12 Nov DISHANG GROUP WINS PCIAW MANUFACTURER AWARD FOR THE SECOND CONSECUTIVE YEAR
Dishang Group has once again been recognised as a leader in advanced apparel manufacturing, winning the prestigious PCIAW State-of-the-Art Manufacturer Award for the second consecutive year.
Richard Watts, Dishang UK Managing Director, and Julian Bartholet, Business Development Director – Workwear & Uniforms, were delighted to be presented the accolade at the 2026 Professional Clothing Industry Association Worldwide (PCIAW) Awards in London. The award recognises our continued investment in advanced manufacturing technologies, innovation and more sustainable production processes.
For us, this recognition is particularly significant because it reflects the measurable progress we’ve made over the past 12 months, and the benefits these advancements are delivering for our customers.
CONTINUED INVESTMENT IN SMARTER MANUFACTURING
Since first winning the award in 2025, we’ve accelerated our Smart Digital Manufacturing Initiative, integrating artificial intelligence, automation, robotics and intelligent production management systems across our global manufacturing network.
With more than 90 wholly owned factories and over 200 manufacturing partners worldwide, these investments are helping us improve production efficiency, shorten lead times and reduce the environmental impact of garment manufacturing.
One of our key achievements has been the expansion of our AI-powered energy monitoring platform, which now covers 80% of our manufacturing facilities and has contributed to a 12% reduction in energy consumption per unit compared with 2024.
We’re also continuing to invest in 3D digital sampling, AI-assisted design and textile-to-textile recycling technologies, helping to reduce physical sampling, improve material efficiency and minimise waste.
For our customers, this means faster product development, greater manufacturing efficiency and access to a more responsive and increasingly sustainable supply chain.
UK DESIGN EXPERTISE BACKED BY GLOBAL MANUFACTURING
From our UK headquarters at The Chapel in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, we connect British and European clothing brands directly with Dishang Group’s global manufacturing network.
Our UK and European team works closely with customers across trend research, fabric sourcing, technical development and production, combining local expertise and direct communication with the scale and capabilities of a global manufacturer.
It’s the strength of our UK Design | Global Manufacturing | One Direct Partner approach, giving customers a connected, collaborative solution from initial concept through to finished garment.
RECOGNITION OF OUR GLOBAL TEAM’S COMMITMENT
Richard Watts, Managing Director of Dishang UK, commented:
“Winning this award for the second consecutive year is a tremendous achievement and recognition of the investment Dishang continues to make in its people, technology and manufacturing capabilities.”
“What makes this particularly significant is the measurable progress we’ve made since last year. We’re not simply investing in new technologies; we’re seeing real improvements in production efficiency, speed to market, resource management and environmental performance.”
“For our customers, this means access to a more responsive, efficient and increasingly sustainable manufacturing network, supported by the design expertise and direct relationships they value from our UK team.”
“This award is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our colleagues across the world, and we’d also like to thank our customers for their continued trust and partnership.”
LOOKING AHEAD
Winning this award for a second consecutive year reinforces our commitment to continuous improvement and investment in the future of apparel manufacturing.
As brands face increasing pressure to improve efficiency, reduce environmental impact and build more resilient supply chains, we’ll continue investing in the technologies, expertise and manufacturing capabilities needed to support their evolving requirements.
Discover how our design expertise and global manufacturing capabilities can support your next collection.
Visit: https://www.dishang-group.com/
Pictured L to R: Julian Bartholet, Business Development Director – Workwear & Uniforms, and Richard Watts, Managing Director – Dishang Group UK