SR Gent closes UK production

The floundering clothing manufacturer SR Gent has been forced to shut down its production plant in Barnsley. Approximately 100 jobs have been lost as a result. The company was once a key supplier for clothing stores like Marks & Spencer and was one of the main employers in South Yorkshire. However, it has not been able to compete with increasing low-cost production from abroad.

It's most recent closure follows in a line of closures in Rotherham, South Kirkby and Sheffield and signifies the end of the company's UK manufacturing operations. The company's only remaining assets in the UK will be its warehouse and its distribution and processing sites. Singapore entrepreneur Ponnuswamy bought out SR Gent in 2003 when the company announced that it would be minimizing its UK factory base.