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global fashion brands are raising the profile of Kenya’s export processing
zones (EPZs) by signing production contracts with apparel manufacturers there.
Calvin Klein, Arrow, Izod and Cherokee are some such labels that have signed
such contracts. These brands are looking to source more of their clothing items
from Africa to reduce their reliance on Asia. Many brands, such as Hennes & Mauritz
(H&M), started local production in 2014 at Ashton Apparel. Hela Clothing, a
new EPZ firm with 1,500 workers, is manufacturing Calvin Klein underwear and
plans to double its workforce, according to a report in a Kenyan newspaper.
New Wide Garments is manufacturing Arrow and
Izod labels and employs more than 7,000 workers. Global EPZ, with 1,500
employees, produces Cherokee clothing brand. Increased contract
manufacturing in the country is expected to boost
textile and apparel exports whose earnings and production has dropped
significantly from its peak in the 1980s. Compared to 52 mills
in 1984, Kenya now has 21 mills operating at a capacity of less than 50 per
cent, according to the African Cotton & Textile
Industries Federation.
Source: Wiltshire Times, United Kingdom Monday, 30 October 2017