Donegal Yarns is a yarn production company based in the village of Cill Charthaigh in south-west Donegal, producing the famous “Donegal” yarn, which is commonly used by major global clothing brands such as JCrew, Polo Ralph Lauren, Prada and Chanel, to name but a few.

The company today has evolved from a state sponsored Congested District Board development scheme in the 1920’s, setting up a commercial spinning facility in Kilcar.

Donegal Yarns currently employs 35 people and has taken the initiative to develop and launch an innovative modern apprenticeship and staff development programme for the textile industry in Ireland. Their aim is to ensure that the skills and traditions required to keep this industry thriving, will be retained in the area.

Companies in this historic & traditional part of Donegal’s Gaeltacht have found it difficult to find the skills required in areas such as dying, carding and spinning.  These specific courses don’t exist in Ireland and are no longer available in the UK to support the textile industry. Hence, Donegal Yarns, decided to develop their own training programme and, with support from Údarás na Gaeltachta,  have developed a framework programme specific to their needs.

Commenting on the programmes, Manager of Donegal Yarns, Chris Weiniger said, “Some of our employees have been working in this factory for over 40 years and have talents that you won’t find anywhere else. The next generation of local talent are now coming to the fore and we believe, that if the industry is to survive, it is crucial that these skills are passed on through an apprenticeship and staff development programmes like this one.”

“The framework was designed by Maggie Marr in 2014. She has worked in the textile industry for over 30 year and has specialised in training and project management. Her main focus was to design a programme in conjunction with the company’s internal resources. It is a structured apprenticeship course that consists of seven modules, delivered by a team of experienced employees as internal trainers supported by external trainers with experience working in the global textile industry.”

“We are hopeful that with the help of Educational Bodies this will become a sought after and accredited course, run from the Donegal Gaeltacht. It is instrumental to the growth of the textile industry in South West Donegal and in particular our company” said Chris Weiniger.

“The textile industry in this area and all over Ireland as a whole are working much closer together now, supporting each other from our yarn production right through to the finished product, all being exported around the world.

Understanding, communicating and appreciating the challenges of each other’s businesses has helped create  synergy in the supply chain here in South West Donegal!”

“Our NEW modern apprenticeship & staff development programme is a sign of the commitment from senior management right through to the operative on the production floor. The programme has taught us the importance to embrace change and adapt the way we work and think. We are already starting to see the benefits of everyone’s hard work. It is not only our heritage, but our people that make the business and this industry work, so by investing in our people we can cement & set a foundation for our company’s future, to grow & expand.”

“ We are delighted as a company to see a growing trend in recent years of both local Donegal companies and other Irish textiles companies increasing their production levels again in Ireland developing ranges around our “ Genuine Donegal” products.

“International brands still want to have the link with traditional methods of producing yarn and Donegal Yarns can provide that link, dating back generations from a location rich in textile heritage. Together our entire team make up what is a unique recipe for global success.” concluded Chris.

 

 

Pictured: Chris Weiniger, Manager, Donegal Yarns, Kilcar, Co. Donegal.

Photo : Paul Doherty Photography.