Dishang Group has been named best state of the art manufacturer at the Professional Clothing Industry Association Worldwide (PCIAW) Awards 2025 in London, a win that places the global apparel specialist at the centre of the sector’s digital transformation.

The award recognises the company’s smart digital manufacturing initiative which is reshaping production across its network of 90 wholly owned production sites through advanced automation, intelligent data systems, robotics and a strong focus on sustainable innovation.

The investment is already improving lead times and product consistency while reducing waste and delivering measurable commercial and environmental gains for customers.

The London awards event brought the global workwear and professional clothing sector together under the theme ‘The Digital Transition Starts Here.’ The summit explored the shift towards more transparent, circular and data-led production, including the growing importance of digital product passports which offer full visibility of sourcing and material sustainability.

Dishang is already implementing this technology with customers who want clearer product traceability ahead of the introduction of new international standards.

“This prestigious industry recognition is a testament to the incredible innovation and teamwork across our global operations,” said Richard Watts, managing director of Dishang UK. “We’re proud to be leading the shift towards intelligent, sustainable manufacturing that genuinely benefits our customers with faster lead times, greatly enhanced efficiency and increased margins whilst reducing their impact on the environment.”

To underline the pace of change, Dishang opened the summit and awards dinner with a short film entitled ‘Concept to Catwalk’. The video followed the digital creation of a garment from AI-supported design, 3D digital avatars and virtual modelling through to physical production and finished fashion. It showed how integrated digital systems can shorten development stages, reduce waste and support earlier decision-making for designers and buyers.

Dishang Group, headquartered in Weihai, Shandong, China, supplies more than one hundred million garments each year to fashion, workwear and performance brands worldwide. Its UK base in Harrogate includes ten showrooms and a 31-strong design and technical team that works closely with multiple partners across the UK. The UK operation is fully supported by research, sourcing and production specialists in China, Bangladesh, Cambodia and Myanmar.

“From product concept to delivery, our mission is to offer the smartest, most scalable and sustainable garment manufacturing solutions for brands ready to lead in their industry,” said Julian Bartholet, Dishang UK’s business development director for workwear and uniforms.

www.dishang-group.com