Scale and depth: Artistic Milliners acquires LA denim factory
Karachi-based Artistic Milliners has purchased a denim factory in Los Angeles, with the intention to develop the business (now known as Star Fades International [SFI]) into a “state-of-the-art” design and production hub based on supply chain 4.0 principles.
Executive director of Artistic Milliners, Murtaza Ahmed, said: “This acquisition gives us a strategic foothold in the US, in a region with significant geographic and demographic advantages. California has historically been an important cornerstone for the international denim industry.
“In 2021, we anticipate increased demand from international retailers and brands for near-shoring capacity, digital design services and sustainable solutions. Our investment in this factory gives us a launch platform in the US to meet the demand as we build the factory of the future.”
SFI is currently able to process 100,000 units per month and, according to the press release, plans are under way to increase this capacity to 300,000 units per month.
CEO of Artistic Milliners, Omer Ahmed, commented: “Not only does [the SFI acquisition] give our brand partners a US-based manufacturing option, but it also serves as a nucleus for co-creation and collaboration from fibre to garment at a scale and depth never witnessed before in our industry.”
Image: SFI in Los Angeles
