GOEX, a Kansas City-based wholesale apparel company, is marking the one-year anniversary of its factory opening in Haiti. The facility, located in Port-au-Prince, began operations on October 7, 2025, following a lengthy period without work due to regional violence that led to the closure of the company’s previous manufacturing partner. This new establishment represents the restoration of employment for many skilled workers who had been jobless for approximately 18 months.
Celebrating Workforce Resilience
The anniversary signifies more than just resumption of production; it embodies the impact on families and the community. Jessica Ray, president of GOEX, emphasized the significance of having the team back at work and the remarkable achievements they have accomplished in the past year. “These are exceptionally talented makers who take tremendous pride in the garments they produce,” she stated. GOEX’s commitment to Haiti remains strong despite the severe challenges posed by local conditions. Ray noted, “We could have walked away from Haiti when things became difficult, but that would have meant walking away from a people and a country that we care deeply about.”
Currently, GOEX employs 52 individuals in Haiti, with plans to increase this number closer to its prior workforce of approximately 70. The company emphasizes ethical labor practices by paying above the sector’s minimum wage and offering various benefits, including daily meals, holiday gifts, and additional family leave. Ray remarked on the broader implications of stable employment: “A steady job is about far more than a paycheck. It creates stability.”
GOEX’s production model involves sourcing U.S.-made fabrics, which are then sent to Haiti for cutting and sewing before reaching their fulfillment center in Kansas City. The factory, with its streamlined supply chain, typically produces between 1,100 to 1,300 T-shirts and around 450 specialty garments each day. This approach ensures high-quality production while fostering a sense of pride among workers in the “Made in Haiti” label.
Each GOEX employee supports an average of six family members, creating a far-reaching impact through their employment. Ray concluded that the anniversary not only reflects the company’s resilience but also serves as an invitation for partners to join in supporting further growth and job creation in Haiti.
As GOEX looks to the future, the company remains focused on expanding both production and employment opportunities while retaining its core commitment to the workers who contribute to its success.
Why It Matters
The achievement of GOEX illustrates the potential of sustainable business practices to create meaningful employment in challenging environments. By prioritizing ethical labor and supporting local communities, companies can positively influence their workers and contribute to broader socioeconomic stability.
