Strategically positioning itself as a knowledge partner to the industry, the buying operations at Promoda Textiles is moving beyond the traditional role of a buying office to support the industry to be competitive. In tête-à-tête with Apparel Online, Ashfaque Ahmed, Director Operation, outlines the competitive edge of the company which sets it apart from others…
Undeterred by initial setbacks Promoda Textiles, which started with just two Dutch clients, has already added around 15-20 more buyers from various markets. They have also earned the reputation of handholding its vendors with regular upgradations on quality management systems and continuous research and development, creating value for the customers through a combination of low prices, excellent quality and on-time delivery. “We are a knowledge based company operating as a quality service and solutions provider, as we study, research and develop solutions for any problems given to us,” says Ashfaque. Employing former employees of H&M, Indesore and Stuart Peters, the company has a fine mix of fresh textile graduates and experienced senior managers.
The company also has three manufacturing units, which account for about 20 per cent of the work generated by the buying office. Currently the company procures T-shirts, polo shirts, sleepwear, woven shirts and bottoms, denims, knitwears, sweater, towels, etc. from Bangladesh, amongst which jerseys in knits constitute the major chunk of the company’s business (around 60 per cent). With a total turnover of US $ 18.5 million, the company has been showing steady progress in the last 3-4 years by providing exceptional services to its customers.
[bleft] Whatever be the individual reasons, more and more companies are crossing the line and treating the garment business in a more holistic way. In this issue we get the perspective of three such companies and their growth plans… Promoda Textiles Ltd, Asrotex Group, and Apparel Solution and Sourcing Ltd. [/bleft]
Bringing added value to its numerous product categories, Promoda provides the best and most innovative solutions in dyeing, printing, embroidery, washing and finishing, and sewing techniques. While catering to a wide product mix, the buying house is different from others in its approach to the product. “We have an in-house designer, while most other buying offices depend on designers from the buyer who come to the country two-three times a year. Also, we have fit technicians whereas most others do not,” highlights Ashfaque. In addition, Promoda Textiles provides fashion products incorporating the latest trend in washes,
which buying offices do not generally foray into.
The company has only recently started its new sampling house, Base Fashion, in which all the approvals of the samples are supervised by the company’s technician who verifies each request and technical demand of the product before shipping out the final sample to the client. This avoids the loss of time and also maximizes the decision process, while ensuring the strict lead times. “Through samples, we provide our clients with a sense of fashion,” states Ashfaque. Through a team of highly trained professionals, along with local technicians and merchandiser, supervising the process of research, production, controlling, reporting and merchandising, the company provides 100 per cent customer satisfaction.
Apart from product development, imparting knowledge and providing solutions, the buying house also continues to expand its outreach, by looking for newer markets. Lately, the company is in talks with a few buyers from South America, for products such as jersey, woven items and sweaters. “We are always looking for new opportunities and we consider all the factories in Bangladesh as our capacity, so we are always open to expand,” informs Ashfaque.
[bleft] Through a team of highly trained professionals, along with local technicians and merchandisers, supervising the process of research, production, controlling, reporting and merchandising, the company provides 100 per cent customer satisfaction. [/bleft]
Currently, Promoda is working with factories in Bangladesh which are capable of handling different range of orders, from big volumes to smaller quantities of basics and fashion with value additions. Also, all the factories that work with the buying house are functioning in accordance to international quality standards. “We are compliant in all sense; we are not only proactive but rather reactive. Our main focus right now is to work with factories which have certifications that comply with buyer requirements of compliance,” concludes Ashfaque. Even as the industry looks at a difficult year ahead, solely due to the political situation in the country, the buying house is working towards being amongst the best outsourcing service provider through various innovations in service and fashion, laced with compliance adherence.
