Charles Owen to cease UK Production

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HBB

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ETA: So apparently it isn’t a hoax, this is a statement that was released to retailers. What a sad state of affairs for our quality brands that are made here in the UK.


Important Update on Charles Owen UK Production
It is with deep regret that I must share the extremely difficult decision to cease UK production of Charles Owen products as of next month.
This decision comes as a result of our lease expiring on the premises we currently occupy. Despite strong commitments earlier this year that we would be able to remain, those assurances have sadly not materialised. Although we have secured a short extension, it only allows us to continue operations until 19th December, less than six weeks from now.
Those who have visited our facility will understand the complexity involved in producing our helmets - the volume of equipment and machinery is significant. Decommissioning, dismantling, relocating, and recommissioning this operation is a major logistical challenge. While we do have several potential new locations under consideration it will not be possible to maintain production.
We have set a cut-off date for new orders of this Friday, 14th November. We will continue to draw from our existing stock of raw materials and sub-assemblies to fulfil as many orders as possible before 19th December. While we will make every effort to meet all commitments, some shortfalls may occur, but we will work hard to minimise any shortages.
I apologise sincerely for the short notice. As you will appreciate, securing a new long term lease has been our top priority for some time. However, we have exhausted every option to avoid this outcome, unfortunately we have reached a point where this decision has had to be made.
We do have stock of key Charles Owen lines ready for despatch, and we will circulate a full stock list to help you place your orders. This stock will be allocated predominantly on a first come first served basis, but we will ensure fair distribution at all times.
Please note that this development does not impact our outsourced product lines. Kylo, Phoenix, Kontor, Shadow, Eclipse, as well as all accessories are not affected. We also remain on track with our exciting new products - the Hyda helmet and Hexa body protector, both due to launch in 2026 - supported by a strong forward order book.
The Sales and Customer Service teams are on hand to assist with your questions and orders, but if I could ask for your patience and understanding while we navigate through this unique and unfortunate situation that would be much appreciated.
Thank you in advance for your support during this challenging transition.
Dave Derby
CEO
 
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HBB said:
ETA: So apparently it isn’t a hoax, this is a statement that was released to retailers. What a sad state of affairs for our quality brands that are made here in the UK.


Important Update on Charles Owen UK Production
It is with deep regret that I must share the extremely difficult decision to cease UK production of Charles Owen products as of next month.
This decision comes as a result of our lease expiring on the premises we currently occupy. Despite strong commitments earlier this year that we would be able to remain, those assurances have sadly not materialised. Although we have secured a short extension, it only allows us to continue operations until 19th December, less than six weeks from now.
Those who have visited our facility will understand the complexity involved in producing our helmets - the volume of equipment and machinery is significant. Decommissioning, dismantling, relocating, and recommissioning this operation is a major logistical challenge. While we do have several potential new locations under consideration it will not be possible to maintain production.
We have set a cut-off date for new orders of this Friday, 14th November. We will continue to draw from our existing stock of raw materials and sub-assemblies to fulfil as many orders as possible before 19th December. While we will make every effort to meet all commitments, some shortfalls may occur, but we will work hard to minimise any shortages.
I apologise sincerely for the short notice. As you will appreciate, securing a new long term lease has been our top priority for some time. However, we have exhausted every option to avoid this outcome, unfortunately we have reached a point where this decision has had to be made.
We do have stock of key Charles Owen lines ready for despatch, and we will circulate a full stock list to help you place your orders. This stock will be allocated predominantly on a first come first served basis, but we will ensure fair distribution at all times.
Please note that this development does not impact our outsourced product lines. Kylo, Phoenix, Kontor, Shadow, Eclipse, as well as all accessories are not affected. We also remain on track with our exciting new products - the Hyda helmet and Hexa body protector, both due to launch in 2026 - supported by a strong forward order book.
The Sales and Customer Service teams are on hand to assist with your questions and orders, but if I could ask for your patience and understanding while we navigate through this unique and unfortunate situation that would be much appreciated.
Thank you in advance for your support during this challenging transition.
Dave Derby
CEO
HBB said:
ETA: So apparently it isn’t a hoax, this is a statement that was released to retailers. What a sad state of affairs for our quality brands that are made here in the UK.


Important Update on Charles Owen UK Production
It is with deep regret that I must share the extremely difficult decision to cease UK production of Charles Owen products as of next month.
This decision comes as a result of our lease expiring on the premises we currently occupy. Despite strong commitments earlier this year that we would be able to remain, those assurances have sadly not materialised. Although we have secured a short extension, it only allows us to continue operations until 19th December, less than six weeks from now.
Those who have visited our facility will understand the complexity involved in producing our helmets - the volume of equipment and machinery is significant. Decommissioning, dismantling, relocating, and recommissioning this operation is a major logistical challenge. While we do have several potential new locations under consideration it will not be possible to maintain production.
We have set a cut-off date for new orders of this Friday, 14th November. We will continue to draw from our existing stock of raw materials and sub-assemblies to fulfil as many orders as possible before 19th December. While we will make every effort to meet all commitments, some shortfalls may occur, but we will work hard to minimise any shortages.
I apologise sincerely for the short notice. As you will appreciate, securing a new long term lease has been our top priority for some time. However, we have exhausted every option to avoid this outcome, unfortunately we have reached a point where this decision has had to be made.
We do have stock of key Charles Owen lines ready for despatch, and we will circulate a full stock list to help you place your orders. This stock will be allocated predominantly on a first come first served basis, but we will ensure fair distribution at all times.
Please note that this development does not impact our outsourced product lines. Kylo, Phoenix, Kontor, Shadow, Eclipse, as well as all accessories are not affected. We also remain on track with our exciting new products - the Hyda helmet and Hexa body protector, both due to launch in 2026 - supported by a strong forward order book.
The Sales and Customer Service teams are on hand to assist with your questions and orders, but if I could ask for your patience and understanding while we navigate through this unique and unfortunate situation that would be much appreciated.
Thank you in advance for your support during this challenging transition.
Dave Derby
CEO
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does this mean their helmets made in the uk will be discontinued forever? or will they just be unavailable for a while until they find a new factory, such a shame i don’t think ill ever feel as safe in a different brand 💔
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It may be yet again the Brexit problem. Some of my riding wear is made in Germany and always was. However there were retailers in the UK.
 
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My friend is a sponsored rider and they have been told directly that it's temporary. They are looking for another location (although are currently struggling to find anything).
 
Albus15 said:
My friend is a sponsored rider and they have been told directly that it's temporary. They are looking for another location (although are currently struggling to find anything).
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Finding another location is the temporary aspect of the information.
They have confirmed they will no longer be manufacturing hats in the UK so all the dial hats will continue to be sold
It’s just the hats that are made in the UK
 
It is such a shame that they are only continuing their overseas produced models :(

Does anyone know which country/countries they manufacture in?
 
Update here - https://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/charles-owen-to-stop-uk-production-910428

Today a Charles Owen spokesperson told H&H the decision to stop production at its Wrexham location “has been incredibly difficult, and comes only after exhausting every possible option to secure a long-term lease for our current facility”. “While this change affects our UK manufacturing, our commitment to rider safety remains paramount. We are fully dedicated to our future plans, including the continued development of our upcoming products mentioned in the announcement, along with all current outsourced product lines, which are completely unaffected,” she said. The spokesperson confirmed equestrians will still be able to buy Charles Owen products. “Although UK production will cease, we still have every intention to continue to sell our products to the UK and beyond,” she said.

“There are a lot of the UK-produced Charles Owen products already with our retailers, so I’m sure our consumers will have no problems sourcing our UK made products for some time yet and we remain dedicated to safety for all riders with our unaffected products.” The cut-off for retailers to place new orders from the UK facility is tomorrow . “We will continue to draw from our existing stock of raw materials and sub-assemblies to fulfil as many orders as possible before 19 December. While we will make every effort to meet all commitments, some shortfalls may occur, but we will work hard to minimise any shortages,” retailers have been told.

Mr Derby “sincerely apologised” for the short notice and said securing a new long-term lease had been Charles Owens’ “top priority for some time”. “However, we have exhausted every option to avoid this outcome, unfortunately we have reached a point where this decision has had to be made,” he said, adding that the company has stock of key lines ready for dispatch, allocated to retailers on a first come, first served basis.
 
teapot said:
Update here - https://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/charles-owen-to-stop-uk-production-910428

Today a Charles Owen spokesperson told H&H the decision to stop production at its Wrexham location “has been incredibly difficult, and comes only after exhausting every possible option to secure a long-term lease for our current facility”. “While this change affects our UK manufacturing, our commitment to rider safety remains paramount. We are fully dedicated to our future plans, including the continued development of our upcoming products mentioned in the announcement, along with all current outsourced product lines, which are completely unaffected,” she said. The spokesperson confirmed equestrians will still be able to buy Charles Owen products. “Although UK production will cease, we still have every intention to continue to sell our products to the UK and beyond,” she said.

“There are a lot of the UK-produced Charles Owen products already with our retailers, so I’m sure our consumers will have no problems sourcing our UK made products for some time yet and we remain dedicated to safety for all riders with our unaffected products.” The cut-off for retailers to place new orders from the UK facility is tomorrow . “We will continue to draw from our existing stock of raw materials and sub-assemblies to fulfil as many orders as possible before 19 December. While we will make every effort to meet all commitments, some shortfalls may occur, but we will work hard to minimise any shortages,” retailers have been told.

Mr Derby “sincerely apologised” for the short notice and said securing a new long-term lease had been Charles Owens’ “top priority for some time”. “However, we have exhausted every option to avoid this outcome, unfortunately we have reached a point where this decision has had to be made,” he said, adding that the company has stock of key lines ready for dispatch, allocated to retailers on a first come, first served basis.
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I wish they’d be a bit more clear, having just tried 7 different hats and only the CO one fit. Are they ceasing to manufacture the non dial hats or aren’t they?
 
It is such a shame. I was going to wait until next year to get a Fian but thought better of it after hearing the news yesterday. I only found one place on line that had my size and colour. My local tack shop do not have any navy in stock. They have had an order in with them for over a month. They said there is no guarantee they will receive it.
 
This is so sad. I'm a CO head shape! I love their skulls. It just seems so odd to cease production of their bread & butter jockey skulls & velvets. I'm no business person, but to quit the main core of the business just seems illogical.
 
Molly22 said:
It is such a shame. I was going to wait until next year to get a Fian but thought better of it after hearing the news yesterday. I only found one place on line that had my size and colour. My local tack shop do not have any navy in stock. They have had an order in with them for over a month. They said there is no guarantee they will receive it.
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what size and colour do you want?
Babypony said:
I wish they’d be a bit more clear, having just tried 7 different hats and only the CO one fit. Are they ceasing to manufacture the non dial hats or aren’t they?
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dial hats are not affected
 
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