This is actually why we built DTS. We were working with various factories as advisors to our clients on developing sustainable apparel brands. Because we'd been working in sustainability for years already, the approach to less wasteful design and utilizing sustainable and recycled components part was easy.  What was not easy was partnering with factories to build flexible production plans. What was even more difficult, was that when working with certified factories, those orders were very often subcontracted out the back door. This build enormous opacity into the process, not to mention quality issues. Our sleuthing located where the garments were actually being produced and confirmed our worst fears. These factories were in no way sustainable nor ethical. They were not legal by local country standards, and were paying very low wages. The work environments were dangerous with locked doors and insufficient to no safety measures. When we analyzed all of the potential ways to solve for these issues, we realized our best option was to build our own factory and hire out own employees, so we had control over facilities, working conditions, working hours and worker pay. 

We found a facility to lease and hired a small team of talented sewers to work for only three clients who partnered with us on this journey. We needed time to live out our ideals and flesh out our systems to improve quality and reduce waste while keeping productivity high and costs reasonably low. From a compliance perspective, we set up the company to abide by local and national laws, as well as Central America - USA customs regulations. When we finally reached the point that we built our own facility, we partnered with local inspectors as well as WRAP to construct our building to the highest standards.

We began this stage from day one of creating our company. We knew that if we wanted to make high quality apparel, which inherently takes longer than making poor quality, and we wanted to make primarily sustainable apparel, for which the components cost more, and we wanted to treat our people ethically - which also costs more, then we needed to streamline and optimize our operation to offset some of those costs. We looked at every step of the process from first development through delivery and optimized processes to reduce waste and reduce cost while maximizing quality. The employees are a huge part of this, and by paying well, treating the team with honor and respect, providing a healthy and safe place to work and not working overtime or weekends, we have less than 1% turnover. The results? Productivity has increased, flexibility has increased, quality has increased and everyone feels their ownership in the process.

We've been Kaizen from day one.  Sitting still does not suit us. Holistic sustainability is built into our DNA. We're not a fit for every brand. We're not in a race to the bottom penny. We're here to make a difference in our sphere of influence, our industry, our world. We're disruptors and we like it that say.

Our purpose is to be a force for good. For looking out for each other. For taking care of our planet as responsible stewards.  For treating our people and others with care and respect. The folks in the factory are not second class citizens (as they are so often treated in many organizations). They are craftsman that make a brand's ideas come to life and make products that the brand's customers love. Together we can make our industry and our wold a better place.