Plans to create a new factory in the Pryce Jones Building in Newtown have been welcomed by local politicians.
Yesterday it was revealed that more than 70 former Laura Ashley workers are to be employed by Fashion-Enter Ltd in Newtown, after the company won a large new contract with online fashion brand Asos.
Russell George, Member of the Welsh Parliament for Montgomeryshire, said: "At this time of economic uncertainty, it is fantastic news that 77 highly skilled former Laura Ashley employees will be taken on by Fashion-Enter at the Royal Welsh Warehouse at the Pryce Jones Building to produce clothing.
"Laura Ashley was an iconic part of the Mid Wales economy and employed highly-skilled and loyal staff.
Read more: Major boost for Newtown as new factory plan announced
"Over 60 years, it positioned Newtown and Powys as a leading region for manufacturing and now that Fashion-Enter have been attracted to invest in the town through a package of Government support, I hope we will see further opportunities for gainful employment at Fashion-Enter and further jobs being created.
"Since Laura Ashley closed its doors, Craig Williams MP and I have liaised with both the UK and Welsh Government's to support a number of interested parties to locate in Newtown.
"The Royal Welsh Warehouse and the Pryce Jones Building is an important landmark in the town and has a long history. I am pleased that Fashion-Enter has been supported through funding from the Economy Future Fund to support their plans.
Russell George
"I would also like to extend my thanks to the Potter Group of Welshpool, which has invested in the building to facilitate its use by Fashion-Enter Ltd in a very short time frame. We all look forward to a positive future as Fashion-Enter look to expand their business and take on more staff to support their full order book."
The move provides a boost for the town after a difficult year in which Laura Ashley closed its factories after the brand collapsed into administration.
Montgomeryshire MP Craig Williams added: “I am hugely grateful to Fashion-Enter and in particular to Jenny Holloway, the managing director, for pulling this new venture together.
"I have seen first-hand their passion and community ethos. I hope this will prove a very exciting new chapter for mid Wales and that Fashion-Enter prospers at their new home at the iconic Pryce-Jones building.
"I am also determined to do whatever we can to support those who still sadly face redundancy. Montgomeryshire and Mid Wales is a great place to do business, even in these challenging times and working with Russell George MS and our local council I believe we can attract new employers to our area, alongside supporting our local talent and businesses already located here."
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