Boohoo unveils new factory in Leicester as centre of excellence
Boohoo has opened the doors to its first manufacturing facility in Leicester as it looks to reintroduce skills in garment manufacturing that have been lost in the UK over time.
Group chief executive John Lyttle said there is a “bright future” for garment manufacturing in Leicester after the launch.
The new 23,000 sq ft site includes office space and will be used to train Boohoo‘s own product teams’ in responsible purchasing and the technical aspects of garment production.
The factory represents a multi-million pound investment by the fast fashion group and will be used as a ‘centre of excellence’.
The retailer is also in talks with local education providers about hosting students and other groups who are keen to learn about garment manufacturing and the UK fashion industry.
Production at the 23,000 sq ft factory is already underway and has created about 180 new jobs.
The facility will operate across two shifts.
The new factory opening was attended by Mayor of Leicester, Sir Peter Soulsby, along with other local dignitaries and representatives from NGOs including Kevin McKeever, chair of the Garment & Textile Workers’ Trust and Tim Nelson, CEO of Hope for Justice.
Boohoo Group CEO John Lyttle 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.
“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.”
