Blow to Borders as jobs axed following closure of historic textile mill
A HISTORIC Borders textile mill business dating back to the 1600s is to close with the loss of up to 87 jobs.
Moorbrook Textiles, the owner of leading Scottish textile brands Replin Fabrics and Robert Noble, has announced that the group’s mill in Peebles is to shut.
The company revealed in May that it was seeking a buyer for the mill and had begun a 30-day consultation period with its 87 employees.
Although there was some initial interest from potential buyers, no credible offers for the facility have been received and the management team said it had been left with no option but to announce the mill’s closure.
Ian Laird, managing director of Moorbrook Textiles, said: “We have had discussions with a number of groups interested in purchasing the business but regrettably these have not resulted in any credible offers.
“We are extremely disappointed that, despite significant investment in the mill over the last 10 years, we have been unable to secure a buyer.
“We fully appreciate the impact closure will have on our employees and the local community and our focus in the coming days will be on supporting them at this difficult time.
“In addition, we will continue to work closely with our customers, suppliers and government agencies to do all we can to minimise the impact of closure.
“As part of these discussions we will begin planning for decommissioning of the site itself, as well as consulting with staff on the completion of existing customer orders.”
A date for final closure of the site is expected to be confirmed shortly.
Manufacturing at Moorbrook’s mill in Ayrshire is completely unaffected. Some Peebles staff may be offered the opportunity to relocate to positions in the Ayr business.
The origins of Robert Noble date back to 1666, established under the David Ballantyne name in Galashiels. Robert Noble supplies high-quality apparel fabrics and design services to leading fashion and clothing brands.
Replin Fabrics, which produces high-quality fabrics for the global transportation industry, was established in 1945.
Both brands were acquired and brought under Moorbrook Textiles’ ownership in the 1990s.
Mr Laird said: “Replin Fabrics and Robert Noble have strong global reputations and we are continuing to have discussions with a number of parties with a view to identifying suitable buyers for the brands and product portfolios, but regrettably these will have no impact on the future of the mill.”