United States Fashion Industry Association members know Esquel Group—a long-time International Affiliate and one of the world’s leading producers of premium cotton shirts—very well. Many of you have probably gotten a look at the company’s expansive new office and showroom in Hong Kong. But, for those of you who haven’t, we got an inside look at Esquel Group’s beautiful new space and how it relates to the company’s vision and culture.
If you’ve sourced products from Esquel Group, you know that the company is one of the most progressive with its vertical operations and cutting-edge production and finishing processes. What began 35 years ago as a small garment trading company in Hong Kong is now a global manufacturer with headquarters in Hong Kong, production facilities in China, Malaysia, Vietnam, Mauritius, and Sri Lanka, and distribution offices around the world.
This growth was a key factor in the decision to move its headquarters to the new space in Shau Kei Wan, Hong Kong. “We set up the new office in 2012 to support our business growth, provide an innovative space to showcase our products and services, as well as create a flexible, comfortable, and creative workplace for our colleagues to thrive in,” says Money Lam, Senior Officer of Corporate Communications at Esquel Group.
Esquel Group's new showroom allows customers to meet with the team and learn about Esquel's capabilities.
Covering 70,000 square feet and six floors, the open-plan office space was certainly designed to please the eye and mind. Visitors are greeted by a massive spiral staircase connecting the two main floors, creating a vertical structure that reflects the company’s vertical operations. Designed by acclaimed Taiwanese architect Ray Chen, the office is also designed to stimulate creativity, flexibility, and efficiency, foster work-life balance, enhance communications, and of course, reflect Esquel Group’s green sensibility, with designs inspired by nature.
“We continuously explore ways to foster environmental consciousness and awareness at all levels of the organization, in the communities where we carry on business, and among the farmers, suppliers and other stakeholders with whom we deal,” Esquel Group says on its website, and that ideal is visible in the soothing wood paneling and tree imagery throughout the office, making you feel like you’re in a luxurious forest rather than a corporate environment.
Click to view Esquel Group's video about life inside the new office space
The new office also reflects Esquel Group’s commitment to people. After all, a company needs its employees and its customers in order to be successful. By fostering a friendly, creative work atmosphere, Esquel Group employees are happy, productive employees. (And, as the employees eagerly told us, the company regularly hosts dance and fitness classes, cooking classes, group lunches, and other team-building events in the spacious, multi-use rooms to allow employees to get to know one another and recharge.)
And for the customers? The Esquel Group office contains a massive fabric library and showroom, with meeting spaces to discuss your next line.
This is just one corridor in Esquel Group's massive fabric library.
For more on life at Esquel, take a look at this video or visit www.esquel.com.