Jobs for 60 textile workers as Iranian cashmere firm to open Borders factory

Published on 29/08/2007 01:22

A CASHMERE company based in Iran yesterday announced it was creating up to 60 jobs in the Scottish Borders by setting up its first UK operation.

Jahan Cashmere targeted the area because skilled workers were available following thousands of redundancies in the Borders textile trade during the past decade.

The firm also wants to be situated close to existing cashmere companies that can use its services.

The family-owned company specialises in dehairing Iranian and Afghan cashmere and then supplying it to international cashmere manufacturers.

Jahan Cashmere is moving into a former electronics factory in Kelso, Roxburghshire, this year, employing 20 people initially. But that figure will increase to 60 over the next few years.

Spokesman Hadi Jahanian said: "The skills and experience of the labour force within the Borders cannot be bettered anywhere in the UK.

"Given the Borders' historic links to the cashmere industry, it seemed like a natural place for us to establish our UK presence.

"As we develop our business, we expect to create 60 new jobs over the next five years while we also want to establish close links with other cashmere manufacturers in Scotland and build strong ties with the local community."