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Index Holiday Newsletter [TC]² Holiday Closing Important Dates

Holiday Newsletter

As 2004 comes to an end, we wanted to use this last newsletter of the year to thank you for your support and to share with you some important accomplishments. We remain committed to technology development and to driving the future of the industry by working with companies to help them improve their systems and processes. The support we receive from the industry also allows us also to explore in areas that may not be justifiable by commercial suppliers of technology and systems.

Next year, [TC]² will celebrate its 25th anniversary. If you are a member, associate member, faculty fellow, student intern, customer, supplier or retired, you will definitely want to put this March 2005 meeting on your calendar. The exact date is currently being finalized with our Executive Committee and will be announced early next year.

It is normal at the end of each year in our lives to reflect. Because technology and supply chain improvements are at the forefront of what we do, we would like to share with you our reflections and accomplishments of 2004 as they relate to these topics:

• TC]²'s newest scanning technology, the NX-12, was launched. It has a smaller footprint, more portability, and a lower price.

• We signed an agreement with a men's tailored clothing company for multiple scanner deployments of the NX-12 across the U.S.

• A survey of the size and shape characteristics of the U.S. population was completed. Called SizeUSA, the analysis and final report was distributed to the sponsors. In addition, custom reports for specific niche markets were completed for various companies; and this work is ongoing.

• Our work in 3D has lead to the development of products that will have applications well beyond the market for mass customization. One of these is a 3D to 2D automatic pattern generation tool. It is now in beta testing. In addition, we held multiple training classes and have supplied demonstration copies to more than 40 users.

• In conjunction with AATCC, a Digital Textile Printing Conference was held at [TC]². It was attended by 50 individuals from eight countries including designers, printers, and technology developers. This program also allowed us to showcase the progress that has been made in digital printing and reaffirm our commitment to driving the application of this technology in the sewn products industry. A similar event is planned for 2005.

• Since the acquisition of www.techexchange.com in 2003, we have continued to add articles, white papers and presentations to the library and its searchable database continues to place in the Top 10 among search engines. In addition, Jud's Technology Corner has been read worldwide and demonstrates our commitment to maintaining our reputation as an industry leader in technologies across multiple industries and multiple continents.

• In addition to the technology development we completed, that is in the public domain, we conducted a number of confidential and proprietary development projects.

• [TC]² has continued to lead the industry in the implementation of short-cycle, continuous flow manufacturing systems. The most recent examples include the refinement of lean manufacturing concepts for a U.S. dancewear company, the introduction of modular concepts at a manufacturer of fashion blankets and throws, and the training and installation of modular sewing lines in Mexico.

• With the movement of U.S. manufacturing to such areas as Mexico, Central America and South America, [TC]² continued to offer its services and provide training to help improve the efficiency of the U.S. supply chain. Seminars and training sessions were held in Bolivia, Colombia, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, and Mexico.

• Sometimes we receive requests for work that is outside the mainstream of the textile/apparel supply chain. One such example was the development of a database for a State of North Carolina archeological project.

• [TC]²'s demonstration center received a facelift with new displays focusing on state-of-the-art technologies that support the movement to a totally digital supply chain.

• [TC]²'s bi-weekly newsletter was unveiled in September, and it is already read by thousands of subscribers around the world.

As you reflect on 2004, 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 what we do.

      and all of our associates here at [TC]².

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[TC]² Holiday Closing

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

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Important Dates

December

January 2005

February 2005

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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[TC]²
211 Gregson Drive
Cary , NC 27511
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