Xamax embarks on the road to mass manufacturing

WORKWEAR and promotional clothing manufacturer Xamax has created new software which it says will double its production capacity and revolutionise the industry.

The Wakefield-based business said it has developed new “industry leading” software, which will allow it to “take the road to mass manufacturing” and increase its sales by 25%.

Xamax is a manufacturer of embroidered and printed clothing for business, local authorities and the general public, working for more than 10,000 clients. The company produces more than 500 different items, ranging from t-shirts and sweatshirts to hi-vis jackets and footwear.

It also works closely with Rugby League clubs, supplying the kits for them.The new software, for example, will enable it to easily and efficiently change numbers, names and sizes of the kits.

Tony Palmer, operations manager, said this new software is an industry first.

“We have had to come up with a way we can have the efficiency of a large scale production. We needed to work out how to manufacture kits all at the same time but changing each kit and we’ve come up with the software to be industry leading,” he said.

“But it’s not just about making the products, it’s about manufacturing in the best and most efficient way to get in front of the competition.”

Nottingham-based Cad Cut is developing the new machinery, using Xamax’s software idea, and will roll it out into other clothing manufacturers.

Xamax said it has invested £100,000 in the first new machine and software.

Managing director, Graham Thompson, said: “There is capacity to really expand the business now. We couldn’t go forward any further without making this investment. It allows us to take the road to mass manufacturing.

“We are a really, really innovative company. We’ve got 45 staff, but in three years, there will be 90 staff here and we will continue growing.”

Xamax, which Mr Thompson launched 20 years ago from a bedroom, said it currently manufactures 1 million garments each year.

The firm, based at the Roundwood Industrial Estate, recently made a £400,000 factory investment and saw a 40% increase in sales over 12 months. It has also recently invested another £100,000 in new machinery to revolutionise the drying process for the business.