Context
A mid-sized European clothing brand operating across Germany, France, and Benelux had built its production model around large seasonal volumes from China and Bangladesh, ordered six months in advance. End-of-season markdowns on overcommitted styles were eroding margins, post-COVID logistics disruptions had made lead times unpredictable, and retail partners were asking questions about sourcing transparency the team could not easily answer.
Our Mission
Identify and qualify Bulgarian manufacturers capable of handling premium garment production in small series (300–600 units per style), establish pilot production relationships, and compress lead times from eleven weeks to under six weeks while maintaining premium quality standards.
Our Approach
MAXAM Group conducted a structured market intelligence phase focused on Bulgaria's textile clusters around Plovdiv and Sofia. Over eight weeks, the team visited fourteen factories, applying a consistent qualification framework assessing production flexibility, machinery capability, quality management systems, existing client references, workforce stability, and logistics infrastructure. Three manufacturers were shortlisted, with one eliminated after a deeper audit revealed 85% capacity booking that created scheduling risk. The two remaining manufacturers were introduced through a facilitated supplier day in Plovdiv including factory visits, sample reviews, and production trials on representative styles — compressing what typically takes six to nine months into a focused three-day engagement.
Before & After Results
| Metric | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| Lead Time (factory to warehouse) | 11 weeks | 5 weeks |
| Minimum Order Quantity per style | 1,200 units | Under 500 units |
| Freight Time to Netherlands | 30–35 days (sea) | 68 hours (road) |
| Bulgarian share of production (by value) | 0% | 15% (3rd season) |
"MAXAM Group gave us access to manufacturers we could never have found on our own. The factories serving Hugo Boss and Chanel do not publish capacity on sourcing platforms — you need someone who already has those relationships. The pilot program structure made the decision easy for our board."
Commercial Director
Commercial Director — European Premium Clothing Brand