News for July/August 2006

“Innovative Technology” is the Focus of AATCC’s International Conference & Exhibition
Research Triangle Park, NC - AATCC’s 2006 International Conference & Exhibition (IC&E) will be held October 31-November 2 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. The program will feature three educational tracks mirroring the Association’s three interest groups: Chemical Applications, Concept 2 Consumer (C2C) and Materials. Presentations in the Chemical Applications track will discuss pre-treatment and preparation; printing and finishing; advances in dyeing; and environmental issues. The C2C track will address quality control and textile care; CAD/CAM technology; product development; color and trends; and fit/sizing. The Materials track will focus on nanotechnologies in textiles; protective textiles; medical/biomedical textiles; and novel fibers and chemical materials. Poster presentations will be an integral part of this conference and topic presenters will be available to discuss their research. For more details, visit www.aatcc.org.
8/28/06

OptiTex Expands its Overseas Activities with a New Center in India
Petach Tikva, Israel, - OptiTex, a leading software manufacturer for the apparel, sewn and garment industry, today announced the setting up of a new center in India. The new center, in the city of Bangalore, joins the company's other offices in Israel, the USA (east and west coasts), Belgium and New Delhi.
The new center will enhance the business focus of OptiTex on the developing textile industries in Southeast Asia, and will further strengthen the company's plans to expand into the field of professional services.
"The new center we are setting up in India will expand our field of expertise and the scope of our offerings," says Saar Mechtinger, Director of Asia, for OptiTex. "Through the new center, we intend to attract new customers and strengthen our presence in the Asian markets, and improve still further the level of service to our customers around the world."
8/28/06

AATCC and TI Announce Membership Agreement
Research Triangle Park, NC - The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) and The Textile Institute (TI) have made an agreement whereby each association will offer discounted membership in its organization to people who are current members of the other association. The agreement takes effect on January 1, 2007.
According to the agreement, current members of one organization who are not already members of both organizations may become members of the other organization at a discounted rate of 30%. The agreement applies to single-year membership fee payments and is not intended for multiple-year dues payments incorporating multi-year discounts.
“AATCC is a professional society which promotes the increased knowledge of the application of colorants, chemicals and polymers in the textile industry,” said John Y. Daniels, AATCC Executive Vice President. We encourage research work on textile design and coloration, chemical processes, and materials of importance to the textile industry. Our agreement with TI will provide our members an opportunity to expand their networks for professional knowledge.”  
Professor Mervyn Davies, CText FTI, Chairman of the TI’s Governing Council, concurs with these sentiments. “The Textile Institute was founded to advance the general interests of the textile industry, particularly in relation to the acquisition and application of scientific knowledge. Since our merger with the Clothing and Footwear Institute some 15 years ago, we have been disseminating knowledge and pursuing excellence within in the global textile, clothing and footwear industries through our international membership. Our exciting new relationship with the AATCC will reinforce these mutual ideals to the benefit of both memberships.”
8/21/06

Organic Dyestuffs Partners With Datacolor, Underscoring Commitment to Excellence As Premier Colorant Supplier
Lawrenceville, NJ, USA –Datacolor, a leader in color technology, today announced a new partnership with Organic Dyestuffs Corporation (ORCO), an ISO 9001 certified company headquartered in East Providence, Rhode Island. The premier industrial colorant supplier has selected Datacolor color communication and control technology to upgrade existing systems. 
ORCO supplies high quality dyes, pigments and chemical auxiliaries for industrial coloring purposes, including textiles, paper, and ink, as well as numerous other colorant applications through production facilities and warehouses strategically located nationwide.
With a 24-hour ship time for standard products, the company is constantly seeking the latest systems and equipment that ensure color can be produced quickly, accurately and cost-effectively. ORCO will implement key Datacolor global color management solutions that work seamlessly together toward this end.
As ORCO President Gregory Gormley explains, the decision to go with Datacolor is in keeping with his organization’s commitment to excellence.
 “Color and color consistency are of primary importance for Organic and our customers, and it was natural to choose the industry leader for textiles as our partner,” Gormley says.
8/21/06

RFID Troubleshooter
Brunswick, OH - Tharo Systems, Inc. has created an RFID Troubleshooter to guide their EASYLABEL® software users through the process of printing and encoding RFID smart labels, as well as, resolvingcommon RFID encoding problems. The troubleshooter can help solve RFID configuration problems with the following printer families: Avery Dennison, Datamax, Intermec, Printronix, Sato, and Zebra.
The Easylabel’s intuitive RFID wizard guides the user through the process of entering and/or importing data to program RFID tags.  The RFID data format option determines what data will be required and in what format it is programmed.  A report data option can add the RFID data sent to an RFID printer to an Easylabel report file, which can be used as part of an advanced shipping notice.
8/16/06

Gerber Technology Expands Accunest™ Line with Introduction of Expert Edition
Connecticut, U.S.A.– Gerber Technology announces the launch of AccuNest™ Expert Edition (EE), the latest edition of the company’s new series software products for automatically generating markers. AccuNest EE uses multiple nesting and compaction processors to deliver the best possible material yields every time. This unique multiple engine capability offers never before attained results for high-volume manufacturers with broad product categories.
Based on orders, AccuNest EE creates efficient marker layouts fully automatically. It can also shorten markers made manually or automatically by compacting the pieces to eliminate excess material between parts. Users realize savings in fabric utilization for existing and new markers that can result in substantial financial benefits.  
Cintas, a work uniform supplier, has been a beta test site for AccuNest Expert Edition and an active participant in the development process. “We anticipate AccuNest will be especially beneficial during high volume work levels and vacation/absentee periods. Compared to manual marking, we can achieve fast, equivalent or better results on tested styles,” commented Liza Durbin, manager of product development for logistics and manufacturing, Cintas. “Savings on selected styles range from $0.0291 to $0.0469 per unit. There’s no doubt about the added savings we’ll capture by running the program 24/7. It requires minimal training, no (employee) benefits, limited operator involvement, and there’s no turnover.”  
8/15/06

Indian Soft Goods Industry to be RevITalized
India - REACH Technologies, Microsoft, Intel and Tirupur Exporters’ Association (TEA) are jointly organizing “Collaborative Partnerships between Retailers/Brands/Designers and Manufacturers in the Soft Goods industry through strategic use of IT” on the 17th of August at Hotel Poppys, Tirupur, to facilitate Cluster adoption of IT by apparel manufacturers in Tirupur cluster. Tirupur is the largest apparel cluster in India, exporting around USD 2 billion worth of clothing.  For more details, visit www.reach-tech.com.
8/15/06

Malden Mills Chooses Unifi’s New Eco-Friendly Repreve® Yarn for Polartec® Brand
Greensboro, N.C. – According to a recent consumer study of performance apparel conducted for Unifi by the Leisure Trends Group, more than 40% of active consumers would like to purchase garments that are eco-friendly.  To satisfy this demand, Unifi, Inc., a diversified producer and processor of multi-filament textured yarns, and Malden Mills Industries, Inc., a leader in technical, synthetic fabrics, have partnered to create a new line of performance fabrics that benefit both the human and global environment.                                                                                 
Malden Mills’ new line of eco-friendly performance Polartec® fabrics was designed with Unifi’s Repreve® yarn. Repreve  is a family of polyester yarns made from 100% recycled materials. Because Repreve is made from recycled materials; it conserves natural resources by offsetting the need to produce virgin polyester. Repreve is Unifi’s newest addition to its family of innovative yarns.
“Research shows that today’s active consumers want eco-friendly athletic apparel that offer technical performance features and easy care properties, which is exactly what this new line of fabrics has been engineered to provide,” said Roger Berrier, vice president of commercial operations for Unifi. “The quality, versatility and performance of Repreve offered Malden Mills a recycled polyester solution for their next-to-skin, insulation and weather protection Polartec fabrics, which provides consumers with eco-friendly options for a wide range of activities.”  
“Malden Mills is committed to expanding our line of renewable and recycled Polartec fabrics,” said Michael Spillane, chief executive officer for Malden Mills. “Unifi has achieved a level of consistency and performance in its Repreve family of yarns that allows our textile engineers to do what they do best, which is push the envelope of fabric design. Clothing manufactures and consumers alike will continue to see new ‘green’ Polartec fabrics incorporating technology like Unifi's Repreve fibers."
8/9/06

Unifi and Consoltex Team Up to Launch New Earth-Friendly Performance Fabrics
Greensboro, N.C. – Unifi, Inc., a diversified producer and processor of multi-filament textured yarns, and Consoltex Inc., a vertically integrated specialty textile company with an international reputation for the innovative nature of its products and services, have teamed up to develop a new line of high-performance, eco-friendly products. The new line, consisting of four styles, will be sold under Consoltex’s Earthwhile™ brand to meet the needs of outdoor purists who want environmentally-friendly performance apparel without compromising quality and performance.
Unifi’s Repreve® yarns will be included in four of Consoltex’s top selling activewear fabrics - Mojave, Energy, Vector and Zircon. Energy, Vector and Zircon are all performance stretch fabrics that can be used in a variety of applications including soft shell garments, pants, shorts, vests and other performance apparel. Differing in style and weave patterns, these two-way or “filling” stretch fabrics have been engineered to maximize stretch performance, comfort and durability. Mojave's unique construction delivers outstanding odor control and UV protection in a shirt-weight fabric designed specifically for use in travel wear and adventure wear applications. The new addition of Repreve to Mojave's construction results in an eco-friendly version of the fabric that does not compromise the fabrics key performance elements.
“We are very excited to be working with Consoltex on its Earthwhile line of fabrics featuring Repreve,” said Roger Berrier, vice president of commercial operations for Unifi. “Both companies are committed to bringing innovative products to the market, while addressing the need to conserve the earth’s resources. After three years in development, Unifi is able to introduce Repreve, a first quality 100% recycled product. As a company, we are dedicated to environmental sustainability and we want to provide the industry with a new and innovative way to introduce the eco-friendly story to performance fabrics and garments.”
“We are constantly commercializing innovative solutions to address the various needs of our dynamic market,” said Sirio De Luca, president of commercial operations for Consoltex. “Our Earthwhile fabrics with Repreve are the perfect answer for manufacturers seeking earth-friendly material solutions with performance benefits.”
8/9/06

Gerber Technology to Hold 8th Annual Software Users Conference
Connecticut, USA– Gerber Technology today announced that it will hold its 8th annual Software Users Conference September 21-22, 2006 at the Four Seasons Resort and Club in Irving, Texas.  More than 200 current and prospective Gerber software users are expected to gather for two days of in-depth seminars focusing on getting the most out of their Gerber systems.
Themed “Momentum 2006: Accelerate the Pace”, this year’s conference will feature new product and solution offerings, and provide a wide-range of expert-led educational seminars which will guide customers through features and capabilities of Fashion Lifecycle Management, WebPDM, AccuMark and CutWorks software solutions, as well as best practices for their implementation and ongoing optimization. The event brings Gerber Technology customers from across the United States, Canada and around the world.
 “The Users Conference is an outstanding opportunity for our customers to come together, share their insights, test drive new and take home practical knowledge that will enhance their skills,” said John Hancock, president, Gerber Technology. “We rely on the continued enthusiasm and input of our customers and this conference helps us showcase our commitment to supporting them with leading-edge products, solutions, programs and training, and to making Gerber Technology a company that they can grow with.” 
8/1/06

[TC]²’s David Bruner to present at SGMA’s Sports + Technology Convergence
At the SGMA's upcoming Sports + Technology Convergence event in La Jolla, CA October 24-26th attendees can expect to learn the latest information about how technology will impact and provide new opportunities to create, distribute, sell and market sports and fitness products--and ultimately how technology can enhance active lifestyle participation.
Expect inspiration and a glimpse of the future during two days of over 20 sessions to choose from of interactive panels, roundtables and breakouts with thought leaders and experts from the technology industry.  David Bruner will present on 3D Body Scanning in Fitness Venues for enhanced body tracking and custom performance apparel.
SGMA's Sports + Technology Convergence is a unique business to business experience for industry members and leading technology companies in a next-generation environment that cultivates innovative  thinking, fosters relationships and stimulates partnership formation.
To register for the Sports + Technology Convergence go to http://stc.sgma.com.
7/25/06

Stork Prints' New bestLEN 641X Engraver Sets Performance Standard in Textile Screen Cylinder Production
 Boxmeer, The Netherlands – The bestLEN 641X Engraver contains a 500W laser, which combines extremely high power, with an intense focus, as low as 60 μm. This allows fine, sharp images, such as fine line-work and halftone effects to be formed with speed and precision. A maximum resolution of 2540 dpi is possible, while top surface engraving speed is 18 meters / second, making it the fastest engraver for textile applications. Furthermore, the laser's semi-sealed CO2 format offers low gas usage, a long lifetime and low maintenance effort. Total stability and accuracy is offered thanks to the engraving system's cast-iron frame.
bestLEN 641X engravers are supported by Stork Prints' bestIMAGE computer-aided design software. This simplifies the creation and editing of designs, and ensures that the whole pre-production workflow is smoothly integrated stages. It interfaces with the laser engraving system and delivers total flexibility in textile design development, colour separation, engraving and collection printing.
Heinz Endres of Stork Prints Austria comments: "The new bestLEN 641X puts commission engravers and in-house engravers at the cutting edge of pre-production technology – they can enjoy improved productivity, higher quality and be more responsive to customers' needs.”
7/20/06

[TC]² Announces Mass Customization Symposium
Cary, NC –  November 4-6, 2006, Leading experts on Mass Customization will present programs and moderate interactive workshops during this 3 day event at the world-class Tamaya Hyatt Spa and Resort in Albuquerque, NM.  [TC]² is partnering with A Business Affair, Marino Associates and MIT to deliver practical applications and case studies on mass customization concepts that can be applied to business strategies. 
For more details, visit http://www.abusinessaffair.com/mass_customization.
7/17/06

Gerber Technology Opens Cutter Assembly Center  in Shanghai, China
Connecticut, USA– In June, Gerber Technology held a ceremony celebrating the opening of its Cutter Assembly Center in Shanghai, China with its partner, Shanghai Machine Tool Works Ltd. (SMTW). Gerber displayed the GERBERcutter XLc7000, its first automated cutter designed in the U.S. and manufactured in China. 
James S. Arthurs, Chairman of Gerber Technology and President Asia-Pacific of Gerber Scientific Inc., introduced Gerber Technology’s newest offering in automation technology.  “After more than three years of preparation, including beta testing with five customers in China over the past nine months, we are pleased to begin manufacturing cutters in China,” he stated. “Our efforts have provided very good conditions for a smooth start to production and reaffirms our commitment to Chinese manufacturers as they strive to meet the demands of the growing domestic and export markets.”
The largest manufacturer specializing in precision grinders and precision measuring instruments in China, SMTW is pleased to partner with Gerber.  Mr. Miao Ying, general manager, SMTW, said, “As a world-class CNC company, Gerber Technology is the leading manufacturer of automatic cutters. We designed and established the newly built facility according to Gerber’s requirements for manufacturing. We are confident that we can help Gerber produce competitive products with the high quality for which Gerber is known.”
7/14/06