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Age Doesn't Equate Success in Embroidery Business


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Intricate Embroidery Methods Learned Overseas Force Small Businesses to Close

Monday 17th of September 2007 10:46:26 PM

While the 1994 free trade agreement the US made with countries like Mexico, and Canada allowed clothing companies and others to manufacture goods outside the US a less expensive alternative to paying for local labour, the new laws caused many in the US to lose their jobs. Even though some companies did not relocate their businesses overseas, many went out of business when they could no longer compete by offering lower prices for clothing and other items.

Gip’s Manufacturing Co, located in Anderson, South Carolina, which had been in business since 1963, held on for over ten years after the legislation passed because the products they made required advanced embroidery techniques and machinery. But now, workers overseas have learned these techniques, and companies like Gip’s have had to shut down.

Because of technology, embroidery and sewing tasks are completed with computers that allow users to choose different functions when producing clothing and other items. While those operating the machines need to have an understanding of which functions to use, this can be taught very easily. As a result, those who work in small factories overseas are able to produce more clothing in less time and for less money.

“Gip’s is what I have put my life into. I wanted to keep Gip’s going for me, my family and for the people who work here. We would try to cut costs. We would try to do this and we would try to do that. But on some level, I knew the decision to close was coming,” said the owner of Gip’s, Scott Hardigree.

(c)Ali Farid, www.sxc.hu