Asda Puts Bangladesh Workers On Webcam

Wed, 07 Apr 2010
 
Get the latest prices, codes, vouchers & deals fortnightly.
Asda has installed webcams in two of its overseas clothing factories in a bid to reassure customers that it provides good working conditions for garment workers.

The supermarket giant has put the mini cameras in two of its 40 factories in Bangladesh, where clothing for its George range is produced.

One camera shows workers checking the quality of jackets, trousers and shorts in a clothing testing lab, while the other is placed in the finishing section of a factory making jeans, casual trousers and shorts .

Customers can view the webcam footage in the Bangladesh factories at Your.asda.com/georgecams.

According to the retailer’s website, the webcams are "part of our effort to increase the transparency of the Asda business and show customers where their products come from".

Commenting on the move, Paul Wright, head of quality and ethics for George at Asda, said: "Launching two cameras is a relatively small step towards our total commitment to customer involvement but it is a further demonstration of our commitment to the quality of our products."

"We work very closely with our suppliers to ensure high standards are maintained and we wanted a way to showcase our collective achievements across our entire global supply base."

"We are the first fashion retailer to put webcams into factories, allowing our customers a direct window into our business in a way that has never been shared publicly before. The factory owners are extremely proud to think that customers in the UK will be impressed by the standards of production."

Asda has also installed webcams in three UK sites – one in its head office in Leeds, another in one of its carrot processing plants and one at an automated cow-milking machine in Lockerbie, Scotland .