The knits division of Crystal International Group Limited has built a new Logistics Centre in China as part of its wider smart manufacturing transformation, strengthening digitalisation and automation across its global operations.

The Hong Kong-headquartered apparel manufacturer said the new facility has been developed over the past year within its lifestyle wear factory in China and will serve as a dedicated logistics zone housing an automated cutting workshop and a centralised smart warehouse for materials and finished goods.

Designed to support autonomous material movement along the production process, the Logistics Centre is powered by a rooftop solar photovoltaic system and is intended to demonstrate an advanced production logic model for garment factories.

Full operations are expected to ramp up in the first quarter of 2026. According to the company, the centralised warehouse integrates an automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS) that uses real-time data to analyse production demand, inventory levels and transport routes, determining efficient retrieval paths and supporting just-in-time delivery. Crystal International stated that fabric transfer time can be reduced by up to 75%.

The AS/RS also enables finished goods to be delivered autonomously from storage to the loading area as trucks arrive, based on monitored logistics schedules.

The company added that the smart warehouse forms part of a closed-loop automated material flow system, supporting information and product movement from raw materials through panels, parts and garments to final shipment. The production logic model links four centres: the new Logistics Centre, Parts Manufacturing Centre, Assembly Centre and Finishing Centre.

In addition to the smart warehouse, the new zone includes an automated cutting area, while sewn parts are transferred automatically using automated guided vehicles to enable unmanned material and goods flow.

“We are driving digitalisation and automation in line with the whole Group’s ambition, achieving smarter processes, higher operational efficiency and productivity, as well as better sustainability performance. The solution ensures us winning edge and continued success,” said Sam Lau, General Manager – Digital Manufacturing at Crystal International.

Crystal International said the development supports its Crystal Sustainability Vision 2030 and Net Zero 2050 Vision, with the company aiming to transform its factories into smart factories through innovative technological solutions. It added that it plans to further develop advanced production models across different operating countries to meet evolving customer and industry needs.

Founded in Hong Kong in 1970, Crystal International operates more than 20 production facilities across Vietnam, China, Cambodia, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, producing lifestyle wear, sportswear and outdoor apparel, denim, intimate apparel, sweaters and knitted fabrics.

www.crystalgroup.com