About

ABOUT OUR COMPANY

FAVOURING A TECHNICAL ANGLE

Glencarol a vertically integrated sock producer is a Fashionably South African company producing high-quality products. CEO and co-owner of the company, Mr. Raj Shunmugam, dedicates his time to advancing the company’s competitive advantages, dedicated design house, and global ambitions.

Glencarol (Pty) Ltd, established originally as Glencarol the Sock Specialist in 1954, has remained the leading South African socks producer for 60 years.
In 2007 a management buyout brought the birth of Glencarol Pty Ltd which has grown to be one of the leading sock suppliers globally producing brands for export.

As part of our commitment to the true spirit of BEE we structured a 15% group shares trust in favour of our employees. This allowed them to feel that they were part of the company and were as responsible for its destiny as the management and shareholders of the business.

Key to the survival of Glencarol (Pty) Ltd, has been the vertical integration of its sock and yarn divisions. The vertical integration has resulted in savings on the cost of raw materials and ultimately ensures the viability and profitability of the business in the long run.

Key words being the sustainability of the business through key intervention programs in power saving, raw material management and overall productivity factor per employee. It is widely known that our ability to compete is not driven by the input costs in raw material but rather by the added value costs in production and productivity.

Therefore as a company; in 2009; we embarked on; along with the support from the IDC and the DTI on projects that would deal with reducing the costs of adding value through strategic investments.

We are proud through our relationship with our foreign shareholders, be part of an organization that has grown to become a true leader. This growth forming the foundation for future sustainability and viability.

VISION

Consistency in quality and service is critical to the long-term plan and strategy we have for the business and our clients. It is for this reason that we ensured that we invested in the latest state-of-the-art technology in knitting, pressing, and finishing equipment to better service our clients.
Reliability is non-negotiable for growth and sustainability with our client base and it is for this reason that we continue to look at opportunities where we can improve on this factor.
Reliability and consistency remains the Achilles of the industry and new technology provides an opportunity to ensure we improve in this area

QUICK REACTION TO DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT

Concept to design: One of the key stumbling points of the local industry is the speed to market from design. This area has always been complicated but through our investments, we continue to show progress in this area.
Key investment in vertical integration and controlling our own raw material needs has given us the edge needed to be competitive and meet the needs of speed to market.
The key to this Area is the skills that exist and long term it remains a problem if we do not train key staff to build and improve on our ability to react to our client's needs.
Creating a better service offering in design and development is what we have focused on since 2013 and going into 2022. The business through our internal skills development program we have seen rising stars take on the challenge and be promoted to design areas in the business improving the levels of service and innovation our clients demand and expect from Glencarol.
Delivery of design concepts to bulk production has improved through the use of new technology and new design programming techniques.
Newness and Innovation remain cornerstones of our future. Advancements in Health and Technical products have given us an added edge in the market.
Technical socks using specialty yarns and finishes, produce through our vertical raw material strategies allows us to offer product that is unique and specific at the same time

VERTICAL INTEGRATION

Glencarol is serviced for yarns by its vertical integration policy and strategy, which has the capability to produce textured yarns, dyed yarns, covered yarns, and mélanges. This allows us flexibility and a quick turnaround on yarn requirements.
Investments in new Yarn Technology to create Marls and blends were concluded in 2011 which gives the opportunity to produce the new air-rated yarns for sport and leisurewear socks.
New finishing methods: Softer smoother handle on yarns and socks
Faster reaction to new colours with the installation of the latest data colour system to match yarns in bulk and at the sample stage
Efficient management of energy through new investments in technology
The vertical integration strategy gives Glencarol the edge over its competitors and speed to market offering.

INNOVATION ALIGNED TO VERTICAL STRATEGIES

Yarns: New Air-rated High Bulk yarns
Marls through new Air-ration blending
Lighter yarns with natural blends to meet customers expectations using natural yarns
Socks and underwear with technical features/yarns
CoolGuard technology and HeatGuard technology to offer specialty products in a niche environment
HEATCOOL with Siluran