A ‘Smart’ slice of American Tie

Image: David Rutley MP, with left to right) Alice Pimblott, Tie Maker, Robert Keyte, Founder of Robert Keyte Silks Ltd, Constance Sigley, Supervisor of Tie and Scarf Making, Mark Hubert, Recently appointed Commercial Director, Ron Smart, business owner.

A. Smart, based in Bollington, made its stateside debut at a show for menswear and menswear accessories, last month.

Despite the show being held in heavy snow and freezing conditions, buyers were warmed up by the standard and quality of the products on show, with many excellent contacts being made.

The company has made significant steps in recent years to ‘reshore’ traditional manufacturing of products to the UK, which have been until recently produced in Asia. The business currently has two brands; its “Robert Keyte” premium band, and its digitally printed and hand finished “Barnaby” range. The company owns a substantial archive of designs, some of which are over 100 years old, from which ranges are created and customers can select designs, to create their own private label collections.

R.A. Smart, which was formed in 1972, has significant plans to continue to develop, as international demand for its quality silk products increases. Half a million pounds is set to be invested on increased manufacturing space, machinery and working capital, with an additional six full time staff and a similar number of homeworkers also expected to be recruited.

The Robert Keyte range will be next shown in Las Vegas later this month, and again in New York in July. It is hoped that these shows will help to maintain exports making up more than 80% of R.A. Smart’s business.

MP for Macclesfield, David Rutley, recently met up with owner Ron Smart and discussed their success David said, “It is been great to follow the success of R.A. Smart’s business in recent years, and to see Macclesfield’s rich silk heritage celebrated in such an innovative way. The business’ development and job creation plans are great news for the local economy, and I wish all the team well in their shows later this year.”