Plizio Visual Lab
COTONA Textile Factory
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Industrial site
COTONA (Cotonnière d'Antsirabe) is one of Madagascar's largest and oldest textile factories, located in the industrial hub of Antsirabe. Established in 1955, the company has evolved into a fully integrated textile complex, handling every production stage from cotton processing, spinning, and weaving to dyeing and finishing. A member of the Socota Group, COTONA is renowned for its high-quality fabrics, which are manufactured for both the domestic market and export to Europe and the United States. The factory leverages the favorable climate and the skilled labor force available in the central highlands. Employing thousands of workers, it is a cornerstone of Antsirabe's local economy. Over recent decades, the company has invested heavily in modern machinery and environmental standards to maintain its competitive edge in the global textile industry. The plant is also recognized for its comprehensive social welfare programs for its workforce.
- Location: Madagascar
- Nearby: Antanifotsy (36 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Sep, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 19 | 19 | 19 | 17 | 15 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 16 | 18 | 19 | 20 |
| Rain mm | 459 | 332 | 252 | 107 | 38 | 31 | 35 | 18 | 22 | 77 | 203 | 337 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
The COTONA textile factory in Madagascar processes cotton into fabrics for domestic and export markets. It is a traditional company that represents the local textile industry and provides many jobs.
Visiting
The factory is an active industrial facility and is typically not open to the public. From the outside, the premises and production halls can be viewed along the access road.
Where to view it
A good viewpoint is the access road to the factory, from which the buildings and loading areas can be seen. The surrounding hills offer a panoramic view of the entire factory site.
Local products
In local shops, Malagasy cotton fabrics from the region are often sold. Handwoven textiles and traditional batik patterns are also typical souvenirs.
Active season
The factory operates year-round, but production peaks after the cotton harvest (March to August). During this time, most fabrics are produced for export.
Nearby
A visit can be combined with a trip to the nearby city of Antsirabe, known for its thermal springs. The region around the factory also has scenic attractions such as lakes and volcanoes.
Geography
Facts
- COTONA was founded in 1955 as a cotton spinning mill.
- The factory is a key subsidiary of the Socota Group.
- Annual production capacity exceeds 15 million meters of fabric.
- The site features its own wastewater treatment plant for sustainability.
- Much of the raw cotton is sourced from Malagasy plantations.
- The company holds ISO 9001 certification for its production processes.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town COTONA Textile Factory (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the COTONA textile factory?
It is a traditional operation of the Malagasy textile industry, known for cotton processing.
Can the factory be visited?
No, it is a strictly industrial production site not open to tourists.
What importance does this industry have locally?
It creates jobs in the region and processes local raw materials for the domestic market.
Are there textile products to buy in the region?
Local markets often offer hand-woven fabrics and ready-made clothing typical of Madagascar.
What characterizes Madagascar's textile sector?
The sector combines traditional weaving art with modern processing of locally grown cotton.
COTONA Textile Factory: where is it located?
COTONA Textile Factory is located in Madagascar.
COTONA Textile Factory: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Sep, Oct.
COTONA Textile Factory: why is it worth visiting?
COTONA (Cotonnière d'Antsirabe) is one of Madagascar's largest and oldest textile factories, located in the industrial hub of Antsirabe.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Africa
More places in Madagascar →
Nearby cities
Antananarivo
The capital in Madagascar.
Antsirabe
Known for thermal springs in Madagascar.
Antanifotsy
Agricultural center in Madagascar.
Tsiroanomandidy
Zebu market center in Madagascar.
Soavinandriana
Highland city in Madagascar.
Faratsiho
Highest city in Madagascar.
Ambatolampy
Aluminum foundry town in Madagascar.
Arivonimamo
Former airport location in Madagascar.
Ankazobe
On the edge of Tampoketsa in Madagascar.
Miarinarivo
Administrative center of Itasy in Madagascar.
History & landmarks
Black Angel of Lake Anosy
A war memorial in the shape of a black angel on an island in Lake Anosy, dedicated to the fallen of World War I.
Palace of Justice Ambatondrafandrana
A historic stone building in classical style that formerly served as the supreme court of the Merina kings.
Amparibe Water Tower
A historic water tower from the French colonial era in the Amparibe district of Antananarivo.
🗺️
Mahamasina Municipal Stadium
Madagascar's largest stadium, used for rugby matches, football tournaments, and national events.
🗺️
Andafiavaratra Palace
Former residence of Prime Minister Rainilaiarivony, now serving as a museum for historical artifacts.
Immaculate Conception Cathedral
An impressive Roman Catholic cathedral in the Andohalo district of Antananarivo, built during the French colonial period.
Ambatonakanga Memorial Church
The first stone church in Madagascar, built in memory of the Christian martyrs killed under Queen Ranavalona I.
Avenue of Independence
The main axis of downtown Antananarivo, flanked by colonial arcades leading to the old railway station.
More places
STAR Brewery Antsirabe
A major branch of the STAR breweries benefiting from the region's excellent water sources.
🗺️
Holcim Cement Plant Ibity
A crucial supplier to the Malagasy construction industry, utilizing locally mined limestone.
Faratsiho Mission
One of the oldest Christian missions in the central highlands of Madagascar.
🗺️
Fortifications of Antongona
Two historical royal villages on rocky peaks, built in the 16th century for defense.
🗺️
SOMACOU Textile Factory
One of Madagascar's leading textile manufacturers, specializing in blankets, towels and woven cotton products.
Alasora Royal Village
One of the oldest of the Twelve Sacred Hills of Imerina, associated with King Andriamanelo.
🗺️
Antsahamanitra Martyrs Cliff
The site where Christian martyrs were executed in the 19th century under Queen Ranavalona I.
Ila Fitsarana
Former court of justice of the Malagasy monarchy.