Every successful business has a unique journey, and Hula Global is no exception. Established in 2018, this Noida-based apparel manufacturing company has risen to prominence with its innovative strategies, resilience, and adaptability.
Ever wondered how a small apparel manufacturing company could become a significant name in the global fashion industry?
Let’s find out through Hula Global success story!
The Origin of Hula Global
The roots of Hula Global go back to 2013 when its founder, Karan Bose, began his career at Uniqlo in Tokyo. Armed with the vision of launching Uniqlo in India, Karan returned home in 2014 with big dreams. Although his proposal for Uniqlo didn’t take off initially, Karan was undeterred.
He noticed a glaring gap in the market — the lack of support functions for running a fashion brand. In 2015, he started Trifuku, a buying agency that linked fashion brands to manufacturers. Trifuku emphasized quality control and timely deliveries, but Karan wasn’t satisfied. The limitations of this model soon became apparent. By 2018, Trifuku transformed into Hula Global, marking the company’s foray into full-fledged apparel manufacturing.
Hula Global Business Model
Hula Global has transitioned its business model from one form to another-
Initial Business Model
As you have read above, before establishing Hula Global, Karan started a company named Trifuku, which operated as a buying agency connecting fashion brands with factories. This model emphasized quality control and timely shipping, responsibilities typically managed by factories.
Shift to Manufacturing
Realizing the limitations of the buying agency model, Karan pivoted to a full-fledged manufacturing operation in late 2018. This shift was driven by the need for better control over production processes and quality standards.
Modular Manufacturing Technology
Hula Global adopted modular manufacturing technology, which allows for flexibility and efficiency by eliminating middlemen. This approach enables rapid scaling of production from thousands to millions of units as needed.
Medical Equipment Manufacturing in Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges, disrupting supply chains and reducing demand for non-essential apparel. In response, Hula Global diversified its offerings to include personal protective equipment (PPE), such as N95 masks and surgical gowns.
We will discuss it in more detail in the next sections.
Challenges along the way
Building a business is no cakewalk, and Hula Global faced its fair share of hurdles-
- Breaking into the Market: Entering the apparel market is like jumping into a sea filled with sharks. With big names dominating the industry, Hula Global struggled initially to carve its identity.
- Operational Hurdles: The transition from a buying agency to a manufacturing company came with teething issues, including managing supply chains, and logistics, and maintaining quality standards across multiple factories.
- COVID-19 Pandemic: Just when the company was gaining momentum, the pandemic disrupted global supply chains, and the demand for non-essential apparel plummeted.
Turning Challenges into Opportunities
What sets successful businesses apart is their ability to adapt. Hula Global turned every obstacle into a stepping stone. Here’s how-
Pivoting During the Pandemic
When garment exports came to a grinding halt during the pandemic, Hula Global swiftly pivoted its operations to focus on manufacturing personal protective equipment (PPE). This decision turned out to be a game-changer.
The global PPE market, valued at $48.97 billion in 2018, was projected to exceed $85 billion by 2026. Hula Global seized this opportunity, becoming one of the first companies in India to manufacture high-quality PPE kits, N95 masks, surgical gowns, and face shields.
In just a few months, Hula Global-
- Expanded its manufacturing capacity from 10,000 to 10 lakh coveralls per month.
- Produced 80 lakh masks monthly by May 2020.
- Secured contracts with organizations like Doctors Without Borders, the Indian Air Force, and the Indian Army.
This quick pivot not only saved the company during the crisis but also established it as a reliable player in essential manufacturing.
Scaling up with Modular Manufacturing
Hula Global adopted a modular manufacturing model, allowing them to scale production from 50,000 to 50 lakh units per month with local raw materials. This flexibility ensured they could meet demand surges without compromising quality.
Expanding the Portfolio
Over the years, Hula Global expanded its product line to cater to various needs, including-
- Workwear under the Ultra Uniforms brand
- High-end fashion through minority investments in Glam-brands
- PPE kits and essential healthcare gear.
By diversifying, the company catered to a broader audience and minimized risks.
Focus on Sustainability & Local Sourcing
The company focuses on sourcing most raw materials locally, reducing dependence on imports, and cutting carbon footprints. In today’s eco-conscious market, this gives Hula Global an edge.
Quality Assurance
From the beginning, Hula Global emphasized rigorous quality checks. Their products undergo multiple rounds of testing to ensure defect-free output.
Achievements Worth Celebrating
The Hula Global Success Story is not just about overcoming challenges but also about achieving milestones-
| Milestone | Details |
| Revenue Growth | Achieved an annual turnover of approximately ₹5 crore. |
| Pioneering PPE Production | First to manufacture full-body coveralls and N95 masks in India. |
| International Deals | Secured partnerships in Brazil, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Italy. |
| Client Network | Works with over 150 brands across 30+ countries, focusing on the US, UK, and EU markets. |
Their achievements underscore their adaptability and relentless pursuit of excellence.
Financial Metrics
While the financial data can sometimes feel overwhelming, here’s a simplified snapshot of Hula Global’s growth trajectory-
These figures highlight the company’s strong foundation and resilience, even during challenging times.
Note: We have already explained the success stories of the following brands
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Lessons from the Hula Global Success Story
So, what can you take away from Hula Global’s journey? Here are a few lessons-
- Adaptability is Key: Whether it was shifting to PPE production during COVID-19 or adopting modular manufacturing, Hula Global showed that adaptability is the secret to survival.
- Innovation Drives Growth: By focusing on sustainability, quality, and customer-centric solutions, the company carved a unique space for itself in the crowded market.
- Resilience Pays Off: The apparel industry is fraught with challenges, but Hula Global’s resilience helped it emerge stronger.
- Commitment to Quality: Hula Global conducts rigorous 100% quality inspections and uses A/B testing for new designs, ensuring brands can test products with minimal risk.
- Global Footprint: With clients across continents, Hula Global has positioned itself as a reliable partner for retailers worldwide.
- Community Engagement: The company offers free tutorials and resources on its website, reflecting its dedication to fostering industry knowledge and goodwill.
The Road Ahead
The Hula Global Success Story is far from over. With its focus on innovation, sustainability, and community engagement, the company is well-poised to expand further.
If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, there’s a lot to learn from Hula Global. Their journey shows that with resilience, adaptability, and a dash of creativity, you can turn challenges into opportunities and dreams into reality.
Final Thoughts on Hula Global Success Story
Hula Global’s journey is a classic example of “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” They didn’t just survive the pandemic—they thrived, proving that adaptability is the key to success.
So, whether you’re looking for business inspiration or curious about what goes into building a global brand, the Hula Global Success Story is a masterclass in determination, strategy, and innovation.
Your takeaway? When the going gets tough, think big, adapt fast, and stay committed to your vision!
