Barbour creates 40 South Shields factory jobs amid ‘unprecedented global demand’

Outdoor clothing brand Barbour has unveiled plans to create 40 jobs through an expansion of its factory in South Shields. The heritage firm — whose legendary jackets have won admirers from pop stars to members of the Royal Family — says it is growing its Simonside site in response to “unprecedented global demand”.

The expansion will see additional production lines installed at the factory where the company manufactures its Bedale wax jackets, generating new employment opportunities through the recruitment of approximately 40 machinists. To support this recruitment drive, Barbour has established an on-site training facility known as the Barbour Academy.

The training programme spans around three months, after which recruits will take to the factory floor under close supervision. Barbour notes it can take up to a year for machinists to reach full proficiency.

Trainees will begin with simpler items such as tote bags before progressing to more complex garments.

The first five trainee machinists have already commenced their training at the academy, with Barbour working alongside Smart Works North East and Suitability, both of which help women and men return to employment. The firm is also seeking referrals from existing members of staff, their family members and friends, reports Chronicle Live.

All machinist training is expected to be completed by mid-February next year, ahead of the planned relocation of Barbour’s customer services team — which encompasses re-waxing, repairs and Barbour Re-Loved — to a new facility at Simonside. Company chairman Dame Margaret Barbour 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.”

Earlier this year, Barbour published accounts for the year ending April 2025 showing revenues climbed 9% to £350.8m while operating profit increased to £49.5m. Barbour – which has a workforce exceeding 1,100 people – noted that the period covered by the accounts witnessed a “recovery” in sales, with particularly robust performance across its ecommerce platforms.

The firm traces its origins to 1894 and continues to be headquartered in South Shields under the stewardship of the founder’s family. In recent years it has established collaborations with television presenter Alexa Chung, musician Sam Fender and brands such as Emma Bridgewater and Fenwick.

For further information, or to apply for a machinist role, please visit www.barbourcareers.co.uk/vacancies.