LUXURY fine wool and cashmere manufacturer Johnstons of Elgin is rolling out its biggest recruitment drive in recent years at its Elgin and Hawick mills.
Celebrating its 225th anniversary this year, the family owned business was founded on the banks of the river Lossie and is one of Scotland’s oldest luxury brands.
It is also one of the largest manufacturing employers in Scotland with a staff of just under 1,100 people.
Like many businesses, Covid impacted the company however the business has seen continued growth over the last year and the mill now employs 10% more staff than prior to the outbreak of the pandemic.
Julia McGlashan, People Director at Johnstons, comments, “Our team’s dedication, and love for their craft allows Johnstons to lead the world in producing cashmere and fine woollens. There is great pride here in learning skills that have been handed down through the generations. When you marry this up with our continuous investment in technology, it keeps roles fresh and exciting.
“For over 200 years we have been providing great jobs for our communities around Elgin and Hawick. Our commitment to our people is our pledge to continue to improve and build the business thereby providing careers for future generations to come. At Johnstons there is a real culture of continuous learning, supported by our onboarding and training programmes and apprenticeships for all ages.
“The way of life and beautiful coastline and countryside in and around Elgin and Hawick means that people don’t want to leave. Therefore, we get lots of applicants looking for careers with us because they can get the balance of fulfilling, skilled, long-term job prospects and a great lifestyle.
“Over 30% of our staff have worked at Johnstons for more than ten years, and that’s tribute to the wide-ranging roles and opportunities for progression that we offer.”
Jamie Dickson, Knitting Supervisor at Hawick said: ‘My Johnstons of Elgin career has helped me to grow in confidence as well as in technical ability.
“I joined Johnstons of Elgin as Knitting Operator, before moving up to Knitting Coordinator, and then I was promoted to Knitting Supervisor.
“I completed a valuable Leadership Development Programme when I started the supervisor role, and a People Management course.
“I have built fantastic working relationships with a couple of the longer-serving managers. They've really helped with my development, not just with technical ability but with building my confidence. I feel like I have matured over the last couple of years because of those people.
To find out more about working at Johnstons of Elgin and the current opportunities available please go to http://careers.johnstonsofelgin.com/jobs/hawick
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