Sewing accessories are often an unnoticed yet crucial element in creating high-quality, competitive products. A regular participant of the "INTERTKAN" exhibition of fabrics and textile materials, “Silver Thread” ("Serebryanaya Nit’") has been operating in this market for a quarter of a century. The company shares key industry changes and challenges it faces.
In the past, functionality and durability were sufficient for accessories. Today, however, consumers set much higher standards. Aesthetics, safety, and alignment with the latest fashion trends have become essential parts of modern demand.
Yulia Evgenyevna Kostyuk, the company's Commercial Director, highlights not just the growth in demand but an evolution in expectations: from purely utilitarian solutions to comprehensive ones, where accessories become an integral part of design, a guarantee of safety, and even a reflection of a brand's philosophy.
In the current geopolitical climate, the departure of foreign suppliers has driven Russian sewing enterprises to seek domestic alternatives, naturally increasing demand for "Silver Thread's" products. Import substitution has ceased to be just a buzzword—it has become a necessity.
Competition as a driver of progress
Maintaining a relevant product range in a highly dynamic market requires constant vigilance, flexibility, and innovative thinking. The company firmly believes that the key to sustainable success lies in continuous progress. "Silver Thread" invests in modern equipment to expand production capabilities, develop fundamentally new products, and offer competitive prices.
The company also understands that today's clients value not only quality and functionality but also a personalized approach, fast execution, and reliable partnerships. This is why Natalia Yuryevna Ovchinnikova, the company’s General Manager, focuses on long-term cooperation based on mutual understanding and trust. Customer needs analysis is not just about collecting dry statistics—it’s a dynamic dialogue with manufacturers, understanding their current challenges, and anticipating future demands.
Lean Manufacturing: a growth strategy in times of change
Konstantin Vladimirovich Solodov, the company’s Production Director, is systematically implementing an import substitution program aimed at increasing the share of in-house production and reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.
At the core of "Silver Thread's" strategy lies lean manufacturing—an operational management approach focused on optimizing production processes by eliminating unnecessary costs, inefficiencies, and time losses. This method has not only allowed the company to scale up production but also significantly increase the share of products under its own brand.
The implementation of lean principles involves constant analysis and revision of all work processes, enabling the company to maintain competitiveness and maximize resource efficiency. "Silver Thread" actively collaborates with Russian raw material producers, develops innovative products, and invests in expanding its manufacturing capabilities.
All these measures collectively aim to reduce procurement volumes from China, strengthening the company's economic resilience and contributing to the growth of domestic industry.
Embracing change: unlocking potential
"Silver Thread" is based in Ivanovo, the heart of Russia’s textile industry. Being in the center of the textile cluster provides direct access to a well-developed infrastructure, allowing the company to respond swiftly to market demands and support regional economic growth. Here, change is not feared—it is welcomed as an opportunity for development and increased competitiveness.
As previously reported, "Silver Thread" has implemented a lean manufacturing system, minimizing losses at every stage of production—from raw material procurement to final product shipment. This reduces costs and boosts efficiency.
Additionally, the company places great emphasis on workforce development. Recognizing that success depends on employee expertise and motivation, "Silver Thread" invests in training and professional growth, creating favorable conditions for career advancement.
All these transformations aim to make "Silver Thread" a more agile, efficient, and competitive company, capable of thriving in a dynamic market. The company plans to continue investing in production development, implementing innovative technologies, and creating jobs to remain a trusted partner for clients and a source of pride for the region.
At the "INTERTKAN-2025.Spring" exhibition, "Silver Thread" will be featured in the "Yarns and threads" section at stand 3D06 ("Timiryazev Center," "Nemchinov Hall").