Burberry centre to focus on skills training
LUXURY FASHION brand Burberry has opened a new Centre for Manufacturing Excellence in Castleford as part of its investment plans for Yorkshire.
The UK Fashion & Textile Association (UKFT) will provide training to deliver a sewing machinist development programme to expand the skill set of
Burberry’s highly trained sewing operatives.
Lise Edwards-Warrener, VP internal manufacturing at Burberry, said: “We have created some of our most iconic products in Castleford and Keighley in Yorkshire for over 100 years. We firmly believe in protecting artisanal skills, nurturing talent and investing in British fashion manufacturing through programmes including the Burberry Centre for Manufacturing Excellence.”
Burberry manufactures its world famous trench coats in Castleford and Keighley and is keen to invest in both sites.
Ms Edwards-Warrener said: “Partnering with UKFT has been key in bringing this initiative to life and we are proud of the impact the programme is already having, and will continue to have, on our local community.”
Celia Thornley, skills and training manager at UKFT, said: “We are delighted to partner with this iconic British luxury brand, which is committed to manufacturing here in the UK. Improving the training skills on the factory floor is key to ensuring that our industry remains competitive against global competition.”
Burberry has plans to make further investment in its manufacturing operations in Yorkshire.
The firm said there has been further expansion to Burberry Business Services in Leeds, which has been boosted by the decision to move work from New York to Yorkshire.