Job fears at wellington boot firm

Most of the staff are involved in the production of boots

The jobs of more than 100 people are under threat after a Dumfries-based wellington boot manufacturer went into administration.

The Hunter Rubber Company is one of the biggest employers in the town.

It has an international reputation for making high quality boots and has an annual turnover of more than �8m.

Administrators at KPMG Corporate Recovery said they were confident that a buyer could be found for the firm, which will continue to trade.

Most of the 101 staff employed at the Edinburgh Road plant in Dumfries are involved in the production of the boots.

New process

Their history stretches back to 1856, when the North British Rubber Company was founded.

It made boots in Edinburgh using a new process of curing, or vulcanising, natural rubber.

Production took off at the outbreak of World War I, when the company was asked by the war office to construct a boot suitable for use by troops in the flooded trenches. It supplied nearly 1.2 million pairs.

We will be looking to sell the business and are confident this will be achieved, as the Hunter brand is held in such high esteem worldwide Richard Fleming Joint administrator

Hunters went on to become popular with labourers and then as general wet weather wear for men, women and children.

The company acquired the former Arrol Johnston car factory at Heathhall on the outskirts of Dumfries in 1946 and the famous green wellington was introduced there in the mid 1950s.

Since 1966 the company has operated under the various guises, including Uniroyal, the Gates Rubber Company and Interfloor.

Two years ago the footwear division was the subject of a management buyout and, for the first time, became a freestanding independent company.

Administrators said the firm had experienced financial difficulties in recent years despite enjoying some growth.

Richard Fleming, joint administrator, said: "Our first priority is to assess the situation at Hunter Rubber Company, whilst it continues to trade.

"We will be looking to sell the business and are confident this will be achieved, as the Hunter brand is held in such high esteem worldwide."

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