Apparel maker sets up mainland factory

In an effort to reduce production costs, Malaysia-based contract manufacturer Prolexus Berhad is set to unveil a new factory in mainland China by the middle of this year.

An OEM specialist for casual, sports and children's wear, the company said its current contracts will fully utilize its production facilities in Penang and Johor, Malaysia, making the new factory a timely investment.

Prolexus chairman Ahmad Mustapha Ghazali said the new facility will enable the company to cope with the challenges of globalization, as WTO agreements are set to take effect in the country by 2005.

Aside from Penang and Johor, the company also maintains a manufacturing facility in Bangladesh which employs 250 workers.

The company regularly has OEM deals with popular international brands, including Nike, Fila, OskKosh, GAP and C&A. It also markets an in-house brand of children's wear, Biz-Kids.