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Orkney-based jewellery brand Ortak has announced its return to its former premises in Kirkwall.
It will be moving from its current workshop in Orkney’s Great Western Road to the Hatston Industrial Estate. The company hopes the move will allow it to “move ahead with plans to expand production and its range of trade services.”
The Hatston factory became dormant after the business went into administration in March 2013. In May of the same year, the company was bought by investors. The company has since worked to regain its share in the UK market.
Michael Gardens, managing director, said: “We were at capacity in our current workshop and had to put plans for further growth on hold because of the space limitations,”
“When the opportunity arose to rent part of what used to be the Ortak factory and visitor centre at Hatston, we jumped at it.”
He added: “This future proofs the business. Previously, we had four jewellery benches in our workshop. Now we have 30.
“Although we’re renting just part of the former Ortak premises, it’s still ten times bigger than where we’re based at the moment, so it’s going to make a massive difference to all the team and to the business.
“There’s also a strong sense that Ortak is coming home, given the significance of the Hatston building in the brand’s 50 year history.”