Crystal International Group is launching an automated logistics center at its lifestyle wear factory in China as part of a broader push toward smart manufacturing across global operations. The facility expects to cut fabric transfer times significantly when operations begin early this year.
Crystal International Group is building an automated logistics center at its lifestyle wear factory in China, marking what the company describes as a significant step in its smart manufacturing transformation.
The new facility, expected to reach full operations in the first quarter of 2026, combines an automated cutting workshop with a centralized smart warehouse for materials and finished goods. According to the company, the center could reduce fabric transfer times by up to 75 percent compared to conventional operations.
Automated warehouse closes the loop
The logistics center integrates an automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS) that enables autonomous movement of fabric materials and finished goods throughout the production process. The system uses algorithms to analyze real-time production demand, inventory data and transport routes to determine optimal retrieval paths. The AS/RS automatically delivers finished goods from warehouse storage to loading areas based on monitored logistics schedules when trucks arrive for shipment.
The centralized warehouse completes what Crystal International calls a fully “closed-loop automated material flow system:” Materials, panels, garment parts and finished products move through four interconnected centers: the new logistics center, parts manufacturing center, assembly center and finishing center.
AGV systems handle materials transfer
The automated cutting area within the logistics center uses Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) to transfer sewn parts between production stages without manual intervention. The company positions these systems as enabling precise materials handling that delivers resources only when needed. The entire facility is powered by a rooftop solar photovoltaic system, aligning with the company´s sustainability objectives.
Broader smart factory transformation
The logistics center represents part of Crystal International’s broader strategy to transform all factories into smart facilities using advanced technological solutions. The Hong Kong-based manufacturer operates through its Crystal Sustainability Vision 2030 framework and has committed to implementing similar production models across its operating countries.
The company indicated it will adapt these advanced manufacturing approaches to different geographic locations based on evolving customer and industry requirements.
About Crystal International Group
Founded in 1970 and headquartered in Hong Kong, Crystal International Group Limited is a global apparel manufacturing powerhouse producing over 470 million garments annually for the world’s leading brands across more than 20 facilities in Vietnam, China, Cambodia, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
The Group has become a critical strategic partner for the sporting goods sector, specializing in functional activewear with seamless technology and performance fabrics whilst employing a collaborative “co-creation” model that enables rapid product development and prototyping. Through its Crystal Sustainability Vision 2030 framework and commitment to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050, the company has invested in renewable energy infrastructure, circular economy initiatives and digitalized supply chain systems to minimize environmental impact across its global manufacturing footprint.
