The DB-974 model from Wujiang Fuhua is 400t pure polyester fabric with a translucent weave. The minimum order requirement is 1,000 meters.

Traditionally a hub for silk, this district in Jiangsu province is steadily becoming a major center for polyester fabric.

Years of experience in silk manufacturing have given Shengze the necessary support systems for the town to become a major center of polyester fabric.

Located in Wujiang, Jiangsu province, Shengze is one of the main textile hubs in China. About 90 percent of the town's industrial output consists of textiles, still primarily silk. The focus on fabric has resulted in a well-established supply chain network, ranging from fiber and yarn to weaving and finishing.

Many of the fiber and yarn suppliers that Shengze fabric manufacturers purchase from have set up sales offices in the town. Even overseas textile machine companies have established offices in Shengze, not only to sell parts and equipment but also to provide aftersales services to the fabric mills.

Further, the local government has been very active in providing the necessary support systems for fabric manufacturers. To facilitate business, an Oriental Silk Market has been established. While the market was built primarily for silk trade, other types of lightweight fabric made in Shengze are also on offer.

In addition, an industrial park was set up beside the provincial highway where the necessary infrastructure exists for a favorable manufacturing environment. There are one-stop centers handling fees and license applications, and tax and financial incentives are given to investors.

Moreover, the government arranges workshops and training for employees, and grants loans that companies can use to upgrade their facilities and equipment.

In fact, most makers now utilize advanced machinery, the majority of which is imported. An estimated 50,000 water- and air-jet looms are being employed in Shengze, including units purchased from Tsudakoma in Japan.

Since the processes adopted to produce silk and man-made fiber fabric are similar, it became easy for the mills to start offering polyester. Now, many of the town's looms are being used to weave polyester fabric.

About 250,000 tons of polyester fabric are exported annually. This is shipped largely to the US, the EU and the Middle East.

There are at least 1,700 textile mills in Shengze and more than half of them have export capability. The industry consists mainly of midsize and large private companies that are either locally owned or joint ventures with foreign investors.

	Polyester fabric from Wujiang Fuhua can be used for casual wear, sports apparel and jackets. One such model is DH-858, which is woven using 360t pure polyester.

Although Shengze benefits from its long history in the silk trade, it is beset with the same problems affecting most of China's textile production centers, mainly higher material and labor costs.

One of the ways suppliers are coping with rising expenses is to move upmarket. Companies are participating in trade shows regularly and attending training and seminars at least once a month to improve their R&D capability.

On average, Shengze polyester fabric suppliers are able to release 100 new models annually. In addition, some large mills have more than 50 designers in their R&D teams.

The focus on enhancing design capability has resulted in ODM models dominating both production and exports with a 70 percent share of each.

Among the companies interviewed for this report, Wujiang South-east Sea Textile Co. Ltd offers polyester fabric with a 100x100d or 75x75d construction. A special type of moisture-absorbent memory yarn allows the fabric to retain a crinkled finish or become wrinkle-resistant once made into a garment.

The company has 150 air-jet and 200 water-jet looms from Tsudakoma. Metallic versions and polyester blended with cotton or spandex are also available.

ISO 9001:2000-certified Wujiang Fuhua Weaving Co. Ltd offers 20x20d, 390t or 400t polyester taffeta fabric with a full-dull, semidull or bright luster. The breathable fabric can have water-resistant PU lamination, or an anti-static, quick-dry or UV-protective finish.

Wujiang Pingtou Textile Co. Ltd produces polyester with a nylon blend using locally sourced yarn. High-end fabric makes up 40 percent of output.

One of the best-selling models from Wujiang Chaoyi Textile Co. Ltd is a 75x75d/224x119 semidull pure polyester twill with water-repellent and shape-retentive features. Products meet the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 and are exported to clients such as Tommy Hilfiger, Polo Ralph Lauren, Intersport and Puma.

More than 50 percent of polyester fabric from Wujiang Lixin Weaving Co. Ltd is for the high end. Models may have a semidull or bright luster, or water-repellent, oil-repellent, wind-resistant, anti-static or UV-protective properties.

ISO 9001:2000 and 14001:2004-certified Wujiang Xiangsheng Textile Dyeing Finishing Co. Ltd offers mainly midrange and high-end models that meet the Oeko-Tex Standard 100.