This week, commencing 11th September 2023, FEL Director Caroline Ash welcomed two very different groups for a factory tour and seminar.
Caroline said: “The first group we had in this week was from HMRC. As we are a fully ethically audited factory, they wanted to learn what “good” looks like and understand all the processes involved in producing garments – from design through the production & delivery.
“We worked through SMV (standard minute value) for different types of garments, different machines, their operations and efficiencies, fabric consumption, and Galaxius which is our transparent PLM system which is how we pay our machinists.
“We also covered bad practices including cabbage and 16 hours on 16 hours off. We then did a very in-depth factory tour, finishing with new technology. They felt that what they learnt in this seminar would definitely enable them to do their jobs to a higher standard in the future, with a better understanding of the industry.”
“The second group of the week came from Sandbach High School, first time visitors to our seminar. The students are taking Fashion and Textiles next year for A-Level so this was a real introduction for them.
“We covered everything from design, pattern cutting, sealing through to production. We also did a costing, talked about sustainability, ethics, greenwashing and EPR. We finished with the factory tour and new technology.
“It was great for them to see firsthand all of these things in action, and they really enjoyed the whole experience.”
Feedback from the High School students included:
“I learnt about the difference in quick, cheap, bulk garments and slow, expensive quality garments. The speed of the sewers was very cool to watch.”
“The speaker was lovely and explained everything very well.”
“I have learnt about the value of garment making and I now know that the cheaper option isn’t always the best. Speaker was very nice and covered everything.”
“I found out about how garments are manufactured and the future of the fashion industry. Absolutely loved it, thank-you.”