Production of Clothes & Accessories

BTC’s producer partners in K.V.Kuppam all belong to registered non-profit making societies or self help groups working, until 2005, in small units all over K.V.Kuppam. The new purpose built workplace, just outside the village on the road to Vellore, is owned by the Rural Development Trust which was set up for the welfare of the people of K.V.K

Here everyone works together in light and airy accommodation to produce clothes, bed linen, bags, toys, jewellery, crafts etc. There is a crèche for the children, a cycle shed and tearoom. Piece workers receive an average wage of Rs115/ per day which is considered to be very good for the area. They also have additional benefits such as medical help, a retirement fund and gifts of money at festival times and on marriage.

Until 2005 the tailoring units were in small buildings spread throughout the village.

The new purpose built workplace is owned by the Rural Development Trust which was set up for the welfare of the people of K.V.K.

The children of the tailors and other workers are cared for on site in crèche.

The ladies sit on the floor to embroider curtains.

White cotton calico is made on site and used to produce printed cotton bags.

The cotton bags are hand screen printed.

Foot operated sewing machines are used in the tailoring units.

Many of the tailors are skilled at machine embroidery.

The ladies work together to plan an applique panel for a toy bag.

Each season thousands of colour swatches are prepared for customers in the UK.

Ratyna has worked in the quality control and packing department for many years.

Home time.

Back to 'Fair Trade'