An Ebbw Vale social enterprise has been awarded a £2.5m contract by Transport for Wales (TfW).

Elite Clothing Solutions provides employment for local people, as well as opportunities in the supply chain right across Wales.  The firm also helps with training for disadvantaged people or for those with disabilities allowing them to gain vital vocational skills and to improve their overall well-being.

The four-year contract will see the company manufacture uniforms for more than 2,000 operational staff at TfW.

The contract will also support the circular economy in Wales, as Elite has established a consortium of Welsh businesses to support them in the supply chain.  These include Brodwaith Cyf in Llangefni, Anglesey, Treorchy Sewing Enterprise in the Rhondda and Fashion Enter in Newtown, Powys.

Andrea Wayman, Elite Clothing Solutions Chief Executive Officer,  said:  “It is a fantastic achievement gaining the contract to make the Transport for Wales uniform. Through a consortium approach the whole of this uniform will be fulfilled in Wales, from design and manufacture to branding.  Economically it maintains and creates jobs, apprenticeships, and training opportunities to enable inclusive employment, for disabled and disadvantaged people, older workers, young people and single parents.”

Scott Waddington, TfW Chair, added:  “I’d like to congratulate Elite Clothing Solutions on winning this significant contract that will provide further employment opportunities for local people. We’re improving the transport network throughout Wales and it’s fundamental that through our investment we provide opportunities and benefits to the local communities that we serve.

“Some of our new trains have been made in Wales, by the people of Wales and now our staff uniforms are the same. TfW is a not-for-profit organisation and it’s great to support this collaboration of other social enterprises and have a positive social and environmental impact.”

Sarah Jane Waith, Head of Supply Chain at TfW, said:  “Through a sustainable procurement approach, we are delighted to work with Elite and their consortium partners to increase economic and social value to Wales and reinvigorate the textile industry in Wales”