Bangladesh may be known for their high volume export of basic garments but manufacturing of specialized apparels like lingerie is considered to be the monopoly for technically advanced nations like Sri Lanka. However, the 28-year-old Clifton Group which has been working hard since 1991 producing lingerie is all set to challenge this claim with their new factory. “The perception that Bangladesh is looked down upon in lingerie manufacturing is misguided. My company alone has a turnover of US $ 100 million, with a capability to produce 7,00,000 pieces per month, which speaks for itself. From the state-of-the-art pneumatic machines to our advanced systems and processes, all are geared to cater to such complicated products.” says Md. M. Jalal Uddin Chowdhury, Managing Director, Clifton Group.
Clifton Group, having started their RMG business in 1985 in Chittagong, currently holds 12 facilities, from spinning to manufacturing both woven and knitted garments and even its own accessories. “Even though Chittagong is one of the largest garment manufacturing industrial hubs in Bangladesh, there are very few, just 3 to 4, lingerie manufacturers in the entire region, but this does not necessarily reflect on the demand of such products from Bangladesh,” elaborates Jalal Uddin.
Expanding at a steady rate of 15-20% every year, and now with the new unit ‘Ventura’ in Karnaphuli Export Processing Zone with an area of around 5,00,000 sq. ft., Clifton Group will scale up by 40%. “It will be one of the biggest projects in the EPZ with around 3,000 machines and with the manufacturing capacity of up to 3,00,000 pieces. Established with an investment of Tk 120 crore, the plant will cater to high-end products for brands like Calvin Klein, Wrangler, Levis, La Senza, Victoria’s Secret and Marks & Spencer,” says Jalal Uddin.
Clifton Group is one of the few indigenously developed companies that has achieved success without any help from a foreign investor or consultant.
