Outsourcing lingerie

LIEPAJA- - Latvia's Lauma Lingerie textile producer has decided to move majority ofits production abroad, leaving 100 employees without jobs in the south-westerncity of Liepaja.

Chairwoman LindaMatisone told BNS that Lauma Lingerieplans to optimize production capacities in Liepajadue to the rapid rise of production expenses -- electricity, gas, heating,water supply, rent and wages.

In 2006 the company opened factories in Belarusand Ukraine andalready many items were made in Asia. About 40% of itemswere made abroad.

The company exports to more than 15 countries, including Russia, Ukraine,Belarus, Moldova, the UK, Germany, Finland, Denmark, Poland, Lithuania, Estonia.

The company's sales in 2007 amounted to about 8.6 million lats (EUR 12.2mln).

Part of the current plant will still remain in Liepaja-- tailoring, cutting and experimental departments as well as productiondevelopment, design, sales, marketing departments, storehouses, supplies and accountancydepartments.