Production of high quality clothing for the medical care Applicant Confectiefabriek 'De Berkel' B.V. and local partner LIS TEX SRL have intention to start up in Moldova a new state-of-the-art production unit for high quality clothing for the medical care sector. Also, a new leasing system for hospital clothing – common in EU, but not existing yet in Moldova – will be set up.Production of high-tech operating room clothing, own design and the implementation of a modular production system will also be novelties in Moldova. 150 employees, of which some 90% female, will be extensively trained in a region with a high unemployment rate.A cooperation agreement will be concluded with the Technical University of Moldova in Chisinau. The production will be audited by the Fair Wear Foundation.With the machinery and seamstresses available in production it is expected to have an effective production of 206,500 pieces per year of which 40,000 pieces will be leased.In the spin-off phase a new modern industrial laundry and an extension of the production unit will be realised.Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)De Berkel is a member of the Fair Wear Foundation which has strong social responsibility requirements to its members. The new joint venture in Moldova, which will be owned for 80% by De Berkel, also has to meet the FWF norms.The production plant will be set up in the region of Comrat. Comrat is the capital of the Gagauzia region where most of the Gagauz minority in Moldova lives. Special attention will be on the labour participation of this Gagauz minority.Impact•	Employment and working conditionsAbout 150 full-time persons (FTEs) will be employed at the end of the project, of which 102 basic-level employees and 48 medium-/high-level employees.Seamstresses are considered as "basic-level employees", but at the same time they are working with the newest sewing machines available on the world market. Their level will be much higher than the average level of Moldovan seamstresses.The wages of the sewers will be between 100 euro and 200 euro per month, which is just above the minimum wage in Moldova. Medium-/high-level employees will earn up to 300 euro per month.Working conditions at Icatex are good for Moldavian standards. The factory of the local partner LIS TEX might have some improvements. The close cooperation with De Berkel will hopefully lead to awareness of the local partner that good working conditions are important.The use of modern sewing equipment at the new factory with small engines leads to better working conditions for seamstresses. The noise is less and the machines can be handled more easily.Benefits which will be offered to the employees are transport for free, cheap meals in the company canteen, clear drinking water and holiday payment. Besides De Berkel supports already financially employee families of Icatex-pro when they have come into unlucky situations (like funerals). They will do the same in the new factory.•	Innovation / Transfer of knowledgeA new innovative technology will be introduced in Moldova. The employees will be instructed to handle the new equipment, like Vetron Ultrasonic. The employees will also be trained in the maintenance and optimal use.The designing, patterning and sampling are probably even more valuable to the employees. This knowledge has been built up in the Netherlands since the establishment of De Berkel in 1948. The state-of-the-art knowledge will be transferred to the employees of the new sewing factory. This will improve their personal qualifications. With this upgrading the new company in Moldova can offer a "one-stop-shopping concept", which will pay off in much better margins.Two years after the project has been completed the number of employees in the production facility is expected to have increased to 250 FTEs, of which 165 basic-level employees and 85 medium/high-level employees. Furthermore, there will be investments in a new modern laundry. Expected working force: 60 employees, of which 35 basic-level and 25 medium-/high-level.•	Chain effectsThe main chain effect of this project will be for the medical sector and indirect for the patients. Through the leasing and production of high quality operation room clothing in Moldova these will be accessible for the hospitals in Moldova. The hygiene and the application possibilities will be improved.•	EnvironmentThe impact on the environment will be insignificant.The waste is reduced to a minimum by the modern software and machinery which will be installed. The sewing machines have small engines instead of big ones. They use only 220 Volt instead of 380 Volt.In the spin-off phase there will be invested in a new laundry with modern machinery. This laundry will be much more environmental friendly (less energy, less water consumption, less use of chemicals) then existing laundries in Moldova.•	Position of womenThe number of female employees at the sewing companies of De Berkel and at the subcontractors, is relatively high, mostly some 90%. The same rate is expected for the new sewing factory in Moldova. They also will be taking positions on the medium-/high-level. All female operators of new equipment will be trained, so their education level will rise. Setting up of a new state-of-the-art production unit and leasing system for operating room and hospital clothing in Moldova.