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Index Colombiatex 2005 [TC]² Activity Member Profile - Johnson Technologies Corp. Important Dates A Look Ahead

Colombiatex 2005

Medellin , Colombia - January 25 – 27, 2005

 The Republic of Colombia, Latin America 's 4th largest country, has a population of about 40 million people, and is made up of five large regions. Bogota, with 5 million people in the Andean region, is the capital. Medellin to the north is the sewing capital and second largest city in the country. Other cities related to the textile/clothing trade are Cali, Pereira, and Bucaramanga.

The sewing trade is calculated to sustain 200,000 direct operators within aproximately 10,000 factories. Ten percent of these factories are large (over 500 employees), 25% medium size and the rest are small businesses. The main sewn products are bottoms (jeans), women's foundations, men´s suits, men's shirts and bed linen. Childrenswear production has been on the rise in Bucaramanga. In Medellin, called the city of the eternal spring, the main sewn products are bottoms, mainly jeans.

Colombiatex started some 15 years ago as a supplier oriented show in Medellin designed to stimulate the Colombian apparel industry. To offset the need of a fashion / sourcing show for the industry, Colombiamoda was also born. Both are in Medellin, August being the month for the fashion show (like InterModa in Guadalajara ) and January for Colombiatex (a similar concept to ExpoCostura in Mexico City ).

In its beginnings in 1989, this show was only 1,484 sq. meters with 73 exhibitors. This past edition, 2005, boasted 6,500 sq. meters of show space with over 400 exhibitors from Colombia as well as from the U.S., Mexico, Brazil, Ecuador, and Chile, making it a real international event. During its three days, over 10,000 attendees flocked to the fairgrounds and it is estimated that 44 million dollars worth of business was done. Some 540 international buyers were the responsible for this significant portion of sales.

This was [TC]²'s second year to participate in Colombiatex, partnering with SPESA at its booth. Mike Fralix , [TC]²'s President, presented the requirements for a full package center to a group of industry representatives. Additional seminars were offered on methods engineering, costing, and lean manufacturing methodologies by [TC]² staff.

Meetings with representatives of SENA (Colombia 's national training institute) were held regarding training programs for sewing machine technicians and setting up sewing modules using lean manufacturing principles.

Plans are now underway to provide a similar program in Bogota and another session following the COLOMBIAMODA 2005 event next August.

Article by Arturo Rodriguez, [TC]² Contract Services, Latin America

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[TC]² Activity

AAFA and OSHA Alliance Update

In March 2002, OSHA created the Alliance Program. This cooperative program enables organizations committed to safety and health to work with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to prevent injuries, illnesses and fatalities in the workplace. OSHA and Alliance Program participants work together to develop ways of communicating information on the recognition and prevention of workplace hazards, to employers and employees in the industry.

February 14 marks the one-year anniversary of the signing of an alliance between the American Apparel and Footwear Manufacturers (AAFA) and OSHA. The focus of the alliance is to reduce injuries and illnesses in the workplace, with a particular focus on ergonomics.

The AAFA ergonomics work group has been meeting for the past year to develop an introductory manual for supervisors and present it to OSHA for approval. The manual was modeled after an existing industry program, with some changes. OSHA compiled the information, adding pictures provided by the work group, and created a document that has since been edited and re-edited by the work group.

A sub-committee of the AAFA ergonomics work group is currently developing a train the trainer program. This program will include the powerpoint presentation, training notes, video and exercises that will be used to present the manual to the public. Michael Scott (American Efird), Michael Della Mea (Sara Lee Knit Products) and Gloria Carter ([TC]²) make up the train the trainer committee. Train the Trainer sessions will be held to provide training for the remaining members of the working group so that all can effectively train at the scheduled regional meetings. The first train the trainer session is planned for March 8 at the Charlotte, NC offices of American Efird.

In addition to above committee members, Harris Thrasher, (Jockey International), Steve Jesseph (Sara Lee), John Eapen (American Efird) and Carey McCombie (AAFA) are currently scheduled to present or receive the training.

At least six regional training sessions will be given nationwide to introduce the manual to the industry. The working group is locating possible meeting sites, inviting OSHA inspectors and field staff, and looking for sponsors for the events. A tentative cost of $99 per person for AAFA members, and $149 for non members is being considered. Tentative dates and locations for the regional sessions include: April 5-Charlotte, NC; April 26- Miami, FL; May 10- Los Angeles or San Francisco, CA; May 31- El Paso, TX; June 14- Chicago, IL; and June 28- New York City, NY.

The manual will be promoted through meetings, speaking engagements and exhibits. In addition to the regional training sessions, the manual will be available for purchase in both Spanish and English.

The alliance, which is strictly voluntary, will remain in effect for one year from the date of signing and will be automatically renewed thereafter. The agreement may be modified at any time with the concurrence of both signatories and may be terminated for any reason with 30 days written notice from either signatory. A signing ceremony with AAFA and OSHA representatives is planned for the anniversary week of the signing in February.

For more information on the Apparel and Footwear Association, visit www.apparelandfootwear.org . To learn more about the Occupational Safety and Heath Administration, go to www.osha.gov .

Article submitted by Gloria Carter , [TC]²'s Certified Ergonomist.

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Member Profile

Johnson Technologies Corporation

Since 1989, [TC]² has demonstrated the use of short cycle manufacturing methodologies, and has taught thousands of plant personnel the benefit of using team-based production in both Unit Production Systems or in Modular Work Groups using stand-up, hand-off modular sewing. [TC] ² utilizes ERGOBUDDY®, Johnson Technologies Corporation's brand of adjustable tables and foot pedals in its sewing line. 

Paul Johnson, Vice-President of Johnson Technologies Corporation, states, “The key ingredient to lean manufacturing is the reduction of the stress factor for the operator, which mainly is standing. The sewing machine control pedals we provide are designed to reduce the stress of standing by 50%. We have sold more than 25,000 of these control pedals.”

Johnson Technologies' control pedals are proven, patented, and medically endorsed. Some benefits of this equipment are:

• A proven ergonomic solution for sit/stand sewing.

• Prevents musculoskeletal injury and illness.

• Enhances flexible and modular manufacturing goals.

• Promotes proper posture and circulation while sitting or standing.

• Reduces the operator's effort, fatigue level, movement and workload.

• Caters to physiological needs of the sewer, making them more comfortable, symmetrically balanced, and less susceptible to ergonomic risk.

• Adaptive, highly durable, requiring low maintenance.

• Compatible with equipment of multiple brands, models and age.

• Enhances flexible and modular manufacturing goals.

The design of the sit-stand pedal allows the operator ease and flexibility for sitting or standing at their discretion without having to call for assistance. While standing, the operator benefits from ultra comfort and maximum ergonomic protection. In sit mode, the operator is in the correct vertical posture with full support under the lower trunk and feet.

Workstation Products

The Ergonomic Adjustable Workstation is a multi-user, multi-shift, multi-task ergonomic solution. It benefits productivity, quality, morale, health and safety. It has an electric vertical adjustment. and accommodates work areas from 3' to 20' assembly lines. It is designed for safety with high and low mechanical stops, thermally protected motor, and user-friendly adjustable guarding.

The Electric Adjustable Workstation is available in multiple widths or to a company's specifications. It has an electrical powered adjustment and large multi-directional casters with Total Locking System.

The Body Relation Adjustable Workstation is easily adjustable to match individual ergonomic requirements, at any time, on any shift. Flexible width adjustments can accommodate numerous tabletop selections and manufacturing applications.

Johnson Technologies Corporation also offers many leading edge ergonomic equipment solutions to the general manufacturing sector. Its therapy platforms and adjustable workstations have great potential for reducing operator stress and permanent disability in almost any manufacturing environment.

For details on the complete line of products and services offered by Johnson Technologies Corporation, please visit
http://www.jtc-ergobuddy.com/

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Important Dates

February

March

April

For detailed information about industry events, visit www.techexchange.com

Thanks to the techexchange site sponsors Blinco Systems Inc., Gerber Technology and Methods Workshop.

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A Look Ahead

February 14-17 MAGIC Marketplace, Las Vegas Convention Center www.magiconline.com

March 16-18 – Material World, Miami Beach Convention Center

View previous editions of this newsletter

[TC]²
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