Jobs cut at renowned Alnwick fishing firm following a fall in orders

Manufacturing jobs have been axed at a renowned Northumberland fishing firm.
Pure Fishing in Alnwick.Pure Fishing in Alnwick.
Pure Fishing in Alnwick.

Alnwick-based Pure Fishing, which bought the Hardy and Greys brands in 2013, has not revealed the scale of the staff cuts at its South Road site.

A company spokesman said: “Alnwick is our Centre of Excellence for Fly Fishing reel development and production, while rods are produced elsewhere within our global supply chain network.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We also have an Advanced Composites business, which recently experienced a change in order volume from one of our customers.

“Unfortunately, these changes have resulted in some job losses within our manufacturing team; we are consulting with those impacted and supporting them with redeployment opportunities wherever possible.

“We are also making investments in our core fishing business and our composites capabilities, continuing our legacy of innovation right here in Alnwick.”

It is understood there are some early retirements and voluntary redundancies among those leaving.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Established in 1872, the business has always had its home in Alnwick, but has created a reputation that has brought it world renown, including from the Duke of Cambridge and numerous other royals.

In 1891 they patented and launched ‘the Perfect’ fishing reel to complement the fishing lures they sold. It was successful and they received a royal warrant from King George V. They went on to develop numerous fishing reels featuring innovations like a full bail arm and long distance casting reels that would win competitions.

It was acquired by the Harris & Sheldon Group Limited from the Hardy family in 1967, and, as well as acquiring several brands itself, went on to set up subsidiaries in Germany and the USA, which are now key markets.

In 1985 it was renamed the House of Hardy and later merged with a former Hardy employee's fishing company and renamed Hardy and Greys in 2004.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In July 2013, Hardy & Greys was sold to Pure Fishing, a division of conglomerate Jarden Corporation, later renamed Newell Brands, for an undisclosed sum.

The company has also invested heavily in a full refurbishment of its retail store, The Compleat Angler.

Newell sold Pure Fishing to Sycamore Partners in 2018.