American Apparel Turns 15
American Apparel Inc. celebrated its 15th anniversary on March 29, and State Assemblyman Gil Cedillo (D–Los Angeles) and Los Angeles City Councilmember José Huizar, who each represent American Apparel’s district, turned out for the ceremony at the vertical retailer’s headquarters in downtown Los Angeles.
“You created an example and a model,” Cedillo said to a delegation of American Apparel workers gathered at the ceremony. “We can create a profitable business in the United States that makes products for China and Latin America.” Cedillo, speaking in Spanish and English, applauded American Apparel for its acts of support for immigrants, who make up much of the company’s work force. “Yo tengo amor por American Apparel,” Cedillo said. “I have love for American Apparel.”
Huizar also noted that American Apparel management came through the Great Recession without cutting popular services for the company’s work force, including English-language classes and an on-site health clinic."The leaders of American Apparel keep their conscience and do the right things,” Huizar said.
The ceremony began with remarks by Marty Bailey, American Apparel’s chief manufacturing officer. “Fifteen years ago, this company started with a cell phone, a car, and a dream from the founder of the company, Dov Charney,” Bailey said. Charney did not attend the anniversary event. Bailey also said the company started with a work force of 68 people. It now employs more than 6,000 people.—Andrew Asch
