Mark Halabe is traveling to Brazil to explore innovative equipment that could enhance productivity in Fiji’s garment industry. This million-dollar investment is expected to provide incremental support to his company, Mark One Apparel, where he serves as managing director.
Halabe emphasized the need for competitiveness, stating, “I’ll grab anything at this point in time to help us keep competitive.” He previously noted a significant increase in national minimum wages affecting the export manufacturing sector over the last three years. He pointed out that wages for similar roles in India are 30 percent lower than in Fiji.
The equipment Halabe plans to evaluate in Brazil is operated by artificial intelligence and features a coded computer chip akin to a robotic system. “We have some very exciting projects to keep competitive; we must have it up and running before the end of the year,” he mentioned. He anticipates an increase in production, noting how production time is measured in minutes rather than garments. He explained that optimizing time management is crucial for profitability, emphasizing the need to reduce costs per minute by reallocating workers from non-productive tasks to sewing machines.
Halabe believes that incorporating artificial intelligence will streamline processes by eliminating non-value-added steps in manufacturing.
In related news, Mike Towler, managing director of Performance Flotation Development (Fiji) Ltd, the largest producer and exporter of lifejackets in the Southern Hemisphere, expressed support for Mark One Apparel’s advancements. Towler identified high freight costs and inadequate port facilities as significant challenges hindering the competitiveness of the manufacturing sector.
“This is a very capital-intensive endeavor,” Towler stated, underscoring the need for structural reforms to prevent the decline of the manufacturing industry. He suggested a comprehensive national infrastructure plan targeting ports, as well as essential services like water supply, sewage, and healthcare facilities. Towler also highlighted the importance of engaging with development partners, including China, to secure necessary funding from major donors.