KENNETH MacKenzie Ltd has announced today (Tuesday) that 35 people will be made redundant over the coming months.
The majority of these people have worked for the company for less than two years.
Mr Brian Haggas, owner of Kenneth MacKenzie Ltd commented: "The reason for the redundancies is because we are changing from a cottage industry making hundreds of des
igns to a production unit which is only producing four tweeds. Furthermore, if we are to survive and thrive we must be competitive."
He continued: "On a positive note, our new high quality, classic jackets for men have been well received in our markets, but the Harris Tweed brand has been badly neglected for many, many years.
"We have found through talking to our customers and potential customers around the world that although nearly every man over 40 has heard of it, they regard it as a heavy, hairy fabric which is old fashioned.
"We are endeavouring to change this perception, but we will not know how successful we have been until the coming Autumn/Winter season is well under way."
Kenneth MacKenzie Ltd is currently investing heavily in new machinery to improve the quality of the tweeds but also to reduce costs.
Mr Haggas adds: "Despite the difficult but necessary decision to make these redundancies, we are optimistic for the future of Harris Tweed."
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