Swift Industries moving stock production to Asia

[Eric Marth]

I understand running a boutique bag business must be tough but kinda bummed to learn that "Beginning in March of 2022, a portion of our stock collection will be made in Indonesia, built from materials produced throughout Asia." 

I dig the freaky small makers working in the USA: Paul, Phil, Sackville, White Industries, etc. 

More here: 

https://builtbyswift.com/exciting-swift-news-change-is-coming-in-march-2022/

[Richard Rose]

I know. And believe me I get the Irony of my expressing disappointment over this as I enjoy my not made in the USA new Riv bike. It’s difficult because I do really enjoy the buying experience of these MUSA products & will continue to seek them out. I also appreciate the “transparency” aspect of the Swift announcement.

Sent from my iPhone

On Jan 22, 2022, at 7:06 PM, Eric Marth <eric...@gmail.com> wrote:



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[Julian Westerhout]

It is interesting. I wish them all the luck in the world -- having worked for a now-defunct small U.S. production outdoor clothing company in the 1990s I know these decisions can be tough. I fully understand the desire to increase margins, but their statement "From stronger wages and benefits, to exciting new career horizons, our move to overseas production intends to elevate everyone’s work experiences through Swift" ignores the major elephant in the room. Sure, "stronger wages"  for their designers and shippers in the U.S., perhaps, but less (and possibly ultimately no) work for their U.S. sewers, and the reality that their Indonesian contract sewers will be making FAR less than the U.S. sewers that they are replacing...

The market is competitive -- and there are a number of U.S. bag makers at their price point. It will be interesting to see what happens, especially if they maintain their price points. 

Julian Westerhout

Bloomington, IL 

[WilletM]

On the bright side, during my brief visit there a dozen years ago, Surabaya did not strike me as a "sweatshop-y" sort of Asian city in the manner of what I imagine areas of Bangladesh (and other clothing-production hubs) might be like.  So it may be the case that Swift is "responsibly" outsourcing some production to the extent that such a thing is even possible.

I will, of course, defer to those with more recent and/or extensive experience than mine.  But I did want to point out that not all outsourcing to Asian manufacturing areas can be lumped together as an attempt to squeeze costs and maximize profits without regard to social responsibility.

Willet M.

[Richard Rose]

Agreed. Witness the bikes we ride & love.

Sent from my iPhone

On Jan 23, 2022, at 5:49 PM, 'WilletM' via RBW Owners Bunch <rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com> wrote:

On the bright side, during my brief visit there a dozen years ago, Surabaya did not strike me as a "sweatshop-y" sort of Asian city in the manner of what I imagine areas of Bangladesh (and other clothing-production hubs) might be like.  So it may be the case that Swift is "responsibly" outsourcing some production to the extent that such a thing is even possible.

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/2b02afc0-6c5d-44fd-ac87-d5cacc3ff12bn%40googlegroups.com.