The company had already broadened its production base throughout Central America, prior to the implementation and 90-day pause of US countervailing tariffs, allowing the company to keep a steady supply chain and capitalise on nearshoring benefits to shorten lead times and boost competitiveness.
In 2023, ShinWon inaugurated ShinWon Central America, a sales subsidiary based in Guatemala, thus not only widening its manufacturing reach but also establishing a platform for market development within the area.
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Building upon this groundwork, the firm opened an activewear factory tailored to the requirements of US sportswear brands at the start of 2024.
In January this year, the company further augmented its production capabilities with the acquisition of Modas Blue, a local apparel producer. This addition has solidified ShinWon’s regional footprint and streamlined decision-making processes while bringing it closer to customers and manufacturing sites.
ShinWon has harnessed Guatemala’s closeness to the US to aggressively pursue a nearshoring strategy, optimising the entire production cycle from sample creation to mass production for North American markets. The result is significantly reduced lead times and an agile system capable of quickly adapting to rapidly evolving fashion trends.
Central to ShinWon’s production approach is its manufacturing execution system (MES), known as ShinWon Intelligent Manufacturing System (SWIMS). The company says that its SWIMS consolidates all stages of production—from digital design and automation to unmanned logistics, real-time quality checks, and automated storage—under one comprehensive control system.
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By GlobalDataThis technological framework is said to help reduce production errors while substantially improving efficiency and product quality.
To further enhance quality assurance, ShinWon is set to launch its Real-time Production Alert System aimed at lowering defect rates and increasing customer satisfaction through effective data-driven quality control.
Moreover, ShinWon is expediting its commitment to sustainability throughout its operations. Key subsidiaries such as ShinWon GT, Daniel Tex, and Fashion Stitch Noah have implemented solar power solutions and eco-friendly infrastructure to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.
The company has integrated an ESG-centric manufacturing ethos into its regional activities to anticipate and fulfil the sustainability standards demanded by global purchasers.
ShinWon CEO JJ Park said: “Our commitment to expanding manufacturing in Central America—particularly in Guatemala and Nicaragua—predates the recent tariff changes.
“This foresight has allowed us to build a resilient and responsive supply network. Through our SWIMS-powered infrastructure, digital innovation, and strong ESG practices, ShinWon is firmly positioned as a trusted partner for global fashion brands navigating today’s complex supply chain landscape.”
ShinWon’s export division manages 15 subsidiaries across more than five countries including Guatemala, Nicaragua, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the US.
The company employs approximately 30,000 individuals across these facilities. As it continues expanding globally, ShinWon plans to integrate advanced technologies like AI-driven analytics, 2D/3D styling tools, and VR-enabled virtual showrooms to cement its status as an industry leader.
In September last year, ShinWon adopted the German sustainability compliance management service Retraced’s platform to bolster sustainability across its supply chain.
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