Mackintosh, the renowned Scottish outerwear brand, has announced the closure of its manufacturing facility in Nelson, Lancashire.
- The decision comes in the wake of Brexit, which has introduced challenging conditions for UK-based manufacturing businesses.
- Increased regulatory and logistical hurdles, coupled with rising costs, have significantly impacted operations.
- Production will be relocated to the company’s European suppliers, while the Coatbridge facility in Scotland remains operational.
- Mackintosh is committed to supporting its 60 affected employees through severance, career counselling, and job placement assistance.
Mackintosh, a well-established name in the outerwear industry, is set to shut down its manufacturing plant in Nelson, Lancashire. This decision is a direct consequence of the post-Brexit landscape, which the company describes as ‘untenable’ for continuing operations in the UK.
The closure is influenced by a new regulatory framework and logistical complications that have emerged following Brexit, leading to a considerable increase in operational costs. As a result, relocating production to European suppliers is deemed the most viable solution for maintaining the brand’s sustainability and growth.
Despite the closure of the Lancashire plant, Mackintosh will maintain its manufacturing activities at its Coatbridge facility in Scotland, ensuring continuity of its heritage rainwear production.
Mackintosh, founded by Charles Macintosh in 1824 and acquired by Yagi Tsusho in 2007, plans to execute the closure in phases. The company has assured that it will offer comprehensive support to the 60 employees impacted by the plant’s shutdown. This includes severance packages, career counselling, and assistance with job placement to ease the transition.
Yozo Yagi, CEO of Mackintosh, expressed deep regret over the decision but highlighted its necessity to ensure the company’s long-term viability. Yagi extended gratitude to the UK employees, local community, and partners for their longstanding support, acknowledging their dedication to the brand’s operations in the region.
Mackintosh’s decision to close its Lancashire plant underscores the significant challenges posed by the post-Brexit economic environment.
