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By
1997, when Sheila Aylward approached BNS, her company Ormonde Soft Furnishings
had been in
existence for 6 years. In 1992, the company acquired its present premises at Barrack
Lane. Only half the building was renovated for use. Seven full-time employees
were required for the manufacturing needs. Production consisted primarily of the
manufacture of curtains, bed valences, pelmets and table cloths for the local
southeast market. Over time, Sheila noted that a significant demand for bedspreads
existed in the southeast and midlands.
At that time only 4 companies
carried out quilting in Ireland. Sheila felt that to satisfy her customers demands,
investment in a quilting machine was required. Additionally, the remainder of
the building needed to be upgraded to accommodate the planned expansion of the
enterprise. Sheila felt that the time to expand was now or Ormonde Soft Furnishings
would not maintain their hard won market shareor the established quality brand.
In 1997 BNS approved a capital grant to enable the upgrading of the
premises and the purchase of a quilting machine. This resulted in two additional
staff being employed as well as sustaining the existing seven staff. Given these
developments, the company produced a new brochure in association with BNS in order
to expand its client base. A marketing strategy was designed for the business
targeting both the domestic and business sectors.
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