Women take on manufacturing

Alexis Miller and her sisters Kelly and Lauren have a rich family history in manufacturing. In 1921, their great-grandfather started Regent Apparel, which manufactures uniforms for the hospitality industry and restaurant chains.

Four generations later, their parents run the San Francisco-based business and all three sisters have joined them.

Alexis, 30, is a lawyer and handles the firm's legal matters, while her sisters, both 28, oversee business and product development.

"The three of us understand and appreciate the intrinsic value of manufacturing and we don't want it to go away," said Alexis.

The firm, which employs 600 people, manufactures most of its products in the U.S. and Latin America.

Miller said she and her sisters want to take the business to the next level and are focused on launching new products like a high-end apparel line for chefs and an activewear collection.

At the same time, she said they also want to help promote women in the industry and are trying to form a leadership group for women in manufacturing.

"When I go to industry events, I'm at least 5 to 10 years younger than everyone else in the room and usually the only woman," she said. "I welcome the challenge to be taken seriously."