Augusta Manufacturing, a Nicaraguan company that makes apparel for Adidas, Quiksilver, Roxy and other brands, is investing $5 million into its factory and expects to create 500 jobs by the end of the year, having 1,000 workers in 2012. ProNicaragua, the country's industrial development authority, says that the effect of companies such as Adidas producing there is increasing its export figures, along with the huge benefit of providing employment. The U.S. Office of Textiles and Apparel said that from January to September, Nicaragua showed the biggest growth of exports to the U.S. of any Central American country, up by 20 percent in volume to 314 square meter equivalents and up by 37.3 percent in value to $1 billion. Nike also has a large supplier in the country, with New Holland Apparel, a U.S. company, employing 2,000 people who also make sportswear for Under Armour and Reebok.

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