Advertisement from Bobbin magazine, August 1991

These Mexican and South American factories in free-trade zones produce clothing and other goods exclusively for export. They are based on mass-production principles (i.e., lengthy runs of standardized items that are sold throughout the year, with plant operations designed to accommodate a low-skilled, high turn-over work force). Maquiladoras assemble mostly basic, commodity-like garments (blue jeans, underwear, and work clothes) in direct competition with U.S. plants that face much higher sewing costs.