Wagely, Bangladesh’s leading financial wellness platform for workers, along with Textile Focus had a conversation with Nabil Bin Faruk, Director of Arunima Group and Adjunct Faculty at Daffodil International University. We explored the journey Arunima Group took to ensure the wellness of their employees.
Textile Focus: Ready-Made Garment (RMG) industry has always been at the center of significant positive transformations over the years. Could you walk us through some of the major changes and challenges the industry has seen?
Nabil Bin Faruk: The Ready-Made Garment (RMG) industry has undergone substantial transformations over the years, facing numerous challenges and adapting to various changes. If we break them down, this is how they may look like:
Major Transformations:
Tech Evolution: Automation and digitalization are reshaping the RMG landscape, boosting efficiency and slashing labor costs. The shift to sustainable practices is also massive, with factories increasingly investing in green technologies to shrink their environmental impact.
Global Supply Chains: Sourcing strategies are diversifying, leading to heightened competition among garment-producing nations. This dynamic has transformed the way brands manage risk and supply.
Consumer-Driven Change: The fast fashion boom demands rapid production cycles, while customization trends are pushing manufacturers to be more agile and responsive.
Key Challenges:
The economic and political instability, along with growing environmental pressures, threaten both stability and profitability, making efficient resource management and sustainability critical. Simultaneously, we face challenges of continuous skill development to keep up with technology and efficient resource management.
Textile Focus: How would you describe the journey of Arunima over the years?
Nabil Bin Faruk: Arunima Group’s journey over the past 18 years has been a remarkable blend of growth, innovation, and a deep commitment to quality and sustainability. We began with a clear goal: to be a leader in the RMG industry. From day one, delivering top-notch apparel to global markets was our mission.
We kicked off with Arunima Sportswear Limited, specializing in both knit and woven garments. Today, we produce millions of garments monthly, including high-demand denim products through DMC Apparels Limited, a state-of-the-art, eco-friendly facility. and have adapted the Modern engineering methods and sustainable technologies, ensuring eco-friendly solutions such as Yilmak Rainforest washing machines and a cutting-edge Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP).
Our long-term relationships with reliable suppliers and partnerships with top global brands like Lee, Wrangler, Gap, and Primark have been vital in maintaining our production excellence, our dedication to quality, and compliance with international standards. As we move ahead, Arunima Group is focused on continuous innovation, exploring new markets, and staying true to our values of quality, sustainability, and customer satisfaction.
Textile Focus: What are the various facilities that Arunima provides to their employees? And how are those facilities ensuring worker wellness?
Nabil Bin Faruk: At Arunima Group, we believe that our employees are our greatest asset, and their well-being is our top priority.
Here’s how we ensure worker wellness:
Health and Safety First: We provide on-site medical clinics with qualified healthcare professionals for immediate care and regular check-ups. Safety is a must—our workers receive regular safety training and the necessary protective gear to stay safe on the job.
Supporting Daily Life: Clean and hygienic dining areas, along with company-provided transportation, make daily life easier for our employees. We also offer on-site childcare, so working parents can focus on their jobs, knowing their children are well taken care of.
Growing Together: Continuous skill development and clear career advancement paths are available to help our employees grow and thrive in their roles.
Wellness Beyond Work: We offer regular health screenings and mental health support to keep our employees healthy and supported.
Listening and Improving: Open communication channels and regular feedback mechanisms ensure that we’re always listening to our employees’ needs and continuously improving workplace conditions.
These facilities and initiatives aren’t just about work—they’re about creating a positive, supportive, and sustainable environment where our employees can flourish.
Textile Focus: Are there any type of financial facilities you are providing for your employees?
Nabil Bin Faruk: Yes, Arunima Group provides several financial facilities to support our employees’ well-being and financial stability. Here are some of the key financial benefits we offer:
Fair Pay and Rewards: We offer competitive salaries that align with industry standards, with regular reviews to ensure fairness. Our employees can earn performance-based bonuses and incentives, rewarding their hard work and dedication.
Health and Security: We provide medical care on-site and comprehensive life insurance to support our employees and their families, especially in unforeseen circumstances.
Financial Flexibility: Employees can access interest-free emergency loans and salary advances to manage unexpected financial needs.
Retirement Benefits: We ensure timely payment of retirement benefits, guided by policies from the Labour Ministry, to support our employees long after their service.
These financial facilities are designed to create a secure, supportive environment where our employees can thrive both now and in the future.
Textile Focus: In your opinion, what are the major financial challenges for our garment industry at the moment?
Nabil Bin Faruk: The garment industry is currently grappling with several financial challenges that demand attention. These challenges underline the importance of strategic financial planning and sustainable practices to navigate the complexities of the RMG industry. Some of the noteworthy ones listed below are what I believe we commonly face as an industry today:
Rising Costs:
Materials & Energy: Fluctuating prices of raw materials and rising energy costs, exacerbated by frequent power outages, add to the financial strain.
Access to Finance: High interest rates and limited access to bank loans make it difficult for manufacturers to invest in new technologies and expand operations.
Compliance Costs: Meeting international standards for social and environmental compliance requires significant investment, including factory upgrades and regular audits, which can be both costly and time-consuming.
Market Volatility: Currency fluctuations and economic instability in key export markets pose risks to profitability and revenue.
Technological Upgrades: Staying competitive requires substantial investment in modern machinery and R&D, which can be a heavy financial burden.
Textile Focus: How would you describe the future plan of Arunima?
Nabil Bin Faruk: Arunima Group is focused on significant expansion and innovation to stay ahead in the RMG industry. We plan to increase production capacity by establishing new manufacturing units and upgrading existing ones with modern machinery. We’re diversifying our product lines to include high-performance sportswear, sustainable fashion, and personalized apparel to meet the growing demand. Embracing Industry 4.0, we are integrating automation, and digital technologies like AI and IoT to streamline operations while investing in eco-friendly technologies to reduce our environmental impact.
In terms of market expansion, we’re entering new regions and strengthening our online retail presence, while nurturing long-term collaborations with existing partners and seeking new global alliances. Employee development remains a priority, with ongoing skill development programs, leadership training, and enhanced benefits that promote work-life balance. Our commitment to innovation is driven by R&D efforts focused on sustainable practices and product advancements, including smart textiles and advanced fabrics. These plans ensure Arunima Group’s continued growth, leadership, and sustainability in the RMG industry.
