Since its inception in 1945, Copen United has strived to provide unique products and stylistic solutions for interior garment development worldwide. Now, the global supplier of pocketing, waistbands and linings is actively expanding its sourcing footprint—as well as its global distribution network—to cater to an even broader range of brands and vendors.
Here, Marc Shevrin, president of the Western Hemisphere at Copen United, discusses the benefits of Copen’s facilities in Mexico and Nicaragua—from quick, flexible delivery to reduced cycle time.
Sourcing Journal: Starting from the top, what are some benefits of manufacturing in Mexico and Nicaragua?
Marc Shevrin: There are a few key benefits, including production lead times. As fashion cycles trend quicker and require shorter lead times in the supply chain—driven by companies like Zara and now e-tailers like Shein—companies can reduce cycle time by using fabric capabilities within the region to bring products to market quicker.
The second benefit is transit time. Products made in Mexico can be transported by road to the U.S. border in as little as one day. Central American companies can have products at our ports in two to three days.
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Lastly, while units made in the region will be more expensive at first cost, duty-free status, rising freight charges for containers from Asia and erratic deliveries due to global troubles and congestion at ports keep sourcing in our region alive and well.
Additionally, through the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and the Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR), our government has given duty-free status to participating members with some caveats. The shell fabric and some components, including pocketing, must be made within the agreements of participating countries. For example, the USMCA states that products in the contract must be made in the U.S., Mexico or Canada. The same goes for CAFTA-DR between the U.S., the Dominican Republic and Central American countries.
Speaking of the USMCA and CAFTA, how does Copen support these free trade agreements?
M.S.: Copen has taken a very aggressive stance in our region. Our ability to supply locally from our facilities has been a key to our success. We currently produce fabric in Mexico and have warehouses in three major textile manufacturing cities: Torreon, Puebla and Aguascalientes. In Aguascalientes, we have recently established our own warehouse and manufacturing facility, which, in addition to stocking piece goods, produces waistbands, die-cut pockets and bias for export to the U.S. and the national market. Copen Mexico has multiple stock items or inventory on base pocketings that can be delivered within 24 hours to most of our regional clientele, allowing us to react efficiently and remain flexible to customer plan changes.
Additionally, we have followed the same strategy in Central America, producing pocketing in Nicaragua with support from warehouses in Honduras and Guatemala.
What are some of the benefits or services that brands and vendors can reap through working with Copen’s facilities in Mexico and Nicaragua?
M.S.: Through our distribution network, Copen can deliver almost daily within the region.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, when many U.S. suppliers could not deliver, Copen had the foresight to invest in local sourcing and inventory. Coupled with our production facilities, this strategy helped many manufacturers financially navigate the challenging period.
Having our own manufacturing in the region allows us to remain flexible and efficient, enabling production changes within a week if required. This allows Copen to compete with competitors producing in other countries who must also organize freight, administration, documentation and more to deliver their goods.
How can having local or regional supply benefit both small and large brands?
M.S.: Local supply is crucial for cutting production lead times when speed to market is key. Freight charges have become a major issue for both small and large brands. Local deliveries, compared to container loads and LCL shipment costs, create significant savings. Additionally, working with a local supplier in your native language and time zone can foster a more productive environment.
From a material perspective, how are you supporting your downstream partners in becoming more sustainable?
M.S.: Sustainability has been the mantra for Copen for over seven years since one of our owners, Barry Emanuel, created our Encore line of products. At Copen’s yearly Hong Kong meeting in January 2016, Barry addressed the global sales force, stating, “Not only is this good for the environment, [but] it’s [also] the right thing to do.”
Since Encore’s inception, Copen has received numerous awards from Unifi. We continue to innovate, now offering options that include recycled cotton, regenerative cotton, Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) cotton and organic cotton, all of which can be blended with standard polyester or recycled polyester. In addition to sustainability, we recognize the importance of transparency, which is increasingly critical for brands and vendors as government regulations penalize incorrect practices.
To learn more about Copen United, click here.