October 30, 2010
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Girl Scout uniforms to be made in China.
The owners of a family-run New Jersey factory that makes uniforms for the Girl Scouts of America said they may be forced to close or lay off workers if the organization takes its business to China.I have nothing against China…I am sure they will make them well…they are making fake Levi’s so well that even my Levi’s client can hardly tell the difference. They also used to make all of Chairman Mao’s cool uniforms as well.
It seems to me however that an American institution like the Girl Scouts should at least try and keep jobs in America.
Jackie Evans Inc. employs 90 workers at its plant in Passaic, a once-booming manufacturing city in northern New Jersey, about 10 miles west of New York City. They’ve been making uniforms and sashes for the sole client for about a decade.
The Girl Scouts told the company a few weeks ago that it would be seeking bids, including one from a company in China, according to Domenick Monaco, the son of owner Mario Monaco.
“Our main motive is to keep jobs in the United States, and find a fair way to keep prices affordable,” said Domenick Monaco, who helps run the company. He said his family was exploring ways to come up with a bid by the mid-November deadline, including seeking grants or government help to keep prices competitive.
Barry Horowitz, vice president and general manager for merchandise for the Girl Scouts, emphasized that no decision has been reached. The organization is soliciting proposals from four companies. Two are overseas, including one in China.
“We are engaging in good business practices,” he told reporters, “Like any manufacturer who uses fabric, we have an obligation to deliver the best value to our members and their parents.”
