A SCOTTISH textiles firm is set to create new jobs in Dunfermline.
Kalopsia Collective, headed up by husband-and-wife Adam Robertson and Nina Falk, has moved from Leith to larger premises in Gardeners’ Street.
The company, which focuses on offering sustainable and ethical alternatives for apparel and accessories, said it would create two new 'green' jobs immediately with a further 15 machinist roles to be created over a longer period.
The 8,000 square feet premises will bring the social enterprise more opportunities including the ability to work with larger clients on bigger-scale orders.
Adam explained: “Our new premises in Dunfermline will give us the space we need to grow but also to produce clear production lines and ultimately become more efficient.”
Nina said most of their clients are based in Fife so the move over the bridge made sense.
“We were also keen to move to Fife because of the region’s textiles history and liked the connotation of creating new textile jobs in the region," she added.
"That’s our hope – to create two machinist jobs immediately, then a further couple, and build up to a team of 23 machinists over a longer timescale.
“Our move to Fife is going to open so many more doors. We look forward to growing our team, developing our offering, increasing our turnover year-on-year whilst remaining sustainable.”
Kalopsia Collective was established as a social enterprise, as it seeks to be recognised for its skill in a traditional sector, as well as its ethical and sustainable approach to business, which has seen it attract several high-end luxury brands.
It has grown steadily in recent years, averaging an increase in turnover of between 30 to 50 per cent year-on-year.
Core to its philosophy is the importance of recycling cut-offs and scrap materials.
Fife Council's economy, tourism, strategic planning and transportation committee convener, Councillor Altany Craik, said: “Fife has a long association with the textiles industry so it’s extremely exciting to hear that Kalopsia Collective has chosen Dunfermline for its new home.
“The creation of green jobs – now and in the future – is also most welcome, and through Fife Council economic development and Business Gateway Fife teams, we will work closely with Kalopsia Collective to ensure it has the support it needs to continue to develop and grow in such an ethical and sustainable way.”
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