Mackintosh manufacturer hopes to create 60 new jobs in Nelson (From Burnley and Pendle Citizen)

Mackintosh manufacturer hopes to create 60 new jobs in Nelson

5:00pm Saturday 9th February 2013 in Pendle

A FIRM famous for its iconic waterproof coats is hoping to create a 60 new jobs in Nelson.

The Mackintosh brand has had a factory in Nelson, alongside its Scottish headquarters, for a number of years and is now keen to expand.

The firm has unveiled a three year scheme that will see the Mackintosh House facility, in Waterford Street, increase its number of employees from 55 to 115.

A spokesman for Mackintosh, which was founded in Glasgow in the 1820s and is now the most famous raincoat brand in the world, said: “Mackintosh is looking to expand its manufacturing business in Nelson gradually over the next three years with its aim to have ‘Mackintosh’ a worldwide brand, increasing staff numbers from 55 to 115.

“The proposals are to increase the manufacturing and storage areas which will involve the removal of the office portacabins and demolition of the single storey brick office building.

“A new two storey extension to the front of the premises will be constructed generally on the line of existing with a new single storey extension to the rear and side.

“The proposals will not have any detrimental impact on the surrounding area but will enhance the area with a more contemporary look utilising Mackintosh brand colours.”

The manufacturing area at the building will be increased from 1,152 sq metres to 1,542 sq metres, while a new dedicated storage area will be formed to the rear and side with its own goods entrance.

A new reception area will be created on the ground floor with a main staircase and lift to the first floor offices.

The Mackintosh is named after its Scottish inventor Charles Macintosh, who patented his invention for waterproof clothing in 1823, with the ‘k’ in the brand added some years later.

Its factory in Cumbernauld, Scotland, focuses on hand made outerwear, with the Nelson factory concentrating on the machine made side of its collections.

The expansion plans will likely go before Pendle Council’s planning committee in March or April.