A leading Sri Lankan manufacturing firm, which supplies top retailers and clothing brands worldwide with labels, has opened its first UK office in Braintree.

Impressions Labels worked with INVEST Essex, Essex County Council's inward investment activity, to find suitable premises in the UK - a 5,000 sq ft facility incorporating a sales office and digital printing operation.

It chose Braintree for its latest manufacturing facility and worked with Braintree Council to employ residents from the district.

Councillor Graham Butland, leader of Braintree Council, said: “As a district we have set tough targets in terms of job creation and economic growth.

“Through working with INVEST Essex we have been able to make contact with and support Impressions Labels set up their new office, demonstrating what a good location for business Braintree is, especially with the easy access to London.

“This has not only brought inward investment into the district, but is also creating job growth and training in specialist skills.”

Luvi Siemon, managing director of CEO Impressions Labels Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, said: “This is a superb location for us to be developing our business because we are working with UK buyers.

“There is huge potential in the UK market to develop the business, so it's a very good move that Impressions Labels have taken as a group.”

braintree and witham times