Two Scottish businesses Kirriemuir Firm J&D Wilkie and Glasglow based Digimania to expand in China, during a trade visit of the country, this was announced by the first Minister Nicola Sturgeon. Ms Sturgeon said that the Scotland’s textiles industry offers a unique fusion of rich heritage, innovation and unrivalled creativity, producing internationally revered products which are desired the world over. Across technical textiles, interiors and fashion, Scottish textiles offer the perfect mix of quality and innovation that Chinese businesses and consumers demand.

Kirriemuir firm J&D Wilkie is building a £3million factory in Jianxing, near Shanghai, to produce technical textiles products and increase its competitiveness by bringing its yarn-spinning operations under one roof. The deal will safeguard 90 Scottish jobs, and has the potential to double the firm’s positions in China.

Meanwhile, Glasgow-based Digimania has announced a 3D animation software training partnership with the Shanghai Arts and Design Academy, and a joint venture with Chinese partner Pikatoons, which is expected to increase the firm’s revenue from China by approximately £12million over three years.

The First Minister visited the site of the new J&D Wilkie factory with the Mayor and Vice Mayor of Jiaxing and presented a commemorative foundation stone to be laid there.

J&D Wilkie has established itself in China and is looking to grow its business and seize on the opportunities open to the firm. They are a good example to other son how to expand into and benefit from foreign markets. Bob Low, director at J&D Wilkie, said that they are proud of their distinguished 150 year heritage in advanced textile technology. They listen to their customers’ requirements and act quickly to meet their needs and market challenges. They can help solve their problems with their expertise and deliver tangible benefits with their know-how and ingenious solutions.

They are proud to show the First Minister of Scotland the start of their new 180,000 sq foot factory being built in Jiaxing, China that will house an integrated spinning and weaving unit on one site. This will further strengthen their position in Europe where they have seen their Scottish weaving unit almost double since starting the yarn production in China.

Paul Collimore, Commerical Director at Digimania, said that they are passionate about their industry and want to ensure the future quality of the industry by teaching the younger generations the skills required at an early age. The 3D Animation industry is one of the fastest global growth industries and they look forward to further growth in China.