⦁ Substantial capacity expansion in Central America driven by nearshoring strategy, optimizing lead time and cost efficiency
⦁ Dedicated activewear manufacturing factory established for leading U.S. sportswear brands, enhancing responsiveness in quality and delivery
⦁ Proprietary MES
‘SWIMS’ enhances operational efficiency and product quality; ESG-focused
infrastructure adoption strengthens sustainability performance
View of the Shinwon GT factory
site in Guatemala, including the newly established Fashion Stitch Guatemala
(Seoul, South Korea – April nnth, 2025) – ShinWon Corporation (CEO: JJ Park), a leading global apparel manufacturer, announced that its long-term investment in Central America and proactive supply chain diversification strategy have gained renewed attention amid recent changes in U.S. tariff policies.
Even before the U.S. countervailing tariff measures took effect on April 9, ShinWon had already expanded its production footprint across Central America. This strategic foresight has enabled the company to maintain a stable supply network despite the shifting trade landscape, while leveraging nearshoring to reduce lead time and enhance overall competitiveness.
ShinWon’s strategic investment in
Central America has been both purposeful and continuous, strengthening its
position in the global supply chain. In 2023, the company took a significant
step by establishing ShinWon Central America, S.A., a sales subsidiary in
Guatemala. This move marked the company’s commitment to not just expanding its
manufacturing footprint but also creating a hub for market development and
regional growth. Building on this foundation, in early 2024, ShinWon opened a
specialized activewear factory designed to meet the needs of U.S. sportswear
brands. Most recently, in January 2025, the acquisition of Modas Blue, S.A., a
local garment manufacturer, further expanded ShinWon’s production capacity,
consolidating its presence in the region. This integrated structure
facilitates faster decision-making and enhances proximity to both customers and
production sites.
Taking advantage of Guatemala’s geographical proximity to the U.S., ShinWon has aggressively implemented its nearshoring strategy. By streamlining the entire production cycle—from sample development and mass production to North America—the company has dramatically reduced lead times. This agile infrastructure enables ShinWon to respond swiftly to fast-changing fashion trends and meet market demands with high reliability.
At the heart of ShinWon’s
production innovation is its proprietary Manufacturing Execution System (MES),
SWIMS (ShinWon Intelligent Manufacturing System). SWIMS integrates every phase
of the production lifecycle—including digital design data, automated processes,
unmanned transport systems, real-time quality monitoring and automated
warehousing—into a single unified control platform. This digital infrastructure
minimizes production errors while greatly enhancing efficiency and product
quality. To further strengthen quality assurance, ShinWon plans to implement its
Real-time Production Alert System. The initiative is expected to reduce defect
rates and elevate customer satisfaction through data-driven, efficient quality
control.
ShinWon is also accelerating its
sustainability agenda across all operations. Major local subsidiaries such as
ShinWon GT, S.A., Daniel Tex S.A., and Fashion Stitch Noah, S.A. have adopted solar
power systems and eco-friendly infrastructure to increase energy efficiency and
lower carbon emissions. The company has embedded its ESG-focused manufacturing
philosophy into its regional operations to proactively meet the evolving sustainability
requirements of global buyers.
“Our commitment to expanding
manufacturing in Central America—particularly in Guatemala and
Nicaragua—predates the recent tariff changes,” JJ Park, CEO of ShinWon stated,
“This foresight has allowed us to build a resilient and responsive supply
network. Through our SWIMS-powered infrastructure, digital innovation, and
strong ESG practices, ShinWon is firmly positioned as a trusted partner for
global fashion brands navigating today’s complex supply chain landscape.”
Meanwhile, ShinWon’s export
division operates 15 subsidiaries in over five countries, including Guatemala,
Nicaragua, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the United States, with approximately 30,000
employees working across its production facilities. The company plans to
continue expanding its global footprint, while integrating cutting-edge
technologies such as AI-driven analytics, 2D/3D styling, and VR-enabled virtual
showrooms to solidify its industry leadership.