CARTAGO, Costa Rica, Oct. 14, 2024 – Global Sae-A Group, a leader in the apparel manufacturing industry, celebrated the grand opening of its third spinning mill in Cartago on October 11th. This expansion is set to significantly enhance the company’s production capabilities and strengthen its position in the global textile market.
The inauguration event featured distinguished attendees, including Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves Robles, Minister of Foreign Trade Manuel Tovar, and the Korean Ambassador Keun Seok Jeon, along with over 80 industry buyers.
President Chaves emphasized the importance of the partnership with Global Sae-A, stating, “This occasion reaffirms the cooperative relationship built on trust, stability, and mutual respect, which has been fundamental in Costa Rica’s development.”
The newly inaugurated mill, located approximately 20 kilometers southeast of San José, boasts a capacity of 36,000 spindles, generating 8 million kg of yarn each year. With this addition, Sae-A Spinning’s total spindle capacity reaches 106,000, allowing for an impressive annual yarn output of 24 million kg. This growth not only boosts economies of scale but also enables the company to adapt swiftly to the changing demands of its global clientele.
Since entering the Costa Rican market in 2015, Global Sae-A has established itself with the Sae-A Spinning facility, revolutionizing the country’s yarn production. The firm practices full vertical integration across the apparel manufacturing process, making it a pioneer in Korea’s apparel OEM industry.
Over the last decade, Global Sae-A has invested USD 200 million in Costa Rica, starting with its first mill and subsequently launching a second mill in 2022. With the addition of the third mill, Sae-A Spinning has tripled its production capacity, expanding its ability to offer a diverse range of yarns to meet rapidly evolving market trends.
The company is also committed to exploring further investment opportunities throughout Latin America, leveraging the ongoing nearshoring trend where production facilities are strategically positioned closer to consumer markets.
WK Kim, Chairman of Global Sae-A Group, noted, “This expansion enables us to optimize tariff benefits under CAFTA for duty-free exports to the U.S., enhancing the global textile supply chain.” He also highlighted the company’s dedication to sustainability, stating that Sae-A Spinning utilizes 100% U.S.-grown cotton, ensuring an eco-friendly and traceable production process.
As a prominent global conglomerate, Global Sae-A Group includes major brands and operations across various sectors, reinforcing its commitment to leadership and innovation in the textile industry.
