Embroidered patches

	Measuring 3x3 inches, this model from Taiwan’s Artist uses rayon thread. The flower-shaped product has heat-cut edges and a polyester base fabric.

Suppliers of embroidered patches on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are emphasizing efficiency under efforts to boost competitiveness amid difficulties.

Many makers are now updating or acquiring advanced production equipment such as design and digitizing software, and computerized embroidery machines. Purchased mostly in Japan, Italy, Germany and the UK, these enable companies to create elaborate graphics and translate them into finished products more easily and quickly. As a result, lead times are shorter and defect rates are reduced.

But higher operating costs and the stronger yuan continue to drive prices upward, threatening sales. Orders from the US have also declined significantly in past months due to the economic recession there.

As part of strategies to stay afloat despite the challenges, suppliers are lowering their minimum order requirements or offer digitizing services for free.

Moreover, makers are expanding the design selection and developing higher-value models. While rayon thread is the most widely used material in embroidered patches, companies are now adopting color-changing, glow-in-the-dark and metallic versions, which are mostly imported. Silk, nylon and polyester may also be incorporated.

Further, the latest releases are embellished with sequins, rhinestones and beads. Twill, organza, felt, velvet, polyester, wool and cotton are adopted as base fabric. Synthetic leather is also sometimes utilized.

In Taiwan, product development teams undergo training at the Embroidery Research and Development Center of Tainan University of Technology. The department is now partnering with Brother, the Japan maker of computerized embroidery machines.

Among the suppliers interviewed for this report, Artist Embroidery Co. is equipped with 20-head computerized embroidery machines from Tajima of Japan. The equipment can handle up to 12 colors.

The company’s materials, procured in the US and Japan, are compliant with the Oeko-Tex Standard 100.

Artist can finish buyers’ samples in 24 hours. Exports go to the US, Europe and Asia.

QAP Co. Ltd does not have a fixed MOQ. It utilizes chenille, glow-in-the-dark and metallic thread, some of which are sourced from the Germany brand Madeira.

Apart from its Taiwan factory, the supplier has a 2,000sqm plant in mainland China’s Fujian province. The company can produce 4 million pieces monthly.

Dah Jeng Embroidery Inc. has embroidery machines from Germany-based ZSK Stickmaschinen. It exports mainly to the US and Asia.

In the mainland, Peiyork International Co. uses CorelDraw, Adobe Illustrator and Macromedia Freehand in creating designs. It is also equipped with Wilcom digitizing software and embroidery machines from Tajima.

The ISO 9001:2000-certified company offers models that incorporate metallic and glow-in-the-dark thread, and have merrowed, and heat- or laser-cut edges. Reflective patches for safety garments are among the best-sellers.

Dongguan Jian Plastic & Metal Products Ltd adopts an ERP system to facilitate and track orders more efficiently. The production equipment at its factory is programmed to shut off automatically when an error is detected.

The company’s latest releases are adorned with metallic and reflective thread. Designs are created via CorelDraw and carried out with Tajima machines.

Exporting to the US and the EU, Dongguan Jian also manufactures hangtags, lanyards, keychains and collectible coins.

At Wuhan Shifa Technology & Embroidery Co. Ltd, models created via Adobe Photoshop are digitized using Wilcom software. Equipped with about 100 Tajima embroidery machines, the supplier can turn out 1,000 pieces monthly.

The US, Europe and Australia are Wuhan Shifa’s main export markets.

Winner Enterprise Holding Co. Ltd accepts orders of as low as 25 pieces. Samples are prepared mostly in seven to 10 days, but rush orders can be finished in two or three.

The company has Wilcom digitizing software and embroidery machines from Tajima. Silk, nylon and polyester models are crafted via CorelDraw.

Apart from embroidered patches, Winner offers shopping bags, polo shirts, baseball caps and shoes. Exports go to the US, Europe and Asia.