Case Studies

Brodwaith Cyf

10/10/2008

Commercial embroidery operation, Brodwaith Cyf, is a family-run enterprise established by Menna Roberts in response to the need for farmers to diversify.

The company operates from a converted stable block, and supplies embroidered and screen printed clothing to schools, workplaces, plus rugby and football clubs. The company recently branched out into supplying high-quality embroidered Egyptian cotton towels online, and also won a contract to supply towels and robes to a newly-opened spa facility.

Brodwaith has a wide and varied client base - and a number of companies it supplies to are household names.

Brodwaith employs ten people. Menna Roberts' ambition is for every rural village to have a thriving business that provides employment for local people.
"Flourishing rural enterprises provide a focal point for the community, and mean that young people are not forced to leave in order to find work," she says. "Our senior designer would have found it very hard to find skilled employment nearby - so he is happy that we are here, and we are delighted to have him."

Working with Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) Wales:
Following consultation with Brodwaith staff, MAS Wales supplied technical and professional services to help create a better production flow and unit layout.

Reorganised work flows will result in better communication within the unit, and will also result in significant productivity gains.
The company has ambitious expansion plans, and, once working at full capacity, will reap the rewards of implementing workplace improvements - creating an effective, smooth-running production system.

"Meeting delivery dates is essential, and our improved work processes will ensure that we can function at maximum efficiency at all times," explains Menna Roberts.

"MAS Wales support reassured us that we are on the right track, confirming many of our ideas as valid, and helping us to create a more systematic work process," says Mrs Roberts. "Reorganisation of our unit will also help us achieve a 50 per cent increase in capacity."

Paul Byard, MAS Wales chief executive adds:
"An objective outside observer is able to provide clarity and fresh thinking. That individual can also confirm whether or not the company's ideas are workable in the long-term, thereby ensuring that time and resources are not wasted."