Jersey factory launches in London

East End Manufacturing formally opened its doors in Bethnal Green this week (February 26), with London mayor Boris Johnson officially launching the factory.

The business, which focuses on jersey cut make and trim, is already signed up to produce mens and womenswear garments for Harry Stedman, Jon Gordon Associates and Hotsquash.

Owner Barry Laden said there was also interest from new potential partners, with Liam Gallagher’s menswear brand Pretty Green in discussions regarding the retailer’s branded product.

Laden, whose grandparents were tailors and clothing factory workers in the early 20^th century, said East End Manufacturing would soon be producing around 1,000 garments a week, around half the factory’s capacity.

He told Drapers: “There are some things we will never be able to compete on - jeans for example - but with certain products we can compete on price and quality as well as making things quickly.”

“I am already looking for the next premises in the East End so we can expand and look after a range of brands from smaller designers through to high street.

“Consumers are much more aware of where the products they buy are made and people want to buy British, whether it’s clothes or meat.  We have big plans for expansion and look forward to becoming the leading clothing manufacturer in London and perhaps the UK.”