The Georgian textile industry has seen the addition of a new enterprise to its ranks. The company Materia has built a modern European-standard factory in Tbilisi, which currently employs around 250 people, and this number is set to grow significantly in the future. The new factory was  opened by the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, Giorgi Gakharia.

Materia combines the production of several Georgian designers, and itself owns two brands – the premium-class ‘Materieli’ and the mid-range ‘Dots.’ According to the minister, light industry in Georgia is developing at a constant pace, creating new jobs in the process. “First of all, I would like to thank the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, which has actively participated in the process of restoring enterprises. It is highly important that a full production cycle is represented here, from planning and modelling to the final product. The company has a strong and diverse business, and to be honest, I like it a lot. They have set up effective market access channels, and conducting exports will not be a problem for this company, which is also in the process of opening stores for its brands,” stated Giorgi Gakharia.

The ‘Materieli’ brand is currently being exported to 10 different countries (Switzerland, Australia, South Korea, Russia, Italy, China, Armenia, Qatar, Kuwait and Ukraine). The company has obtained a business loan of GEL 1 200 000 from EBRD, which was used to purchase a modern technological production line. The company’s stores are located on Kote Apkhazi Street in Tbilisi and at the Hilton hotel in Batumi. The company’s first store in the United States is due to open in New York in a few days. “This is a very good example of a successful business setting up a full production cycle. On our part, we will be helping both this and other enterprises, using the tools of the Enterprise Georgia state programme. I think that our light manufacturing industry has a significant growth potential. This is particularly important for us, as it is possible to quickly and effectively create new jobs in light industry,” added Mr. Gakharia.

Materia is manufacturing uniforms for the Georgian army, the state and border police, the City Hall’s cleaning services, Georgian Post, as well as the Georgian national rugby team. According to a company spokesperson, Materia is also planning to introduce a line of footwear, while the mass-produced items are to be exported to even more countries worldwide.