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Clothing manufacturer opens doors on Tyneside

The Mayor of South Tyneside was on hand to officially open a new factory outlet for a high quality clothing manufacturer this week.

Councillor Alex Donaldson officially launched the clothing business Larsen Ltd, which specialises in making and distributing high quality foul weather clothing for sailing, ocean racing, hunting and shooting.

The company, based at Hanlon Court in Jarrow, has employed 13 members of staff since it was set up in May 2008 by Australian businessman Dave Cooper.

Dave, 51, who lived in Sydney for 25 years before moving to the North East to set up Larsen, said: “I always knew South Tyneside was a specialised centre for making jackets and felt it was the right place to set up the company. The staff I have working for me are fantastic and very specialised in what they do. There are very few places around the world where you can manufacture such high quality clothing.”

Dave, who has extensive experience exporting products worldwide was successful in receiving a Major Business Grant from South Tyneside Means Business which allowed him to invest in the machinery needed to produce the high quality niche clothing.

Dave added: “I’m now looking to source local suppliers as well as involving myself in the South Tyneside Manufacturing Forum which will be very useful. The borough is a fantastic place to do business, I can’t believe how friendly everyone is and how much people bend over backwards to help you.”

Councillor Eddie McAtominey said on behalf of South Tyneside Means Business: “We warmly welcome Dave to the North East of England from Australia and are delighted that he has chosen South Tyneside to set up his business.

“It’s fantastic to have such a specialised organisation, like Larsen, in the borough which will create a great number of jobs for people in the future. Dave is a great example of someone who has sourced the right support and advice at the right time.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .