A SCOTTISH bag manufacturer has been saved from closure after announcing it was to close after 15 years in business.
Trakke, which was founded by Alec Farmer in 2010 and is based in Glasgow, announced its shock closure in February, saying that rising costs and tax increases made operating “untenable”.
Now, Alpkit — a multi-award-winning certified B Corp and outdoor equipment brand — has taken over the company.
Production is expanding with the creation of seven new jobs at Alpkit’s Nottingham-based factory, while select Trakke styles will still be made in Glasgow.
All Trakke bags will continue to use premium Scottish fabrics, maintaining the quality customers have come to expect.
The original Trakke team, including founder Farmer, has been closely involved in the transition to ensure continuity in design, values, and product integrity.
“We’ve long admired Trakke’s commitment to heritage materials, timeless design, and sustainable production,” said David Hanney, CEO of Alpkit.
“Bringing Trakke into the Alpkit family is a natural step, as both companies are driven by purpose, not just product.”
With this transition, Trakke becomes a certified B Corporation, a 1 per cent for the Planet member, and a Living Wage Foundation employer.
Since 2010, the company has manufactured all its products in Scotland.
Trakke’s products have also proven to resonate globally, with 50 per cent of previous revenue generated from the US.
Alpkit currently sells to 69 countries. The company said the new structure will strengthen Trakke’s international presence while "maintaining its unique identity".
“As we scale production and reach, we’re excited to serve customers worldwide with the same passion and quality Trakke is known for,” added Hanney.
When announcing the closure, Farmer had said there are "over 80,000 Trakke bags across every continent in the world. 80,000 bags worn by over 50,000 people," adding: "For us, that’s pretty humbling.”
