Gildan

Gildan is one of the world's leading manufacturers of apparel, socks and legwear. The company was founded on a belief that owning the factories, and controlling each step in the process, gives it complete control, operational efficiency and product quality. Founded in Canada, it now operates out of roughly 30 locations across 12 countries and sell products in 60+ markets globally.

In 1946, Joseph Chamandy opened Harley Inc. which produced children's activewear, apparel and sleepwear in Montreal, Canada. In 1982 his grandsons, Greg and Glenn Chamandy, took the reins of the company. Two years later, it became a vertically-integrated manufacturing company by acquiring a knitting mill with circular machines and a dyeing facility in Valleyfield, Canada.

With this acquisition, it controlled all aspects of its manufacturing process and the business was named Gildan Textiles Inc. During that time, the company manufactured blank shirts for screen printing but has evolved to a vertically integrated manufacturer of high-volume basic apparel such as t-shirts, sport shirts, fleece and socks.

The decade witnessed the company embarking on an aggressive expansion mode. The first offshoring sewing facility opened in Honduras, in 1997. A year later, the company was listed on Toronto Stock Exchange and American Stock Exchange, with the latter transferred to New York Stock Exchange. In the twentieth century, Gildan continued to experience record growth due to its cost control and vertically integrated structure.

The growth trajectory was evident in its expansion and acquisitions — the company opened a sewing facility in Mexico; a fully-integrated facility in both Rio Nance, Honduras and the Dominican Republic; and a joint-venture yarn-spinning facility with Frontier Spinning in Clarkton, North Carolina. In 2006, Gildan began production in the Dominican Republic and acquired Kentucky Derby Hosiery.

The company then expanded into Bangladesh with acquisition of an integrated textile facility and also began production in the RN4 hosiery facility in Honduras. The following year it acquired Gold Toe Moretz; 130-year old Anvil Holdings, Inc., the parent company of Anvil Knitwear and producer of sustainable, recycled and organic apparel; New Buffalo Shirt Factory screen-printing operations; Doris Hosiery; Comfort Colors®; Alstyle; American Apparel®; Superior, a distributor in Australia. The most recent investment was a yarn-spinning facility in Eden, North Carolina. The company plans to invest USD $5 million to upgrade the facility up to its standard.

Peer the official website: "We source the cotton, spin the yarn, knit, dye, and cut the fabric, and sew the clothes. From start to finish, we make apparel with respect for resources, both human and natural. This requires a keen eye on every part of the supply chain, which we can do because we own the vast majority of it. Every water source, every unit of energy, every ergonomic workstation, we hold ourselves accountable for, paying as much attention to what goes into the work as what comes out of it."

As part of a $25 million marketing plan by advertising and public relations firm DeVito-Verdi, which included broadcast, print, digital, event marketing and public relations, Gildan bought a thirty-second spot at The Super Bowl XLVII—which ran in the first half of the Canadian broadcast and in the third quarter of the U.S. broadcast—to create brand awareness among millennials.

In recent years, the company was the national sponsor of Triple-A Minor League Baseball and the title sponsor of New Mexico Bowl. Acclaimed worldwide for its ethical practices, it recently became the first basic activewear apparel manufacturer to receive Fair Labour Association accreditation for its labour compliance program.

Gildan’s mission is to create value for its customers by consistently delivering high-quality products at competitive prices. The company achieves this through a commitment to efficiency, innovation, and a streamlined production process that maintains rigorous standards without compromising affordability. Gildan’s dedication to quality and value ensures that its customers receive reliable products that meet their needs, reinforcing the brand’s reputation as a leader in the global apparel industry.

Equally important to Gildan’s mission is its role as a positive influence in the communities where it operates. By upholding ethical practices and fostering sustainable growth, Gildan strives to make meaningful financial and social contributions. The company prioritizes transparency, fair labor conditions, and environmental responsibility to create a responsible business model that benefits not only its bottom line but also the well-being of its employees and surrounding communities. This holistic approach solidifies Gildan’s position as a brand that values both economic success and social impact.

Gildan’s vision is to maintain its position as one of the world’s leading manufacturers of apparel, socks, and legwear while prioritizing sustainability, ethical practices, and innovation. The company aims to set industry benchmarks by consistently integrating eco-friendly initiatives and transparent operations across its global supply chain. Gildan’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint includes employing sustainable technologies, optimizing water and energy use, and ensuring responsible sourcing of raw materials, positioning it as a leader in responsible manufacturing.

Central to Gildan’s vision is its dedication to fostering ethical practices and supporting its workforce. The company believes in creating a safe, fair, and enriching environment for its employees, ensuring that labor standards and working conditions in its owned facilities exceed global expectations. By investing in the well-being and growth of its workforce, Gildan seeks to contribute positively to the communities in which it operates, reinforcing its reputation as a socially responsible employer that prioritizes human capital as much as product quality.

Innovation is a key pillar of Gildan’s vision, allowing the company to stay ahead of market trends and respond effectively to changing consumer needs. By incorporating advanced manufacturing techniques and enhancing product designs, Gildan continues to produce high-quality, comfortable, and durable apparel. This forward-thinking approach helps Gildan not only maintain its competitive edge but also foster trust and loyalty among its global customer base, ensuring its long-term leadership in the apparel industry.

Acclaimed worldwide for its ethical practices, it recently became the first basic activewear apparel manufacturer to receive Fair Labour Association accreditation for its labour compliance program. Gildan has also been the proud recipient of numerous industry awards, including Excellence Award from the Apparel Research Foundation, Investor Relations Society of Canada's Best Investor Relations Award, R. Howard Webster Foundation Honour Roll, and 2017 Retail Council of Canada Excellence in Retailing Innovation Award.

Gildan is leading the way in apparel manufacturing with a strong portfolio of brands, including Gildan®, American Apparel®, Comfort Colors®, GOLDTOE®, and Peds®.

The product portfolio encompasses a wide range of high-quality apparel, including t-shirts, activewear, underwear, socks, and legwear. Renowned for their comfort and durability, these products cater to both wholesale and retail markets, serving various customer requirements from basic everyday essentials to performance-focused garments. The company’s attention to detail and use of advanced production technologies ensure that its apparel meets high standards of consistency and reliability. Gildan’s product lines are recognized for their versatility, appealing to individuals, businesses, and organizations looking for customisable, bulk, or branded clothing solutions.

Gildan also provides value-added services that emphasise efficiency and customer satisfaction. The company’s vertically integrated business model allows it to oversee each stage of the production process, from fabric manufacturing to finished products, ensuring quality control and cost-effectiveness. Additionally, Gildan supports customers with custom product options and bulk purchasing solutions, making it a reliable partner for large-scale distribution and customization projects. This comprehensive approach reinforces Gildan’s reputation as a leader in the apparel industry, known for high-quality products and seamless service delivery.