Socks maker Milords Middle East FZC, which has its factory at the Sharjah International Airport Free Zone in the UAE, will raise its production capacity by 20 per cent early next year, a company official said.

General manager Mohammed Ahmed said the company was in the process of buying equipment for the expansion. Capacity is now 30,000 dozen pairs per week and the company makes a range of socks for men, women and children.
“Milords Middle East has established itself as one of the region’s leading independent manufacturers of socks for men, women and children, not only supplying to the domestic market, but exporting regularly to major high street retailers, supermarkets and importers mainly in the US and Europe,” said Ahmed.
The Middle East facility is the subsidiary of UK-based Middle East International, one of the UK’s largest manufacturers, importers and distributors of underwear, nightwear and socks for men, ladies and children. Established in 1978, the company now supplies both stock and contract merchandise to national retailers, wholesalers and major national and international supermarkets, department stores and regional retail chains. In addition to the UAE facility, Leceister-based Milords International has a nightwear/underwear factory in India and works with a number of associated factories in various Asian and Far Eastern countries.
At Sharjah, the socks are manufactured in a purpose-built plant housing more than 200 highly versatile and computerised knitting and finishing equipment that enables the factory to offer its customer base a large variety of products ranging from branded sports socks through to classic and technical socks. The range includes sneaker, flight and walking socks as well as a medical, budget and slipper socks.
The knitting machines cover a range of diameters and needle counts. The cylinder diameters range from 3.5 inch and 3.75 inch to 4 inch. The needle counts range from 96 to 176.
“We have the latest toe-closing machine in place and in full operation including the Italian “Rosso” toe closing machines and automated turning equipment. The factory is equipped with a range of high-pressure steam boarding machines for good quality production and for finishing to a high standard,” said Ahmed.
“As part of the factory’s service, orders are packaged to the specific requirements of the customer to ensure that they can be distributed as efficiently as possible upon delivery.”
 “Sourcing yarns and materials on a global basis, Milords Middle East utilises the very latest in yarns technology including anti-friction yarns, performance yarns and a whole range of elastomeric yarns,” says Ahmed.
“Its new treatment application machinery enables operators to apply deodorised, scented and antibacterial finishes to production.
 “CAD software allows technicians to develop innovative sock designs specific to customer requirements whilst the packing division uses automated kimballing machinery, metal detection and polythene heat sealing equipment.”
The company makes available an AZO free/O Kotex certificate on request. A modern showroom allows buyers to view the company’s extensive sample range.  Experienced technicians can convert contract designs into sample products for the customer to see within a matter of minutes.
The company makes available an AZO free/O Kotex certificate on request. The factory has a pleasant working environment throughout and meets all ethical and safety regulations of EU and USA audit requirements, Milord ME says.  It is currently working towards the implementation of the ISO9002 standard.
The company stressed that no child labour was employed. It also said it followed full health and safety procedures and enforced a safety dress code.