Focused on wool, since 2003

Our founders, Zhang Zhizhong and Xu Wenhu, began their work in the industry in 1996 as partners at Yanni Knitwear Garment Co., Ltd. in Changshu. In 2003, they established the business that became Suzhou Zilan Industrial Co., Ltd., originally registered as Changshu Zilanrun Garment Co., Ltd. The company adopted its current name in 2008.

In 2012, the company moved to its current factory at No. 1 Haiyang Road in Changshu. Production covers circular and flat knitting through to garment finishing, with Japanese sewing equipment supporting our wool apparel manufacturing.

As the business grew, Zhang Zhizhong and Xu Wenhu founded Zhizhilan (Suzhou) Supply Chain Co., Ltd. in 2022, focusing on smart manufacturing and innovations in garment hanging systems. In 2018, Zhizhilan was recognized as a Smart Manufacturing Demonstration Enterprise in Changshu's Textile and Garment Industry. The company was renamed Suzhou Zhilan Garments Technology Co., Ltd. in 2026.

The founders also established Merino Wool (Suzhou) Co., Ltd. in 2021 to provide OEM services for overseas customers. Suzhou Zhilan Garments Technology Co., Ltd. and Merino Wool (Suzhou) Co., Ltd. are related companies and separate legal entities.

As a Woolmark licensee, Zilan maintains a focus on wool product quality. The factory has also introduced rooftop solar power as part of its environmental efforts.