Billion Rise Invests $100 Million in Vietnam Facility for Advanced Knit Development
Three-phase manufacturing project in Thanh Hoa will expand knitting, dyeing and printing capacity, with annual production potential of up to 100 million metres
Billion Rise has opened the first phase of a new manufacturing facility in Thanh Hoa, Vietnam, backed by a $100 million investment. The project is intended to expand sourcing flexibility and advanced textile development capabilities for global sportswear, activewear, lifestyle, swimwear and intimate apparel brands.
The facility is being developed in three phases, with a planned total area of approximately 320,000 square metres and an expected annual production capacity of up to 100 million metres.
Three-Phase Expansion Plan
Phase one has been completed, covering approximately 110,000 square metres. The second phase, scheduled for completion in the third quarter of 2027, will add knitting, dyeing and printing capacity. Phase three is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2029.
The Vietnam operation will complement Billion Rise’s established manufacturing base in Qing Yuan, China, giving customers another sourcing location as apparel brands seek greater geographic diversification.
“We’re pleased to give our customers greater sourcing flexibility with the addition of our Vietnam operation to our established manufacturing base in Qing Yuan China,” said Charles Chen, Billion Rise CEO and Owner. “After a decade of investment in developing the facility and building it to the same high standards our customers expect from us, we’re confident Vietnam will deliver the quality, technical expertise and consistency our brand partners require.”
Advanced Knitting, Printing and Finishing Capabilities
The Vietnam facility is being developed with capabilities comparable to Billion Rise’s China operation. Its planned production processes include:
- Warp and weft knitting
- Dyeing
- Digital, flat-bed and heat-transfer printing
- Stentering and finishing
The site also includes a wastewater treatment system and rooftop solar installations intended to help minimise its environmental footprint.
These capabilities are designed to support the production of technically complex performance fabrics for sportswear, swimwear, underwear and lingerie applications.
Vietnam Gains Importance in Apparel Sourcing Strategies
According to JP Brogan, US managing director of sales and marketing at Billion Rise, major US activewear and intimate apparel brands are looking to diversify their sourcing towards Vietnam.
The country has developed capabilities in high-volume manufacturing of technically complex performance fabrics. Its established garment manufacturing base also offers brands opportunities to integrate more stages of production, from fabric manufacturing to finished garments, within the same sourcing market.
Billion Rise is also investing in materials strategy expertise across its global team, alongside artificial intelligence and 3D visualisation tools to help brands identify material opportunities, develop key material ranges and visualise new product concepts.
“Our investment in Vietnam goes beyond the physical facility,” said Brogan. “We’ve also dedicated resources in materials strategy expertise across our global team along with AI and 3D visualization tools that help brands identify white space, build key material franchises, and quickly visualize new opportunities.”
Trade Opportunities for European and UK Brands
The company also highlighted opportunities linked to the Vietnam–European Union Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA). The agreement provides for the elimination of tariffs on a wide range of goods, with the company stating that it creates opportunities for European and UK brands to source garments from Vietnam using locally produced fabrics and other materials.
“With our new factory, we can now better support brands looking to build more integrated value chains in Vietnam while expanding our business across these important markets,” said Steven Moore, Global Sales Director at Billion Rise.
The new facility is expected to support the company’s engagement with brands seeking integrated textile and garment supply chains while expanding its presence in international markets.