// Boohoo’s new factor opening signals a ‘bright future’ for garment manufacturing in Leicester
//The site will employ 180 garment workers at full capacity, working across two shifts
Boohoo has opened the doors to its first manufacturing facility in Leicester as it looks to reintroduce skills in garment manufacturing that have been lost in the UK over time.
The new 23,000 sq ft site includes office space and will be used to train Boohoo‘s own product teams’ in responsible purchasing and the technical aspects of garment production.
The retailer is also in talks with local education providers about hosting students and other groups who are keen to learn about garment manufacturing and the UK fashion industry.
The factory represents a multi-million pound investment by the fast fashion group and will be used as a ‘centre of excellence’.
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Production at the factory is already underway and has created around 180 new jobs for locals and, in a change from the traditional way of operating a garment factory, this facility will operate across two shifts, creating double the job opportunities and greater flexibility for the team.
All workers at the site will enjoy the full range of benefits for Boohoo Group employees, including private medical care and training and development programmes. Further staff benefits include:
• Guaranteed 40 hour contracts
• 33 days paid holiday
• Free shares in the Boohoo group
• 40% employee discount on all brands
The new factory opening was attended by Mayor of Leicester, Sir Peter Soulsby, along with other local dignitaries and representatives from NGOs including Kevin McKeever, chair of the Garment & Textile Workers’ Trust and Tim Nelson, CEO of Hope for Justice.
Boohoo Group CEO John Lyttle said: “This is a landmark moment for us and is a very visible demonstration of our commitment to Leicester and UK garment manufacturing.
“By operating the site as a centre of excellence, we want to bring back skills that have been lost over time and help our suppliers to diversify their product offerings, meaning they can win business from other retailers who we are hoping will be tempted to start sourcing from the UK again.
“It has been a difficult few years but I am confident there is a bright future ahead and today marks the start of a new chapter for the garment industry here in Leicester.”
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