Knitwear expansion

A SHETLAND knitwear manufacturer is creating up to three new full time jobs after investing in new machinery to keep pace with rising demand at home and overseas.

Laurence Odie Knitwear, based in Sandwick, has received a steady increase in orders from as far away as Japan and the USA.

With help from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (£76,650) and Shetland Islands Council (£10,950) the business is investing £219,000 in four new Stoll knitting machines, mill alterations and computer equipment.

Laurence Odie set up the business in 2004 in premises owned by his former employers, knitwear firm Laurence J Smith Ltd, and has 40 years experience in the trade.

HIE’s Rachel Hunteraid the investment would allow the company to significantly increase production levels.

“Shetland has a unique and globally recognised textile heritage and Shetland knitwear is currently very much in vogue in the international marketplace,” she said.

The knitwear industry is worth around £3m to the islands’ economy, and generates annual sales of £2.1 million in exports outside the UK.