Johnstons of Elgin has completed a £1.6 million expansion at its Hawick mill in the Scottish Borders, marking a major investment in the town’s textile future. The new 950m² facility, which was officially opened yesterday, increases overall site size by 18% and boosts production capacity by 25%.

The development brings new jobs, advanced machinery, and opportunities for skills development. It allows the relocation of garment pressing and finishing, freeing space in the main mill for a dedicated accessories department. Up to 30 new Shima knitting machines will be added, and as many as 50 new roles will be created, ranging from skilled craftspeople to trainees.

Chris Gaffney, CEO of Johnstons of Elgin, said: “There is nowhere better in the world to knit cashmere than in Hawick and Johnstons are committed to investing in the town and its highly skilled workforce. This expansion will allow us to meet the growing demand for the highest quality Scottish knitwear and accessories, whilst also improving facilities for the team.”

The project also includes the purchase of two adjacent car parks, nearly doubling parking capacity on-site for employees and visitors. Delivered entirely through local partnerships, the expansion involved Aitken Turnbull Architects (Galashiels), James Swinton & Co (Hawick), and Marsh Riddell Gibson project management (Selkirk), alongside many other Borders tradespeople.

David Hamilton, Site Director, said: “This type of expansion is a major undertaking, and we want to sincerely thank everyone who helped make it possible. From our site staff and local council to our MP John Lamont, South of Scotland Enterprise, and the skilled tradespeople who built it, we’re proud to continue investing in Hawick.”

Jane Morrison-Ross, Chief Executive of South of Scotland Enterprise, added: “It will provide jobs, training and growth for the company, and is a significant investment for the town. The expansion also aligns with SOSE’s plans to create an Innovation and Advanced Manufacturing Hub in Hawick, putting the Scottish Borders at the forefront of innovation.”

The facility broke ground in May 2024 and now opens as Johnstons of Elgin looks ahead to its next chapter of growth and innovation.

www.johnstonsofelgin.com