Index Holiday Edition Important Dates

Holiday Edition

As we approach the end of 2005, we want to highlight some important company accomplishments in this last newsletter of the year.  We have remained focused on reviewing technologies and processes and sharing this information with our industry partners.

One of the most significant 2005 events was [TC]²’s 25th anniversary celebration.  This Annual Meeting of Members and Board of Directors was held on March 29th, followed by an Open House which was attended by over 200 member and associate member representatives, industry colleagues, and former staff. 

In addition to this milestone, other 2005 accomplishments include:

• Forty-four NX-12 3D body scanners were shipped during the last twelve months, a significant increase over previous years.  These scanner installations include an Auburn University scanner, which has been used in a mall location to scan “tween” girls and mothers for a research project; a Bodymetrics opening in Paris at Le Bon Marché; and a new opening at Selfridge’s London store this month.  In addition, BenchMark Clothiers has opened a new storefront and distribution facility in Jacksonville, Arkansas.  BenchMark is developing a network of scanning locations for custom garments.

• Implementation of 3D body scanning for custom apparel included a promotional event at the new Hugo Boss retail shop at Saks 5th Avenue in New York, where [TC]²’s automated size prediction technology was used for sizing recommendations for custom shirts, coats, slacks, and shoes.  The NX-12 scanner was set up in the exclusive product area of Hugo Boss, and the day’s activities included a fashion show, music, and a press event to announce the store opening. 

• An additional application of seated-pose scanning has been developed.

• A SizeUSA User’s Group Meeting, was held in June, and attended by 60+ individuals.  License holders received additional scans, and a new sortable, searchable Access data base to create queries of the information. 

• [TC]² participated in or co-sponsored a number of trade shows including Colombiatex, Material World, ASAP Sourcing Show, Apparel Sourcing Show - Guatemala, El Foro, and the SPESA Expo in Honduras. 

• A Zara Fast Fashion Workshop was held at FIT in New York City in conjunction with the UK’s Industry Forum.  This event was attended by 240 industry representatives, and due to the interest level, similar events are being scheduled in 2006 for Canada and at other U.S. locations.

• Techexchange.com continues to be a resource for technology news and articles of significance to the industry.  It is read in 138 countries in the world.

• [TC]²’s Jud Early and Mike Fralix are preparing a Technology Report, which will highlight processes, innovations, and technologies they have reviewed in their worldwide travels.  This report will be available at the end of January 2006.

• In addition to the technology development that is in the public domain, [TC]² conducted a number of confidential research projects, including a large-scale proprietary body scanning project for a women’s apparel manufacturer.

• [TC]² continues to serve the industry by providing training and consulting services, primarily focused on lean manufacturing concepts, both domestically and internationally.  Over the past twelve months, we have noted an upswing in requests from U.S.-based companies for assistance with their manufacturing processes.  Recent domestic customers include:  Cognis, Karla Colletto, KDH Defense Systems, Leo’s Dancewear, Milliken, State of North Carolina, and Teamwork Athletic. 

• With the movement of U.S. manufacturing offshore, [TC]² continues to provide services to help improve the efficiency of the U.S. supply chain. Recent international customers include:  Asociación Hondureña de Maquiladores, Vestex, America Textil, Camisas Finas de Hidalgo, Cazador, Franky & Ricky, Ingenieros XXI, and Texin.  These clients represent the following countries:  Bolivia, Colombia, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru, and Puerto Rico. 

• During the past year, ten new member companies and four new associate member companies have been added to [TC]²’s rolls.

•  [TC]²’s bi-weekly newsletter, The Technology Communicator, continues to keep readers informed on industry events and relevant technologies.

• Plans are underway to launch a new summer internship program for U.S. students who are rising Seniors in apparel and textile programs.  It will resemble the successful internships [TC]² conducted from 1989 to 2000.

• The addition of new technology in the Demonstration Center continues with the installation of a Stork digital printer, a new Gerber cutting system, and software updates from several of our associate members.

As you reflect on 2005, we hope that you have fond memories of your accomplishments, and that as you enter into this holiday season you will keep the hope alive for peace in the world and a better quality of life for individuals everywhere.

Thank you so much for your continued support of our programs and services.

[TC]² Holiday Closing

Our office will close for the holidays and a week’s vacation for our staff beginning Thursday, December 22nd.  We will re-open at
8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 3rd.

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Important Dates

December

January

February

April

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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[TC]²
211 Gregson Drive
Cary , NC 27511
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