GRAY’S School of Art is joining forces with Angus-based manufacturer, Montrose Rope & Sail, as the company looks to break into new high-end markets.
They will work together for two years under a Knowledge Transfer Partnership to develop a product range that is design-led, builds on heritage branding and focuses on the luxury market.
Montrose Rope & Sail is one of the oldest independent companies in Scotland, founded over 200 years ago by a sail-maker in Leith, which currently focuses primarily on niche markets and produces a range of products, primarily pall-weather bags for the oil and gas industry.
With the current downturn in the energy sector the company is developing a new strategic direction through diversification towards other markets.
Under the guidance of Gray’s academics, Josie Steed, course leader for Fashion and Textiles, and Keith Gray, lecturer in Fashion Design, the venture will provide Montrose Rope & Sail with support in luxury design-led markets.
Neil Paton, Montrose Rope & Sail MD, said: “We want to reposition aspects of our brand within the luxury high-end market with a clear commercial objective – hopefully our link-up with Gray’s can help us achieve this.”
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