While clothing and textile manufacturers all over Europe are closing their doors, a midlands manufacturer of outdoor clothing is on top of the world, literally.
Lowe Alpine Systems, Tullamore, makers of packs and apparel, has had its products worn on Mount Everest, the next highest mountain in the world, K2, and is in demand in 30 countries.
Lowe Alpine Systems was formed in 1967 by Americans Mike, Greg and Jeff Lowe, in Lafayette, Colorado. Their interest in mountaineering began at an early age when their father, Ralph, brought them climbing, thus initiating a lasting relationship with the outdoors.
The skills in judgment they learned in those days are employed in their company, where they produced quality goods for the demanding sport they loved.
In the mid-1970s, the company opened its first European operation in Tullamore. And there it remains today, guided through a difficult business world by managing director Laurie Grey.
Mr Grey, a quiet-spoken Englishman, is extremely proud of the midlands operation, which supplies quality wear to 30 countries.
"I left the food industry and came over here to run the plant. I enjoy every day because it is a challenge to produce clothing and equipment which will go all over the world," he said.
Mr Grey is proud of the quality of the goods produced in Tullamore. The plant employs 260 people and enjoys its high profile in the sporting world.
"Clothing and equipment made here have been to the top of Everest many times because the climbers know that what we produce is top quality and will not let them down," he said.
"We are also acutely aware here that our products must be top quality because of where they will end up. They will be instrumental in saving lives," he said. "We get many letters from people who tell us that they would not have survived difficult situations had it not been for the quality of our garments." "I suppose we miss PR opportunities but I think that is not important. What is important is that people trust us and we have not let them down," he said.
A mountaineer, skier, walker and outdoor enthusiast, he is proud to be part of a company where the emphasis is on safety.
"We don't actually get involved in sponsorship but we did give clothing to the Irish team which made it to the top of Everest. It is not about those things. It's about being sure that what you produce will not fail," he said.
"We used tried and tested materials which we know work. We use an original material for fleece called Aleutian, breathable fabrics called Triplepoint ceramic and a material called dryflo, to keep the wearer dry," he said.
"The materials we use are equal to Goretex and we are happy about that, so we just go our own way. I suppose it's a quiet confidence," he said.
That quiet confidence has found the company targeting the former Eastern bloc countries and there is an increasing demand for Lowe Alpine goods in places such as Poland, Slovenia and the Czech Republic.
There is also a growing demand too in Europe for outdoor clothing that will never be seen on a mountain but will grace the racecourses and football terraces.
"We know that our clothing is attractive and we are delighted that people want to wear it in non-challenging locations. However, we must keep our attention on the markets we know best," he said.
A measure of the company's success is that it is experiencing a labour shortage and is working with FAS to train staff. The plant is also expanding.
Some 21 years on, employees are proud of the regard in which their work and attention to detail is held.
And there is pride too that in such difficult times for the clothing industry, their produce can hold its place and their jobs, against the best in the world.