Kit firm hopes to score with move
YORKSHIRE sports kit manufacturer Prostar is set to move from its home of more than 100 years.
The Wakefield-based company, which is one of the biggest players in the amateur football kit market, is moving from its factory to a larger location on the Wakefield 41 Industrial Estate to accommodate its expansion.
Following a management buyout (MBO) of parent company Star Sportswear last year, the new management team has re-focused the business to move it in a new direction and grow it further.
Doug Bedford, managing director of Prostar, said: “The company’s roots and history lay in Wakefield so it was important to everyone at Prostar that we remain in the area. The location on Wakefield 41 estate is ideal for us as, not only does the facility have the space we need, it’s also close to vital transport links.”
The 67,000 sq ft facility at Unit K includes more office space and comprises a larger warehouse facility, meaning Prostar will be able to have a dedicated showroom for its teamwear and trainingwear ranges.
Shane Bray, sales and marketing director of Prostar, said: “We are constantly adding to our ranges of teamwear and trainingwear and plan to continue expanding the business to cater for all sports. It was felt that larger premises were needed in order for Prostar to develop effectively.”
The new premises will be fully renovated with a £1m refurbishment plan before Prostar make the move later this year.
Mr Bedford added: “We were keen to stay in the Wakefield area, and having considered various options in the locality, decided this unit best met our requirements. We are excited about relocating the business to the new facility and expect it to enable us to grow the business in the years ahead.”
Prostar is the football products brand of parent company Star Sportswear.
Star, an £11m turnover company with 100 staff, moved out of family ownership for the first time in more than 90 years following a management buyout last year.
The company was established in 1901 and supplied the socks for the first triumphant Mount Everest team in 1952.
