A luxury knitwear manufacturing company has announced plans to move to the island, creating up to 50 new jobs.
The Albion Knitting Company manufactures for luxury brands such as Givenchy, Chloe, Paul Smith, Studio Nicholson and Belstaff, among others.
The company said it plans to relocate to the island this December to open its base at Barrule House near Ronaldsway.
Diretor Chris Murphy said: “Following our initial conversations with Business Isle of Man, it became clear that the Island is an attractive operation location due to its pro-business inward investment policies, stable economy and welcoming HR environment.
“We have been truly touched by the positive reaction of everyone we have met on the island and their help and enthusiasm to make our relocation a success. Moreover, the Isle of Man provides the quality of life that both I and our employee’s desire.
“We are already working with local partners to fit out the new factory and in the second half of the year we will be looking to recruit and train as many local staff as possible who have some experience in or aptitude for knitwear.
“Our London operation will be repurposed to establish a knitwear training school which we hope will feed talent into our companies both in Isle of Man and overseas.”
Unique Opportunity
Enterprise Minister Tim Johnston has welcomed the move from Albion, saying it is “a true first for the island and will bring with it a wealth of knowledge and experience, as well as a new career path for the creative sector”.
He added: “The Isle of Man’s Economic Strategy calls for diversification of the economy and the manufacturing sector has a long history of contributing to innovation making us unique among competing jurisdictions.”
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