Business Newsmaker: New Bedford Factory awarded for its local job creation and growth

December 06. 2015 2:01AM
NEW BEDFORD —  Joseph Abboud Manufacturing Corporation (JAMC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Men’s Wearhouse Inc. located in New Bedford has been recognized numerous times by the Massachusetts community for supporting the local economy.
On September 21st, The Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) recognized JAMC for its dedication to the proud heritage of Made in the USA as the Southeastern Regional Awardee of the “Next Century” Award in celebration of its 100th anniversary this month. AIM represents more than 4,500 employers from every sector of the Massachusetts economy to promote the well-being of employers with a forceful voice for fair public policy and with reliable services that help companies succeed.
The Greater New Bedford Chamber of Commerce bestowed its 2015 Economic Impact Award on JAMC on November 12th in recognition for its commitment to manufacturing and local job creation in the city of New Bedford. In addition, MassEcon, a non-profit entity that serves as Massachusetts’s private sector partner in promoting business growth, honored JAMC on November 24th with the Team Economic Impact Gold Award in the southeast region of Massachusetts for its outstanding contributions to the local economy. JAMC was selected for its job growth, facility expansion, investment and community involvement.
It is a rarity in an industry where most clothing production has long since moved overseas. JAMC, instead of joining the mass exodus offshore, decided in 2004 that the company’s appeal lays in its cachet as a custom designer of men’s tailored garments, Made in America. “These awards demonstrate the commitment JAMC has to this community, to the quality of the men’s suits we manufacture, and to the workers who have made it all possible,” said Tony Sapienza, President of JAMC. The company invested heavily in lean manufacturing and state-of-the-art equipment that now makes it possible to deliver individual made-to-measure suits in 10 working days. JAMC is now the third largest private employer in New Bedford making 1,300 suits each day and employs 786 skilled workers.
Men’s Wearhouse Inc. acquired JA Apparel and JAMC in August 2013 for $97.5 million. Since the acquisition, JAMC’s workforce has grown 61%. The founder now serves as Chief Creative Director.
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/article/20151206/NEWS/151209730