Moray manufacturer boosts productivity

A Moray manufacturing company is set to increase productivity, reduce its environmental impact and create new jobs thanks to a major investment in new technology.

Forres based Caledonia Hosiery Ltd (CHL) is the only sock manufacturer in the north‑east of Scotland. The company has secured up to £31,500 from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) toward a £90,000 project to modernise its production operations.

CHL specialises in designing and manufacturing high‑quality socks using carefully sourced yarns. Its production, packaging and distribution processes involve several stages that must be precisely co‑ordinated.

Many of the company’s existing machines are nearly 30 years old. Despite being well maintained, they are significantly less efficient than the modern automated systems now available.

The investment will enable CHL to purchase and install advanced automated machinery at its facility on the Greshop Industrial Estate in Forres. The new equipment will integrate key production stages, improving quality, consistency and manufacturing capacity.

Automation will also reduce waste and energy use, strengthen the company’s environmental performance and help to lower operating costs.

The project is expected to increase turnover, create three new jobs, and safeguard five existing roles across the business, reinforcing CHL’s long‑term competitiveness and sustainability.

Keira Orme senior development manager with HIE’s Moray team said:

“Moray is renowned for manufacturing, with more people per head of population employed in manufacturing than any other part of the country. Caledonia Hosiery is very much part of this.

“The company has grown steadily over the years and continually looks for ways to innovate to improve performance and strengthen resilience. This latest investment represents a significant operational upgrade. It will improve competitiveness and sustainability, reduce Caledonia’s carbon footprint and create valuable jobs.

“I’m very pleased we’ve been able to provide support and look forward to continuing to work with the company as it implements these latest improvements.”

Stephen Elton managing director of CHL said:

“As a small manufacturing business, access to this support from Highlands and Islands Enterprise has been hugely important. The funding has allowed us to invest with confidence, modernise our production processes and continue building a business with strong roots in Moray.”