In 1989 Spectre took a strategic decision to slowly move focus from fashion to producing functional and technical garments and our first polyester fleece jackets, based on a Polartec fleece fabric, saw the light of day.
In 1992 Spectre outsourced production from Denmark to Latvia. The production was started just months after Latvia’s newly declared independence, through an investment in a former state-owned garment manufacturing company. The Auce factory was included in the original company structure, and it was developed thru the end of the nineties. Although troublesome at times maneuvering in the young and fragile political system, the decision on establishing production in Latvia has never been regretted: the quality of the workmanship has been maintained at the core and over time we have built great competences and created a strong organization with many professionals with vast experience.
In 2001, the Kalnciems factory, now headquarter of our Latvian operations, was established on the ruins of an old brick factory.
2003 was the year of the official generational change to Jacob Klausen and Jesper Klausen. Since then, technological development and curiosity to improve and do better, have been drivers to make Spectre even stronger and a preferred manufacturer of functional garments for the international outdoor sports industry.
In 2004 the first Special Technology department was established and in 2005, Spectre opened its 3rd branch in the city of Rezekne, Latvia, to increase production capacity and the same year Spectre developed ultrasonic cut and heat glued pockets on a softshell jacket. Shortly after the technology was used on Gore Windstopper fabric and this marked the beginning of a large growth of products with this technology.
Another milestone was the implementation of a fully automated cutting department in Latvia in 2008 and since then, all Spectre’s factories have been adopting this technology.
In 2010 Spectre became member of UN Global Compact and we are still supporting this global initiative working with very specific focus and goals.
In 2010-11 major investments were done in the Kalnciems factory in Latvia to expand the capacity, install new technologies and make the factory more energy efficient.
In 2012 we introduced lean production systems in our Vietnamese factory, followed by Latvia in 2013. Key words being U-shaped production lines, multi-skill operators, team-based wage schemes and 5S principles. Another important step in our sustainability journey was the implementation of the SA8000 social management system in 2013-14.
2015 Spectre introduced a “voluntary” annual CSR report driven by a wish to be open and transparent towards stakeholders and to start a learning process for the organization to become more aware of key working environment and external environment data. Moreover, an official company report contributes to describing the real-life dilemmas and tradeoffs when dealing with the many aspects of CSR
After a rapid growth in Vietnam, a new fully owned company was established at the end of 2015 followed by the construction of an entirely new manufacturing facility in 2016. With insulated walls, thermo-glass and a fully air-conditioned production and office area as well as the latest production technologies, the factory is a modern and efficient workplace.
In 2017, the brand new factory Spectre Garment Technologies Vietnam opened the doors and in the same year, Spectre A/S was awarded with a “Gazelle“ statuette by Danish business newspaper “Børsen” – the proof of a long term continuous and profitable growth. A growth that has continued since then.
Waterproof garment production was initiated.
The establishment of a second production site in Hung Yen, Vietnam was established. Since 2015, the production has taken place in a 100% Spectre-owned facility with local management.
The Summer of 2022 Spectre has four production sites in Latvia and is just about opening its third production site in Vietnam which will mark a new level of sustainability consciousness being LEED Gold certified.
In November 2022 Spectre celebrated its 75th anniversary.
2023 was a year where three major milestones aligned – each a reflection of our long-term commitment to quality, people, and the planet.
We became a licensed GORE-TEX® manufacturer, joining an exclusive network trusted to handle some of the most technically demanding outdoor garments in the world.
At the same time, we took a significant step in our sustainability journey by becoming both B Corp™ certified and Fair Trade Certified™.
These certifications are not just badges – they represent deep, independent validation of how we treat our people, our impact on the environment, and how we contribute to fair, inclusive global supply chains.
Spectre broke ground on SGT3 – our fourth manufacturing and R&D facility in Vietnam. Additionally we expanded our production in Hung Yen, strengthening our local footprint and capacity to support long-term brand partners with flexibility and scale.
10 years anniversary in Vietnam
Closing production activities in Latvia and establishing competence center
With improvement projects throughout the past years, we obtained LEED Gold certification of Ninh Binh factory and now hold a LEED certification for all factories owned by Spectre.
Construction of new factory in Hung Yen province is progression (SGT3) - Due for opening end of the year
