Scottish Firm’s Covid-19 Efforts Recognised with An Early Day Motion

Outdoor clothing manufacturer Keela, has been recognised by the UK government with an Early Day Motion for its outstanding work throughout the pandemic.

The Scottish firm, based in Fife, received a thank you in the form of an Early Day Motion as a result of its work producing much-needed PPE for use by the NHS throughout the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic. At its height, the company was producing 15,000 gowns per week. To keep up with demand and allow for social distancing measures, the team expanded the company’s facilities by 10,000 sq. ft, setting up a brand-new dedicated manufacturing facility within three weeks, and in the process, created 70 jobs for people from the local area. Using Scottish-produced fabric from Cupar Angus, the team dispatched PPE to the NHS on a weekly basis.

When the pandemic first hit, there was a shortage in the supply chain and very few items of PPE were produced in the UK. Keela has been manufacturing outdoor and technical garments in the UK for over 40 years and so the team made the decision to use this knowledge and transfer the skills of the team to support the effort.

Early Day Motions are used by MPs to draw attention to a specific event or campaign. The aim is to demonstrate parliamentary support for a particular cause and in this case, Keela received recognition from MP’s across the political spectrum.

Sam Fernando, Sales Director Keela Outdoors said: “It was such a lovely surprise to find out we had been put forward for an Early Day Motion. When details of Covid- 19 started to emerge, our team felt an immense need to support those on the front line. We knew we had the manufacturing capabilities, and we felt a strong desire to do our bit in such a difficult time. It is delightful to receive this credit and it makes me so proud to see what the team have achieved here at Keela”.

Keela has been pushing the boundaries of outdoor gear and textile design for 40 years. The first Keela kit was tested by local mountain rescue teams, and today emergency services and rescue teams still rely on Keela garments. Keela is worn the world over by adventurers, expedition leaders and outdoor enthusiasts.