Franklins International aims to boost competitiveness

Specialist embroidery company Franklins International in Banbridge is to further develop its export capability to increase its competitiveness in Europe and other target markets.

During a visit to Franklins, Leslie Ross, Managing Director of Invest NI’s Business International, said the company was working closely with an Invest NI client team on the implementation of many of the recommendations made by Kurt Salmon Associates (KSA).

This follows on from a KSA report on possible steps that the local textiles and clothing industry can take to meet the challenge of competition from low-cost regions.

Mr Ross said: “Among the recommendations were a sharper focus on marketing, branding, product design and e-business. In line with our Principles for Business Support, which are now being rolled out to all client companies, the Invest NI client team, which was drawn from across Invest NI including Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, Industrial Research and Technology as well as Business International, helped management to develop a business solution that will enable the company to strengthen its competitiveness.

“As a result of this process, the company is increasing investment in sales and marketing, branding, design, information technology, e-commerce and quality.”

David Neilly, Managing Director of Franklins, said: “The Invest NI client team approach was extremely beneficial in that it helped us to draw on the agency’s advice and expertise. We were able to adapt its services to develop measures that support our ongoing efforts to improve performance particularly in terms of sales and productivity in an intensely competitive marketplace.

"A continuous focus on all aspects of the business is essential if we are to compete more effectively in such a challenging business environment."

Founded in Coventry in 1837, Franklins moved to Banbridge in 1961. The company manufactures and sells identity solutions including woven and embroidered badges and labels.

Franklins have two wholly-owned subsidiaries: Thomas Ferguson & Co, a weaver of fine Irish linen damask fabrics including Double Damask linen, acquired in 1989, and Brownlow Textiles, which design and sell a range of Irish linen gifts, the latter acquired in 1999.

(SP)