Newsletter No.30   11 August 2017

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Bookings open to exhibit at the ATF Trade Exhibition, 21 – 23 November 2017, CTICC, Cape Town

Join South Africa’s only import sourcing show for the clothing, textile, footwear and fashion accessory industries. The main objective of ATF is to offer local importers and international manufacturers and service providers an opportunity to make contact with Southern African buyers from chain stores, independent retailers, mini-chains, boutiques, manufacturers and other important industry decision makers.

Says Deidre Harte, Organiser of the Show, ‘ATF is a strictly trade only exhibition designed specifically for our exhibitors to meet with trade buyers and other important industry professionals. It provides a platform to network and make contact with new potential buyers, re-inforce business with  existing customers, explore business opportunities or showcase a brand new product range to the industry’. The successful concept of running industry related product sectors side by side, affords buyers the broadest possible comparative selection in a closed compact environment, making it attractive for them to visit’.

More than 150 exhibitors from over 13 countries will once again be represented at this highly focused trade event which will feature a 3 day trade show, daily fashion shows, industry presentations, new product launches and an opening cocktail reception. If you would like to EXHIBIT, email atfexpo@worldonline.co.za or complete the exhibitor registration form online www.atfexpo.co.za. Organisers: LTE – leaders in trade exhibitions, Tel: +27 21 790 5849.

Pegas Nonwovens concludes contract for production line

Pegas Nonwovens SA has concluded a contract with the production technology manufacturer Reifenhäuser Reicofil KG, for delivery of the first production line for the South African plant. The annual production capacity of the S-TwinMB-S 2600 RF4s Compact BiCo production line will be around 10 thousand tonnes. It is likely to begin operations in 2019 beginning.

The annual production capacity of the S-TwinMB-S 2600 RF4s Compact BiCo production line will be approximately 10 thousand tonnes and its configuration will enable the production of technologically advanced bicomponent materials. It is expected to be put into commercial operation at the beginning of 2019.

“For our plant in South Africa, we have ordered a Compact type production line with a similar configuration to the one recently put into operation in the Czech Republic. For South Africa, this investment represents a huge step forward in the area of nonwoven textile technologies for hygiene applications. I am, therefore, very glad that we are the ones bringing this investment into the region,” said František Rezác, CEO and member of the board of Pegas Nonwovens SA.

The demanding schedule for the construction of the new plant and installation of the production line will be a great challenge. “In line with our plans, we expect to commence construction of the plant in the last quarter of this year and I firmly believe that at the end of next year, we will be able to present an entirely new production plant,” Rezác said.

“We are excited about expanding into a new fast growing market and hope that it marks the beginning for further growth in the region. We expect that we will start to supply the first commercial products from the new production line at the beginning of 2019 so that we fulfil the long term agreement with one of our major customers for the delivery of a significant part of the new plant’s production output,” Rezác said.

Fibre2Fashion

FACT SHEET

Africa’s Original Trade EVENT for cotton, textiles, apparel and associated industries is not only a Trade Fair, but Africa’s premier internationally recognised trade, investment & networking opportunity.

The Conference brings world renowned experts together to explore the disruption of, and opportunity in, rapidly developing technologies on Productivity, Profitability and Sustainability during the 2 day conference.

Exhibitors from Mauritius, Madagascar, Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Egypt, Lesotho, Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Ghana, Cote D’Ivoire, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Singapore, India, Pakistan, United Arab Emirates.

Buyers representing Brands, Retailers, Wholesalers and Sourcing Agents from UK, EU, USA, Canada, Hong Kong, India, South Africa, Kenya

Visitors – International trade specialists, Investment exploratory missions, support & development partners

Origin Africa Upscale offers Separate workshop, exhibition area, competition and specific buyer profile for micro and small creative industries.

Origin Africa, Buy Africa, For Africa – Don’t Miss this Unique Event

For more information see www.originafrica.org  or

Belinda.Edmonds@gmail.com and Nancy@originafrica.org

Expert urges Nigerian garment exporters to boost trade

Garment exporters from Nigeria need to establish their brands in order to boos trade, said Musa Rubin, consultant, USAID West Africa Trade and Investment Hub. He further said that as Nigeria is close to the US compared to Asia, it has a geographic advantage and the relatively low wage cost in Nigeria is also an advantage for the counry..

The market in the US is diverse and more than 50 million people spend $1,000 each on an average, annually on garments, said Rubin while speaking at a workshop in Lagos organised by the Trade Hub and Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC).

Rubin added that garment manufacturers can increase their trade with the US market by improving their productivity and quality, thanks to relatively low wages in Nigeria. The culture and designs of the country can help create demands in niche markets, said Nigerian media reports quoting him.

The importance of certification was addressed by Emmanuel Odonkor, Trade Hub apparel value chain specialist. He along with William Addo, finance and investment specialist, informed the participants about the importance of Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP) certification, which is a requirement for a number of international apparel retailers.

They also educated participants regarding the preparations for trade shows and how to get finance to expand operations.

The workshop concluded with the participants coming together to form the Nigerian Association of Apparel Manufacturers (NAAM) and electing members for its committee. NAAM will work towards engaging the government of the country and other stakeholders to sensitise them regarding opportunities such as job creation and revenue generation.

The workshop was organised to teach apparel stakeholders about entering international markets and expanding their business, mainly in the US through the African Growth Opportunity Act (AGOA).

Did you know………

– Did you know that one bale of cotton that weighs under 500 pounds, can make 215 pairs of jeans?

– Elizabeth I loved hats so much that she made it compulsory for all females over the age of 7 to wear hats on Sundays and holidays. Anyone who refused to do so was stiffly fined.