The manufacturer of scarves designed in a Republic of China national flag pattern has become increasingly popular after the scarves became a hit at a Jan. 1 official flag-raising ceremony to mark the beginning of 2010. Building on the success of the scarves, which were snatched up within minutes of their distribution amid angry scuffles during the ceremony, Soxlink Co., a sock manufacturer in Changhua County, central Taiwan, has received numerous orders from several international name brands, according to Soxlink President Hsiao Ming-tsun. Soxlink has been contracted to produce socks, scarves and textile hats for various international companies, including sport shoe manufacturers Adidas, Nike and Reebok, as well as Pierre Cardin, Hsiao said. It has also been commissioned by the Walt Disney Co. to produce children's stocks under the theme of the company's cartoon movie Toy Story, Hsiao went on. Hsiao, who has worked in the hosiery business for more than 40 years and whose company is one of the world's major producers, said that although the traditional labor-intensive hosiery industry is under growing threat of substandard sock products from China, he has nevertheless decided to keep the company's roots in Taiwan and has no plans to manufacture in China. In addition to working as a contract maker, the company will build its own brand name by producing value-added products such as 'bamboo shoot socks, ' functional stockings and personal protective gear, he added. 