VF Corp. will establish a supply chain office to manage purchasing in the Latin America region in Panama City, Panama by October, The Business Journal of the Triad Area reported. 


The news indicates a growing committment to manufacturing and sourcing operations in the Western Hemisphere at a time when many apparel makers are looking for closer-to-home sourcing alternatives to Asia and particularly mainland China. VF’s Outdoor Coaltion already sources much of its fleece from Central America.

 

VF Corp. told The Business Journal it will also be relocating an office currently in Plantation, Fla. VF Corp. expects to eliminate up to 20 positions at its Greensboro, NC headquarters as part of the changes with some of those employees being offered the opportunity to relocate to Panama.