Many labour under the misapprehension that China is the most cost efficient place to manufacture in the world. The papers are littered with talk of how Britain’s manufacturing industry is falling apart. But is it really true? Is manufacturing in China really the only answer?
From the initial idea in London, design in Wales, manufacturing in Exeter and the packaging creation in Manchester, we have always stayed true to our roots and supported the British economy. Breffo is proud to be and will always be, made in Britain. And, we believe it is just as cost effective as China if not more so.
We aren’t the only ones manufacturing here so we would like to champion other great companies still wearing their hearts on their sleeves for the UK economy.
Barbour, a notoriously British brand began in 1894 in the Market Place in South Shields. Today the 5th generation family owned business remains in the North East, with Barbour's headquarters located in Simonside, South Shields. Although it sources products internationally, Barbour's classic wax jackets are still manufactured by hand in the factory in Simonside and each year over 100,000 jackets are processed.
Designed in London, Capulet’s genuine leather products are handcrafted by skilled leather artisans in the old Burberry factory in the north of England. The leather is sourced from Italy and France and has previously been manufactured in Andalucía. Capulet founders Andrew Olson and Joyce Lin were always passionate about bringing it all back to the UK and in early early 2012 they did just that. By manufacturing in the UK Capulet are able to maintain the hallmarks of their brand: ‘style, quality and confidence’.
Founded in 1784, John Smedley Limited is a 7th generation family business that manufacturers fine gauge knitwear. The knitwear is exported to 35 countries, but is manufactured in Britain. The brand employs 450 staff, and with 57 family shareholders the company’s long-term strategy is to remain in business for another 225 years, continuing to manufacture its products in the UK, while remaining an independent family business.
Fracino, the UK award winning manufacturer of coffee and espresso machines, also champion British design and engineering talent by maintaining their manufacturing base in England. Fracino’s products are so good they even export machines to the home of coffee itself – Italy. Although traditionally a professional coffee machine maker Fracino has recently launched a new domestic range in some amazing bright colours.
Likewise the independent clothing brand, Albam, which was founded in 2006 have created a brand for their customers to believe in. With all the clothing manufactured in Britain, Albam endeavour to create ‘honest product, made well, using great products’. Manufacturing in the UK allows them to achieve this.