BY YANET YANTAYE WOGAYEHU / DEBRE BIRHAN – One Industry, a private company engaged in manufacturing sector in Ethiopia, has launched production of socks in a factory built on 10,000 square meters of land in Debre Birhan, Amhara region of Ethiopia.
In an exclusive interview with New Business Ethiopia, the Managing Director of One Industry, Mr. Tsegaye Alemu, said currently the company in producing about 1200 dozens of men and children socks. “With both day and nigh shifts, we are planning to double our production in the coming few weeks,” said Mr. Tsegaye.
He also indicated that at the moment the company has created jobs for around 70 employees. When the undergoing expansion project in the compound is completed, the company plans to create 750 jobs and become major socks producer in the country, according to Mr. Tsegaye. Mr. Tsegaye also indicated that One Industry is awarded recognition trophy recently from Amhara Region Industry Bureau for commencing production amidst the challenging security situation in the region.
“Currently the sock factory is owned fully by Ethiopian national. Meanwhile for the expansion we are discussing with various foreign investors for a joint venture that will enable the company to boost its production and reach the markets of neighboring east African countries,” he said.
Reports show that in Ethiopia there are around six sock factories. China, is is the major exporter of socks to Ethiopia followed by Türkiye. In 2024, Ethiopia imported a total of worth 93 million Birr socks, according to Ethiopian Customs data. “Our plan is to fully substitute the import in a short period by producing high quality socks for all,” says the Managing Director of One Industry.