Staff Reporters
After stopping operations due to poor market performance, Maputsoe-based textile factory, Ever Unison Garments is set to resume operations in September, with more factory openings to follow soon after.
The re-opening is a result of concerted efforts involving the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Business Development, the Lesotho National Development Corporation (LNDC) and the factory management.
The firm’s official opening is scheduled for today (Friday) in Maputsoe along with the government’s #Re Bula Lifeme Campaign launch.
Ever Unison Garments (EUG) is a textile and garments manufacturing company established in 2002 in Maputsoe through LNDC’s investment promotion efforts.
In March 2023, EUG, similarly to other textile and garments manufacturers, was hit by a significant decrease in orders which led to the closure of the factory which affected 1300 workers who were laid off.
“Commencement of operations will initially generate 200 jobs, with a total of 500-600 jobs being generated by the end of this year. This company serves the U.S. through the American Growth Opportunity Act (AGOA) and the EU export markets respectively,” the LNDC said.
It said at full capacity, the company employed approximately 2000 workers, but was met by challenges that threatened the textile and garments industry due to Covid-19 and geopolitical issues which adversely affected the global economy.
“EUG re-opening signals the resuscitation of manufacturing operations that were halted by the decrease in orders which crippled the textile and garments industry in several countries due to adverse conditions that are not unique to Lesotho and will not discourage the Government of Lesotho’s efforts and that of LNDC in the pursuit of positioning Lesotho as an investment and sourcing destination of choice.”
The LNDC further it indicated that through the support of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Business Development it is working tirelessly to open more factories from September this year.
“This is the first in a series of exciting announcements that are yet to be made about regenerating jobs that were lost for Basotho towards continuous growth of the economy and of the country.
“The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Business Development through its implementing agency LNDC, will not relent in the face of adversity and endure in its purpose to make a positive and sustainable impact on our economy, community and environment for the creation of intergenerational value.”
