Crystal International Group is building an automated logistics center at its lifestyle clothing factory in China, marking what the company describes as a significant milestone in its smart manufacturing transformation.
The new facility, which is expected to reach full operation in the first quarter of 2026, combines an automated cutting shop with a centralized smart warehouse for materials and finished products. According to the company, the center could reduce tissue transfer times by up to 75% compared to conventional operations.
Automated warehouse closes the loop
The logistics center integrates an automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS) which allows autonomous movement of textile materials and finished products throughout the production process. The system uses algorithms to analyze real-time production demand, inventory data and transportation routes to determine optimal recovery paths. AS/RS automatically delivers finished products from the warehouse to loading zones based on monitored logistics schedules when trucks arrive for shipment.
The centralized warehouse complements what Crystal International calls a “closed-loop automated material flow system”: materials, panels, garment parts and finished products flow through four interconnected centers: the new logistics center, the parts manufacturing center, the assembly center and the finishing center.
AGV systems manage material transfer
The logistics center’s automated cutting area uses automatic guided vehicles (AGVs) to transfer sewn parts between production stages without manual intervention. The company positions these systems as enabling precise material handling that provides resources only when needed. The entire facility is powered by a rooftop solar photovoltaic system, which aligns with the company’s sustainability goals.
Broader smart factory transformation
The logistics center is 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 2030 Sustainability Vision and is committed to implementing similar production models in all its countries of operation.
The company said it will adapt these advanced manufacturing approaches to different geographies 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 more than 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 key strategic partner for the sporting goods sector, specializing in functional sportswear featuring seamless technology and performance fabrics, whilst employing a collaborative ‘co-creation’ model that enables rapid product development and prototyping. Thanks to his Crystal 2030 Sustainability Vision framework and commitment to achieve Net zero emissions by 2050the company has invested in renewable energy infrastructure, circular economy initiatives and digitized supply chain systems to minimize environmental impact across its global industrial footprint.