Durban-based company, Southern Textiles manufacturing clothing, shoe, luggage and upholstery industries, suffered a revenue loss of about 40 percent to Chinese imports, but remained successful because of its flexibility.
The clothing industry was hit badly and had to suffer a loss, but luggage and upholstery segment has done very well, informed Robert Patchappen, the Director.
This trimming manufacturing company has been struggling against Chinese imports for the past two to three years.
The company operates on a 24-hour basis and has a staff of 120.
The 10-year contract through the African Growth and Opportunity Act [AGOA], has helped to sustain us, opined Patchappen.
AGOA was passed in 2000 and allows quota- and duty-free goods into the US from eligible African countries, including South Africa.
Southern Textiles was awarded New Millennium International Award for quality in Madrid, which is the mainstay of its success.