The Distintivo ESR® award recognizes the efforts of companies that voluntarily and publicly commit to implementing a social responsibility and continuous improvement management system, and fully integrate it into their culture and business strategy. Gildan is the only company in the apparel sector listed this year.

"It is an honour to be recognized by progressive organizations in Latin America for the efforts that we are making to provide good working conditions for our employees, minimize our environmental footprint and nurture the communities in which we operate," said Benito Masi, Executive Vice-President, Manufacturing. "At Gildan we have a strong commitment to operating responsibly and sustainably, as a core element of our business model and key driver of our future growth and success."

Gildan is committed to providing safe, ethical and fair working conditions for employees, with additional benefits, such as free medical care and subsidized transportation and meals. The Company's responsibilities to ensure the health and safety of its employees, the safeguarding of the environment and adherence to its Code of Conduct are supported by a rigorous auditing process. Gildan also works to assess the needs of the communities in which it operates and over the past years has undertaken projects to improve schools' infrastructure, implement health programs and offer educational programs, to improve the quality of life of our employees and their communities. The Company works in a spirit of collaboration and maintains ongoing constructive dialogue with both internationally recognized and local NGOs to address issues within the apparel industry.

Gildan was honoured with this distinction during an award ceremony in Mexico on May 4th, as part of the IX Latin American Conference of Socially Responsible Companies. http://www.cemefi.org/esr/

About Gildan

Gildan is a leading manufacturer and marketer of quality branded basic family apparel, including T-shirts, fleece, sport shirts, underwear, socks, hosiery, and shapewear. The Company sells its products under a diversified portfolio of company-owned brands, including the Gildan®, Gold Toe®, Anvil® and Comfort Colors® brands and brand extensions, as well as the Secret®, Silks® and Therapy Plus™ brands. The Company also has the U.S. sock license for Under Armour®, and licenses for the Mossy Oak® and New Balance® brands. The Company distributes its products in printwear markets in the U.S. and Canada, as well as in Europe, Asia-Pacific and Latin America. The Company also markets its products to a broad spectrum of retailers primarily in the U.S. and Canada. The Company also manufactures for select leading global athletic and lifestyle consumer brands.

Gildan owns and operates vertically-integrated, large-scale manufacturing facilities which are primarily located in Central America, the Caribbean Basin and the United States, and are strategically positioned to efficiently service the quick replenishment needs of its customers in the printwear and retail markets. Gildan has over 42,000 employees worldwide and is committed to industry-leading labour and environmental practices at all of its facilities. More information about the Company and its corporate citizenship practices and initiatives can be found at its corporate websites www.gildan.com and www.genuinegildan.com, respectively.

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