Sumter Economic Development

News

Triumph Apparel/Danskin Creating 30 Jobs in Sumter

7/13/2009

Triumph Apparel Corporation, a manufacturer and distributor of women's dance apparel and active wear under the name Danskin®, announced today that it will open a logistics and distribution center in Sumter, South Carolina, creating 30 new jobs.

Based in New York City, Triumph Apparel is the official licensee of the Danskin apparel line, known across the world by active women and girls who wear dance and exercise attire. Danskin products are sold globally by retailers, through its free-standing Danskin boutiques, and through its Web presence, www.Danskin.com.

Triumph Apparel COO Kevin Nisbet said that Sumter was an ideal fit, based on its proximity to the Ports of Charleston, its central location on the Eastern Seaboard, and its willing and able workforce. Triumph Apparel will locate in an existing 67,000 sq. ft. facility located in the City of Sumter.

“We're excited about coming to Sumter, and we believe, based on our economic modeling, Sumter gives us the greatest opportunity to be successful,” Nisbet said. “Sumter had everything we needed to get up and running quickly, so we can better serve our clients and customers.”

Nisbet said work has already begun to ready the facility, which should be distributing apparel by Aug. 31, 2009. 

Sumter Development Board Chairman Greg A. Thompson said the Triumph Apparel announcement shows that Sumter is a community continuing to head in the right direction.

“During our recent strategic planning session, we discussed the importance of diversification in Sumter's economy. We specifically targeted our recruiting efforts at both call centers and distribution operations, among several industry sectors,” Thompson said. “So far in 2009 we've announced two call centers and now a distribution center, providing hundreds of new jobs over the course of the next 18 months. We're making excellent progress, even in difficult times. We couldn't be more pleased with the Triumph Apparel announcement and thank them for their commitment to our community.”

Central SC Alliance Chairman Jim Apple stated, “Today’s announcement is another step forward in advancing Sumter County. The 12-county Central South Carolina region continues to attract best-in-class companies known around the world for superior quality and excellence in their manufacturing processes. We welcome Triumph Apparel Corporation and the job opportunities it will provide to our citizens.”

Sumter Mayor Joe McElveen said the announcement is welcome news in Sumter.

“Right now there's nothing more important to our local economy than creating new jobs for our people,” he said. “On behalf of City Council, we welcome Triumph Apparel to Sumter, and look forward to a lasting relationship.”

Sumter County Council Chairwoman Vivian Fleming-McGhaney said the announcement proves once again that Sumter can be and is a prime location for new business growth.

“Danskin is a name recognized by so many around the globe. It's exciting to be a host community for such a name,” she said. “We wish Triumph Apparel great luck. Sumter County continues to be an ideal home to companies seeking a successful community/company relationship. We have a business environment that creates opportunities for companies like Triumph Apparel, and in turn they create opportunities for our citizens.”

For more information on job opportunities, contact the Sumter OneStop office or the SC Employment Security Commission.

About Triumph Apparel Corporation.

New York City-based Triumph Apparel Corporation, formerly Danskin Inc., is a diversified activewear company and the official licensee, manufacturer and distributor of a complete line of Danskin®  women's and girls' exercise, dance, cheer, yoga, lifestyle apparel and fitness equipment. After the sale of its Danskin® intellectual property to Iconix Brand Group, Inc. the company re-established the Triumph name, which had been the brand's corporate moniker earlier in its 125 year history. Danskin® brand is sold through better department and sporting goods stores nationwide, through more than 2,500 dance shops in the U.S., Canada and overseas, and through its own freestanding Danskin® boutiques and its Internet merchant site Danskin.com.

About Danskin®

Since 1882, Danskin® has been the world's leading manufacturer of women's dance and active wear. At Danskin®, we use performance fabrics and precise cutting specifications to create the most comfortable, functional and fashionable designs. For additional information, visit Danskin.com.