The Fixed Star Group Functional Textile Manufacturing Base will be built in Dandong, according to a contract signed on Aug 14 between the Fixed Star Chemical Co Ltd and the Dandong Environmental Protection Industrial Park. The total project investment is 2 billion yuan ($314.4 million).

The base will specialize in manufacturing tents, outdoor sports clothing and occupational protective clothing.

Fixed Star Chemical is a local Dandong enterprise. Established in 1994, it has developed into a leading manufacturer in research, formulation and production of textile-related chemicals and materials. The group holds more than 30 Chinese national patents.

Textiles and garments are a pillar industry in Dandong's economy. The city is home to a comprehensive manufacturing and research system.

The group said it will develop industrial clusters in Dandong and build the city into a self-branded textile and garment base instead of a simple processing center.

Statistics show the domestic and overseas demand for functional textiles is increasing. Global sales of functional textiles are expected to achieve a year-on-year growth of 4.8 percent.

Edited by Zhao Qian and Michael Thai