Padraig Canavan has been appointed the new chairperson of Hunter Apparel Solutions (HAS), Ireland’s leading bespoke corporate/work-wear uniform and PPE (personal protection equipment) supplier.
Padraig Canavan.
Mr Canavan, a leading member of the local Chamber of Commerce, was founder and chief executive of the Derry headquartered, international software vendor Singularity, acquired by Kofax plc at the end of 2011.
While new to the apparel industry he sees an exciting future in the application of technology to clothing to improve image, safety, comfort and service.
Mr Canavan said “having worked previously with Simon Hunter, managing director at Hunter Apparel Solutions, on an InvestNI mentoring program, Simon invited me to join the Hunter Apparel board.
“Thereafter, I was attracted to the innovative use of technology along with the increasingly complex technical apparel that the company specialises in”.
Simon Hunter, Lee Apparekl managing director, said it was “truly an honour” for him and his fellow directors to be a part of a board with a chairperson of Padraig’s calibre.
He added: “He has added a unique dimension to our capability as a board and as a company.”
Hunter Apparel Solutions was established in 1936 and now employs 40 staff.
The company is in a growth mode, recruiting and up-skilling through training using DEL grant assistance. Hunter Apparel Solutions Ltd is one of Derry’s oldest companies.
A supplier of Britain’s fire service uniforms, its clients also include Emirates, Kuwait Airways, Body Shop, An Post and HSCNI.
Last year, leading fashion designer Joan Morrow-Ghali joined forces with Hunter Apparel Solutions – formerly known as Graham Hunter (Shirts) Ltd. – to create a one-off linen shirt for US President Barack Obama during his visit to the G8 Summit in Co Fermanagh.
The company has also designed a shirt for President Bill Clinton.
Simon Hunter became the third generation of the Hunter family to take on the company’s managing director role in 2009.
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