Member Article

Thurnscoe workwear firm plot sizeable expansion

A Barnsley workwear manufacturer says it has increased profit by 30% to £75m in the last year and now has its sights on growth in the US and Canada.

Portwest now operates a 24hr operation at its Thurnscoe warehouse and exports to 80 countries, including part of Africa, South America and the Middle East.

The firm has taken on 14 new staff and now plans to double turnover in the next three years, taking on more staff and expanding the warehouse space.

Operations and marketing manager, Richard Jones, said: “We have already gone through a massive expansion in a short space of time and with the lessons we have learned from that further expansion should be easier.

“Enterprising Barnsley has helped us considerably so far. The company is growing fast, but we need the infrastructure and the people to grow too. The Enterprising Barnsley coaches have helped us focus, and supported us with management training and improving procedures.”

Portwest supplies workwear ranging from chefs’ aprons and welders’ gloves to high-visibility jackets and over-trousers. They develop and manufacture their own fabrics, as well as using well-known brands such as Goretex.

The clothing is manufactured in the Far East, with the products finished at Thurnscoe, which is also home to the main warehousing and office hub. Research is carried out in Ireland.

All the factories are covered by strict guidelines, covering issues like hours of work, child labour and health and safety.

Richard added: “We have strong ethical policies and apply European standards across all our manufacturing.

“We are also very conscious of environmental issues and adhere to rules around use of chemicals and have developed fabrics that can be washed at lower temperatures.”

Adrian Waite, from Enterprising Barnsley, said: “Portwest’s expansion so far has been very impressive and the future growth plans are built on a very solid base. When you grow a company rapidly you need the right foundations and that’s where expert advice really helps.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Enterprising Barnsley .