News for March / April 2006

Milliken and Edwards Garment Introduce New Line of StainSmart Casual-Workwear
Spartanburg, South Carolina and Kalamazoo, Michigan -  Milliken and Edwards Garment today announced the introduction of Service Mate, a new line of blended twill casual-workwear ideal for corporate executives and other employees in industries such as hospitality where soil or wrinkles can be problematic. 
Available nationwide from Edwards Garment dealers, distributors and specialty retailers, Service Mate apparel uses Milliken’s StainSmart® fabric technology to deliver dual-action stain repel-and-release capabilities for superior performance without compromising the look, feel or durability of the fabric. 
 “Service Mate combines fit, form and functionality in a great shirt.  The improved functionality provided by Milliken’s dual-action stain repel-and-release capabilities greatly enhances the value of our product for our customers,” said Gary Schultz, president of Edwards Garment. “Our blended twill is durable, comfortable and stylish, and StainSmart provides superior stain protection for the life of the garment.”
 “Edwards has a history of providing superior garments to its customers and they’ve done it again with Service Mate,” said Lyn Murajda, division brand manager for Milliken & Company, manufacturer of StainSmart fabric.  “We are pleased to be a longtime partner with Edwards and to help further enhance their executive uniform product offering.”
4/27/06

Apparel’s 2006 Tech Conference Expands To Two-Day Format
Columbia, SC —Apparel magazine’s 2006 Tech Conference will expand to a two-day format this year, taking place on November 8-9 at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York, NY.
“Expanding the Conference will enable us to offer even more educational sessions — 32 in all — as well as two keynote addresses,” said Susan Black, Publisher of Apparel. “As the event continues to attract more attendees, it’s important that we continue to offer a greater amount and variety of targeted content, which we intend to do.”
Over the course of the two days, concurrent educational sessions will be offered across five core topic areas: Design & Product Development; Manufacturing Technology; Information Technology; Sourcing, Logistics & Transportation; and Retailing. Tabletop displays from leading apparel industry vendors also will be part of the Conference, giving attendees an opportunity to preview the latest in technology, product and service solutions.
Cognis Corporation, Datacolor, Lectra and TUKAweb will serve as the Conference’s Platinum Sponsors. The Textile/Clothing Technology Corporation, [TC]², is an official endorser of the Apparel Tech Conference.
In addition to the Platinum Sponsors, Gold Sponsors of Apparel’s 2006 Tech Conference to date include AlvaProducts, Assyst-Bullmer Inc., Blue Fox Porini, Gerber Technology, Infor (formerly Geac), OptiTex USA Inc., PTC and UGS Corporation.  Silver sponsors to date include Cotton Incorporated and QuestaWeb.
Apparel’s Tech Conference will begin at 1:00 p.m. on November 8 and conclude at 3:00 p.m. on November 9. Apparel will recognize its 10 All-Star Award winners, including one Grand All-Star, during the Opening Keynote on November 8. Additionally, a Networking Reception will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on November 8.
Registration for the Conference is free to apparel, retail and soft goods executives. A portion of the proceeds from the event’s sponsorships will benefit the scholarship initiatives of FIT’s Production Management program. To register, or for sponsorship information, visit apparelmag.com.
4/26/06

Lectra Unveils its Latest Innovations for Fashion at IMB 2006, Including its New PLM Offering
Paris- Lectra, a supplier of software, CAD/CAM equipment and related services
dedicated to the fashion businesses, will showcase its latest innovations – including its new Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) offering – at the IMB 2006 show in Cologne, Germany, from May 10 to 13.
Specifically developed for the fashion markets, Lectra’s PLM offering allows companies to shorten lead times and reduce costs associated with the conception of products in a context of permanently renewing collections. Providing continuous decision-making support, it rationalizes and improves the reliability of product development processes, and assures the synchronization and traceability of information flows. In addition, it optimizes the collaborative modes used between contractors and suppliers.
Lectra’s business applications (for design, pattern making and prototyping) will also be showcased at IMB 2006. These applications assure optimal quality and execution speed of all tasks related to the creation and development of products.
The design applications enable the conception of trend boards, fabric and textile motifs, models and silhouettes for simulation, and the visual presentation of product lines by theme. The pattern-making and prototyping applications permit the design of patterns and the rapid realization of physical prototypes.
The benefits of Lectra’s complete offering and its design, product development, production management and PLM aspects will be highlighted at four daily shows on Lectra’s booth.
“Faced with serious changes, fashion companies need to adapt to a market that is increasingly demanding and unpredictable,” said Lectra CEO, Daniel Harari. “In order to best anticipate their evolving business needs and respond to their challenges, Lectra now deploys a complete, innovative offering for design, development, manufacturing and product lifecycle management; this offering represents the fruit of more than 30 years of experience in this market.”
4/19/06

[TC]² Announces Selection of 2006 Summer Interns
Cary, NC – Renewing its highly acclaimed student internship program, [TC]² is preparing to welcome this summer’s student interns.  Chosen by the Human Resources Leadership Council of the American Apparel and Footwear Association, this year’s student interns are:  Marluy Andrade, Florida State University; Melissa Essenpreis, Western Kentucky University; Ashley Jackson, North Carolina State University; Margaret Lahti, University of Wisconsin-Stout; Jennifer Lerczak, Michigan State University; Katherine Minor, University of Missouri-Columbia; Lorraine Nichols, Cal Poly Pomona; Bronica Richardson, Lindenwood Fashion Design & Merchandising; Adrienne Waller, Baylor University; and Zalina Withem, Eastern Michigan University.  The eight-week program includes an in-depth study of the latest product development technologies, industry supply chain issues, and business planning concepts.  It is delivered in a hands-on learning environment which allows students to take what they learn back to their respective classrooms.
“After a five year cessation, we are launching a revamped intern program for this year,” comments Jim Lovejoy, Director of Industry Programs at [TC]².  “We are developing new program content in keeping with the nature of the sewn products industry requirements that students will encounter upon graduation next year.”
4/19/06

Lectra Inaugurates its New Asia-Pacific Headquarters in Shanghai, Confirming its Development in China
Shanghai - In support of its development strategy, Lectra has combined its Asia-Pacific headquarters, regional International Advanced Technology Center (IATC) and Call Center, and Shanghai teams in a single new site in Shanghai, China. The objective of this regrouping is to provide customer relations and service that fully satisfy the expectations of its 3,000 regional customers.
The new 2,700 square-meter facility was inaugurated on March 24 in the presence of Lectra CEO Daniel Harari and more than 200 Chinese attendees, including customers from the fashion, automotive and furniture markets, representatives of professional federations and associations, leaders of universities and educational institutions with which Lectra has formed close links, and journalists from the professional, economic and general press.
In operation since 2001, the Asia-Pacific Call Center handled nearly 100,000 calls in 2005. The Asia-Pacific IATC, which opened in 2003, provides regional customers with a showcase for Lectra technologies and also serves as a center for advice, assistance and training. Lectra business experts welcomed more than 1,000 visitors to the IATC in 2005.
 “Chinese companies are beginning to invest in developing their own brands and more value-added products,”said Harvey Tseng, Lectra’s General Manager for Greater China.
4/11/06

GretagMacbeth Unveils the Color i®7
New Windsor, N.Y., USA – GretagMacbeth launches the new Color i®7, a fully automated spectrophotometer with embedded profiling for precise digital color control. From textile and apparel to consumer electronics, car interiors, furniture and appliances, Color i7 is an essential tool to help companies and their supply chain partners better manage and verify accurate color. It helps create a powerful system that ensures the color quality and consistency of products made at different times or locations at the point-of-purchase.
The Color i7 eliminates color variability in the design, specification and production of products or product components. It features a unique self-diagnostic function that reduces costly production errors and slowdowns to help brand owners and retailers get high quality product to market faster. The Color i7 is an “open” technology that can be easily integrated with most digital workflow systems, creating fast, accurate and reliable digital color control.
“Color is a key indicator of quality and a key attribute to drive product sales. Yet the more complex and global the supply chain becomes, the more difficult it can be to control color,” says Jan-Paul van Maaren, vice president and general manager of GretagMacbeth’s Color and Appearance Business Unit. “The Color i7 system helps companies to digitize color in their workflow so they can more easily, reliably and cost-effectively manage their suppliers and factories the world over. A reliable digital workflow produces a color experience for customers that differentiates and supports brands at the point-of-purchase.”
For brand owners and retailers, Color i7 creates a digital signature with every color measurement for added assurance of color accuracy. This function is also important for manufacturers and suppliers that must document compliance with color management programs.
4/11/06

Lectra Launches its PLM Offering for Fashion Paris
Lectra, a developer of software, CAD/CAM equipment and related services dedicated to the fashion businesses, has launched its Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solution for managing the product and collections lifecycle. This enterprise software will enable Lectra customers to manage collections development processes and optimize the collaborative work of all internal participants and company partners in real time.
Specifically developed for the fashion markets, Lectra’s PLM offering allows companies to shorten lead times and reduce costs associated with the conception of products in a context of permanently renewing collections. Providing continuous decision-making support, it rationalizes and improves the reliability of product development processes, and assures the synchronization and traceability of information flows. In addition, it optimizes the collaborative modes used between contractors and suppliers.
“Our PLM offering is consistent with our ongoing strategy to bring increasing added-value to our customers by providing them with leading-edge technologies that permit them to accelerate their product launches,” said Lectra CEO, Daniel Harari. “This new offering represents a technological leap forward for the entire industry. It is the result of many years of research and development, involving a team of more than 100 engineers and technicians who will remain dedicated to its evolution. Our PLM offering capitalizes on the experience acquired through working with 17,000 customers for more than 30 years. Lectra is recognized for its business expertise, its deep knowledge of fashion processes, and its comprehensive understanding of the new challenges companies face in the post-quota world.”
4/10/06

AATCC Expands Testing & Evaluation CD Series
Research Triangle Park, NC - AATCC has conducted test method training programs at its headquarters for many years. In response to the textile industry’s requests for other forms of training, AATCC launched the Testing & Evaluation Series of training programs on CD. The training programs of AATCC test methods include a demonstration of the correct technique in performing the methods. The portability of the program allows laboratories to train new technicians on-site.
All of the programs in the AATCC CD training series are prepared and presented by the AATCC staff and have been reviewed by the Research Committees that are responsible for the test methods included in the program. Each program covers a specific topic, and some programs include a number of related test methods and/or evaluation procedures.
For additional information on other titles in this series, see AATCC’s website: www.aatcc.org.
4/10/06

Avery Dennison ComfortTag™ Heat Transfers Pass AATCC Tests for Salt and Chlorine Resistance
Westlake Village, Calif.—Manufacturers, retailers and brand owners of swimwear and water activewear can now identify their goods with Avery Dennison ComfortTag™ heat transfers that have been proven by third party testing to meet salt and chlorine durability requirements established by the American Association of Textile Chemists & Colorists.
“What this means is that marketers can now convey brand on swimwear and water activewear with heat transfers that have passed every major test for durability and retention of image quality,” reports Mark Hansinger, Avery Dennison Retail Information Services marketing director – Apparel Labeling. “This opens new vistas for marketers because the product combines the comfort of soft heat transfers with the durability of more conventional labeling, such as woven and fabric labels. Accordingly, they are highly versatile. ComfortTag heat transfers can be produced in every pantone and process color, and they present images with extraordinary faithfulness to original artwork even on rough fabric such as denim. A proprietary adhesive ink technology developed at Avery Dennison’s Pasadena, Calif. research labs underlies ComfortTag’s superb image and performance qualities.”
Hansinger notes that product uniformity is an added ComfortTag benefit. “One of Avery Dennison’s great strengths is the delivery of label products with batch-to-batch color and quality consistency,” he says. “Retailers are assured that the labels on garments arriving from diverse shipments will present the same shadings and intricacy of color to customers who are evaluating those goods for purchase. This global consistency goes far in reinforcing brand image.”
ComfortTag heat transfers can be supplied fully preprinted with logos, graphics and variable data for application with most heat transfer bonders, including the Avery Dennison TH 2000™ and Avery Dennison CTB-5™. They can also be supplied partially preprinted for onsite printing of variable data and subsequent bonding. A variety of security technologies are available with the heat transfers to combat diversion and counterfeiting.”
4/5/06

Lectra Previews New Technology at Material World
 Atlanta, GA, – Exhibiting in the Technology Solutions area, Lectra will be previewing exciting new innovations in PDM/PLM and manufacturing technology, including the ProSpinFashionST, a single-ply cutter specifically adapted to the production of samples and prototypes using a variety of apparel fabrics. This modular system features new cutting technology and it is compatible with a wide range of Lectra software solutions.
In the Material World Technology Solutions Program, Lectra is conducting a presentation that will provide an overview of the company’s new and upcoming PLM release on Wednesday, entitled “PDM/PLM Universe, Exploring a World of Possibilities.” Lectra’s PLM solution fully integrates its complete suite of design and production applications into one powerful management system that meets the stringent requirements of the global fashion apparel environment. 
“This is a prime opportunity for Lectra to reinforce the added-value our solutions bring to the apparel market,” commented Thomas McKay, Marketing Director for Lectra North America. “With the introduction of our latest innovations, the new ProSpinFashionST and a new PLM solution, Lectra confirms its commitment to continue our innovation as the heart of our strategy, and to give our customers real solutions in today’s changing environment.”
Lectra’s booth will also feature computer stations for live presentations and product demonstrations. Delegates are encouraged to stop by to view short presentations on Lectra’s newest offerings as well as get updates on its popular design and pattern making solutions, U4ia & Modaris.
3/29/06

TUKATECH Offers Automatic Upgrades for CAD software
Los Angeles CA-  TUKATECH is offering an automatic upgrade option via Internet to all its CAD software users.  All new users as well as previous users with a yearly subscription can check for updates on a regular basis.  The smart update manager recognizes the current version the user is working with and installs the appropriate update. New short cuts, training videos, pattern making tips, knowledge based suggestions and software updates will be posted on the web.  The user will see a reminder pop up window for all updates and messages at pre determined intervals with the option to upgrade and learn from Industry experts.
 TUKAcad is Internet-ready, allowing users to email zipped files directly through the CAD software, making communication simple and fast.  The latest version of TUKAcad also gives users the option to connect directly with TUKAweb.com for plotting patterns at any of 42 TUKAcenters, over 1,200 FedEx-Kinko’s locations or send the patterns or markers directly to Asia via FedEx.
3/29/06

Bedding Manufacturer Relies on Unit Production for High Quality  
Alpharetta, GA – Eton Systems, a provider of unit production systems (UPS) for the sewn-product industries, announces that HomTex, Inc., a leading domestic manufacturer high-quality sheet sets, mattress pads, and pillow cases, has successfully completed the conversion of its Vinemont, Alabama manufacturing facility from manual processes to fully automated unit production systems. Over the past five-plus years, the company has implemented a total of five Eton production lines, which are now used to produce its entire line of branded and contract bedding products.
HomTex has focused significant effort on improving production flow and productivity in its 99,000 square-foot facility. “With Eton, we were able to increase our overall productivity by 20%”, noted Jeannie Long, General Manager at HomTex. “In addition to the obvious reduction in handling, we also experienced a big reduction in employee fatigue. This allows our operators be much more productive during the entire day. Removing the manual handling of the large pieces has provided us with benefits beyond our expectations.”
“One of our key goals with Eton was to consolidate all of our production into one centralized area”, added Ms. Long. “By hanging the products from the high-mounted system, we were able to save a tremendous amount of floor space as compared to the old method of using large tables throughout the lines. We also improved the flow of products through our facility by consolidating all of the production lines into one central location.”
3/29/06

OptiTex announces a new distributor for Hungary
New York and Budapest - OptiTex Ltd. and Presto Pilot are pleased to announce the signing of a distribution agreement for the Hungarian market.
The agreement calls for Presto Pilot to sell OptiTex wide range of software solutions as well as joint solutions that will be developed by the two companies. For over 15 years, since it was established, Presto Pilot has been Investronica's distributor in Hungary.
“We chose OptiTex because they provide us with the best solution currently available for companies that want a cutting-edge CAD system for an excellent price,” says Csilla Ficsór, Presto Pilot's General Manager and Owner.
“We couldn’t find a more professional team than Presto Pilot. In Presto we found not just colleagues, but also friends. OptiTex arrival to Hungary will be a success not only for the two companies, but also for our customers who will enjoy new technological innovations” Says Natan Mossak – VP Sales & Marketing OptiTex LTD
3/29/06

Gerber Technology Joins Fashion Institute of Technology in Special Ceremony
Connecticut, USA– The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) last week held a ceremony to mark the opening of its new sewing and cutting lab. The renovated facility, which features a GERBERcutter and spreader, will provide students in the production management program with a complete view of the technology used in the product development and manufacturing process. FIT used funds of a New York City Council appropriation to purchase the Gerber Technology equipment, which, in addition to software supplied by Gerber at no cost to the college, will give students a competitive edge when they begin their careers in the industry. 
"This new sewing and cutting lab is the kind of state-of-the-art facility that college presidents crave for their campuses. It says to our students: the future is here; the future is yours," said FIT's president Dr. Joyce F. Brown. "FIT is proud of its long-standing partnership with a far-sighted company such as Gerber. Their contributions over many years to this and other programs throughout the college have been invaluable. We are also enormously grateful to the New York City Council, especially Speaker Christine Quinn. This lab was funded entirely by a $500,000 appropriation from the City Council, and she played the key role in making that possible."
Gerber and FIT have partnered for more than 25 years to bring the latest technology to the classroom. In addition to the new cutter and spreader, Gerber provided 19 copies of its AccuMark pattern design, grading and marker making software at no charge and installed a Gerber plotter and digitizer in the lab. In 2005, Gerber upgraded FIT’s pattern making department with the latest version of AccuMark software. Over the last three years, Gerber Technology also placed more than 200 licenses of WebPDM, software used in product data management and development, within FIT’s fashion design department.
“We are proud to partner with FIT, and particularly with the Jay and Patty School of Business and Technology, to support their world-class programs,” said John Hancock, president, Gerber Technology. “By providing students hands-on experiences in top-notch facilities, FIT makes a tremendous contribution to our industry. We commend Speaker Quinn and the New York City Council for recognizing the value of FIT’s programs and supporting their efforts to enhance the students’ learning experience in the classroom.” 
3/29/06

China Chamber of Commerce to Co-Host Apparel Sourcing Expo-Asia
Columbia, SC — The China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Textiles (CCCT) will serve as a co-host for Apparel Sourcing Expo-Asia, slated for September 19-20 in Shanghai, China, it was announced by producer Apparel magazine today.  
“We’re honored to be working with the CCCT,” said Apparel’s publisher Susan Black. “Their strong reputation and depth in the apparel and textile industries will help us in formatting an event of maximum benefit to global sourcing executives. Also of significance, the organization not only assists firms sourcing for qualified vendors, but helps those seeking to promote their brands in China’s marketplace. These two services combined will give our event’s attendees access to an excellent resource.”
Established in 1988, CCCT has more than 6,300 member enterprises, accounting for more than 70 percent of the total trade volume of textile and clothing industry in China.  In 2004, the total volume of imports and exports contributed by member enterprises exceeded $60 billion.
In its third year, Apparel Sourcing Expo-Asia will feature some 600-plus Asia-based apparel and textile producers, offering virtually every product type. Countries to be represented include China, Thailand, Vietnam, India and South Korea. A half-day Symposium on Asia Sourcing will be held concurrently with the Expo on September 19. Preceding the Expo, Apparel magazine will host its Shanghai Golf Challenge on September 18 for international sourcing executives.
Other supporting organizations of Apparel Sourcing Expo-Asia include the California Fashion Association, [TC]², Kurt Salmon Associates (KSA) and the Shanghai Municipal Economic Corporation.
For more information, visit www.apparelmag.com.
3/28/06

Performance Fibers Submits Letter of Intent to Acquire Invista’s European Polyester Yarn Business
Richmond, Va. – An affiliate of Performance Fibers Holdings, Inc. (“Performance Fibers”) today announced that it has signed a letter of intent to acquire Invista Resins & Fibers GmbH’s German polyester yarn business. The acquisition would include both commercial and manufacturing operations in Germany. It is expected that the definitive purchase agreement will be signed in the coming weeks. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
3/27/06

New SDL Atlas Specimen Mounting Accessory Speeds Up Testing On All ICI Pilling and Snagging Units  
Stockport, U.K.  – SDL Atlas has developed a new and compact specimen-mounting jig that dramatically decreases the time and tension required to mount specimens. The accessory accommodates all makes of pilling and snagging testers. It is available for immediate delivery.
Portable and easy to install on a table or wall, the new lever-operated jig positions any fabric specimen over the mechanically collapsed tube. That reduces operator effort and makes pilling and snagging tests easier and faster.  The mounting tool is the latest accessory from SDL Atlas to enhance use of the company’s Pilling and Snagging test units.
SDL Atlas supplies its Universal Pilling and Snagging Tester systems in 2- and 4-position configurations. The units replicate the pilling and snagging caused by normal wear but in a fraction of the time. An integral liquid crystal display on the testing units shows all specimen testing parameters.
3/27/06

[TC]² Elects New Board Members
Cary, NC – At its Annual Meeting of Members and Board of Directors on March 21, 2006, [TC]² elected new members to its Executive Committee and Board of Directors.
J. Berrye Worsham, President and CEO of Cotton Incorporated, joins [TC]²’s Executive Committee. New members of [TC]²’s Board of Directors are: Lennart Bjorklund, Executive Vice President, Manufacturing, Hartmarx Corporation; Frank Childers, Corporate Merchandise Manager, Nordstrom; Brian Francois, Business Manager, Active Textiles, Cognis Corporation; and Jeff Frye, General Manager, GIS Americas, Gap, Inc.
[TC]² officers and members of the Board are Peter Butenhoff, Chairman and CEO; Dr. Michael Fralix, President and COO; Jud Early, Corporate Vice President and Secretary/Treasurer.
Other members of the Board of Directors include:  Bernard Leventhal, (Chairman Emeritus, [TC]²) ; David Baron, Corporate Vice President, Liz Claiborne; Brad Beal, Sr. Vice President, Manufacturing and Operations, Jockey International; Susan Black, Publisher, Apparel Magazine, Edgell Communications; Alice Butler, Vice President, Credit Products Manager, Wachovia Bank, N.A.; Joe Dixon, Executive Vice President, Manufacturing, Sourcing & Alteration Services, Brooks Brothers; Dr. Blanton Godfrey, Dean, College of Textiles, North Carolina State University; Mike Hannaford, Manager, Technical Design, JCPenney Company; Andrew Knight, Vice President, Fulfillment, Carhartt, Inc.; Becky Lewis, Research Fellow, Invista; Philip Looby, COO, Bayer Clothing Group, Inc.; Mackey McDonald, Chairman, President and CEO, VF Corporation; Chuck Nesbit, Jr., Executive Vice President and COO, Chico’s FAS, Inc.;  Susan Olivier, Director, Systems Integration, Limited Brands, Inc.; William Royal, President, Royal Park Uniforms, Inc.; Juan Ruiz, Vice President, Global Sourcing, Russell Corporation; Sally Tomkins, Vice President, Sara Lee Branded Apparel; Charles E. Whalen, Jr., Chairman & CEO, Warren Featherbone The Foundation; and J. Berrye Worsham, President and CEO, Cotton Incorporated.
Honorary Board Members include: Dr. Frederick Abernathy, Professor, Applied Sciences, Harvard Center for Textiles & Apparel Research; James Bennett, Industry Economist, Assessment Division, U.S. Dept. of Commerce; Kevin Burke, President, AAFA; and Burton Ruby, Chairman, Trans-Apparel Group.
3/24/06

Promoting Education Development to Create Value
Shanghai - Gerber Technology has announced it donated computer-aided design (CAD) software to the Shanghai University of Engineering Science (SUES). The donation ceremony, held on February 20 in the multi-media centre of SUES, was a prelude to the cooperation agreement between Gerber Technology and the College of Fashion, SUES signed during the event. Gerber Technology donated 40 seats (licenses) of Accumark PE pattern design, grading and marker making software and 40 seats of Accumark MTM made-to-measure software. As part of the donation, Gerber Technology will provide software upgrades to the school free of charge. Gerber will also train SUES instructors to improve their practical knowledge of the systems and their applications. With the signed agreement of cooperation, SUES has become Gerber Technology’s newest education partner in mainland China.
“For nearly 40 years we have worked side-by-side with thousands of manufacturers to help them become more productive and more profitable. By supplying the latest computer-aided design and manufacturing technology to SUES and other colleges and universities worldwide we help to ensure that the industry leaders of tomorrow have the knowledge and experience they need to succeed,” said James Arthurs, President-Asia Pacific, Gerber Scientific, Inc. “We are pleased that SUES is including our technology in their undergraduate program to foster the further use of computer-aided design in China.”
3/15/06

AAFA, AAPN, CCAA, SPESA, and [TC]² Announce Apparel Conference of the Americas
One Region … One Market … One Source
AAFA (American Apparel & Footwear Association), AAPN (American Apparel Producers Network), CCAA (Caribbean Central American Action), SPESA (Sewn Products Equipment & Suppliers of the Americas), and [TC]² (Textile/Clothing Technology Corporation) have joined together to launch ‘Apparel Conference of the Americas: One Region … One Market … One Source.’ ProNicaragua, Nicaragua’s investment promotion unit, will host an executive level conference that unites industry decision-makers from throughout the Americas with the political leadership of the region to define a common agenda designed to increase the entire region’s competitiveness.
The Apparel Conference of the Americas will be held June 5-7, 2006, at the Crowne Plaza Convention Center, Managua, Nicaragua. The choice of venue recognizes the relative importance of Central America to the U.S. apparel industry and underscores the need to successfully implement DR-CAFTA in a timely manner. The goal of this high level meeting is to forge a broad-based consensus for the actions needed to insure the continued prosperity of the apparel industry, which has been a key driver for economic development in the region.
AAFA President Kevin Burke states, “If you look at the combined membership of our organizations, we have direct access to virtually every retail, brand, manufacturing, and supplier executive in the U.S. Now it’s the region’s turn to organize across national boundaries to become one region for our one market.”
“We’re veterans of the region,” states AAPN Executive Director Sue Strickland. “In early 2001, AAPN opened its membership to the Western Hemisphere. Today, AAPN joins four other major U.S. organizations in a way that shatters paradigms for each of us. Now, nations in this hemisphere have the best opportunity ever to work as one region and as one source for the U.S. market.”
CCAA President Federico Sacasa states, “DR-CAFTA represents a watershed opportunity for our region. By joining forces with the leading U.S.–based industry organizations, we will strengthen the private/public partnership that is needed to pursue the public policy changes required for the agreement’s implementation and to insure the industry’s future growth.”
SPESA Executive Vice President Benton Gardner states, “Our leading organizations, representing all of the elements of the sewn products industry, are collectively committed to lead by example in organizing one major regional event that forges all of the relevant elements to create ‘One Region … One Market … One Source.’ We believe the countries in the DR-CAFTA region can come together as well.”
[TC]² President Dr. Mike Fralix states, “We have all been discussing a single Central American event instead of each country doing its own thing. Since the majority of the apparel produced in the DR-CAFTA region is purchased by U.S. companies, it makes sense for the U.S. to drive the coordination of the region to the extent that it is possible. If we can partner as U.S.–based organizations to create a single event, then perhaps the region can do likewise. We all have a strong interest in the success of companies in the region. I am thrilled that we have joined forces to help make it happen.”
3/13/06

V-StitcherTM Gets Upgraded Again: New Link to Body Scanner Output
Tel Aviv—Browzwear International, a developer of innovative real-time 3D solutions for the fashion and apparel industry, today announced a new release of its flagship application – V-Stitcher.
Browzwear is releasing a new version of V-Stitcher that offers, among other features, a new Avatar structure which will enable the import of body scanner outputs. Other enhancements include accuracy improvements in all the Avatars offered by the system including male, female and children, and improved simulation, functionalities and user interface. Most of these improvements have been made to reflect requests made by V-Stitcher customers.
“We are in the middle of a very successful implementation project with one of the world’s leading doll manufacturers,” said Yanir Farber, president of Browzwear. “The fact that the V-Stitcher is precise even when dealing with garments of this size is the best evidence of just how accurate the product is.”
“The challenge is always to maintain a high level of accuracy while providing a simple and straightforward system,“ added Farber.
Browzwear is about to launch Stylezone, an online fashion community oriented towards teenage girls and fashion fans.
3/2/06

New Distributor for OptiTex Software in the Caribbean
New York - OptiTex USA Inc. and Palm Beach based Apparel PreProducion, Inc. (APPS) along with its Dominican affiliate Grupo Banyan. S.A. (GB) are pleased to announce the signing of a distribution agreement for the Caribbean market.
This partnership dramatically enhances OptiTex’s strategic coverage in the Caribbean. The agreement calls for APPS/GB to sell OptiTex wide range of software solutions as well as 3D content. APPS will work closely with OptiTex to develop Progressive Solutions to help Caribbean sewn goods manufacturers meet the challenges of today’s rapidly evolving industry.
“The 3D market is going to explode in the next 18 months and OptiTex has the best solutions, by far! This software reduces the line development time and cost; the Virtual Sample Room will reduce the amount of physical sample that need to be made by at least half and at the same time create content that can be use throughout the product lifecycle – even to web based consumer sales,” says Steve Princiotta - APPS/GB President.
3/1/06

SDL Atlas Named Exclusive Agent For Tinius OlsenUniversal Test Machines To Global Textile Industry
Stockport, U.K.–High-performance Tinius Olsen universal testing machines (UTMs) are now available exclusively to the global textile market through SDL Atlas. The distribution agreement was signed recently in London.
Tinius Olsen offers UTMs in both single- and dual-column configurations. Designed for easy, accurate testing of tension, compression, flexure, shear and peel on all types of materials, the UTMs are factory-programmed with powerful TexMAT Pro testing software. The software contains actual test specifications, machine setup instructions and report formats for nearly 300 international textile-testing methods.
3/1/06

AATCC Textile Technician Certification Program Launched in India
Research Triangle Park, NC and Madras, India - With the successful launch of its various Education programs in India on February 8th , AATCC is now launching its “Textile Technician Certification programs”. These programs are designed to test and certify the competence of the participants to conduct certain AATCC test methods and evaluation procedures.
A certificate will be sent to each participant upon the successful completion of the program identifying the modules that were passed. It is recommended that the certification be renewed after three years.
3/1/06