The factory where Pop-In production takes place is co-owned by a Close Parent director. This means that unlike many other companies producing in China, Close are able to have much control over social responsibility issues normally faced. At the end of 2006, a purpose-built factory was built in Henan province of Xuchang, as the Chinese co-owners had simply outgrown the old premises, plus the owner of the site wanted to tear down the unit for development.
In 2007 work began on a large purpose built premises to provide a high quality factory work space and a flat for family members who had been evicted from their home of many years. They moved to these premises in the summer of 2008. It is a lovely spot on the edge of town and they have a chef who provides all the workers with a cooked lunch daily in the canteen. Close Parent directors make visits twice a year. They are a very skilled and happy team and the Chinese owners are extremely fair and caring employers. Management ensure that the staff (many are family members) are remunerated fairly and they get more holidays than most employees in China. They also arrange regular company outings.
Close Parent pays a very fair price for production of the goods to ensure the working conditions and social responsibility of the factory can be upheld. Indeed price is not the primary reason for product of the nappies in Xuchang. All the fabrics used are produced there. The bamboo fabric is not produced readily in Europe and would therefore have to be imported for production which only adds to the carbon footprint of manufacturing.
Really wonderful to see how they come together!
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