The Indian licensee of Jockey International and Speedo has had a factory re-certified by US-based Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP) following the outcome of a probe after allegations of human rights abuses.
WRAP began an audit of a production facility owned by Page Industries in India in October.
Page Industries was dropped at the end of August by Norges Bank Investment Management, Norway’s US$1trn sovereign wealth fund, under the direction of the country’s Council on Ethics, due to an “unacceptable risk that the company causes systematic human rights abuses.” In response, swimwear giant Speedo International launched an investigation into the claims.
Following its investigation, WRAP said in a statement yesterday (14 December) it is proud to collaborate with Jockey in ensuring safe and responsible production within its supply chain and its re-certifying the factory at the centre of the investigation.
Avedis Seferian, president and CEO of WRAP, said: “We acknowledge Page Industries’ commitment to ethical manufacturing practices, reflected in their consistent practice of putting their production units through the WRAP certification process.
“Our recent audit at Unit-3 shows the facility continues to maintain socially compliant systems and we are satisfied that the allegations made are not substantiated by the findings of the audit. We are pleased to re-certify that production unit.”
Vedji Ticku, executive director and CEO of Page Industries, added: “Page Industries since its inception has always been committed to safe and ethical manufacturing practices. As a responsible organisation, we were happy to welcome WRAP for an independent audit of our Unit-3 manufacturing facility at Bangalore.
“We are glad to share that WRAP was fully satisfied with the social standards, practices and compliance at the facility and has issued a re-certification of the unit. All our manufacturing units are WRAP certified and undergo an audit by WRAP on an ongoing basis.”
Mark Fedyk, president and COO, Jockey International, added: “As a family-owned company, Jockey International, Inc has a 144-year history of responsible sourcing and ethical workplace practices. The company has the highest standards of itself, and its partners, when it comes to those practices. Jockey International and all its subsidiaries exclusively use WRAP certified or equivalent factories and require all licensed partners to comply with Jockey standards and maintain WRAP certification. Jockey has been a longtime proponent of WRAP and supported its founding.
“As a Jockey licensee, Page Industries has since its inception, required its facilities to be WRAP-certified. ?Page Industries’ track record and long-standing partnership with Jockey did not match with the allegations published in the report by the Council on Ethics for the Norges Bank pertaining to Page Industries Ltd, Unit-3.
“In keeping with its standard procedures, WRAP recently conducted an audit of Unit-3, as part of the WRAP re-certification process for that facility.
“Page worked transparently with WRAP to conduct the audit and maintain certification for Unit-3. Jockey is pleased to confirm that Page Industries Ltd, Unit-3 has been issued its re-certification by WRAP, continuing its long-standing reputation and upholding the highest standard of principles as a responsible, ethical leader in the apparel manufacturing business, providing an employee-friendly atmosphere.”
