For 2020, our objective is to increase production by 20%
Fibraltex is an integral factory dedicated to the production of denim fabrics and raincoats. Located in an area of 35,000 sqm, it integrates all production processes: spinning, dry cleaning, weaving and finishing. In an interview with Fibre2Fashion, Mario Castro, Director of Fibraltex, speaks about the company's journey as a leading denim fabrics manufacturer and the big role it is playing in the internal market of Argentina.
When and how did Fibraltex get into manufacturing of denims and raincoats?
In 1995, the Fibraltex plant was inaugurated in the province of Buenos Aires, capital of Argentine-Peruvian countries, where denim fabrics were produced and made into garments. After several years the manufacture of garments was discontinued, and the plant was completely dedicated to manufacturing of denim fabrics.
Which sections of the fashion industry is your denim ranges targeted at? Is it for the mass or the luxury segment?
All our fabric production is meant for the domestic market of Argentina, from the most basic fabrics to the best performance fabrics, of which we have a strong demand.
Which are your best-selling products? Which price-points sell well?
Our collections are wide. Apart from the commodity items that are always in demand, we offer a variety of seasonal items in a price range of the market average, very good in price-product relation.
What differentiates your denim products from other players?
We are different from other players because we are at the forefront of what the user requires, developing new fabrics, innovating fashion collections, providing attention and technical assistance to the client to improve their products made with our fabrics. We think that if our client is doing well, we will do better.
Denim seems to be getting more expensive day by day. According to you, what are the reasons behind it?
In our case, the economic situation of our country (Argentina) is responsible. Monetary inflation directly impacts manufacturing costs.
Denim and blends - from the original work wear denims to the stretch and comfort fashion wears of today - do you go by trends or do you create trends? Kindly elaborate.
The denim has advanced so much in clothing people around the world that today it is almost impossible to think of a society without denim attire. it is used day in day out at work, at home, as well as in an Oscars award ceremony as well; it is a universal garment. Therefore, we must always be one step ahead with respect to new fashion requirements and satisfy needs of our customers.
What is your annual production capacity?
Our current production capacity is 3.8 million metres per year, with projections for the year 2020 increasing by 20 per cent.
What percentage of your products is for the domestic market and how much do you export? Which regions are your biggest markets?
100 per cent of our production of denim and casualwear fabrics is destined for the internal market of Argentina, which by the way is very wide and demanding. We do not export our products at the moment.
What is your approach towards sustainability? Any fashion brands you are collaborating with which believes in responsible fashion?
We are convinced that sustainability is the way forward. All our processes are focused on this through continuous improvements to preserve the environment, satisfy our industrial development, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Many companies defined their future based on this.
Have the current trade wars, Brexit etc impacted your business? Kindly share at length
All such events worldwide end up impacting regional economies, and we are not free of that. "The flutter of the wings of a butterfly can be felt on the other side of the world" (Chinese proverb) or "the flutter of the wings of a butterfly can cause a Tsunami on the other side of the world " the reality in this sentence sums it up.
What are the long-term goals set at Fibraltex in times to come? What can be expected from your company in terms of new product offerings and capacity expansions in 2020?
For the current year, our objective is to increase production by 20 per cent and to continue working on new product developments for the domestic market. In the long term we want to add new denim dyeing and fabric finishing technologies.
Do you plan to set up a physical store anytime soon? Any new product categories you plan to add?
We do not plan to set up a physical store in near future. As a world trend, more and more physical stores are getting closed giving way to online sales via internet or ecommerce. We are always at the forefront of what the market demands and if that requires new product developments, we do that. (PC)
Published on: 24/01/2020
DISCLAIMER: All views and opinions expressed in this column are solely of the interviewee, and they do not reflect in any way the opinion of Fibre2Fashion.com.
