Scottish knitwear manufacturer Hawick Knitwear which announced an increase in turnover of 20% to £8 million in its latest accounts has increased its production to 9500 sweaters per week, from about 7500 per week last year.

The company, which dates back to 1874 and employs 230 people in the Scottish Borders knitwear capital Hawick, has increased production to meet demand after it was acquired by Managing Director Benny Hartop in a management buyout last November.

Production is said to have been boosted at the knitwear manufacturer by better than expected sales of its own Hawick Knitwear branded knitwear range which launched in January this year.

As well as the new range, the company says it has also seen growth of its well established business of supplying customers who sell the garments under their private labels.

In Europe, Hawick Knitwear sells into Sweden, Finland, Ireland, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Italy and Spain. Markets outside Europe include the USA, Canada, Mexico, and Japan.

Mr Hartop told the BBC yesterday that: "The increase in production is in direct response to a surge in orders from both home and abroad for our private label clients and now for our own brand too.

"There will always be challenges but thankfully our future is looking very good and this is a testament to the dedicated staff working at all levels of the business.

"I have no doubt this success will continue for us into the future."