Published: Friday, 12th March, 2010 12:55pm

New jobs boost for Innerleithen workers

RECENTLY redundant mill workers are rejoicing as 37 new posts are created in Innerleithen.

Meanwhile their former employer, JJ & HB Cashmere, have announced that they've now moved from administration to voluntary liquidation.

Innerleithen suffered a body blow back in January when 132 workers were made redundant by JJ & HB as the firm owed debts of nearly £10million.

But this week a new company, Caerlee Mill Ltd, announced that it has begun operations at the former site albeit on it a smaller scale.

The business will be run by former JJ & HB factory manager, Tom Harkness, and the venture is bankrolled by a previous JJ & HB Italian investor.

Tom said: "We're like a phoenix from the flames. We've been working closely with Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Borders Council on this since JJ & HB went into administration on January 4 and we're delighted that it's been a success.

"Consolidation is the key for year one and then we can look to further expansion in year two."

Upon hearing the news of JJ & HB entering liquidation, Mr Harkness moved to quell any fears regarding Caerlee Mill's site.

He said: "We've signed a long-term lease so this will not affect us in any way. We are a separate company as of March 1."

Creditors of JJ & HB were called to a meeting at the Cardrona Hotel on Wednesday where it was decided to liquidate the business.

A spokesperson for administrators BDO LLP said: "At this meeting it was decided that JJ & HB will exit administration, at a date not yet determined and enter voluntary liquidation."

Creditors such as Classic Cashmere of Jedburgh, Barrie Knitwear of Hawick and the Edinburgh Woolen Mill In Langhlolm will now submit their claims for renumeration.

JJ & HB's remaining chattel items such as machinery and furniture will then be sold via an online auction on April 19.