Maagrace Garments Industries Ltd. plans to double its production capacity by the end of this year, marking a significant step forward in Ghana’s efforts to establish itself as a leading center for ethical clothing manufacture in West Africa.
Supported by Growth Investment Partners (GIP) Ghana, this investment will fund the construction of a new manufacturing plant at MGIL’s location in Koforidua. This initiative aims to boost export activities and create numerous employment opportunities, with special emphasis on providing roles for women and young individuals. This financial backing represents a targeted move towards fostering an equitable industrial expansion as Ghana looks to broaden its range of exported goods beyond unprocessed materials.
MGIL, which is part of the UK-based Ethical Apparel Africa group, currently has more than 700 employees—with 72 percent being women—and supplies over 90% of its production to international brands such as Fruit of the Loom, Victoria’s Secret’s Adore Me line, and Obermeyer. This growth initiative will enable the firm to increase its operational capacity, thereby tackling past limitations associated with fluctuating order sizes.
"The new facility is expected to be finished by the end of this year, and upon operation, it should approximately double our production capacity," stated Keren Pybus, CEO of Ethical Apparel Africa.
She pointed out that the long-term plan encompasses strengthening relationships with international corporations, committing resources to environmentally friendly innovations, and fostering the skills of the community members.
In pursuit of this goal, MGIL has established collaborations with technical institutions like the Koforidua Technical Institute. Such alliances facilitate internships and practical training aimed at providing students with industry-applicable competencies. Additionally, these relationships bolster smaller garment enterprises by exchanging successful strategies.
Before the investment, the firm faced challenges due to small-scale operations. However, securing long-term contracts from major clients has put MGIL in a better position to function more efficiently and compete effectively.
Jacob Kholi, who leads GIP Ghana as its CEO, highlighted that focused governmental assistance has the potential to spur comparable development trends throughout the industry.
"Supporting training via TVET grants and ensuring access to inexpensive working capital for raw materials are crucial aspects where policies can expedite industrial progress," he stated.
GIP Ghana, which is an investment arm of British International Investment, sees this agreement with MGIL as a strategic move aimed at achieving both economic and social benefits. In the coming three years, the company will monitor crucial indicators including job creation, increase in revenues, and the proportion of women holding managerial positions.
Although the United States continues to be MGIL’s primary export market, Pybus noted an increasing demand from European and Canadian purchasers. To align with these global expectations and achieve higher profit margins, MGIL plans to transition from producing standard goods to offering more specialized products such as outerwear and fleeces.
As MGIL broadens its presence and establishes a standard for ethical and expandable production in West Africa, it provides a model for how joint public and private investments can foster sustainable and equitable development—while maintaining high environmental and labor standards.
We think this goes beyond just clothing," Ms. Pybus stated. "The aim is to demonstrate that industrialization in Africa can be profitable, ethical, and revolutionary.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. Syndigate.info ).
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