On the 24th February 2022 we welcomed a group of third year Fashion Design, Fashion Buying & Merchandising and Fashion Management & Marketing students from Solent University for an informative Factory tour. The two-hour educational visit was adapted to suit the groups studies and level of education.
Key topics discussed included: The garment life cycle, from initial idea right through to delivery, sustainability, costing, supply chain challenges from both supplier and buyer, critical path, what makes the factory compliant, along with a firsthand view of garments being made up on the cutting table, industrial machines and quality control stations.
The group were engaged throughout and gained a great deal of information that corresponded with their own degree studies.
Feedback included:
“I learnt lots about the production process, pattern cutting and buying tips. Thank-you so much, so very helpful.”
“I have learnt a lot of what goes into the physical product, costing and technology around garment making.”
“I have a new understanding of how a clothing production facility is run. Lovely space, the tour was great.”
“I learnt about CAD programs regarding sampling, production time of garments. Love the factory and the atmosphere.”
“I found out from a manufacturers perspective how they work with buyers of big companies.”
“The importance of negotiation and the relationship between a buyer and a factory/production.”
“An eye-opening experience, very informative and friendly.”