship with the highly prestigious cashmere company in their Hawick and Elgin factories. The students will be given fabric and yarns from Johnstons of Elgin’s Autumn/Winter 2012 colours to make up their garments, which will be displayed at the Scottish Borders Design and Technology Showcase on 28th June 2012, where the prizes will be awarded.
The Johnstons of Elgin Award is being awarded for the first time in 2012. It seeks to reward excellence in two categories: tailoring and knitwear, and to support and encourage the talent emergent in Scottish Universities. James Dracup, Group Managing Director, commented:
"Johnstons of Elgin is committed to nurturing and working with emerging design talent. We are delighted to launch The Johnstons of Elgin Prize in collaboration with The Scottish Academy of Fashion, aiding the development of Scotland as a global centre of excellence in fashion-related learning. We have enjoyed working with the participating Universities and welcoming the winning students to their internship."
The Scottish Academy of Fashion offers an opportunity for companies to easily reach a wide range of students across different Universities in subjects relating to Fashion and Textiles. Kirsty Scott, Project Director of the Scottish Academy of Fashion, says:
“Johnstons of Elgin approached us with this fantastic opportunity for Scottish fashion or textiles students to work with one of Scotland’s largest textiles companies. We had over 50 entries from Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh College of Art and Gray’s School of Art at Robert Gordon University, and the standard has been extremely high.”
Susan Priestly-Cooper, Design Director at Johnstons of Elgin, said that Andrew Alastair McLaren’s winning design in the tailoring category showed “excellent execution of imagery and brand identity. He demonstrated good choice of colour and inspired concept of taking the traditional tweed and adding to it through the addition of burnt out design adornment and digital print.” Gillian Paton, Design Manager, commented on the knitwear category that ‘there was a good diversity through the entrants’ submissions of how they interpreted the ‘Heritage of Johnstons’ . I am very much looking forward to seeing the winning garment made in our own yarn."
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For further information, please contact:
Jenny Stewart, PR & Marketing Co-ordinator Tel. +44 (0) 1343 554061 j.stewart@johnstonscashmere.com
Johnstons of Elgin in £1 million Expansion - 07/02/12
Johnstons of Elgin, Scotland’s leading luxury textile manufacturer, are expanding their Hawick operation
7th February 2012 - Johnstons of Elgin, Scotland’s leading luxury textile manufacturer, are expanding their Hawick operation by creating a new state of the art visitor centre, café and retail outlet at their Eastfield Mills site in Hawick. Speaking today, director James Sugden said: “This investment in Hawick will initially create 15 new jobs but, equally importantly, it will safeguard the 250 jobs that are already here.”
Building work has already started on phase one of the renovation of the building, which has involved a new mansard roof on part of the existing building, with substantial restructuring of the ground floor to create 3,600 sq ft of retail/visitor centre space. The interpretative centre will feature a 20 minute video of the processes of cashmere manufacture, focussing on the fact that Johnstons of Elgin is the only Scottish, indeed UK, mill to carry out all processes from fibre to finished garment. “Johnstons of Elgin”, said James Sugden, “is a unique company with over 200 years of experience. We opened a retail/visitor centre in Elgin some 25 years ago, much on the lines of a “mill shop”. But we have moved on from there and now have a luxury retail business of £5 million attracting over 200,000 visitors to the Elgin site each year. We aim to replicate this in Hawick, and we feel that the town itself, with it's rich trading history, has largely been undersold. I hope that this privately funded investment will help to put Hawick back on the map as a destination to visit.”
Originally the mills on Mansfield Road opened in 1798 and Eastfield Mill was one of several water powered factories on the glebe lands of Wilton Church. It was later redeveloped for Blenkhorn Richardson in 1882 – who were one of the largest tweed manufacturers in the Borders. The mill is in a two storey main block in French Renaissance style, with single storey wings. The ground floor, which will house the new centre, has round headed windows which had all been restored, said Mr Sugden, who recalls visiting Blenkhorn Richardson 40 years ago when it was still a weaving mill.
Johnstons of Elgin set up business in Hawick 28 years ago with 8 employees and now employs 250 on the site. "I see a bright future for manufacturing of luxury textiles in Scotland and I hope this investment, along with further ongoing investment in new advanced knitting machines later this year, will mark a new period of progress for us and indeed for the industry of Hawick. Government is beginning to take seriously the contribution we make.”
The main contractor for the building work is Mr Joe Fraser of Fraser and Renwick of Hawick and, Mr Sugden added, most of the electrical, plumbing and roof work has all been placed with local firms. “These are difficult times”, said Mr Sugden, “but we are determined to invest even at a moment which might, to some fainter hearts, seem to be the bottom of the market. I am confident that this new centre, which will open in May this year, will be a success and a long term asset for both the company and the town of Hawick.” The retail shop will stock Johnstons of Elgin knitwear, tweed products, including cashmere and tweed jackets for men and ladies, and Johnstons of Elgin accessories as well as the new Johnstons of Elgin Home collection, featuring fabric for upholstery and curtains. Mill tours will be available to demonstrate the skills that are encapsulated in the manufacture of luxury cashmere products. The new café will also focus on locally sourced foods and an emphasis on home baking.
Mr Sugden concluded by saying that: “We are fortunate to work with some of the best retail organisations in the world, particularly those associated with the luxury textile industry, and we have learnt a great deal. We now want to showcase some of these products in Hawick, where the tradition of “Made in Scotland” is at its best. The signs on the roads leading into Hawick state “Home of Cashmere” and we want to re-emphasise this fact.”
Last year Johnstons of Elgin recorded a turnover of £50 million and, through good and bad times, Mr Sugden emphasised, the mill has remained consistently profitable and always been prepared to reinvest for the future. The total employees between Hawick and Elgin number 750 staff.
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James Sugden Tel. +44 (0) 1450 360500 j.sugden@johnstonscashmere.com
SCOTTISH STYLE AWARDS - 04/11/11
JOHNSTONS OF ELGIN'S AUTUMN/WINTER ACCESSORIES ON THE CATWALK AT SCOTTISH STYLE AWARDS
4th November 2011 - Scotland’s most glamorous night of the year well and truly lived up to its reputation (Saturday 29th October) at Glasgow’s magnificent Kelvingrove Art Gallery as the seventh SCOTTISH STYLE AWARDS in association with MOET & CHANDON took place.
Johnstons of Elgin accessories added a very stylish finishing touch to fashion show looks at Saturday's Scottish Style Awards, held in Kelvingrove Art Gallery, as models sashayed down the catwalk sporting stunning A/W 11 scarf, stole and wristwarmer designs. Johnstons of Elgin Brand Manager Linny Oliphant looked proudly on and joined event founder Mary McGowne and host Nick Grimshaw at the top table. The star studded Moet and Chandon sponsored event celebrated Scottish style and presented awards across 14 categories ranging from Most Stylish Bar to Most Stylish Female, the latter being scooped by former Johnstons of Elgin campaign model Amanda Hendrick. Guests included the Right Honourable Brian Wilson, Amy MacDonald and Interior Design duo Colin and Justin. The highlight of the evening was musician and songwriter Emeli Sande's performance of Heaven. Sande also walked away with The Most Stylish New Breakthrough Star award. Ballerinas from the Scottish Ballet were on stage and gracefully presented the gongs.
“Johnstons of Elgin is renowned worldwide for its cashmere. Having been recognised for its Outstanding Contribution to Style at a previous Scottish Style Awards, this iconic heritage brand, synonymous with luxury and craftsmanship, was number one on our wish list of prestigious runway show partners for this year”, Mary McGowne, Founder, Scottish Style Awards.
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For further information, please contact:
Jenny Stewart, PR & Marketing Co-ordinator Tel. +44 (0) 1343 554061 j.stewart@johnstonscashmere.com
or:
Kirsty Cunningham, Marketing Assistant Tel. +44 (0) 1343 554061 k.cunningham@johnstonscashmere.com
UKFT Gold Award - 11/10/11
Johnstons of Elgin has been awarded the prestigious UKFT Gold Award today
11th October 2011 - The Gold Award is given to UK companies who boast a long standing record of export success. The UKFT Export Awards recognise those companies who excel at creating UK made and designed products. By acknowledging the export achievements of those companies that have managed to retain domestic production, skills, standards and employment. The Gold Award is the main Award, sponsored by HSBC, and is given to a company that can demonstrate that exports have been - and will continue to be - of major importance to their profitability. Entrants need to be consistent, well-established, exporters who can show how they have succeeded in international markets.
James Dracup, Group Managing Director of Johnstons of Elgin, says,
"I am absolutely delighted to have received the UKFT Gold Award on behalf of all employees in our team at Johnstons of Elgin. We are very proud of the fact that we make sought after luxury products in the UK for some of the most dynamic brands in our sector internationally, create employment within our local communities and demonstrate that textile manufacturing in the UK has a bright future."
Known for their extraordinary cashmere and beautiful tweed products, Johnstons has been manufacturing in Elgin since 1797. Their history is one of quality, resilience and above all outstanding provenance. It is the only mill in Scotland to take cashmere from fibre to fabric, and is the relied upon manufacturer for international fashion brands and Savile Row tailors alike. The company employs over 450 people in Elgin and 250 people in Hawick. The recent and continued financial turmoil in the world has demonstrated the need and importance for a balanced economy, and manufacturing industries in both Scotland and Great Britain play a key part in the British and global economies. Exporting has always been a core business for Johnstons of Elgin, and in the last two years the company has grown export sales significantly due to increased global demand. In particular, those dynamic developing economies, including China, where there is an appreciation of British taste and style from luxury consumers.
Johnstons of Elgin invests heavily in design, innovation and maintaining quality and is committed to manufacturing under the Made in Scotland label.
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For further information, please contact:
Jenny Stewart, PR & Marketing Co-ordinator Tel. +44 (0) 1343 554061 j.stewart@johnstonscashmere.com
or:
Kirsty Cunningham, Marketing Assistant Tel. +44 (0) 1343 554061 k.cunningham@johnstonscashmere.com
Kaleidoscope - S/S 2012
Johnstons of Elgin launches bright and beautiful Spring/Summer 2012 Collection
10th October 2011 - Colour is Spring/Summer’s biggest style story where lightness and optimism underpin the season’s three key colour groups in our new cashmere knitwear collection:
A palette of attention-seeking rainbow brights introduces a dazzling zing and adds graphic punch to the Spring/Summer wardrobe, perfectly capturing fashion’s jaunty mood. These eye-popping colours can be worn in head-to-toe hues where elegant cuts meet explosive colours in a burst of brilliant glamour, or in boldly clashing combinations with our new multi-coloured stripe and contrasting trim jumper and cardigan styles.
A study of smoke-inspired second skin colours presents an elegant alternative to this season’s dazzling brights where femininity is celebrated in its nuanced and subtle tints of blended taupe, greige and pinked hues. These relaxed knitwear styles are perfect for travel, worn relaxed with combat shorts or trousers.
Delicate spun sugar shades come in a fragile package enhancing our feather-light gauzy knits where feminine silhouettes, delicate ruching and fully fashion detailing are key. Elegantly draped sweaters, ballet wraps and flattering décolleté necklines complete a story of easy chic Spring/Summer dressing.
A collection of cashmere, linen, silk and merino blend and extra fine merino stoles and scarves completes the Spring/Summer collection. Joyful, bright colours are used in a confident manner. Putty-coloured neutrals and white form a base for faded, earthy colours and a spray-dying technique creates an uneven effect of monotone colour, rather like looking at the sky through coloured glasses.
With a history of quality and outstanding provenance Johnstons of Elgin is the last remaining vertical mill in the United Kingdom able to transform cashmere from raw fibre to finished garment. Alongside its own brand collections Johnstons of Elgin is proud to be the trusted ‘name behind the names’ manufacturing for international couture houses and fashion independents.
Visitors to Johnstons of Elgin can undertake a free mill tour highlighting the history of the company and the manufacturing processes. The Elgin site also boasts the johnstons flagship fashion retail space and a renowned cafe serving local produce.
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For further information, please contact:
Jenny Stewart, PR & Marketing Co-ordinator Tel. +44 (0) 1343 554061 j.stewart@johnstonscashmere.com
Johnstons Junior Country Fair Collection - 16/08/11
Johnstons of Elgin launches chiildrenswear collection inspired by the landscape and heritage of the scottish highlands
16th August 2011 - Johnstons of Elgin is renowned worldwide as the manufacturer of fine cloth and cashmere, its seasonal womenswear and menswear collections achieve worldwide acclaim, this is after all the last remaining mill in the United Kingdom able to transform cashmere from raw fibre to finished garment. Alongside its own brand collections Johnstons has become known as the ‘name behind the names’ and supplies leading international couture houses and fashion independents. With a history that spans two centuries Johnstons more than lives up to its reputation of unrivalled quality and resilience. Now, for Autumn/Winter 2011 Johnstons has gone into mini mode and launched ‘Johnstons Junior’ Country Fair collection - the most divine range of exclusive tweed tailoring in 100% wool and hand-knitted 100% cashmere knitwear and accessory designs for children aged 2 - 8 years old.
Consisting of ten girlswear and ten boyswear designs ‘Johnstons Junior’ offers a capsule mix-and-match wardrobe. Beautifully made, extremely comfortable and effortlessly flattering styles ensure little masters and misses look sharp in garments set to become the hot picks of the season.
Inspiration for ‘Johnstons Junior’ Country Fair collection is drawn from the landscape and heritage of the Scottish countryside where peaty shades combine with rich, nostalgic hues. Tweed tailoring comes in a neutral hay green base complemented by heather, clover and harebell check for girls while a more masculine oatmeal shade is lifted by a loch blue, russet and slate overcheck for boys. Design inspiration is taken from traditional childrenswear shapes and vintage tweed designs.
A reversible tweed coat with shocking pink cotton reverse is a warm and elegant Winter choice for girls and can be dressed up with a matching tweed bucket-style hat. A traditional shape fully-lined tweed pinafore with button back and inverted pleat detail teamed with a pink floral print cotton blouse is perfect for play or kept for Sunday best. A fully-lined tweed pleated skirt with elasticated waist is comfortable and casual worn with a white textured cotton blouse and short-sleeved pointelle detail cardigan in Summer Rose. Every little boy’s number one choice is a rather dapper reversible tweed gilet with cotton and moleskin reverse teamed with a matching tweed cap. Durable cotton cords come in Petrol Blue and Khaki teamed with tailored checked and tartan shirts offered in cotton twill and cotton poplin, chunky-knit shawl-collared jumpers in Midnight and Linen complete the look. Accessories including multi-stripe hats with tassle and matching tassled scarves, chunky-knit boot socks are perfect pick ‘n’ mix choices and season essentials.
Johnstons Junior is available in the Johnstons shop in Elgin, by mail order and online. Prices range from £17.50 for accessories to £109 for knitwear.
George McNeil, retail Managing Director of Johnstons of Elgin says: “Our new Johnstons Junior ”Country Fair” tweed range further complements our ladies and men’s tweed ranges. The Junior range takes inspiration from our highland surroundings and textile heritage, using our own design tweeds and timeless knitting skills to produce a contemporary range of clothing for children.”
Visitors to Johnstons of Elgin can undertake a free mill tour highlighting the history of the company and the manufacturing processes. The Elgin site also boasts the johnstons flagship fashion retail space and a renowned cafe serving local produce.
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For further information, please contact:
Jenny Stewart, PR & Marketing Co-ordinator Tel. +44 (0) 1343 554061 j.stewart@johnstonscashmere.com
Johnstons of Elgin Leads Autumn/Winter Tweed Trend - 05/08/11
Johnstons of Elgin Leads Autumn/Winter Tweed Trend
5th August 2011 - Renowned worldwide as the producer of the world’s finest cloth and cashmere since 1797 Johnstons of Elgin first tempted us with its elegant ‘A Twist On Tweed’ collection in the Spring/Summer months. As the Autumn chill arrives the heritage company has raised the bar yet again with an expanded womenswear tweed collection for Autumn/Winter 2011. With a history of quality and outstanding provenance Johnstons of Elgin is the last remaining vertical mill in the United Kingdom, alongside its own brand collections Johnstons is proud to be the trusted ‘name behind the names’ manufacturing for international couture houses and fashion independents. Combining luxury with functionality ‘A Twist On Tweed’ consists of 25 designs and is a mix of tweed tailoring in 100% pure new wool, cashmere knitwear and accessories, plain and brightly- checked cotton shirts and zipped ankle breech-style trousers, must-have leather riding boots and a leather and suede detailed tweed satchel.
“Autumn/Winter 2011 takes a strong direction for us,” says the Johnstons design team. “These are classic equestrian styles with a worn in vintage feel.”
With inspiration taken from rich, rugged Scottish moorlands signature pieces such as the popular curved hem riding jacket, patch pocket blazer, asymmetric jacket and precision cut aviator jacket are still available but offered in heavier, earthy mix shades of Bilberry, Cloudberry, Woodsage and Starmoss. New styles include a double-breasted coat with corozo buttons and alcantara trimmed pockets and belt and a stand collar coat with curved hem and grosgrain belt. A timeless knee-length tweed dress with grosgrain trimmed pockets is set to become an Autumn/Winter wardrobe essential. Cashmere argyle scoop neck sweaters and deep V slipovers are a feminine option worn with the tweed pencil skirt and mini skirt whereas the new waterfall cardigan with tweed belt detail is a relaxed and contemporary daywear choice worn with the peat wide-leg trousers. Handknitted cable detail wristwarmers, bootsocks and a circular cable scarf are snug and accessorize the look, alternatively make a bigger statement in the dark chocolate sheepskin hat and scarf. Leather riding-style boots in dark tan and chocolate brown complete the look.
The collection is available in the Johnstons shop in Elgin, by mail order and online at www.johnstonscashmere.com (A limited range will be available in St Andrews and Corbridge)
Clothing is available in sizes 8 - 18, prices range from £79.00 - £395.00. Accessory Prices range from £35.00 - £150.00. Footwear is available in sizes 36-41, prices range from £195-£250
Visitors to Johnstons historic mill in Elgin in the Scottish Highlands can partake in a free mill tour which highlights the history of the company as well as the manufacturing processes. The site at Elgin also boasts the Johnstons flagship fashion retail space and a renowned café serving local produce.
For further information, please contact:
Jenny Stewart, PR & Marketing Co-ordinator
Tel. +44 (0) 1343 554061 Email: j.stewart@johnstonscashmere.com
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Home Interiors collection - 05/07/11
Johnstons of Elgin launches premier Home fabrics Collection
5th July 2011 - Johnstons of Elgin has launched its first ever home fabrics collection. Inspiration for the collection comes from the landscape and heritage of the Scottish countryside.
Johnstons of Elgin’s reputation as a manufacturer of fine cloth has long been known, but this is the first time it has used its significant expertise to create luxurious fabrics for the home. Known for its extraordinary cashmere and beautiful tweed products, Johnstons has been manufacturing in Elgin since 1797. Its history is one of quality, resilience and above all outstanding provenance. It is the only mill in Scotland to take cashmere from fibre to fabric, and is the relied upon manufacturer for international fashion brands and Savile Row tailors alike.
The home collection itself consists of three themes, Scottish Heritage, Young Country and Pastoral Elegance.
The Scottish Heritage story is inspired by the earthy mixtures and rich nostalgic hues reminiscent of the landscape Highlands of Scotland. These fabrics come in four colourways of Lovat, Heather, Russet and Clover in rich mixture shades which echo the colours of the countryside. Creating a cosy and relaxed feel, design inspiration for these was taken from District Checks, Plaids and vintage Tweed and are woven in 100% lambswool.
The Young Country collection creates a more contemporary and informal feel. Light and airy, these shades were inspired by the simple colours of Scandinavian interiors. Cool and elegant slate is complemented by cranberry and blue and green marines to bring warmth to these more modern designs. These are an eclectic collection of contemporary and classic designs in checks, stripes and herringbone weaves. Silk, linen and cashmere are blended with beautifully warm lambswool.
Pastoral Elegance offering is paler, more feminine and more neutral. These are traditional fabrics inspired by the classic and elegant interior colour palette of historic homes. Driftwood, Duck Egg and Sage are combined with delicate neutrals to create this most sophisticated and elegant collection.
The fabrics are available in the Johnstons shop in Elgin, mail order and online and range in price from £52 per metre to £58 per metre.
James Dracup, Group Managing Director of Johnstons of Elgin, says “ We have long wanted to create our own home fabric collection. It’s a natural progression for us, as previously some of our heritage estate tweeds were used for upholstery. This new collection reflects both the Johnstons of Elgin heritage and our future.”
The fabric collection is complemented by a new selection of gift and homewares products, created exclusively for Johnstons of Elgin, and available at the Elgin store, online and via the mail order catalogue.
The move follows on from the recent expansion of the retail homewares centre at the historic mill in Elgin. Visitors to the site can undertake a free mill tour which highlights the history of the company as well as the process of production. The site at Elgin also boasts the Johnstons flagship fashion retail space and a renowned cafe serving local produce.
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For further information, please contact:
Jenny Stewart, PR & Marketing Co-ordinator Tel. +44 (0) 1343 554061 j.stewart@johnstonscashmere.com
Christopher Gaffney - New Financial Director - 23/06/11
Johnstons of Elgin announce the appointment of Christopher Gaffney
23rd June 2011 - After 19 years of service with the Company as Group Financial Director, Graeme Archibald will be retiring from the Company at the end of July 2011. The Board of Directors are delighted to announce the appointment of Christopher Gaffney as Group Financial Director.
Chris joins the Company from Belhaven, a division of Greene King plc, having previously worked in finance roles in the food industry including Baxters of Speyside and Grampian Country Foods.
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A Twist on Tweed - 28/03/11
Johnstons of Elgin Launches Womenswear Tweed Collection For Spring/Summer 11
28th March 2011 - With its smart appearance and functional wearability, tweed will always be a wardrobe staple. Here at Johnstons of Elgin, however we don't like to rest on our laurels. So, this Spring/Summer we are introducing a new tweed line, A Twist on Tweed.
Made with the same painstaking attention to detail as our traditional range - and with the same high quality, craftsman woven, Scottish cloth - the new styles offer a slightly more feminine, relaxed take on this most timeless of fabrics.
Designed to be worn inside out, by all ages, in all situations, items in the A Twist On Tweed collection boast a practical, tailored shape. With their approachable feel we're sure the new pieces are going to be popular so get that order in quickly if you want to snap up one of the signature items such as our contemporary tweed aviator jacket, knee-high polo boots and riding boots in butter soft leather.
Colour-wise, the new range takes it's inspiration from walks through the glorious Scottish landscape, from the fresh woodland foliage and wild flowers that herald the arrival of Spring.
Garments in the collection are available in sizes 10-18, prices range from £35-£349. Footwear in the collection is available in sizes 36,38,39,40,41 (£195-£250).
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MR JAMES EDWARD SUGDEN, OBE - 24/01/11
Director of Johnstons of Elgin, has been awarded the OBE by Her Majesty the Queen
24th January 2011 - James Sugden, Director of Johnstons of Elgin, has been awarded the OBE by Her Majesty the Queen in Her Majesty’s New Year’s Honours List. This award recognises Mr Sugden’s outstanding contribution to the textile industry of Great Britain over the last 40 years.
Mr Sugden, 64, dedicated his success to the people around him. He said: “This industry is not really about awards, it is about patience and hard work. I have had huge support from so many people, they have always gone the extra mile for me and it means a great deal. The manufacturing industry has always been the Cinderella of the economy, but there are signs that the government is taking seriously the contribution that it makes.”
Mr Sugden was educated at Sedbergh School, Yorkshire, and read Economics at Downing College, Cambridge, and has spent over 40 years in the manufacture of high quality textiles in the United Kingdom. Initially employed at W.J. Whitehead in Bradford, he was appointed Managing Director of M.P. Stonehouse in Wakefield which position he held until their takeover by Readicut plc in 1987. Mr Sugden joined Johnstons of Elgin in 1987 initially as Sales Director, but quickly became appointed Managing Director. In the last 24 years, Mr Sugden has developed an international reputation for Johnstons of Elgin in the manufacture of fine cashmere and woollens worldwide. Under his leadership of the company has grown to the company it is today, with two sites (Elgin and Hawick) and a retail presence in Elgin, St Andrews and Corbridge. The company now employs over 800 people and is the largest independent woollen manufacturer in Scotland and indeed the UK.
Mr Sugden was Chairman of the Scottish Textiles Industry Association and of the National Textiles Forum. He is a director of the Cashmere and Camel Hair Manufacturing Institute of Boston, which represents the interests of luxury textile manufacturers throughout the world. In 2003 he was awarded the Silver Medal for Textile Achievement by the Worshipful Guild of Weavers, and in July 2009 was awarded an Honorary Doctorate at the Robert Gordon University of Aberdeen for services to the textile industry. James is married to Linda, has three children, and his main hobbies, outside of textile manufacturing and cashmere, are antiques and gardening.
Mr James Dracup, Group Managing Director of Johnstons of Elgin, commented: “At Johnstons of Elgin we are absolutely delighted for James and his family that he has been awarded the OBE in recognition of his outstanding contribution to both the Scottish and British textile manufacturing industry. He has contributed over 24 years, and continues to contribute, massively to our company and I know I speak for shareholders and employees alike when I say how grateful we all are for his vision, commitment, work ethic and very special talents. This award is fully deserved.”
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JOHNSTONS Receive historical archive collection - 11/10/10
Johnstons of Elgin Receive Historical Archive Collection of Scottish Woollen Manufacturing History
Johnston of Elgin received on Monday 11th October 2010 an important collection of woollen mill stories – "Famous Mills and Men Remembered".
The collection was officially handed over to the mills and received into the important archives at Newmill by Mr James Sugden, Director of the company and formerly Group Managing Director for 24 years. Pictured with the collection are Mr James Sugden and John Gillespie, keeper of the Johnstons Estate Tweed archives.
Commenting on the collection, Mr Sugden said: "The story of Johnstons, and indeed the entire industry, is one of honest endeavour combines with real Scottish design flair which is unique in the world. Sadly in the global world, many smaller firms have now disappeared and the industry is a fraction of the size it was. Happily for the 20,000 people still working in the industry in Scotland, the remaining companies, including Johnstons, are thriving. It is a testament to the most important ingredient of any industry success – which is the skill and determination of management and staff. Those of us who have worked in textile mills know that the spirit of openness and generosity are virtues that come from inside these businesses and make them tick. These archives pay tribute to the many people who have contributes to the success of the industry over the past 100 years or more, and they will be placed alongside our fabric and Estate Tweed archives for posterity. I am very grateful to my good fried Mark Keighley who has so kindly donated his life’s work to this cause and is still a doughty fighter for "Made in Scotland". It is particularly significant for us in Elgin because of the contribution made to Johnston by the late Edward (E.P.) Harrison who was Chairman of Johnstons from 1921 to 1966, and laid down such wonderful foundations for future generations. We will indeed remember 'Famous Men'".
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Chinese Delegation Visit Johnstons of Elgin - 02/10/10
Chinese Delegation Visit to Johnstons of Elgin, Hawick
On Saturday 2nd October a group of 20 elite Chinese journalists visited Johnstons of Elgin Hawick knitwear plant where they were received by director, James Sugden. The Chinese delegation was led by Mr Cao Jingxing, the Editor in Chief of China National Radio, and he was accompanied by a Chinese film crew from China National Television and also a number of very influential fashion editors. The group was given a tour of Eastfield Mills and a talk on the history and current state of the textile industry in the Borders, focusing on the exclusivity and quality of designs made in Hawick and surrounds.
Commenting on the visit, Mr James Sugden, director, said: "This was a very high level visit by representatives of a fashion textile market of 1.5 billion consumers, of which 1.0 million are dollar millionaires. I explained to the group that our industry increasingly had recognized that the future of manufacturing in Scotland and indeed the UK is focused on high value added products, and that companies like Johnstons had for over 200 years accumulated a wealth of knowledge in single mindedly concentration on production of difficult to make luxury products. And increasingly China will be a market for us in the future. We are already in dialogue with a number of parties to gain entry to this potentially significant market."
The group was sponsored as part of the “Wool Week” which has been initiated by the Australian Wool Board (Wool Innovation) who have organised an event in London on 11th October when the whole of Savile Row in London, the home of tailoring, will be covered in turf and a herd of fine merino sheep will be led down the street to meet the world’s press and showpiece the best of UK wool textile manufacturing.
"Johnstons are also running a major promotion in their Elgin shop featuring British Wool, this, too, being a major domestic source of fibre, and part of which promotion HRH Prince Charles has helped to activate by agreeing to head up the week’s events."
Commenting on the events, James Sugden said: "Meeting the head of China Radio and editors of very advanced and reputable fashion magazines such as Robb Report, Lifestyle, Official Hommes and “The Bund” was a very worthwhile day – there is no doubt that these people are very serious about buying into UK/Scottish brands and increasingly developing the taste for luxury imported goods. I place China at the same stage of development as Japan in the 1950s, and it is a great source of potential business for Scotland."
Johnstons employ 850 people across two plants in Elgin and Hawick, and have a turnover in excess of £40 million.
Whilst in the Borders, the group visited luxury cloth producers, Holland & Sherry, before embarking on a tour of the Borders Abbeys and ultimately Edinburgh, accompanied by Ms Lindsay Taylor of Holland & Sherry.
Summing up the weekend event, Mr Sugden said: "The whole purpose of this visit was to give the trade press in China a glimpse of what “Made in Scotland” is about. Scottish woollen products that we make are very special and the group was stunned by the mill facilities and the countryside that Scotland has on offer. This bodes well for those companies still weaving and knitting in Scotland, and also for associated industries like the Scotch whisky industry, the delights of which we were also able to introduce to the group during our long deliberations."
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