John Smedley

2006 was an important year for Paxar as it saw its first full year’s trading with the bespoke knitwear manufacturer, John Smedley. The family business has been making fine knitwear in Derbyshire for over 200 years, establishing itself around the time of the industrial revolution. “Smedleys”, as it’s often referred to, is one of a few clothing manufacturers to continue to manufacture in the UK, a factor that is made all the more significant in light of the current highly globalised economy. Consequently, the Smedley brand has become renowned worldwide for its high quality, distinguishable character, and commitment towards perfection, all of which are supported by its proud heritage, generations of experience and unique skills in knitting and hand-finishing.

The relationship between Paxar and Smedleys was initiated a few years ago when the global printing company was given the opportunity to tender for the business. Whilst Paxar didn’t achieve the full labelling range at that time, they were given the opportunity to produce certain products with their range. Since that time, Paxar UK has gradually built up a sound relationship with the knitwear manufacturer, which has seen more and more work being passed from John Smedley to Paxar as the relationship has gathered momentum. It has come to a point now where Paxar UK is virtually responsible for the entire Smedleys labelling range. With this in mind, 2006 was a huge commercial success that saw Paxar UK generate in excess of £100,000 of new business. It is anticipated that 2007 will continue to provide another significant level of turnover as Paxar looks to maintain and build upon the 2006 figure.

John Smedley currently operates out of various outlets within the UK. Additionally, much of their wears are supplied through large high street retailers, such as Harvey Nichols, Selfridges and House of Fraser. Moreover, approximately 70% of the John Smedley trade involves the export of its merchandise to numerous countries worldwide, where the brand is as prominent and respected as it is in the UK. The John Smedley product is associated with mens-wear, ladies-wear and now childrens-wear.

Paxar now provides a complete package to John Smedley, which comprises printed care labels, woven labels, swing tickets, seals and self-adhesive labels. This package is reinforced through the full provision of services across the board, ranging from initial design and concept assistance through to the actual production and delivery of the goods into John Smedley’s Derbyshire-based warehouse. Paxar UK also provide Smedleys with an extensive stock facility for the majority of their labelling range, based on 12 month contracts and controlled by monthly forecasts.

Paxar UK is dedicated towards providing the highest quality to John Smedley, exercising the utmost respect for its heritage and commitment to the highest standards. Smedley’s woven labels for example, are crafted from an exclusive quality that mirrors their products’ individualism and style. The Noble Satin quality is now the preferred choice for the woven label range as it consents to a very high definition using finer yarns, but still in keeping with the general satin feel. It’s also worth mentioning the John Smedley seal, which was specially developed during 2006 to purposely showcase the Smedley brand name and corporate colours.

In 2007 Paxar will continue to support John Smedley in keeping pace with fashionable trends through the illustration of concept ideas for new labelling and packaging products. More importantly, Paxar will always strive to ensure the preservation and promotion of their corporate image, utilising the expertise inherent within its design and concept team, and consequently its provision of feasible artwork options for pre-production approval.

In short, 2006 can be seen as a tremendously successful year in terms of the relationship that has been forged between John Smedley and Paxar, a year that saw Smedleys become Paxar UK’s largest commercial account. This is a relationship that has been built on trust over time, a relationship that has seen Paxar win Smedley’s confidence through its understanding and respect for the knitwear manufacturer’s fine heritage and traditions. This level of confidence has also been sustained by Paxar’s commitment towards the supply of leading quality labelling and high standards of service. 2007 should continue to see the progression of this relationship with the introduction of new ranges and the continuation of current collections.