Apparel supplier ATTRACTION (asi/37442) in Lac-Drolet, QC, has opened a new production facility in Montreal. The location, which will employ 30 people dedicated to production of fleece, jersey, quilted materials and accessories for the promo and tourism markets, is situated on Avenue du Parc in the city’s Chabanel district, known as “the heart of fashion in Quebec,” according to the company.

The apparel company has opened a new production facility in Montreal that will employ local makers. From left to right: Simon Lieu, team leader; Lianne Macrae, national promotional sales manager; Philippe Gagnon, director of manufacturing; Sébastien Jacques, vice president of business development and co-owner; and Julia Gagnon, vice president of operations and co-owner.

“The [new location] will double ATTRACTION’s production capacity,” said the company in a statement. “The goal is to support growth, reduce delivery lead times and position ATTRACTION as a Canadian leader in the ethical manufacturing of locally made clothing. These are clear advantages in a context where global shipping disruptions and COVID are causing a shortage of imported goods as well as increased costs and delays.”

The Chabanel district will also give the supplier access to skilled garment workers, whose livelihoods were impacted significantly by the pandemic. ATTRACTION was supported in the endeavor by financial capital companies Desjardins and Investissement Québec.

“We are truly proud to participate in the revitalization of the Chabanel district by encouraging local know-how while respecting ethical work standards,” said Julia Gagnon, vice president of operations, in a statement. “The Montreal workshop is a key element to ensure ATTRACTION’s growth in a context of labor shortage. It’s also a way for us to improve the image of the industry. This new workshop is truly a beautiful work environment for our team members.”

ATTRACTION, which employs 110 people at company headquarters in Lac-Drolet, specializes in garments designed, made and imprinted locally by unionized workers. The proprietary Ethica brand is comprised of apparel made with organic cotton and recycled polyester; the purchase of one Ethica garment is the equivalent of recycling up to 10 500-ml plastic bottles.

The Ethica unisex hooded sweater (100515U) from ATTRACTION is Canadian- and union-made.

“ATTRACTION actively looks to reconcile growth while considering the impact of decisions on its team, customers, suppliers, the community and the environment,” said Sébastien Jacques, co-owner and vice president of business development, in a statement. “The well-being of our people and respect for the environment have always been part of our values, but the pandemic has made us more aware of the importance of caring for people and what we leave behind for future generations. … It’s important for us to offer our customers responsible products that match our values.”

It’s the latest in a string of sustainability moves in the promo industry. In recent months, Top 40 supplier Charles River Apparel (asi/44620) released two new jackets made of 100% recycled polyester and Storm Creek (asi/89879) announced that all of its garments are officially “eco-made,” meaning that everything is now manufactured with recycled fabrics and sustainable components.

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