Sourcing collaboration for Concept III and Guilford
North Carolina-based Guilford Performance Textiles has partnered with New Jersey-based Concept III to pursue new links with prominent US outdoor and active apparel producers.
“Outdoor and active apparel has become everyday street wear around the globe,” says Chris Parkes, Concept III partner and director of sales. “Much of the volume is in poly/spandex or nylon/spandex, which Guilford offers in a collection of ‘top-of-the-line knits’ and has done so here in the US for over 65 years.”
While Asian supply chains are still very important to the two brands, a rise in global transportation and manufacturing costs has made apparel production in Mexico and Central America more attractive with its lower costs and shorter lead times.
Devin Warren, Guilford director of sales and product development, says: “This partnership makes great sense. Concept III brings with it decades of strong relationships and performance fabric expertise, while Guilford is uniquely positioned to help customers continue their trend of shifting sourcing back to this hemisphere.”
The two companies are also looking to work with environmentally sensitive and compliant mills. Guilford has constructed a methane gas pipeline from a local landfill to power plant generators and also recycles 98% of its fabric waste. “Their social and environmental responsibility is impressive,” concludes Mr Parkes.
