Universal Menswear at Adamjee EPZ exports suits worth $98m to int'l markets yearly

Universal Menswear Ltd, one of South Asia's largest suit manufacturing facilities, has been operating at the Adamjee Export Processing Zone in Narayanganj and producing nearly five million pieces of men's clothing annually for international markets.

The Romania-Bangladesh joint venture manufactures tailored suits, blazers, formal trousers, waistcoats and jackets for global brands and retailers.

The company has invested $45.91 million in the facility and exported garments worth $97.88 million in the 2025-26 fiscal year. It said its export income stands at nearly $98 million a year. 

The factory currently employs 5,739 people, including 5,699 Bangladeshis and 40 foreign workers, according to the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (Bepza).

During a recent visit, this TBS reporter found workers busy across the production floor, cutting and stitching fabric, ironing blazers, folding finished garments and preparing them for shipment.

"As one of the largest suit factories in South Asia, we manufacture men's suits, blazers and trousers for various international brands," said Md Billal Hossain, senior general manager (Admin, HR and Compliance) at Universal Menswear.

The factory began production and exports in 2012 after importing modern machinery and technology from Romania. It now has around 535,000 square feet of floor space and modern cutting, sewing, pressing, finishing and packaging facilities.

The factory can produce around 500,000 pieces of trousers, blazers and other men's garments a month, or about five million pieces a year, Billal said.

Its buyers include H&M, Zara Man, Zara Kids, Marks & Spencer, C&A, Primark, ASOS, Jack & Jones, Ben Sherman, Moss Bros Group, Dunnes Stores, Cubus, Haggar Clothing, Dobell and Peerless Clothing International.

Most raw materials are imported, while only a limited number of items, such as packaging cartons, are sourced locally.

Md Abdur Rahman Bhuiyan, executive director of Adamjee EPZ, told this newspaper, "We have ensured uninterrupted supplies of gas, electricity and water for investors. As a result, investors are showing strong interest in investing here. In FY26, 47 enterprises in Adamjee EPZ exported goods worth $1.179 billion. With the 10 factories currently under construction coming into production, annual exports could potentially reach $1.5 billion."

More than just workplace
Surabhi, who has been working at the factory for around three years, said she is satisfied with the working environment. "The working environment here is good. We also receive our leave on time."

Mohammad Baizid, who joined the factory after completing higher secondary education, works in blazer ironing. His basic salary is Tk14,900, while he earns around Tk23,000 a month including overtime.

For some employees, the factory has also provided opportunities for career development.

Jannatul Ferdous joined the facility as a receptionist after completing higher secondary education. With the company's support, she completed her university education while continuing to receive salary, benefits and annual increments.

After graduating, she returned to the factory last month as an assistant merchandiser.

"For these five years, the company provided me with salary, benefits and promotion. After completing my studies, I returned last month, but this time as an assistant merchandiser," she said.

LEED Gold certification, solar power
The factory has received LEED Gold certification from the US Green Building Council for its environmentally friendly production system and also has a solar power facility.

Billal said uninterrupted electricity, water and other utility services at Adamjee EPZ are major advantages for factory operations.

The EPZ authority's security and monitoring systems also support investors, he added.