Next Level Apparel (NLA, asi/73867) has forged a new partnership that will ensure the fabric for its garments is produced closer to home.

The Torrance, CA-headquartered Top 40 promotional products supplier just announced that it has partnered with GK Global to have the diversified multinational textile company provide nearshore fabric supply.

“There are many benefits of this partnership with GK, including shorter lead times and reduced exposure to geopolitical risks,” said NLA CEO Randy Hales. “Bringing our fabric production closer to home allows us to have complete supply chain transparency, including upstream traceability to the cotton.”

Speaking of cotton: Next Level Apparel recently pledged that it’s switching over to U.S-grown cotton for all orders placed after Feb. 1. The supplier will be implementing origin testing protocols to further ensure the integrity of its supply chain. Teaming up with GK helps advance these initiatives, executives said.

GK is a private company with operations in textiles, real estate, technology, agriculture and lifestyle supported by operations in nine countries across the globe.

The firm established its textile operations in Central America and Mexico more than three decades ago. Since then, it has developed what executives described as a vertically integrated production model that covers all facets of the textile supply chain, including innovative and sustainable fibers, yarns, fabrics and garment manufacturing.

“In 2022, GK invested more than $236 million (USD) aimed at expanding our world-class operations and allowing us to bring the full strength of our global supply chain to our relationship with NLA,” said GK Chairman Yusuf Amdani. “We are proud to partner with (Next Level) and to grow together by delivering the highest quality and responsibly-sourced products available in the market today.”

Founded in 2003, Next Level Apparel is a supplier of premium blank apparel for the promotional products and decorated apparel markets. Based on estimated 2021 North American promo product revenue of $275 million, Next Level Apparel ranked seventh on Counselor’s most recent list of the largest suppliers in the industry. The private equity-backed firm recently expanded with an acquisition in Europe.

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