In the ever-evolving landscape of the apparel industry, a seismic shift is underway as Hi-Tech Apparel, a global titan in garment manufacturing, has acquired the UK-based custom-clothing software company Unmade. This synergistic union promises to unlock new vistas of opportunity, blending Hi-Tech's manufacturing prowess with Unmade's cutting-edge digital infrastructure.
Unmade, founded in 2014 by the visionary trio of Hal Watts, Kirsty Emery-Laws, and Ben Alun-Jones, has established itself as a trailblazer in the realm of on-demand, customised clothing. The company's flagship platform, UnmadeOS, is a testament to its technological acumen, harnessing patented automation and visualisation technologies to empower apparel and sportswear brands to deliver customisation, teamwear, and small-batch production at an unprecedented scale.
This seismic acquisition marks a pivotal moment in the annals of the apparel industry, as Hi-Tech Apparel, a global leader in garment manufacturing, headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand, sets its sights on the burgeoning custom-clothing market. The group, which operates 13 manufacturing facilities with over 14,000 team members across Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, and soon, Egypt, has long been a stalwart in the industry, renowned for its manufacturing expertise and global reach.
By acquiring Unmade, Hi-Tech Apparel has seamlessly integrated the company's cutting-edge software into its own operations, creating a formidable synergy that promises to redefine the landscape of customised apparel. UnmadeOS, with its patented automation and visualisation technologies, will empower Hi-Tech's clients to unlock new avenues of growth, delivering personalised products with unparalleled speed and efficiency.
The acquisition also presents a remarkable opportunity for Unmade's team, led by CEO Hal Watts and COO Simon Rea, to leverage Hi-Tech Apparel's vast resources, expertise, and customer base to further propel the company's growth. The UK-based team will remain with the business, continuing to develop the industry's leading digital solution for personalised and customised apparel, bolstered by a significant cash injection to drive a series of new hires and initiatives.
Notably, Unmade's existing investor, Decathlon, will maintain its shareholding in the company, underscoring the confidence in the brand's vision and the potential of this strategic alliance. The acquisition also ensures that Unmade will retain the autonomy to work with any brand or manufacturer, further solidifying its position as an industry-leading platform for on-demand, customised clothing.
As the apparel industry grapples with the ever-evolving demands of consumers, the synergistic partnership between Hi-Tech Apparel and Unmade represents a watershed moment. By combining Hi-Tech's manufacturing prowess with Unmade's technological expertise, this acquisition has the potential to redefine the very essence of customised clothing, empowering brands and retailers to respond to market trends with unparalleled agility and precision.
