A government minister saw how the latest technology is being harnessed by a leading sportswear manufacturer based in Leigh.
Chris Heaton-Harris MP, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, was invited to visit O’Neill’s by Leigh MP James Grundy.
The firm, one of the leading companies in the sportswear sector, with a factory in Northern Ireland, also employs 40 staff in Leigh, designing the kit worn by rugby and football teams across the United Kingdom.
During the visit the MPs heard from one of the designers about the latest technology they use to design the kit that’s then made in the factory based in Northern Ireland. They then toured Leigh Rugby Union Football Club, who wear kit made by O’Neills, to watch the team play.
Thanking the business and club, the Minister said:
“It was fantastic to join James Grundy MP in Leigh for a visit to O’Neill’s.
“As a football referee I enjoyed hearing about how decisions are made about the designs on shirts. And having visited their factory in Northern Ireland where kits are made it was great to hear about how the design to production process works.
“I had a great time at Leigh Rugby Union Football Club who wear a kit by made O’Neills and see the kit in action on the pitch - its top quality was certainly being tested in the weather!
“It’s great to see a business that’s thriving in Northern Ireland is going from strength to strength right here in Leigh.”
James Grundy MP, added:
“I would like to thank the Minister for visiting us here in Leigh.
“We started off by visiting O’Neill’s, a firm with significant business interests in both Leigh and Northen Ireland, producing sports kits for a range of Gaelic sports in Ireland and Northern Ireland, as well as a large number of football, Rugby Union and Rugby League teams both in Britain and abroad.
“While there, Chris and I spoke with product designer Alex at the O’Neill’s site in Leigh, then visited Leigh RUFC to see Alex play in the team’s O’Neill’s manufactured kit.
“We then sent the Secretary of State back on his way to Party Conference in Manchester with a selection of George Shaw’s famous beers, brewed to their historic local recipes.
“I would like to thank O’Neill’s, Leigh RUFC and George Shaw’s Brewery for a fantastic visit.”