Lingerie firm hiring 900 workers

Ace Style Intimate Apparel Ltd. will hire 900 more workers to beef up its workforce for three to six months amid the seasonal surge in demand from the United States for the company’s high-end lingerie.

Marites Agoncillo, executive director of the Confederation of Garment Exporters of the Philippines Inc., said American buyers had reverted to the Philippines on renewed confidence because of a pending bill in Congress granting preferential duties for Philippine-made garments and apparel for export to the US.

“The company is hiring 900 workers for the seasonal surge lasting for three to six months normally. But the good news is that with orders from American buyers picking up, these workers could have their jobs for a much longer period,” said Agoncillo.

She said the Philippines was recognized by American buyers for excellent craftsmanship and remained the preferred manufacturer of high-end and intricate lingerie for US brands such as Victoria’s Secret and Le Mystere.

If the bill passes congressional approval, Philippine-made lingerie will be more cost competitive.

Because of the quota imposed by the US market and the entry of China as the global market’s cheapest producer of goods, local garments and apparel manufacturers have been operating below their capacities with export volumes substantially declining in recent years.

“There is heightened confidence from American buyers to shift back to the Philippines. The workmanship is better in the Philippines,” said Agoncillo.

Ace Style is one of Hong Kong’s top five intimate apparel companies. It has production facilities in China and in Laguna.

It has been manufacturing ladies’ lingerie in the Philippines for the past 20 years, producing 3.2 million pieces per month for brands such as Victoria’s Secret, Marks & Spencer and Dillards.

Brassieres account for 70 percent of Ace Style’s total production in the Philippines and China, while briefs, bodysuits, camisoles and swim wear make up the remaining 30 percent.

Total export value is estimated at $150 million a year.

The company, which employs over 8,000 people worldwide, also has customer services and product development offices in New York and London. –Elaine R. Alanguilan, Manila Standard Today