Coronavirus in Moray: Johnstons of Elgin shuts factory
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Johnstons of Elgin, has announced the closure of its operations as from the end of today.
This closure is anticipated to last at least until April 5.
The move follows today’s advice from the Scottish Government to close all non-essential shops and businesses which cannot fully enforce safe social distancing.
As well as its site in Elgin, the luxury cashmere manufacturer has a mill in Hawick. It employs about 1000 staff in total.
Simon Cotton, its chief executive, said: "This is an anxious time for everyone. However, throughout this period we have continuously followed the advice from government and after today’s announcement by Nicola Sturgeon, we wanted to waste no time in acting to protect employee safety, our community and the NHS."
"We will be discussing with employees in the following days the arrangements during the closure and expect to have everyone back at work when the current situation is resolved.
"We will keep our staff and our community aware of our plans."
The news comes on the back of the company announcement last week that it would shut its five UK stores, which closed their doors on Friday.
Mr Cotton continued: "We want to thank all of our customers for being so loyal in supporting us in this difficult time.
"We very much look forward to seeing them again as soon as possible."
Established in 1797, Johnstons of Elgin is one of the last remaining vertical mills in the UK still carrying out all the processes from raw cashmere and fine woollen fibres right through to the finished product.
The firm’s online store johnstonsofelgin.com is still in operation to supply customers.
More Moray news here
