Key facts
- The U.S. has lost almost all of its denim mills due to foreign competition.
- Mount Vernon Mills is one of the last remaining U.S. denim factories.
- Crescent Bahuman in Pakistan represents a high-tech, mass-producing competitor.
The United States, once the dominant global force in denim manufacturing, now faces significant challenges in competing with Asian megafactories. Decades of pressure from lower-cost foreign production have led to the closure of nearly all domestic denim mills.
This report delves into the struggles of Mount Vernon Mills, one of the few remaining U.S. factories, to understand its longevity. In parallel, it explores Crescent Bahuman, a technologically advanced facility in Pakistan, to highlight the scale and efficiency of international mass producers that American companies must contend with.
The examination aims to shed light on what it takes for U.S. companies to remain competitive in a globalized apparel market where jeans originated.