Rebecca with MD, Chris Jones
Rebecca Evans AM, Assembly Member for Mid and West Wales, has paid a visit to the Corgi – a family run Sock Company in Ammanford which produces Hosiery fit for a Prince.
Corgi Hosiery recently invested £225,000 extending its premises and acquiring a range of new machinery to meet the growing global demand for its products that will increase production capacity by 100%. The investment, supported by £86,000 from the Wales Economic Growth Fund, has already created five new apprenticeships and will enable Corgi, which is based in Ammanford, to further extend its product range.
The High-end luxury knitwear products produced by a 60+ strong Ammanford workforce are exported across the World, having recently expanded to meet demand from the US and Japan through contacts developed with Welsh Government support.
Visiting the factory, Mrs Evans said:
“Companies like Corgi are World-renowned, and they showcase the quality products that businesses in west Wales can deliver. It was fantastic to visit the factory in Ammanford to see first-hand the work they do.
“I am thrilled that a company with such strong local links is making waves on an international level and developing skills locally.
“I am particularly pleased that five new apprenticeships have already been created, giving young people a chance to acquire accredited skills and make a great start on their careers. I am also delighted that Corgi has taken advantage of the Welsh Government’s flagship Jobs Growth Wales scheme to help young unemployed people into work. I understand that some have gone on to gain permanent jobs with the firm, and another is furthering their education.”
Chris Jones, Managing Director of Corgi added:
“These are certainly exciting times at Corgi, and we look forward to continuing to develop our product range with socks and knitwear displaying the high levels of quality that our customers have come to expect.
“We are incredibly proud of our workforce, especially the fact that the vast majority of our staff come from within the local community. Employing apprentices, like the 5 we currently have working at the factory – means that we can offer local young people with a keen interest in working in fashion and textiles the opportunity to take those vital first steps towards pursuing a career in the industry.”
Corgi, a holder of a Royal Warrant since 1989, is an internationally renowned hosiery and knitwear designer brand with 70% of turnover exported.
