You are in:
- PRINTWEAR TODAY » Issue: June 2007
EFS brings garment decoration in-house
EFS (Engineering and Foundry Suppliers) diversified into the garment decoration business during the late ‘80s. Stephen Frost explains, “We began diversifying into the decorated garment industry when customers began asking for embroidered and printed PPE garments, initially we farmed these out however toward the end of the 90’s we were getting busier with a growing customer base requesting more and more promowear.”
Due to the recent need to meet customer demands for quicker turn round times on short runs, Stephen took the decision to bring the embroidery in-house, although he was quick to point out for larger runs he would continue to be using his contract embroiderer. “Having seen the Inbro single needle automatic re-threading machine, we felt it was an excellent idea as we don’t need to stand over the machine.”
When we interviewed Stephen he was literally about to take delivery of the machine. “Once it has been installed,” Stephen said, “We are being trained on-site, and we are delighted with the service we have received from Mark Robinson Sewing Machines. More over, we are now letting all of our customers know we can produce short runs in-house now ensuring we can meet their exacting delivery times.”
Looking to the future, Stephen emphasised that the company would not rush in to expanding too quickly. “One of the excellent points about the Inbro is that we can link the single head machines together, which I believe is a unique aspect, allowing us to build the business on our terms.”
EFS is a family run business, with a turnover of £1m+, and as pointed out by Stephen is continually growing. “We also have a heat press in-house, although we do use contract screen printers for the larger runs and J&A International provide all of our badging.” Although the company is now a far cry from its origins, Stephen told us that he had toyed with the idea of changing the name, but as he pointed out, “We are well known as EFS there would be no mileage in changing it to a name associated with garment decoration now.”
