Textiles

Building on the area’s heritage and skills

There is a long and rich tradition of making quality textiles in East Ayrshire – once one of the main textile centres of the British Empire.

This continues with a number of internationally-known textile companies in the area. Around half the people employed in the sector work in knitwear – while the rest are involved in a diverse range of activities. These include lace production, sportswear and curtain manufacture.

East Ayrshire is also home to companies designing textile-based solutions to support innovation in a number of other sectors, ranging from health and energy to transport and even space exploration.

Some key businesses

• Lochaven International Ltd produces luxury knitwear garments for fashion houses such as Prada and Burberry
• MYB Ltd is the only remaining manufacturer of madras lace in the UK
• Robert Mackie of Scotland Ltd and Balmoral Knitwear Ltd produce high quality jumpers, scarves and bonnets
• E & M Manufacturing Ltd, a Swiss company, manufactures yashmaghs for the designer market in the Middle East
• Lanfine Ltd produces homeware for John Lewis and Laura Ashley