A social enterprise clothing firm in Ebbw Vale has secured a £2.5m contract making staff uniforms for Transport for Wales.
Elite Clothing Solutions, which provides training for people with disabilities or those at a disadvantage, will supply TfW - the Welsh Government transport body that operates rail services on the Wales and Borders network - for the next four years. TfW has more than 2,000 requiring operational uniforms.
Elite have established a consortium of Welsh businesses to support them in the supply chain to include Brodwaith Cyf in Llangefni, Treorchy Sewing Enterprise in the Rhondda and Fashion Enter in Newtown.
The company’s chief executive, Andrea Wayman, said: “It is a fantastic achievement gaining the contract to make the Transport for Wales uniform. Through a consortium approach the whole of this uniform will be fulfilled in Wales, from design and manufacture to branding.
“Economically it maintains and creates jobs, apprenticeships, and training opportunities to enable inclusive employment, for disabled and disadvantaged people, older workers, young people and single parents.”
Scott Waddington, Transport for Wales chair, said: “I’d like to congratulate Elite Clothing Solutions on winning this significant contract that will provide further employment opportunities for local people.
“We’re improving the transport network throughout Wales and it’s fundamental that through our investment we provide opportunities and benefits to the local communities that we serve.
“Some of our new trains have been made in Wales, by the people of Wales and now our staff uniforms are the same. TfW is a not-for-profit organisation and it’s great to support this collaboration of other social enterprises and have a positive social and environmental impact.”
Sarah Jane Waith, head of supply chain, TfW, said:
“Through a sustainable procurement approach, we are delighted to work with Elite and their consortium partners to increase economic and social value to Wales and reinvigorate the textile industry in Wales”
