Final Report on Settlement of Disputes, Labor Court, Labor Appellate Tribunal, Legal Proceedings at Apex Footwear Limited

Chapter 1: Background of the Footwear Industry in Bangladesh

1. Inception of the Industry: 

The modernization of the footwear industry in Bangladesh, which has grown since the colonial era, occurred during the late 1980s. Currently, the country resides more than 3000 footwear production units. The interest of international buyers has opened up an opportunity for local footwear and leather industries of Bangladesh to raise export. Bangladeshi manufacturers believe that the country's $1 billion worth of footwear industry may grow to a sector worth $15 billion within a decade. (Rashid, 2015)  

1. Export condition of Bangladesh footwear industry: 

Bangladesh’s footwear export has more than doubled during FY2010-13 and continues to rise further as illustrated below. (Lightcastle, 2014)[pic 1]

Source: Light Castle

1. The Minimum Wage: [pic 2]

Source: Light Castle

Chapter 2: Apex Footwear Limited

1. Introduction: 

Apex Footwear Limited (AFL) is the leading manufacturer and exporter of leather footwear from Bangladesh to major shoe retailers in Western Europe, North America and Japan. The company had revenues of USD 150 million in 2014. AFL pioneered the export of value added finished products export in the leather sector of Bangladesh and is also involved in the local footwear retail business with the second largest shoe retail network in the country. (Apex Footwear Limited, n.d.)

It is a listed Public Limited Company and commenced its Business from January 04, 1990 with the corporate office located at House No. 06, Road No. 137 Block - SE(D), Gulshan-1 Dhaka-1212, Bangladesh and its factory in Chandra, P.S. Kaliakoir Dist. Gazipur Bangladesh

1. Company History:

1990:  January 04 - Business operations started

1993:  November 07-Listed on Dhaka Stock Exchange

2006:  May 06 – Strategic alliance with Italian company

           December 27 – Name changed To Apex Adelchi Footwear Limited

2007:  Production capacity reached 10,000Pairs/Day

2008:  Production capacity reached 15,000Pairs/Day

2010:  Celebrated 20th Anniversary

2013:  December 15– Name changed back to Apex Footwear Limited.

(Apex Footwear Limited, n.d.)

1. Core Strengths: 

Bonded warehouse license enables them to import any material from anywhere in the world Duty free for re-export, Sourcing Knowledge & experience with Long term relationships with the Global leaders in Shoe components from Italy, Germany, Taiwan, India. (Apex Footwear Limited, n.d.)

1.  Table 1: Company Information:

Source: www.apexfootwearltd.com

Chapter 3: Central Issues related to Apex Footwear Limited

1. Company Mission Statement:

• To ensure sustainable growth
• To be a vendor of choice for our customers
• To create value for our shareholders
• To be proactively compliant with global best practices & standards
• To be a responsible corporate citizen

1. Company Vision and Slogan:

• “Honest Growth”

1. Company Values:

• Respect for People:

• Demonstrate respect by developing our people and helping them to achieve high performance standards.
• Treat all people with dignity

• Integrity        

• Honesty
• Walk the talk Sense of Urgency
• Strive for speed and simplicity in everything we do.

• Empowerment        

• Honesty
• Walk the talk Sense of Urgency
• Strive for speed and simplicity in everything we do.

• Courage        

• Honesty
• Walk the talk Sense of Urgency
• Strive for speed and simplicity in everything we do.

Chapter 4: The Success Story of Apex Footwear Limited

While it has predominantly earned both critical and commercial fame through export of high quality leather footwear in the international arena, Apex has sought to adeptly make use of that expertise to provide high quality, fashionable footwear to the Bangladeshi consumers. With over 191 own retail outlets and 380 authorized resellers, Apex ensures nationwide coverage of its diverse range of footwear for its consumers. “APEX” means the peak or the zenith. Since inception it has strived to live up to its name. Some Recognitions include;