H&L breaks ground on $30m smart factory in Egypt

Global sports apparel manufacturer H&L has broken ground on its first smart factory in Egypt’s Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE). Located in the Qantara West industrial zone within the Ismailia governorate, the H&L Egypt Apparel project involves a $30 million investment, doubling the company’s initial $15 million commitment.

The 42,000-square-meter facility will be an eco-friendly, automated production site utilizing advanced manufacturing technologies. Once completed, the factory is expected to create approximately 2,000 direct jobs for local workers. H&L produces licensed merchandise for major North American sports leagues, including the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and MLS.

This project represents the first South Korean industrial groundbreaking in the SCZONE following the elevation of Egypt-South Korea relations to a strategic partnership during President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi’s state visit to Seoul. SCZONE Chairman Mostafa Shaikon noted that the initiative aligns with national industrial strategies to boost export-driven manufacturing and hopes the project will attract further South Korean investment to Egypt’s industrial zones.