Janouras now exporting 40% of garments

■ Andrea Perez-Sobers

andrea.perez-sobers@trinidadexpress.com

JANOURAS Custom Design Ltd the largest and leading manufacturer of corporate uniforms in the country, is now exporting 40 per cent of garments throughout the Caribbean, Central and South America.

That's according to Trade and Industry Minister Paula Gopee- Scoon, who toured the garment manufacturing facility located at Chaguanas and Port of Spain on Wednesday afternoon.

Gopee-Scoon said Janouras is known for making uniforms for the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service women officers, commercial banks and other private companies.

'Janouras, who have been around for 50 years, is now exporting 40 to 45 per cent of their garments to the region, and therefore we see this manufacturing company falling under the Export Booster Initiative and the ministry along with Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers Association (TTMA) will be looking at the garment industry for growth at different levels. 'This industry can also provide enormous employment.' The minister is hopeful that new garment manufacturers will also emerge, as it can also boost the country's revenue. Also speaking to the media during the tour was owner and managing director George Janoura, who said that by embarking on new technology, the company was able to employ more people, become more competitive and more marketable.

Janoura indicated the production process is completely computerised and outfitted with the most technologically advanced equipment.

'We have a worksheet which is one of the technologies used, and it can capsule what a sewing operator does in a day. It also gives the tracking as to where the garment has reached in production. So if a customer calls, we can say that the company is at finish stage or just started.'

Janouras produces 750 to 850 garments per day, with 200 staff members employed.

TTMA's president, Franka Costelloe, said with Janouras being the top local exporter, the association along with the ministry is looking for other garment companies for further local investment and the expansion of their plant, which will enable them to put out more export and earn foreign exchange for the country.