Textiles firm to produce essential medical gear

A Forfar textiles firm employing hundreds of local workers has confirmed part of its business will close as it directs efforts towards producing face masks for NHS workers.

Don & Low, one of the town’s largest employers, closed the woven textile arm of its business on Wednesday but said remaining staff will produce protective materials for the NHS.

The firm, which can trace its roots in Angus back to the 18th Century, has been designated as an essential NHS supplier but faced concerns among some staff over a shortage of hand gel and other protective equipment.

HR manager Paul Leigh confirmed an order has been made for further supplies and he expects equipment to be made available to staff in the coming days.

He said: “The fact of the matter is that as of yesterday evening, the woven textile manufacturing facility has closed but we will be continuing to make non-wovens.

“Any fit and able individuals will be transferred across to non-wovens and when this is over they will be back working in technical textiles.

“The absolute priority for us is to keep the non-woven business operating as we have been designated an essential supplier to the health service.”

It is understood a number of Don & Low employees were sent home on full pay earlier this week after raising personal health concerns.

In 1999 the company was acquired by Thrace Plastics, part of the Greekbased Thrace Group, which has 20 firms worldwide.