Our factory
We completely understand that many of you may have doubts when you read on our care label “Made in China”, and we acknowledge that there are numerous poorly managed mass-production factories that disregard the well-being of their workers. However, we are pleased to assert that our factories stand apart. Our manufacturing facilities specialize in silk, which is essential for achieving impeccable finishing. Silk is the most challenging and expensive material to work with. Consequently, it demands the expertise of highly skilled seamstresses with extensive experience. If a mistake is made, it can result in significant financial losses, as the entire garment may need to be discarded. Seamstresses proficient in handling silk are the most highly compensated factory workers and their unique skills often lead to them being sought after by other manufacturing facilities.


The Chinese government
In recent years, the Chinese government has taken steps to support smaller factories by offering tax incentives, making it easier for individuals to establish sewing factories. All that's required is a table, a chair, a sewing machine, and skilled seamstresses who excel at their craft. Another remarkable aspect of the smaller factories we collaborate with is their rural location. As Jerry, our production manager proudly states, "They work close to home, enabling them to care for their families, children, and parents. They have the flexibility to leave as needed, allowing them to work with greater freedom and happiness.


How it works
This is the process when manufacturing in smaller, highly skilled factories in China:
1. We have one contact person, Jerry. He is our true hero. He is fully responsible for all productions. Frida and Jerry have a collaborative history spanning over 15 years. Today we produce around 40,000 pieces each year, so the email responses need to be quick, and the instructions need to be super clear to make sure everything goes as planned. Also, we don’t negotiate on the prices, the prices Jerry gives us, that is what we follow. We understand that demanding lower prices might result in reduced wages for his contractors, which is something we would never support. Jerry is also the one setting the lead times. For example: Frida asks when he needs the order from us to have the production ready by mid-June. Meaning we never want to stress the workers, and we would never ask them to work overtime. We have the same principles in China as we have in Sweden, we don’t work overtime.
2. After we send the order to Jerry, he calculates the amount of fabric to be ordered, and once the fabric is prepared, it is sent to a dyeing factory.
3. Upon the fabric's arrival at Jerry's facility, it is cut according to our pattern, and all the components are distributed to smaller factories, where the pieces are meticulously stitched together. Surprisingly, a single blouse can consist of up to 20 pattern parts, all of which must be sewn together with precision to create the finished garment.
4. Jerry collaborates with approximately six different sewing factories, each specializing in working with silk. These factories employ between 6 to 20 skilled seamstresses, and their working hours span from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM, including a one-hour lunch break.

If you've read all the way to the bottom, wow, thank you so much for dedicating your time! We sincerely hope that the information provided has offered you clarity regarding how our Ahlvar pieces are crafted.