Member Article

Wakefield sportswear firm to acquire manufacturing facility after £90k RGF investment

Wakefield-based Xamax, the branded clothing and sportswear firm has announced plans to purchase a 20,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility, thanks to a £90k investment from the Government’s Regional Growth Fund.

After 18 months of successive expansion, which has seen the company more than double the number of rugby league kits it manufactures and recruited for 10 new positions.

A new production and showroom facility for the firm will lead to the creation of a further 6 jobs.

The new building, which is situated on the same industrial park as the organisation’s current manufacturing and trade counter, will double the square footage of the company’s work space, providing even more opportunity for future prosperity.

Managing director of Xamax, Graham Thompson, said: “Without the RGF funding this expansion simply would not have been possible.

“This is the perfect opportunity for us to reinforce our position as one of the UK’s leading suppliers of branded sportswear and clothing. We have some exciting plans for the future and this includes creating more jobs and building on the extensive portfolio of products we currently offer.”

Jan Dixon deputy director from the Regional Growth Fund adds: “We are pleased to have been able to support Xamax through our Regional Growth Fund and look forward to watching the company grow as a result.

“It’s great that we can share such positive and progressive business stories in the Yorkshire region.

“The Regional Growth Fund is supporting firms, small and large, across the country to expand. I would advise other businesses looking for support to seek advice from the Government and learn how such schemes can help them meet with their future plans.”

Dave Moore, relationship director for Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “Xamax’s steady growth is a testament to the hard work and skills of Graham, Janice and their staff, and the new premises will provide them with a solid platform for future growth.

“There is a range of lending available to businesses to support their expansion plans, including the Regional Growth Fund, through which we were able to offer the loan for this development.”

Xamax was established more than 25 years ago by husband and wife Graham and Janice Thompson. Initially supplying branded flat caps from the back bedroom of a friend’s house, the business has since expanded to become the employer of a team of 50 people, with a reported turnover of more than £3 million.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clare Burnett .