NC Accessory

Synopsis

NC Accessory is a factory based in Shanghai China that manufactures knit and woven headwear for Patagonia. Since 2008, the company has faced numerous challenges, including fluctuations in the US dollar and rising material and wage costs. The introduction of Social Security benefits and unemployment benefits has further complicated the financial landscape. The factory employs around 900 workers, predominantly female, aged 18 to 26, many of whom come from poorer provinces like Hawaii and Jiangxi Province. These workers seek better wages to support their families. The factory serves as an entry point for many laborers, who often start in manual labor positions and may eventually move into other sectors, such as electronics. High turnover rates are a significant issue, driven by aggressive recruitment efforts from other factories, making it difficult to maintain a stable workforce and manage the supply chain effectively.