New York — Da Gama, the South African cotton and polyester jacquard manufacturer, is hoping to increase its export to 30 percent in three years by targeting the U.S. market, according to Mike Donegan, sales and marketing director.

Last year the vertical manufacturer bolstered its operations by installing 10 jacquard looms and 20 wide-width airjet looms. Donegan estimates that Da Gama manufactures 800,000 meters of fabric a week, making it unofficially the largest textile producer in South Africa.

Currently, Da Gama's strongest export markets are the U.K. and Australia, said Donegan, who joined the company in May. Da Gama sells directly to "mid-sized" retailers, those with around 100 stores. The company weaves jacquards and converts them to bedlinens and curtains.

Da Gama, which is owned by Claus Daun Holdings, specializes in 100 percent cotton jacquards. "It's a bit of a niche that's not being attacked by Asian suppliers," Donegan said.F&FI