On Tuesday 25th June a group of ASBCI members’ were invited for a Technical Visit at Fashion Enter. Representatives from the likes of Whistles, Next Retail, Shop Direct, Dimensions and Matalan attended, along with ASBCI’s Chairman, Dr Alistair Knox and the organisation’s Editorial and Strategic Advisor, Sue Waters.
The Association of Suppliers to the British Clothing Industry (ASBCI) is a not-for-profit UK-based organisation with a membership that represents all key sectors of the clothing and textile supply chain. Formed in 1973, it is the only forum of its kind where component suppliers and fabric producers can exchange ideas and knowledge with designers, retailers and garment cleaning specialists. It operates without commercial preference and its impartial stance makes it a unique organisation within an intensely competitive industry where members can meet, discuss issues, and share their experiences – all together, in one place.
The group of 14 were given a tour of the Factory / FTA and Fashion Studio from Fashion Enter CEO – Jenny Holloway, Production Director – Caroline Ash and Senior Tutor – Julia Burrows, along with an extensive explanation on how the Galaxius System works and how the system traces every stage of the garment production process to ensure the Factory is fully transparent and compliant. The tour also reviewed key stages including the cutting table, industrial machines, flat bed and over-locker and quality control stations.
Jenny Holloway comments: “Grateful thanks to Alistair Knox, Chairman and Sue Waters for organising the ASBCI visit to our ethical factory; it was great to welcome the group. The ASBCI is a unique association with a wide membership base across the industry from fibre to garment making. We were very impressed with how genuine ASBCI is and clearly has technical and commercial competency too. We were very happy to answer questions that were diverse and deep and hope that everyone had a positive experience of our SMETA and Fast Forward approved factory.”