By JYOTI PRATIBHA
Kooga Australia’s factory in Lautoka is gearing up to manufacture apparel under its BLK brand for some of the biggest international rugby clubs in Europe and the world.
BLK has replaced Nike which had an apparel partnership with Stade Toulousain for the last 24 years.
Apart from this major coup, BLK jerseys and sportswear will soon be worn by at least three other biggest clubs in Europe.
They are also finalising the details of providing sportswear for a leading national 7s rugby team. Team details will be revealed in the coming days.
Company chairman, Kim Brant, revealed these exciting developments for this young manufacturing team to the Fiji Sun yesterday.
Mr Brant said these teams will now be wearing apparel which will carry the “Made in Fiji” tags.
“A lot of that will be right here in Fiji,” Mr Brant said.
The factory in Fiji and the staff here are slowly becoming one of the best amongst KooGa Australia’s factories in China and Australia.
Expansion plans
While currently 30 per cent of all the orders are being made in Fiji, a massive expansion of the factory has already been finalised.
Mr Brant currently employs about 140 staff at his current factory in Lautoka.
With the increasing orders which would now be manufactured in Fiji, a replica of their factory would be built in an adjacent building.
And, some 100 more Fijians would be hired by KooGa Australia in Lautoka in the coming months.
Mr Brant also revealed that as soon as the factory expansion is completed, he would be moving some manufacturing orders out of his China and Australia factories and divert those to Fiji.
He said his Fijian staff had shown the highest level of dedication and commitment to the team and the brand BLK.
Mr Brant said he was proud to have some of the best people working for him.
BLK brand retail here
The company has also decided to venture in selling their sportswear directly to people.
This means people would now be able to purchase genuine BLK apparel at cheaper prices, directly from the source.
Mr Brant has already got the training for his sales team organised and they are making quick progress in the retail side of business.
Fiji Rugby
Mr Brant said international teams were now signing up with KooGa Australia, adding he was eager to explore partnership with the Fiji Rugby Union to provide sportswear for national teams, clubs and schools.
He guaranteed that now Fijian rugby teams would be able to purchase their sportswear at the most affordable prices.
Mr Brant also indicated he would be meeting with a national 7s rugby player today to discuss plans for BLK’s Fijian brand ambassador.
Kooga Australia chairman, Kim Bratt. Photo: RAEVENN BREEN