#Raw Materials

2023-03-23

Next level apparel and Grupo M partner to provide nearshore production

Next Level Apparel has moved to 100% U.S. cotton for its entire line (Photo: Business Wire)

Next Level Apparel (“NLA” or “the company”) today announced an exciting new partnership with Grupo M, a leading textile manufacturer, to provide nearshore production while supporting NLA’s move to 100% U.S. cotton for its entire apparel line.

Collaboration allows Next Level Apparel to continue its transition to nearshore sourcing and further advance longstanding commitment to responsible sourcing, transparency and quality

With this strategic move, NLA – one of the largest designers, manufacturers, and suppliers of premium blank apparel as well as an industry leader in responsible sourcing – will be able to bring production closer to home for improved speed-to-market, decreased geo-political risk and increased supply chain transparency, including upstream traceability of the cotton it uses.

This innovative partnership is a natural move forward for NLA and Grupo M as they are aligned on key priorities: providing global partners and customers with apparel that prioritizes ethical and sustainable production.

“With our premium products, our customers not only look good, but they also can feel good about how those products are sourced,” said NLA CEO Randy Hales. “As part of our ethos, we seek like-minded suppliers who prioritize sustainability and uphold equally high standards. This exciting partnership with Grupo M is another step forward in our longstanding commitment to supply chain visibility and accountability.”

“We are thrilled to collaborate with NLA to offer nearshore production while furthering our shared visions of innovation and transparency,” said Grupo M President Fernando Capellán. “We appreciate Next Level Apparel’s passion, enthusiasm and diligence in bringing the highest quality products to its customers while being equally committed to ethical and responsible sourcing.”

NLA has been committed to quality and socially conscious operations since its founding in 2003. The company recently announced a partnership with Oritain to provide origin verification for its worldwide cotton program through cutting-edge science. NLA is an approved member of the Fair Labor Association, committed to upholding its Principles of Fair Labor and Responsible Sourcing throughout its global supply chain. The company has also partnered with Better Work – a comprehensive program bringing together all levels of the garment industry to improve working conditions – on a factory, national and international level, and has received Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP) certification for its factories.