Barbour to create new jobs by expanding its South Tyneside factory due to ‘unprecedented global demand’
Barbour has announced plans to expand its Simonside factory - creating around 40 new jobs in the process.
Historic South Tyneside clothing brand Barbour has unveiled plans to expand its South Tyneside factory due to “unprecedented global demand”.
Barbour has revealed that it plans to increase the number of production lines at its Simonside factory, which will lead to the new employment of around 40 machinists.
In an effort to support the recruitment drive, Barbour has launched its onsite training facility, called the Barbour Academy.
‘This is a fantastic opportunity’
Dame Margaret Barbour, Chairperson of J. Barbour & Sons, has stated that the new machinists will play an “important role” in creating the company’s iconic wax jackets.
She said: “We are excited to be recruiting for trainee machinists to join our team in South Shields.
“No experience is necessary as full training will be provided. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn a highly skilled craft and to play an important role in creating our iconic wax jackets.
“It also demonstrates our commitment to the region which has been home to Barbour for over 130 years.”
New machinist training programme
Barbour has stated that every new machinist will undertake a comprehensive training programme delivered by experienced in-house trainers.
Initial training at the Barbour Academy will last around three months, which will enable new recruits to begin working on the factory floor with supervision.
The company has stated that it can take up to a year for machinists to become fully proficient.
The training will see the machinists begin by producing a range of simple projects, such as tote bags, as they learn and develop their skills.
Barbour has confirmed that recruitment for machinists is underway, with the first five having already started their training at the Academy.
Potential recruits are being introduced through employment agencies and partnerships with charities Smart Works North East and Suitability.
The recruitment programme forms part of the wider expansion of the Barbour factory, which looks to reflect the company’s long-term commitment to South Tyneside.
Machinist training is expected to be completed by mid-February 2027, ahead of the planned relocation of the Barbour Customer Services team, which includes re-waxing, repairs and Barbour Re-Loved to a new location within Simonside.
For more information or to apply for a machinist role, then visit: https://barbourcareers.co.uk/vacancies/.