Shawbost mill

Harris Tweed Hebrides, the Shawbost-based company which accounts for more than 90% of Orb-stamped fabric, has confirmed a £230,000 autumn boost for weavers.

The company repaid the full amount advanced last year from the revolving Harris Tweed Investment Fund, which was established by Western Isles Council to support out of season employment in the industry.

Harris Tweed Hebrides chairman, Brian Wilson, said: “Once again, the fund has proved its worth. It was of great assistance in keeping the mill busy on a year-round basis. Now we have repaid last year’s advances and will make the same commitment for the coming winter.

“All of the stock pieces produced with support from the fund have now been sold. It is a huge advantage that these can be produced during the quieter part of the year when, traditionally, weavers had little work and the mills paid off.”

He said that ideally, as new markets develop and out of season work increases, the need for the fund will diminish. “In the meantime, however, it is of real help to the industry and represents a substantial contribution on the part of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.”

Mr Wilson added: “Business is booming at Shawbost. So far in 2010, we are 50 per cent ahead of last year’s figures and the outlook is excellent.”

Council leader, Angus Campbell, said: “The Harris Tweed Investment Fund is a very important element in the direct support the Comhairle is providing to the industry. In particular, it helps provide year-round employment for mill workers and tweeds for weavers during the period when normally there would be no work available.

“The Comhairle’s commitment to the industry has contributed towards a new era for Hrris Tweed and has allowed a clear vision to be shaped for the future.”

HTH Chief Executive, Ian Angus Mackenzie, paid tribute to the mill workers at Shawbost, as well as the 120 home weavers, for a “fantastic team effort” in order to meet all the outstanding orders on schedule prior to the summer break.

He said: “Demand was exceptionally strong during the ordering season but we did not want to turn any customers away and this act of faith has been justified.”

He said that the HTH customers were well spread around the world with Germany and Japan still the most buoyant markets. There had been a “significant upturn” in the United States, where the company has concentrated its marketing efforts, as well as unexpectedly high demand from South Korea.

Shawbost mill reinvests in weavers fund 2/9/10