Before Gobi could open its doors and begin production, a team of 78 Mongolian textile engineers studied in Japan to learn the art of cashmere and wool manufacturing. Their studies also focused on how to employ the latest technologies to ensure efficiency and quality their fabrics and methods. Cashmere has long been one of the world's most treasured fabrics, and Gobi has built on this famous reputation to create textiles that are not only beautiful, but are ethically and sustainably produced. The company was privatized in 2007, and has subsequently invested a great deal of time an energy into developing sustainable production practices and creating a strong system of support for their employees. Today, Gobi ranks as one of the five largest vertically-integrated Cashmere producers in the world. Unlike the majority of fabrics made from the coats of animals, cashmere is made from hair rather than wool, and it is this distinctive quality that imparts such softness and luxury to the fine cloth. The hair used in production comes from a special variety of goats called - unsurprisingly - Cashmere goats. The soft, silken hair of these beautiful animals allows cashmere to drape and resist wear and pilling. Throughout their history, Gobi has worked diligently to remain on the cutting edge of cashmere production. They have restructured their production methods and machinery many times to ensure efficiency, quality, and innovation remain the guiding principles of their business. In 2009, Gobi opened a new branch store in Tokyo and added a number of the top production machines from around the world to their mill including spinning and blending machines from Italy, a fully-automated knitting machine from Japan, and a Jacquard loom from Switzerland. In 2010, they continued to break ground by introducing the technology to print patterns onto cashmere for the first time in Mongolia. In addition to the company's passion for innovation, they also have a deep passion and respect for their employees. They have continued to grow and hired 300 new members of their team in 2010. They offer employee housing that includes apartments, a gymnasium, a nursing home, a rehabilitation facility, and even a kindergarten. The implications of Gobi's hard work and incredible success reach far beyond the Cashmere industry. They are a leading example for innovators working in all fields within Mongolia, and are an inspiration to textile manufacturers throughout the world.In 2012, the company presented its textiles during the opening session of the UN General Assembly in a theatrical performance called The Secret History of Mongolian Clothing. Gobi's international reach only continues to grow as they form invaluable partnerships with businesses and distributers across the globe. With their combination of beautiful cashmere, business expertise, and respect for their employees and their environment, Gobi has set an inspiringly high bar for textile producers throughout the world.