How to Effectively Run a Textile Manufacturing Company in 2021

In the fashion industry, textile manufacturers are the lifeline. Without them, fashion brands would struggle to bring their designs to life, as not many can afford to have their own production. Having a local and small production factory could imply high costs, so many brands prefer working with specialized manufacturers and fostering strong partnerships.

The increased focus on materials quality and clothing produced sustainability from many consumers motivates brands to take action in this direction. Recent research by McKinsey & Company, focusing on European consumers, has shown that 57% of respondents have replaced existing habits with more sustainable ones in the last year in an attempt to lower their negative environmental impact. In respect to the fashion industry, the same survey showed that more people are looking to buy durable items.

So, to effectively run a textile manufacturing company in 2021, it is imperative you consider this change in consumer behavior and invest in innovative, more sustainable operations. But this is not the only essential aspect to consider. Check the following guide for X tips on how to manage a textile manufacturing company:

Have straightforward and relevant objectives:

In order to support the effective running of your textile manufacturing company, it is of the utmost importance you have a clear set of objectives. No matter what your focus is, whether you are a manufacturer that produces goods for wholesalers or you prefer having a more niche market and client base, it is vital you plan your production with these objectives in mind. This focus will determine the size of the market, target audience, and, consequently, your business. If you are a small textile manufacturing company, it will be impossible for your production to have what it takes for a wholesaler, for example, or a large retailer. If this is the goal, it is vital you fulfill your deadlines and build a reputation to generate enough capital for possible growth.

Another object you might want to set, as it is incredibly relevant in 2021, is for your company to find sustainable alternatives. Indeed, it might be challenging to change the entire business model and its operations with eco-friendly options. However, it is possible to achieve this step by step. With this objective in mind, you can integrate sustainable behaviors into the company’s culture and support innovative ideas. From using natural fibers that can be recycled or are biodegradable, such as wool, investing in equipment that decreases the use of chemicals, to reducing the amount of water or energy significantly by using renewable energy in manufacturing – it is crucial you start somewhere and commit to a sustainable plan for the following years.

Plan the manufacturing process:

In a manufacturing company, time is of the essence. If you do not fulfill your deadlines due to poorly planned schedules and ineffective time management, you risk losing your partnerships and acquiring a bad reputation. However, this can be avoided with a manufacturing process planned in detail and making sure your employees stick to it.

Given that the production is a lengthy and complex process, you will have to ensure proper management across every stage. Therefore, a team leader might be needed in the research and development department as well as the production and final stage of delivery. Apart from planning the entire process properly, open and effective communication is highly needed across the company. Only this way can you assure the business is thriving and meeting its deadlines to secure partnerships.

Invest in the right equipment:

Without proper and well-maintained equipment, it is almost impossible for a textile manufacturing company to run effectively. Therefore, it is vital you invest in equipment for textile production that facilitates and supports productivity. The process is time-consuming and requires a multitude of actions and practices. For instance, once the threads and fibers are transformed into usable materials, with spinning machines or yarn gassing machines – it removes surplus fuzz – you still need to process the yarn to turn it into textile, which is ultimately sewn and so on. For any necessary piece of equipment that you upgrade or replace, employee training is vital.

Regular maintenance of every piece of machinery in your textile manufacturing company is a must. This way, you ensure that the equipment is in good condition and, therefore, you reduce the risks of delays or, worse, of any workplace accidents. If you need to replace a vital piece of equipment, but you don’t want to cease production, you might have an alternative so your company can still run effectively. For instance, in the textile industry, boiler systems are indispensable, given that during production, you will need to use hot or steam water. Thus, in case you experience boiler malfunction, to avoid putting a stop on the entire production, which will result in financial losses, you can search for boiler rental companies to hire a temporary heating boiler, especially for this type of emergencies.

Plan logistics and transportation methods:

No matter where your factory is located, the important thing is that it is well connected and that you provide transportation, so your finished products reach their destination in a timely manner. The logistics stage of the manufacturing process, which consists of delivery and support, must be well-planned so there are no delays.

For this reason, it is imperative you also invest in transportation and provide suitable vehicles. You have little to no control of how an external company plans its routes and creates its strategies. However, with your own transportation, you are better equipped to manage and control the post-production operations.

Invest in marketing:

In case you haven’t yet prioritized investing in marketing for your textile manufacturing company, you might want to change this aspect. Even if you have managed to maintain a few loyal partnerships, it is still necessary you are visible in the textile industry. So, regardless of whether your business model focuses on B2B or B2C, you will appear trustworthy for new collaborations with an effective marketing strategy. Besides, you can celebrate your existing and lengthy partnerships on the company’s social media platforms or website, which can support your business’s unique selling point.