AN EAST Lancashire firm is flying high after securing a multi-million pound contract.

Work wear manufacturer Simon Jersey, based in Altham, has struck a deal with Dubai airline Emirates to design and manufacture 23,000 uniforms for the expanding company.

With airlines usually heading for the big fashion houses of Paris or Milan, Simon Jersey’s combination of product design and manufacture has struck a blow for East Lancashire textile houses.

And the contract is even more unique because it was officially signed-off by head of the Dubai royal family Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is also prime minister of the country.

Neil Boston, sales and marketing director at Simon Jersey, said: “It was the best day in the 37-year history of Simon Jersey.

“It is by far the biggest order, contract and roll-out that the company has ever seen and we have been invigorated by the challenge.

“Added to that, we have proved that we are every bit as good as high street fashion designers but we come at a fraction of the cost.

“To buck a trend is one thing but when you do that with the world’s fastest growing brand it is amazing.”

Simon Jersey first became involved with Emirates in 2003 when it was chosen to manufacture uniforms for the airline. However, this contract did not incorporate designing the uinforms, an issue Simon Jersey bosses were determined to put right.

After several attempts to prove its design credentials, which even saw it host a catwalk show in a purpose built presentation suite in Altham, Simon Jersey was eventually chosen to design the uniforms, a move which safeguards 211 jobs at the company.

The company has also established a division devoted to tailoring which will be permanently based in Dubai and employ eight tailors.

Simon Jersey’s designs will see male staff wear a chocolate-coloured suit with a cream and red pinstripe was chosen for male staff. Female staff will be kitted out with mushroom-coloured suits, with a chocolate and red pinstripe and a cream blouse trimmed with red for the cabin crew.

Simon Jersey is based at Syke Side Drive, Altham. Its turnover is £21m-a-year. Some of its existing clients include Gala Bingo and Costa Coffee.