Fruit of the Loom, a manufacturer and marketer of underwear, T-shirts, fleece and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the US-based Berkshire Hathaway, is planning to relocate to Europe and north Africa and shutting its head office and distribution centre based in Telford, UK.
The closure of the UK premises will impact around 70 people employed with the clothing manufacturer.
The move has come as a “major blow and surprise for Telford” stated Shropshire Chamber of Commerce. However, the company has termed it a necessary step to streamline its operations in a highly competitive marketplace. It has also promised to support its workers.
The UK operations of Fruit of the Loom, now a global underwear and casualwear business, is expected to be closed by the end of this year.
It’s not only Fruit of the Loom, but UK-based other brands such as British maternity and kid’s wear retailer Mothercare and apparel and home retailer, Marks and Spencer (M&S) have of late announced closure of (some of) their stores in the country.
Contrary to the UK, Fruit of the Loom entered into a 10-year manufacturing and distribution agreement with Indian knitwear company Rupa & Co. Ltd for its launch in India. Around 87 styles across the men’s and women’s range were launched at 2,500 stores.
Fruit of the Loom is also available on Amazon India in more than 350 styles from signature collections such as Better Basics, Unwind, Flex, Play and Ultra Soft.
