Vale Brothers leather group gears up for recruitment as sales grow

So far this year it has recruited three sewing machinists for its Brady Bag business and recruit a trainee saddler and trainee saddle preparer for its Harry Dabbs and E Jeffries saddle brands.

Managing director Peter Wilkes said: "We will also recruit at least one experienced saddler if we find the person with the right skills."

Since March 2015 the group has been expanding capacity after its acquisition of E Jeffries and Brady Bags.

"Should sales continue to grow then recruitment will continue. We have also, during January, invested in a computer controlled sewing machine, primarily for the bag production, and a laser cutting machine.

"The laser cutter will be utilised across the business and also enable us to offer additional options of personalising product. For example logos or names can be laser engraved on to saddles, bags and grooming brushes.

"The laser cutter is capable of cutting leather, canvass, Harris Tweed and wood. It is also large enough to take full rolls of fabric to ensure efficient feeding of material and minimising waste," said Mr Wilkes.

He said the business, based in Midland Road, was also investigating the purchase of a cutting machine with an oscillating blade for leather.

"Although these machines improve our efficiency they will not replace any of our skilled workforce. All our investments are to increase capacity,"he explained.

Mr Wilkes aid all the new jobs were in Walsall, but the group also has a factory in Cardigan, Wales, and is considering adding one person or new machinery there into its investment plans.

"We have sales growth both in the UK and in export. Generally we voted Brexit as we believe this will help export. We export about 65 per cent of our turnover.

"We have experienced cost increases in lots of raw materials, so we are having to increase prices but we still see a healthy future," said Mr Wilkes.

Vale Brothers moved into larger premises in 2015 and was intending to have just the one single 30,000 sq ft site on the old Walsall Security printing site in Walsall, but is now going to have an additional satellite site as well.

"The equestrian sector itself is not booming, but our sales are growing due to innovative product designs and working very closely with key customers around the world. Our largest percentage growth is on Brady Bags, with the concentration being in canvass bags with bridle leather straps.

"There is a positive view of 'Made in the UK' from many countries and the fact that there are so few us does put those that have remained in quite a strong position.

"In February we are travelling to China on a Government supported Trade Mission to try to find and bag distributor. We see the Chinese consumer as key potential for our future growth plans," said Mr Wilkes.

For us the key is maintaining high quality standards, being innovative with design and being active around the world where ever there is opportunity."

"We have a good team of skilled and loyal people across the varied product types we manufacture. We do not believe there is a another company in the world making the product types we make, from grooming brushes, whips, saddles, bridles, horse rugs to fishing and luxury handbags. The skills and knowledge built up within our workforce from craft skills to computer controlled machines are what enable us to prosper.

"To be successful manufacturing in the UK you must offer products with a difference and creativity and innovation are what this country is famous for," Mr Wilkes added.

Vale Brothers, which has been in business since 1786, picked up the UKT Export Award at the 2016 British Equestrian Trade Association's gala dinner held at the National Motorcycle Museum near Birmingham last year.