Index SizeUSA User's Group Meeting Dual Seminars at [TC]² Smart Textiles Update [TC]² Activity - SEAMS Spring Meeting Member Profile - Cotton Incorporated Important Dates A Look Ahead

SizeUSA User's Group Meeting

Today's SizeUSA User's Group Meeting includes over 50 attendees who will be learning about how the data is being used by JCPenney, Jockey International and academic researchers. This event has brought together a significant portion of sponsors and data purchasers to learn about the new sortable/searchable database and to receive an updated CD with an additional 500+ scans added. The next newsletter will cover this event in detail.

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Smart Textiles Update

People today are carrying around an increasing number of electronic devices, both for recreational and professional purposes. It is not unusual for a person to be equipped with a number of portable devices such as a cell phone, CD player or iPod device, computer, etc. The public's dependence upon mobile devices has created a need for lightweight, flexible electronic equipment. Textile structures - being strong, flexible, lightweight and able to conform to almost any shape - are ideally suited for use in these revolutionary new products.

Many exciting, inventive, electrically conductive textile products are being developed. These interactive products are designed to have a conductive network incorporated into the fabric structure. The electrically conductive network within the fabric works in concert with the environment, soft switches and microcomputers to accurately sense and appropriately respond to different types of external stimuli such as pressure, temperature, or an electrical charge. A few of the products being developed include a jacket with an integrated pressure-sensitive switch panel to control an iPod and a dog jacket with a temperature control system. The versatility of textiles lends itself so well to these types of products that we are only limited by our imagination.

Jacket equipped with iPod, headphones and ElekTex switch pad

Images Courtesy of Eleksen

Heather outfitted with the Infra-Therm dog jacket

Photograph Courtesy of Gorix, Ltd

For the last twenty years, textile fabrics with electrically conductive and semiconductive constituents have been utilized in a wide variety of applications. These types of fabrics have been designed to alleviate problems in a passive manner. It is envisioned that a new range of interactive products could be within reach by integrating electronics and textile structures. To read more about smart textiles, look for the article entitled “SMART TEXTILES UPDATE” in the next issue of the Techexchange.com newsletter.

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[TC]² Activity

SEAMS Spring Meeting Hears USA Success Stories

SEAMS, the National Association for the Sewn Products Industry, held its spring meeting at the new Marriott Grande Dunes Resort in Myrtle Beach, SC on June 3-4. The program was a double feature: new government procurement opportunities and USA success stories from SEAMS members.

One of the highlights of the weekend was a tour, hosted by Larry Crolley of the Craig Industries apparel plant. Craig Industries manufactures a range of safety products, tops for state government, and a variety of shirts, some of which are exported to Japan. From design to finished product, the plant has a smooth work flow in a clean, friendly environment. Customer service at Craig Industries means quick turnaround of quality sewn products.

The first general session focused on production opportunities with the U.S. Government. Steve Wesseler from the National Institute of the Blind (NIB) and Jack London from the National Institute of the Severely Handicapped (NISH) discussed the preference that their agencies received in the bidding process but stated that they were required to be generally competitive on price. The overriding message was that a variety of handicapped people were being gainfully employed and that there were opportunities for direct labor partnerships, both as supplier and customer, with non-handicapped plants. Dr. Chris Cole from Clemson Apparel Research discussed some of the intricacies, including timing factors, of the government procurement process. Robin Simoson from the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) rounded out this informational session with a description of the IFAI and how many of their member companies were finding success in niche markets. Several SEAMS members are partnering with these organizations to produce Made in USA products.

The second session highlighted four companies that have succeeded by adapting to the changing needs of existing customers, continuously seeking new customers, and developing an ever-expanding array of products. The panel discussion allowed for an overview of each company and a question and answer session.

Charles Johnson of Chardan Ltd. has restarted and renewed his company four times since their founding. Each time when a major customer was lost, the company sought out new customers and made new products with service that could not be matched by offshore competitors. With these experiences, Charles stated, “We can now make any product where needles are joining fabric.” In Thomson, Georgia, Chardan is currently making and distributing skirts, slacks, shorts, sweaters, jackets, and blouses to retailers nationwide.

Dan Vipperman of Lebanon Apparel Corporation talked about the time when they almost closed their doors. Instead, they restructured with the help of [TC]² and formed teams in the plant with employee involvement in all aspects of manufacturing. Dan stated, “It was the best thing we ever did.” Today they have 160 employees with no supervisors. A team of coaches help when there is a problem. Lebanon is making a wide range of products including women's and men's woven or knit career apparel, tops and bottoms, sportswear, and performing some non-apparel assembly.

Stacy Bridges of Carolina Cotton Works in Gaffney, SC, talked about their continuous expansion and investment since they opened in March 1995. Mechanical updates to accommodate tubular and open width goods, process changes to handle synthetic as well as natural fibers, and the creation of a tracking website show the company's effort to meet the ever-changing needs of the customer base. Stacy reported that their secrets to success in dyeing and finishing are having dedicated employees, to “never say no to a customer” and to out-hustle your competitors.

Barbara Parker of Royal Park Uniforms in Prospect Hill, NC said their school uniform business is growing. They supply over 100,000 SKUs, some of which are only ordered once a year, one at a time. Royal Park manufactures for a wide range of customers using contractors and their own facility. Their employees are cross-trained in teams and there is a strong investment in technology. Excellent service and cost containment are their competitive weapons.

The SEAMS members and guests attending enjoyed the program and later some social activities including golf, at the Myrtle Beach venue. For more information on the SEAMS organization, visit www.seams.org.

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Member Profile - Cotton Incorporated

“At Cotton Incorporated, we are 100% cotton.” — J. Berrye Worsham

Headquartered in Cary, NC, Cotton Incorporated is a not for profit enterprise conducting research and promotion with one mission – to increase the demand for and profitability of cotton. From agricultural, dyeing and finishing, fiber processing research and fabric development work, to advertising and public relations, fashion forecasts and retail promotions, Cotton Incorporated keeps one goal in mind: ensuring that cotton remains the first choice among consumers in apparel and home products.

Cotton Incorporated was created in 1970 to combat the loss of market share of cotton. Due to the new infatuation with synthetic fibers by consumers, mills had to be convinced that these consumers still desired the qualities that cotton provides – purity, comfort, and quality. The Seal of Cotton® was introduced in 1973, providing a focal point that serves as the basis of advertisements, provides an identity for cotton, attracts retail attention, and communicates comfort and quality. Eighteen percent of American consumers were able to identify the seal by the end of 1973 and by 2003, that number had risen to more than 80 percent, making the Seal of Cotton® one of the most recognizable brands.

Cotton Incorporated not only provides a symbol for cotton, but drives cotton's potential through research. Conducted onsite at their world headquarters in Cary, NC, research to make a better cotton product starts from the ground up - literally. Cotton fiber is unbaled, processed into yarn, dyed, finished, and made into cotton fabric. Innovations throughout the fabric development process have further elevated what a garment like jeans, for example, can be at its best. Attracting consumers and providing a fresh approach to apparel and home products keeps the desire for research moving and changing.

Sharing these research efforts is top priority for Cotton Incorporated's Consumer Marketing and Strategic Planning divisions. Through the Consumer Marketing departments of fashion, retail, advertising and public relations, the company is in touch with both the industry and the consumer at every level. Strategic Planning's extensive research regarding consumers' attitudes and behavior toward apparel and home furnishings supplies valuable economic, retail and shopping trends. At the mill, throughout the United States and worldwide, and with retailers, designers, wholesalers, importers and buyers of cotton, Cotton Incorporated strives to maintain support for all aspects of cotton use in the textile industry and beyond.

Using tools like their websites for women, thefabricofourlives.com and thejoyofshopping.com, cotton is seen online, in print, and on television. Advertising remains a top priority. In 2003, Cotton Incorporated appointed DDB as its new advertising agency. New looks and themes were introduced to reach the young woman consumer with a fresh approach.

With its many accomplishments over the past 34 years, Cotton Incorporated has been able to grow and lead in an ever-changing market. Ongoing marketing, research and development programs continue to push Cotton Incorporated's mission – support of upland cotton and all its many products.

[TC]² gratefully acknowledges Cotton Incorporated's membership, guidance, and support of its mission, as well as the sponsorship of [TC]²'s recent 25th Anniversary Open House and Reception.

For more in formation, please visit www.cottoninc.com.

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Important Dates

July

September

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

Thanks to the techexchange site sponsors Apparel Magazine, Gerber Technology, Intentia, Lectra and Methods Workshop.

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A Look Ahead

Overview of SPESA Annual Meeting at Palm Coast, FL

SizeUSA User's Group Meeting

View previous editions of this newsletter

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