Boohoo has opened the doors to its first manufacturing facility in Leicester as it looks to reintroduce skills in garment manufacturing that have been lost in the UK over time.
Group chief executive John Lyttle said there is a “bright future” for garment manufacturing in Leicester after the launch.
The new 23,000 sq ft site includes office space and will be used to train Boohoo‘s own product teams’ in responsible purchasing and the technical aspects of garment production.
The factory represents a multi-million pound investment by the fast fashion group and will be used as a ‘centre of excellence’.
The retailer is also in talks with local education providers about hosting students and other groups who are keen to learn about garment manufacturing and the UK fashion industry.
Production at the 23,000 sq ft factory is already underway and has created about 180 new jobs.
The facility will operate across two shifts.
The new factory opening was attended by Mayor of Leicester, Sir Peter Soulsby, along with other local dignitaries and representatives from NGOs including Kevin McKeever, chair of the Garment & Textile Workers’ Trust and Tim Nelson, CEO of Hope for Justice.
