The deal, terms of which were not disclosed, gives Sae-A Trading control of Swisstex El Salvador and Unique El Salvador. These facilities specialise in knitting, dyeing and finishing with advanced automated technology and environmentally sustainable processes.
Around 300 of Swisstex’s 500 employees are based in El Salvador, with the remainder in Los Angeles, where operations will continue independently.
Sae-A Trading CEO James Ha said the acquisition marks a “milestone” in the company’s global expansion. “By integrating Swisstex’s advanced production capabilities, we will better meet customer demand for innovative, high-quality apparel,” he added.
The South Korea-based apparel giant plans to invest further in technology, automation and AI to scale production and increase efficiency.
Keith Dartley, president of Swisstex Direct said Sae-A’s values and resources make it an “ideal partner” to grow the business and address future opportunities.
Swisstex, founded in 1996, is recognised for its sustainable wet processing expertise and speciality fabric finishes, including moisture management, UV resistance, and antimicrobial treatments. Its management team will remain in place in both the US and El Salvador to ensure continuity.
The deal builds on Sae-A’s acquisition of sportswear manufacturer Tegra in 2024, which expanded its footprint across the US, Honduras and El Salvador. The company, founded in 1986, operates a vertically integrated global supply chain with facilities across North and Central America, as well as Vietnam and Indonesia.
