Industry News
TSGD Status Report 200 Days after the Earthquake: Clothing Manufacturers Operational Again
by Yvonne Heinen-Foudeh, Senior International Correspondent
Six months after the destructive earthquake on February 6, the Turkish Garment Manufacturers Association (TSGD) reports that all businesses in the eleven affected regions in the southeastern part of the country have been able to resume their production. "Achieving this required an immense effort from all sides, and international support also contributed to this success," emphasized TGSD Co-Chair Sanem Dikmen in an interview with The Needle’s Eye.
Contributing to the restoration of production and thus the supply capability of Turkish clothing manufacturers in the earthquake region - and thereby curbing the negative impacts on the global apparel sector (total country's export volume in 2022: US$19.4 billion) - is undoubtedly the predominantly solid and responsible construction of the factory buildings. According to association statements, less fundamental damages have largely been repaired over the past six and a half months.
Crucial from both humanitarian and economic standpoints was improving living conditions to swiftly create new temporary accommodations for the employees of clothing manufacturers.
Basic needs for 1,200 people with "TGSD Village"TGSD itself has made a significant contribution here. In April, on the association's initiative, work began in Adiyaman, one of the strongholds of the Turkish clothing industry, on establishing a center for housing and healthcare on a 22,000 square meter area - as reported by The Needle’s Eye.
By now, 324 residential containers have been occupied. The families' transition to these containers was organized by the AFAD Disaster Management Organization. Families who have a member working in the nearby industrial zone are entitled to a container if they have lost their homes. Currently, 1,200 people live in the "TGSD Village", and additional facilities such as a laundry, health center, kindergarten, library, and psychological support center are also in operation.
Coordination of order allocation for clothing manufacturers in the earthquake-affected region in southeastern Turkey is also available through the Turkish Clothing Manufacturers' Association TGSD, including MOQs and "quick orders".Contact: Ms. Zeren Oray, Secretary GeneralTurkish Clothing Manufacturers’ Association Tel.: +90 (212) 639 76 56 Cell: +90 (549) 543 19 76 Email: zeren@tgsd.org.tr
On-site visit to impress international buyers
Representatives of the international press and sourcing executives from companies like Benetton, Helly Hansen, Kiabi, Polo Ralph Lauren, Spring Near East Manufacturing, Superdry, and VF responded to the current invitation from the Clothing Association. They visited the container center and a range of local clothing manufacturers to be convinced of full functionality in every aspect. The achieved progress has deeply impressed all participants.
Sanem Dikmen on-site: "For companies to recover and renew their production facilities, we need projected business potential from all buyers." The deputy chairwoman of the Clothing Association adds, "To secure the economic future for clothing manufacturers and the people working there, as well as their families, manufacturing orders are of essential importance."
Sanem Dikmen on-site: "For companies to recover and renew their production facilities, we need projected business potential from all buyers." The deputy chairwoman of the Clothing Association adds, "To secure the economic future for clothing manufacturers and the people working there, as well as their families, manufacturing orders are of essential importance."
All 324 containers in the TGSD Village are equipped with basic necessities such as bathrooms, showers, beds, etc. "Now we continue to collect donations for current needs like TVs, tablets for kids, etc.," says Sanem Dikmen during the on-site visit by buyers and media representatives.
Manufacturers with available production capacities, especially in the Adiyaman region:
Knitwear: Gelisim TekstilContact: Ms. Dilek Gucluer, dilek.gucluer@gelisimtekstil.com.tr
gelisimtekstil.com.tr/en/home/
Formal men’s wear: Atlas GiyimContact: Mr. Burak Zabun, bzabun@piserro.com
www.piserro.com/
Denim Fabrics and Apparel: KIPASContact: Mr. Yücel Bayram, ybayram@kipas.com.tr www.kipas.com.tr/sectors/retail
Home Textiles: ATEKS A.S. Contact: Mr. Cem Emektas, cem.emektas@hateks.com.tr
www.kipas.com.tr/sectors/retail
Fully functional again: Knitwear manufacturer Gilisim Tekstil at Adiyaman‘s Industrial zone
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