Optimization for local production: a look back at the collaboration between Caribou and Vestechpro

Caribou is a Quebec company founded in 2018 with the goal of offering quality, carefully designed, and locally manufactured products for the entire family.

The 100% linen children's cap, made in the company's workshops in Montreal's Rosemont neighborhood, has contributed to the company's success and reputation since its launch.

Incorporated in 2020, the company employs a team of nine people by 2025, including two managers and seven seamstresses.

It was with the goal of optimizing the production of this flagship product that Caribou contacted Vestechpro in 2024.

InnovLOG, a CCTT in logistics, joined the project to conduct a digital audit and diagnostic.

We spoke with Theresia Breu, who works for Caribou as an accountant and administrative assistant, to talk about local fashion and the company's collaboration with our Center:

Vestechpro: What is your vision for local fashion? What challenges and opportunities do companies like yours face?

Theresia: Producing locally is definitely part of our DNA! At Caribou, we are committed to conducting our operations, both in terms of design and manufacturing, here in Quebec. Local fashion faces challenges, particularly in terms of production costs, but it also presents opportunities: we've seen genuine consumer interest in 100% local brands.

Vestechpro: What challenges or needs did you face before collaborating with our Center?

Theresia: We turned to Vestechpro to increase the profitability of our 100% linen children's caps. The cap, our biggest seller, stands out on the market for its linen composition and original design. In an inflationary environment, and while we are committed to maintaining our production in Quebec, it was important for us to find a way to optimize our production costs. We wanted to review the cap assembly process to improve production times. We also wanted to assess whether ergonomic adjustments could be made to the production floor.

Finally, the project was also an opportunity to assess our digital maturity.

Vestechpro: What services or expertise did you benefit from from our Center and InnovLOG?

Theresia: Vestechpro developed a new, optimized assembly line for our cap. Following an analysis of our practices and the functionality of the equipment on our production floor, the Center also provided us with advice on how to better leverage the programmable functions of our sewing machines. Finally, it also suggested purchasing machinery for pallet production.

The InnovLOG team conducted a digital audit of our operations.

Vestechpro: How did the support and implementation of the project go?

Theresia: We received close support from the Vestechpro team throughout the project: from the initial meeting to define our requirements, to the submission of their recommendations and the revised assembly line, including visits and discussions with our teams in our workshop to ensure the recommendations were properly implemented. For example, the Center team came to assist us with programming our sewing machines for label application. We truly appreciated the Vestechpro team's availability to answer our questions and engage with us throughout the key stages of the project.

Vestechpro: What concrete changes has the project brought to your company?

Theresia: The project has allowed us to increase productivity; our team has noticed that the manufacturing steps are both easier and less time-consuming.

Another benefit of the project: Vestechpro offered to categorize our manufacturing steps by level of difficulty, which is a big plus for us. Indeed, this allows us to consider organizing our production differently and to be agile in the event of employee departures or the arrival of less experienced seamstresses.

Vestechpro: What do you remember from your experience with Vestechpro?

Theresia: It was definitely interesting and beneficial for us to receive the expertise and perspective of an external person. The service provided was very professional and attentive. We felt we could ask questions and contact the team whenever we needed. Vestechpro: Would you recommend Vestechpro to other companies? Why?

Theresia: Yes, I'd be happy to!

Vestechpro is proud to support local businesses and develop solutions tailored to their needs, while respecting their values!

If, like Caribou, you'd like to benefit from personalized support from Vestechpro, contact our team today!