Artistic Milliners Furthers Western Hemisphere Footprint with Mexico Facility Acquisition

In today’s unpredictable sourcing environment, stability and agility are key. Retailers, having experienced volatile shipping and supply chains over the last few years, are focused on safeguarding their production processes. Nearshoring has emerged as a powerful strategy, allowing for more responsive manufacturing timelines and fewer inventory issues.

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Artistic Milliners, a global denim and woven manufacturer based in Pakistan, has been expanding its Western Hemisphere presence to provide brands with end-to-end product development and production capabilities closer to their customers.

“Over the years, the demand for nearshoring has intensified, driven by the need for shorter lead times, reduced carbon footprints, and greater supply chain resilience,” said Murtaza Ahmed, CEO of Artistic Milliners. “However, we identified gaps in the existing supply chain infrastructure in this region and saw an opportunity to create a solution that is both modern and dependable.”

Artistic Milliners began its Western Hemisphere expansion in 2020 with the acquisition of Los Angeles-based Star Fades International (SFI), a cutting-edge design and finishing facility. As clients leveraged SFI’s R&D capabilities, many sought to bring production closer to home, prompting Artistic Milliners to subcontract with manufacturers in Mexico and Guatemala. The response was clear: the Western Hemisphere had become a necessity, not a luxury.

To meet that growing demand, Artistic Milliners has now acquired VF Corp.’s Dickies de Parras S. de RL de CV facility in Parras, Mexico. This 10-acre complex, featuring an 80,000-square-foot production floor, positions Artistic Milliners to increase capacity significantly. The company is currently upgrading the facility, with commercial production slated to begin in the third quarter of 2025, ramping up to an annual production goal of 3 million units by 2027. Alongside its partner facilities, this will bring Artistic Milliners’ total annual capacity in the Americas to 5 million units.

In keeping with its vision of being the “Denim Manufacturing Company of the Future,” Artistic Milliners is integrating extensive automation and digitalization across its operations. The Parras facility will embody front-line manufacturing techniques, including advanced garment finishing technologies that reduce waste and improve sustainability. This is a testament to Artistic Milliners’ commitment to driving innovation while maintaining the highest ethical standards in water usage, chemical management and labor practices.

Parras is also home to a Cone Denim mill, which will allow Artistic Milliners to create a localized supply chain ecosystem. As the facility transitions from its previous focus on Dickies production, Artistic Milliners is attracting experienced garment workers from the local community, ensuring the region’s deep expertise is preserved and expanded upon.

End-to-End Nearshoring Solutions

Once fully operational, the Parras facility will allow brands to engage in an entirely nearshored collaboration. Customers will have access to the New York- and Los Angeles-based Star Fades Studio, which offers concierge design and product development services—from trend research to sample production. Whether brands seek a comprehensive partnership or need specific design and fit expertise, Star Fades International provides the flexibility to meet evolving demands.

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Star Fades’ 3D team leverages digital tools to create virtual prototypes, significantly reducing the need for physical samples. This innovation allows brands to test and adjust designs virtually, cutting approval times from a month to just a week. Combined with on-site fittings by technical designers, Star Fades ensures that fit preferences are precisely translated into production—whether it happens in the U.S., Mexico or Pakistan.

By tapping into Artistic Milliners’ Western Hemisphere network, brands can accelerate their development and production timelines, shaving off up to 13 weeks in total. While proximity may come with a higher price tag, the benefits of speed-to-market, reduced risk, and supply chain resilience are invaluable. “It’s a two-pronged approach. There’s margin, and there’s surety of supply,” said Ahmed. “You have to get garments in-store first; then worry about sales and margins.”

Moreover, production in North America allows brands to take advantage of trade agreements like the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and the IMMEX program, enabling duty-free material imports as long as products leave Mexico within a set timeframe.

Looking Ahead

Artistic Milliners’ investment in the Americas is just the beginning. “Looking ahead, our focus remains on reinforcing our Western Hemisphere footprint, with an eye on further expansions that will enhance our global network, improve speed-to-market and meet the growing demand for sustainable, nearshore manufacturing solutions,” said Ahmed.

With innovation and sustainability at the core of its operations, Artistic Milliners is paving the way for a more agile, responsible and future-forward denim supply chain.

Click here to learn more about Artistic Milliners.

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