Page 37 - KZN Top Business Portfolio 2024/5 - ebook

A SYMBOL OF PROGRESS
Argento Trading 117cc is a 100% black-owned, women-
led Cut-Make-Trim (CMT) production facility based
in Isithebe, KwaZulu-Natal. At the helm of Argento is
the passionate and tenacious co-founder, Joudalle
Govender who works alongside her husband TK
Govender (founder and operational director). The
couple are breaking boundaries in the local clothing
and textile sector and take immense pride in their
predominantly woman-managed and owned team,
a diverse group of dedicated individuals who work
passionately to bring their vision to life. As a leading
CMT factory specialising in manufacturing corporate
and fashion apparel, the company’s commitment to
excellence, social responsibility, and empowerment
sets them apart in the industry. is fostering a culture of stability within her company,
where inclusivity and collaboration are the driving
Growth and Development forces. “It’s no easy feat when you have to get 70 ladies
Established with a vision for growth and community to all be in agreement at any one time,” says Joudalle.
impact, Argento Trading 117cc is a proudly South African This dedication to creating a harmonious and empower-
business that holds a unique position in the apparel ing workplace has led Argento Trading to be recognised
industry. In addition to their expertise in manufacturing as the fastest-growing small medium enterprise
corporate and fashion apparel, they have taken through the SME Accelerator programme in 2023.
strides to further enhance their vertical integration by
establishing their own mill factory. However, Joudalle says that her biggest achievement,
and Argento’s as well, has been opening a training
The mill house factory is a partnership that plays a school for 18 young women from rural areas. She
vital role in their commitment to producing high- commented, ‘I think the training school was a highlight
quality garments. With state-of-the-art equipment and for me as a leader, which goes far beyond just monetary
skilled technicians, they are able to produce their own value, as leaving a legacy behind is important.”
premium cotton fabric.
Primary Audiences
This vertical integration not only ensures the superior
quality of their products but also allows them to have Argento Trading 117cc products cater for two primary
greater control over the entire production process, from audiences:
raw material to the finished garment. ƒ Corporate Clients: This includes businesses,
organisations, and institutes seeking high-quality
Argento Trading 117cc takes great pride in contributing and customised corporate apparel for their staff.
to the growth and development of the local textile and ƒ Fashion Brands: They partner with fashion brands
apparel industry. By producing their cotton locally, they looking for a reliable manufacturing partner to
support the local economy and create job opportunities bring their brands to life with precision
for talented individuals in their region. Moreover, this and finesse. Argento Trading has successfully
approach aligns perfectly with their core values of manufactured for well-known brands.
empowerment and social responsibility, as they actively
invest in the well-being of their community. A Lasting Legacy
Core Values As Argento Trading continues to grow, they remain
Their journey towards becoming a leader in the industry committed to their mission of empowering individuals
from disadvantaged areas, nurturing their skills, and
has been driven by the dedication of their pre- positively impacting their wellness. Their ultimate vision
dominantly woman-managed and owned team. Under is to be recognised as a brand that embodies social
Joudalle’s visionary leadership, Argento Trading, has responsibility and integrity, not just within our nation
evolved into a thriving company with a predominantly but on an international stage.
female workforce of 70 employees.
Argento Trading 117cc is more than just a CMT factory;
Joudalle has been the driving force behind Argento they are a symbol of progress, innovation, and pride for
Trading’s success, consistently upholding the company’s our nation. They invite you to be a part of their journey
core values of excellence, empowerment, inclusivity, as they create a lasting legacy in the apparel industry,
social responsibility, and integrity.
driven by their unwavering commitment to quality,
One of her most significant achievements, she believes, empowerment, and the spirit of South Africa.
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