Ferrara Manufacturing: A Beacon of American Quality in Apparel

News Summary

Ferrara Manufacturing, a Long Island City garment production company, has successfully adapted to industry challenges during the pandemic by expanding its operations and focusing on American-made quality. While many competitors moved overseas, Ferrara remained committed to domestic production, creating PPE for frontline workers and launching a new clothing label. With a strong local workforce and investment in technology, Ferrara exemplifies resilience and dedication to craftsmanship.

Long Island City, NY – Ferrara Manufacturing, a garment production company based in Long Island City, has made significant strides in adapting to industry challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic while emphasizing the importance of American-made quality. As many competitors have shifted their production overseas, Ferrara Manufacturing remains committed to domestically sourced textile production and high-quality garment manufacturing.

Originally founded in 1987 by Joseph and Carolyn Ferrara, the company has built a notable reputation by producing apparel that has graced international runways and been worn by American Olympians, celebrities, and dignitaries. The firm currently employs a union-represented workforce of 115 people, many of whom have been with the company for over a decade. This emphasis on a strong local workforce ensures that high-quality standards are maintained, supporting the firm’s mission to create the best-fitting clothes.

In 2020, as it grappled with the ramifications of the pandemic, Ferrara faced the critical decision of either consolidating operations or expanding. Choosing to expand, the company acquired and began renovating a new 50,000-square-foot facility in Long Island City, a move facilitated by long-term financial partner TD Bank. The relationship with TD Bank proved beneficial, as the company received critical support through SBA loans that helped navigate the financial hurdles posed by the pandemic.

As demand for domestic manufacturing capabilities surged due to the COVID-19 crisis, Ferrara Manufacturing quickly pivoted to address urgent needs, focusing on producing personal protective equipment (PPE) for frontline workers. Utilizing existing lines of credit, the company was able to rapidly manufacture PPE gowns to assist New York City amidst widespread supply chain disruptions, positioning Ferrara as one of the first contractors in the city to start PPE production.

In addition to expanding its operational capacity, Ferrara Manufacturing is also set to launch its own clothing label that will offer bespoke tailored suiting for both men and women. The firm’s investment in technology, which includes advanced tools such as 3D printing, automated pattern-making, laser engraving, and CNC cutters, is expected to streamline and enhance the manufacturing process, further improving product quality.

The apparel industry is currently witnessing a heightened demand for “Made-in-USA” products. However, Ferrara Manufacturing has encountered challenges in sourcing materials locally, particularly wool. Nevertheless, the company’s commitment to creating perfectly fitted clothing demonstrates its unwavering dedication to quality craftsmanship.

Further underscoring their commitment to the industry, Ferrara Manufacturing has partnered with local educational institutions to create apprenticeship programs designed to promote careers in manufacturing to younger generations. Through the Ferrara Foundation, the company actively engages in outreach and education to foster an appreciation for apparel manufacturing in New York City.

The leadership at Ferrara Manufacturing values the collaborative relationship with their financial advisor, underlining the importance of professional guidance in navigating the complexities of business operations during uncertain times.

As Ferrara Manufacturing continues to innovate while staying rooted in tradition, it epitomizes resilience in the face of adversity. The company’s ability to pivot its operations during the pandemic, along with its commitment to American manufacturing, positions it as a leader in promoting the future of the garment industry in the United States. With plans to introduce new clothing lines and continued investment in technology and workforce development, Ferrara Manufacturing looks poised to navigate the evolving landscape of the apparel market, ensuring that high-quality, tailored garments remain a hallmark of American craftsmanship.

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Additional Resources

• Crain’s New York: Ferrara Manufacturing and American Craftsmanship
• TD Bank: Preserving American Craftsmanship
• Manufacturing Dive: Ferrara Manufacturing’s Made-in-USA Approach
• The Wall Street Journal: New York Manufacturing is Back
• Wikipedia: Apparel Industry