Outdoor clothing brand Barbour has announced plans to create 40 jobs through an expansion of its factory at South Shields. The historic company, whose jackets are worn by celebrities and members of the Royal family, is expanding its Simonside site due to “unprecedented global demand”.
Expansion and recruitment
The expansion will increase the number of production lines at the factory where the company makes its Bedale wax jackets. This will lead to new employment opportunities with the recruitment of around 40 machinists. Barbour has launched an on-site training facility called the Barbour Academy to support the recruitment drive.
The training programme will last around three months, after which recruits will work on the factory floor under supervision. Barbour says it can take up to a year for machinists to become fully proficient. Trainees will start on simpler items such as tote bags before moving on to more complex pieces.
Training and community support
The first five trainee machinists have begun training at the academy. Barbour is working with Smart Works North East and Suitability, which support women and men back into employment. It is also looking for referrals from existing employees, family members and friends.
All machinist training is expected to be completed by the middle of next February, ahead of the planned relocation of Barbour’s customer services team, which includes re-waxing, repairs and Barbour Re-Loved, to a new location at Simonside.
Company commitment
Company chairman Dame Margaret Barbour said: “We are excited to be recruiting for trainee machinists to join our team in South Shields. No experience is necessary as full training will be provided.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to learn a highly skilled craft and to play an important role in creating our iconic wax jackets. It also demonstrates our commitment to the region which has been home to Barbour for over 130 years.”
Earlier this year, Barbour released accounts for the year to end April 2025 in which its revenues rose 9% to £350.8m and operating profit went up to £49.5m. Barbour, which employs more than 1,100 people, said that the year covered by the accounts had seen a “recovery” in sales, with a particularly strong performance in its ecommerce channels.
The company dates back to 1894 and remains based in South Shields and run by the founder’s family. In recent years it has forged partnerships with TV presenter Alexa Chung, singer Sam Fender and brands including Emma Bridgewater and Fenwick.
For further information, or to apply for a machinist role, visit www.barbourcareers.co.uk/vacancies.
