Manufacturing & Supply Chain

Kilkeel-based ‘Bedwin Soft Furnishing’ have increased their Republic of Ireland operations by 35% in the last 12 months, with the current Euro to Pound exchange rate proving hugely beneficial. Bedwin, who have recently completed the installations and manufacture of industrial rails and curtains for 85 apartments in Ballsbridge, Dublin, attribute this growth to their competitive pricing structures which have benefited significantly from the current euro exchange rate which remains strong in the wake of the Referendum vote.

Further to the completion of two major contract works in Dublin (including a large-scale installation of blinds at Crestan Village, Finglas), the business was officially accredited with TRIBE membership and ALL STAR business accreditation last month.

Bedwin specialises in both domestic and industrial installations and was recently awarded an office fit-out contract in Croydon London to add to their growing list of projects.

Director Erica Maxwell spoke about the company’s success: “The last 12 months have been very successful for the business and it really feels like we are making our mark across the island of Ireland and across the water in the UK also. It has been great to see the commercial and industrial side of our business grow substantially; however, it’s worth noting that domestic work still accounts for around 70% of our overall business model.

“With the way the economy has been moving and the ongoing uncertainty of Brexit, I think we have been well placed to provide value along with high quality manufacturing and installations to customers across the border. We have developed a strong reputation as a business who can deliver products such as roller blinds, curtains, and rails in a vast array of styles and requirements.”

In 2018 Bedwin invested £250,000 in a modern business property, along with a new factory at Harbour Road in Kilkeel. This increased production space has enabled Bedwin to win new contracts which before, they couldn’t have considered pitching for.

The business which is based in the Mournes area of County Down is well positioned to avail of custom across both sides of the border, and has availed of this logistical advantage in both 2018 and 2019.

Bedwin itself is a family business, which specialises in the manufacturing of curtains and blinds, as well as supplying top quality fabrics and soft furnishings to retail, commercial and contract based companies.

Bedwin was founded by Ossie and Pamela Wallace in April 1984 with its first store situated at Newry Road, Kilkeel. Since then, the business has grown extensively with stores in Warrenpoint and the acquisition of Walker’s Soft Furnishings in Banbridge helping to boost operations.

It should be noted that Bedwin have also recently invested heavily in business equipment, with the installation of a new £25,000 ultra sonic cutting table to allow the production of “Mirage Blinds” a notable addition.

Sales Director Chris Wallace spoke positively about the year ahead: “These are exciting times for Bedwin. We are undoubtedly thankful to be making waves in an industry which once defined Northern Ireland. With our total workforce currently sitting at 22 we envisage up-skilling our workforce and increasing it in key areas. This period represents significant growth along with a bright future for the business.”

CAPTION:

Pictured (left to right): Erica Maxwell, Chris Wallace and Ossie Wallace,  all of Bedwin.