COVER STORY
Top Grade International Enterprise Limited
W. R . DI SSA N AYA K E
Country Manager
determined by two factors –
global per capita disposable
income and global population
growth. Consumers purchase
clothing out of necessity and
to convey a desired image.
Fortunately, for the industry
operators, improving global
economic conditions over the
last five years till 2017 has
bolstered consumers’ ability and
willingness to spend more on
clothing worldwide. Specifically,
disposable income and consumer
confidence in key buying regions
such as the United States and
Europe have underpinned
revenue growth for apparel
manufacturers. Another factor
driving worldwide demand for
apparel over the period has been
the rapid economic growth of
emerging market economies,
which will make Bangladesh the
best destination for global buyers.
SUPPLIER POOL
Yes, I do subscribe to the view that
even though a preferred vendor
list can help simplify business
and give a sense of stability and
continuity in supply, a modern
business shouldn’t restrict itself
to only a limited number of
suppliers.
BUSINESS POLICIES
If a supplier gives me the best
products in competitive prices,
I will overlook some of my criteria
checklist to help him grow
because if I stop working with this
supplier, it is not going to help
him/her develop.
MAINTAINING THE EDGE
Standard range of factories
which can do big quantities along
with fashion items in smaller
volumes are the key factors that
can help a supplier maintain the
competitive edge.
A
readymade garment
manufacturing and sourcing
company with its manufacturing
facilities in Vietnam and liaison
(sourcing) offices across the globe,
Top Grade International Enterprise
Limited established by German
entrepreneur Thomas Hebestreit
in 1995, is a US $ 600 million entity
headquartered at Hong Kong
supplying apparel items to across
geographical locations.
The Bangladesh office of the company
led by W. R. Dissanayake as the
Country Manager, mainly caters to
Lidl, Takko Holding GmbH, Ernsting’s
Family and Wappen Men’s Fashion
GmbH apart from some Brazilian
buyers like Cia Haring, Malwee and
Kyly and does all kinds of knit and
woven items including sweaters for
men’s, women’s and kid’s sections,
except lingerie and home textiles.
RULE OF THREE
Better Price, Better Quality and
Timely Delivery.
SYNC WITH CHANGING
DYNAMICS
To be in sync with the changing
requirements, we need to adopt to
new fashion developments, new
production systems with industrial
engineering, green technology
applications to become environment
friendly (Example: Water- and power-
saving technologies and using better
dyestuffs).
BIGGEST CHALLENGE!
The biggest challenge, according to
me, is archiving the buyers’ target
by cutting cost and making timely
shipments. These are the two main
issues that we are facing increasingly
on a day-to-day basis.
THE FUTURE
Future is very good and growth is also
admirable.
AO SURVEY
FINDINGS
88 %
gave thumbs
up to efforts
on compliance
and pointed
out that serious
commitment to
strict adherence
on compliance is
the major point
that is attracting
buyers/brands.
ADVANTAGE BD
Better sourcing is available (fabrics
and trims), manufacturing procedures
(with latest technology) are improving,
quality standards are even upgrading
remarkably, and above all cheaper
labour compared to manufacturing
destinations in other subcontinents
and improved social compliance
and adherence to worker’s safety
requirements are taken care of.
SUPPLIER POOL
I agree to what many people argue
that a modern business shouldn’t
restrict itself to only a limited number
of suppliers because when we build
relationships with several suppliers, it
becomes easier to work.
BUSINESS POLICIES
I would continue with a vendor if it can
provide me the best of the products
at the most competitive price even if
it does not align with some of my core
policies.
MAINTAINING THE EDGE
Keeping commitments by giving
delivery while maintaining the quality,
and continuing the business even
if prices are bit high, are some of
the qualities/factors that can help a
supplier maintain the competitive edge.
www.apparelresources.com | AUGUS T 2017 | Apparel Online Bangladesh
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