Company · April 7, 2026 · 14 min read
How a small lingerie company founded in 1995 became a children's clothing manufacturer with over 1000 employees in Madagascar, holding international certifications and fostering long-term partnerships with leading European brands.
In 1995, when Chabina Meraly founded L.O.I in Madagascar, few would have bet on the island's textile potential. Yet, the founder had a conviction: Madagascar possesses unique artisanal know-how — hand embroidery, crochet, smocking — which, combined with modern industrial organization, could attract major international brands.
The early years were dedicated to lingerie and corsetry. The company learned the rigor of export production, European quality standards, and built its reputation for reliability stone by stone. This foundational period forged the values that would guide the company for 30 years.
What sets LOI Confection apart from other manufacturers is its ability to maintain an exceptional level of craftsmanship while achieving industrial volumes. The company operates two complementary workshops:
This flexibility is a major asset for premium brands that need to produce both capsule collections of 150 pieces and runs of 10,000+ units. It is this structure that has enabled LOI Confection to attract brands from various segments.
The philosophy of LOI Confection is based on five core values: empowerment, ethics, inventiveness, trust, and ambition. The company's CSR program is one of the most comprehensive in the Malagasy textile sector:
These initiatives explain a turnover rate well below the industry average. Trained employees stay, develop their skills, and produce higher quality work — a direct advantage for partner brands.
LOI Confection doesn't just produce — the company innovates. The Sobika Workshop, specializing in natural raffia, illustrates this capacity for innovation. By combining raffia with textile production scraps (upcycling), the workshop creates unique accessories that complement the traditional textile offering.
The installation of solar panels covering 40% of energy needs, the 1600 m² permaculture garden, and the goal of 75% solar autonomy demonstrate a sincere and measurable environmental commitment.
The history of LOI Confection offers several lessons for African textile companies:
LOI Confection is approaching its next 30 years with ambition. The goal of 75% solar energy autonomy, the targeted ISO 14001 certification for 2027, and the development of new eco-design techniques chart a clear course: to become a global reference for ethical children's textile manufacturing.
LOI Confection was founded in 1995 by Chabina Meraly under the name L.O.I "Lingerie de l'Océan Indien" (Lingerie of the Indian Ocean). The company specialized in children's ready-to-wear in 2009 and adopted the name LOI Confection.
Over 1000 staff members, 74% of whom are women. The company operates 19 production lines spread across 2 complementary workshops.
LOI Confection works with premium European brands specializing in children's and baby clothing. Partnerships often extend for more than 15 years.
Yes. Founded by Chabina Meraly, the company maintains a family-run governance with strong founding values: empowerment, ethics, inventiveness, trust, and ambition.
1.5 to 2 million pieces per year, with the flexibility to produce runs ranging from 100 pieces (workshop 2, 4 lines) to series of 10,000+ units (workshop 1, 15 lines).