Caster Sportswear has been around since the early 80's, and has provided high-quality customizable sports apparel. It was founded by Carlito Atienza whose craftmanship and commitment quickly earned the brand a reputation among discerning clients that include banks and universities.
For decades, Caster thrived locally but it was the fresh perspective of the second generation that unlocked its global potential- transforming a homegrown brand into an international player.
Butch Atienza, VP at Caster Global Sports, used to work for a multinational company and brought his years of experience and global perspective to the company. He saw that there was a growing demand overseas for the personalized kits his family has been producing for decades. At that time, Caster was well-known for making uniforms for local corporate clients. But expanding internationally meant rethinking logistics and embracing a bigger vision for growth.
"We began shipping with FedEx in the early 2000s after finding the promotional box rates really attractive," said Atienza. "Back then, we were sending five to nine packages a week, until a FedEx representative noticed our volume and visited us to open an account."
Since then, shipments to the U.S. not only became frequent but now take two to five days between manufacturer and customer.
Caster's competitive edge isn't simply speed. In a market crowded with about 20 local competitors, the company leans into craftmanship and customization for differentiation. While many suppliers focus on basic sublimated prints, Caster offers embroidery, tailored designs and one-off recreations. Custmers can send a photo and receive bespoke sportwear. This service resonates with buyers in the U.S. and Europe who seek distinctiveness over off-the-rack wear.
Behind the promise is a disciplined production process. Every order begins with a specifications sheet and sample production before mass rollout- a simple quality control step that reduces costly mistakes. Investment in new equipment like full-body printers and modern embroidery machines, further improves consistency and throughput. Typical lead times range from two to three weeks for small runs (50-100 pieces) and three to six weeks for larger orders (1,000 pieces), allowing the company to serve both grassroots clubs and larger teams.
When errors occur, Caster communicates costs and options clearly, ensuring transparency to customers who have generally accepted the need to cover replacement shipping because of the service' perceived value. This trust, coupled with responsive customer support, has turned one-time orders into repeat business.
Scaling a manufacturing business means juggling cash flow, balancing bespoke work with high volume production and maintaining consistent quality as demand rises. These challenges shaped Caster's strategic decisions: standardizing specifications, documenting workflows and partnering with a logistics provider that can scale with them.
Moving forward, Atienza is exploring international franchising and partnerships as there have been interested clients from Australia, Malaysia, U.S., and Switzerland. Locally, discussions have begun about sponsorships and collaborations with larger sports organizations including PBA.
His advice for entrepreneurs- focus on product quality, invest in customer service and build partnerships that reduce friction when expanding abroad. "Shipping reliably was a game-changer for us."
Caster Global Sports Inc., proves that Philippine craftmanship, family values and strong partnerships can push businesses to thrive in the global market. As they look to 2026 and beyond, this family business built on skills, quality and innovation is only getting started.
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