Bulletin Board

Trivantage® has expanded its workroom offerings.

Trivantage®, Burlington, N.C., has expanded its product offerings for designers and workrooms to include: sewing machine accessories; hand tools; cutting tools; threads; invisible zippers; clasps, needles and pins; tapes; and fabrics.

Paris-based traceability platform TextileGenesis — a Lectra Group company — announced a partnership with the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®), which will enable the traceability of cellulose fibers from responsibly managed forests.

Kraig Biocraft Laboratories Inc., Ann Arbor, Mich., reports its BAM-1 recombinant spider
silk hybrids are now in production after successful production trials.

Online visitor registration is open for ITMA Asia + CITME, which will take place October 14-18, 2024, at the National Exhibition and Convention Centre in Shanghai, China. Attendees that preregister can take advantage of an early bird rate until October 13. To register, visit itmaasia.com.

Avient Corp., Kennesaw, Ga., recently launched Rutland™ Evolve™ Bio Plastisol™ inks, which contain more than 50 percent bio-derived content, for the screen printing industry.

Eight students from North Carolina State University’s Wilson College of Textiles recently participated in a week-long tour of production sites in Vietnam. South Korea-based Hansae Co. Ltd. organized the “Summer Tour of Hansae” as part of an industry-academia collaboration between the company and the university.

Spartanburg, S.C.-based Milliken & Company was recognized as one of the 2024 Top 100 Global Most Loved Workplaces, a list released by Newsweek in collaboration with the Best Practice Institute. Companies were evaluated based on a range of criteria including employee engagement, leadership, company values and the overall environment as assessed by polled employees.

IACMI — The Composites Institute has added a state-of-the-art fiber sizing line from Cincinnati-based Michelman Inc. at the IACMI Collaboration Facility in Knoxville, Tenn.

South Korea-based Hyosung TNC recently joined the Textile Exchange, Lamesa, Texas, as a partner-level member.

Lee® recently introduced its first golf apparel collection.

Greensboro, N.C.-based Lee® recently introduced its first golf collection for men.

Datacolor®, Lawrenceville, N.J., recently issued significant software portfolio updates including the integration of Colibri® support and enhancements to its color matching and quality control tools.

Registration is now open for the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) 2024 Textile Discovery Summit, which will be held in Savannah, Ga., October 6-8. For more information and to register, visit aatcc.org/summit/.

The Association of the Nonwovens Fabric Industry (INDA), Cary, N.C., recently released the 11th edition of its North American Nonwovens Supply Report. The 2024 report offers data on key metrics including capacity, production, operating rates and regional trade through 2023.

China-based FixDye selected a polycondensation system from Oerlikon Barmag Huitong Engineering Co. Ltd. — a subsidiary of Germany-based Oerlikon Barmag — to expand its capacity for recycled dope-dyed filament yarns.

Portugal-based Tearfil Textile Yarns recently inaugurated a research and development line for Finland-based Spinnova Plc’s SPINNOVA® fiber. The spinning line was provided by Switzerland-based Rieter Group .In other Spinnova news, Luhta Sportswear Co.’s Rukka brand introduced a T-shirt made using 29-percent Spinnova fiber, 6-percent cotton and 3-percent elastane.

After four years of R&D efforts, Israel-based Sonovia Ltd. and Italy-based PureDenim S.r.l. have unveiled the first jeans collection made using Sonovia’s sustainable dyeing technology.

Cincinnati-based Standard Textile was named a 2024 U.S. Best Managed Company Gold Standard winner. The award recognizes the achievements of U.S.-based private companies and the successes of their management teams.

AmorSui, Philadelphia, has expanded its product line with the addition of lab coats in men’s and women’s sizes, fire-resistant clothing, and isolation gowns that are all reusable and recyclable.

2024 Quarterly Volume III

People

Alex Zucchi was named the president of Zurich-based CEMATEX — the European Committee of Textile Machinery Manufacturers.

Mario Jorge Machado, director of Portugal-based Adalberto Textile Solutions S.A., was recently elected president of Brussels-based EURATEX. Alberto Paccanelli was named honorary president.

The England-based Society of Dyers and Colourists (SDC) has named Dr. Susan Kay-Williams president for the 2024-25 term.

Davis

Glen Raven Inc., Burling-ton, N.C., has named Joseph “Joey” Davis president of the Glen Raven Material Solutions Group. Davis replaces Dave Swers who is retiring after a 35-year career with Glen Raven.

Austria-based Borealis has appointed Stefan Doboczky CEO.

Switzerland-based Loepfe Brothers Ltd. has appointed Markus Kleindorp CEO. In addition, Gregor Stalder was named CFO.

Precision Textiles, Fairfield, N.J, has named Bill Learn director of quality control.

To support continued growth in Europe, South Korea-based Hyosung TNC recently hired Andreas Puchert as the European marketing manager.

Spangler

Grant Spangler has been promoted to vice president of manufacturing for Champion
Thread Co., Gastonia, S.C.

Herculite Products has hired Patrick Clysdale as Southeastern Regional manager for the Direct Sales Team; and Anthony Pappalardo has joined the company as regional sales manager covering the Mid-west and Southeast for all awning and marine brands. In addition, Julie Tinsman has joined Strataglass LLC, a Herculite Products’ company, as director of Business Development.

Kimberly Peoples has joined Ultrafabrics, Tarrytown, N.Y., as the team sales director for the Residential Market. Amanda Bylsma also recently joined the company as sales manager for the Midwest region.

Paris-based Lectra named Antonella Capelli president of the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region. She takes over from Fabio Canali who is retiring.

Columbia Sportswear Co., Portland, Ore., has hired Michael Minter as SOREL’s vice president, Brand.

The South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance (SCMA) has elected Kevin Brown as the chair of its board of directors. Brown is senior vice president of Global Operations for Spartanburg, S.C.-based Milliken & Company’s Textile Division.

Russian

Dan Russian is the new president and CEO of Sage Automotive Interiors, Greenville, S.C. S.C. Russian succeeds Chris Heard who retired earlier this year.

Jeffrey P. Pritchett recently joined Charlotte, N.C.-based Elevate Textiles as CEO and member of the board of directors.

INX International Ink Co., Schaumburg, Ill., has promoted the following executive managers to vice president positions: Anthony De Francesco to vice president of Integrated Supply Chain; Alex Folloso to vice president of R&D Metal Decorating Technology; and Kim Hill to vice president of R&D Liquid Solvent Technology.

Christoph Kowitz is the new leader of Wacker Chemical Corp., Adrian, Mich., a subsidiary of Germany-based Wacker Chemical. He succeeds David Wilhoit who is retiring.

The board of directors at Hexcel Corp., Stamford, Conn., have named Thomas C. Gentille III CEO and president. He replaces Nick Stanage who is retiring, but will remain on the board as executive chairman until the end of the year to ensure a smooth transition.

The Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry (INDA), Cary, N.C., recently honored three individuals with awards for their contribu-tions to the nonwovens industry and INDA: David Powling, Kimberly Clark Corp., Lifetime Service Award; Paul Latten, Southeast Nonwovens, Lifetime Technical Achievement Award; and Arnold Wilkie, Hills Inc., Lifetime Technical Achievement Award.

Culp Inc., High Point, N.C., hired Armando Alfaro as director of Business Development for Culp Home Fashions (CHF), the company’s mattress fabrics division.

Flexible carbon fiber composites producer Carbitex, Kennewick, Wash., has named Filippo Sartor vice president of Global Sales, and Sam Gardner vice president of Engineering and Operations.

2024 Quarterly Volume III

NEOLAST™: A New Way To Stretch

Under Armour’s Vanish Pro tee

Celanese and Under Armour developed NEOLAST™ as a sustainable, performance-based spandex alternative.

By Rachael S. Davis, Executive Editor

Spandex, also known as elastane, has been prized for its elasticity since its invention in 1958. The fiber has become ubiquitous finding its way into sportswear, leisurewear, and even denim — any garment requiring stretch properties. However, spandex suffers from some inherent challenges when talking about sustainability. Traditional elastane fibers are not recyclable, and also require the use of hazardous chemical solvents during the spinning process. In addition, the fiber deteriorates in chlorine-heavy environments such as swimming pools, and doesn’t manage odors or moisture very effectively, among other performance issues.

With these challenges in mind, Celanese Corp., Irving, Texas, and Baltimore-based Under Armour Inc. partnered to create a new type of stretch fiber — one that is sustainable, delivers elite performance, and offers improved moisture management and comfort for the wearer. The resulting fiber, NEOLAST™, is a high-performance elastane alternative made from elastoester polymers using a proprietary solvent-free, melt-extrusion process.

NEOLAST fibers are woven or knit into stretch fabrics at a percentage of between
2 and 40 percent, which allows a manufacturer to either dial up or dial down the power-stretch level, depending on the application and needed power-stretch performance. The fibers may be blended with polyester, cotton, nylon, linen, rayon and silk, among other fibers.

According to Celanese, garments made using the fiber deliver stretch, durability, comfort and moisture management properties. In addition, the elastoester polymers, depicted as “NEOLAST polyester” on garment labels, are recyclable and therefore, so are garments made using NEOLAST.

Applications include sports apparel, stretch fleece, socks, medical items, shapewear, denim and narrow fabrics, to name just a few of the potential uses seen for the fiber.

“Working with a leading global brand like Under Armour to elevate the performance and sustainability benefits of their products is just the first of many great things we hope to accomplish with this innovative NEOLAST technology,” said Tom Kelly, senior vice president, Engineered Materials at Celanese. “… We are just beginning to unlock its potential and look forward to what’s ahead as we explore other opportunities with end users.”

Under Armour recently debuted the first product to feature NEOLAST, the Vanish Pro tee.
“We took a minimalist approach to the design of this shirt, eliminating distractions for the athlete and opting for classic lines that allow the NEOLAST material to shine,” said John Hardy III, senior director, Product, Under Armour. “The Vanish Pro tee’s durable material will not only increase its lifespan, it will offer consistent fit and stretch throughout the garment’s life. We’re proud to have developed the first apparel with this innovation and are excited about bringing more performance garments that utilize the future of stretch to athletes everywhere.”

“Part of the beauty of this material innovation is the value we’ve been able to add by taking things away,” said Kyle Blakely, senior vice president, Innovation, Development & Testing, Under Armour. “…We look forward to introducing this revolutionary performance fiber across additional product lines as we work to scale it and evolve the broader industry landscape.”

The NEOLAST innovation helps support Under Armour’s goal to eliminate the use of spandex its products by 75 percent by the year 2030. “Through performance-driven sustainability and innovation, we look forward to helping athletes play at the top of their game as we work with Celanese to realize this new fiber’s potential to forge a path toward circularity,” Blakely added.

For more information about NEOLAST™, visit celanese.com.

2024 Quarterly Volume III

Toray Partners With Elevated Materials To Repurpose Carbon Fiber Prepreg Waste, Advancing Sustainability Efforts

TACOMA, Wash. — July 16, 2024 — Toray Composite Materials America Inc., a manufacturer and supplier of carbon fiber and prepreg materials, announces the execution of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) adding Elevated Materials as a provider of repurposing services for its Tacoma, Wash., facility. Under the three-year agreement, Elevated Materials will repurpose Toray scrap prepreg materials, including slit-edge and full-width prepreg sheets.

Upcycling scrap prepreg material. Source: Elevated Materials

Elevated Materials’ mission is to eliminate carbon fiber waste in the aerospace industry. Since its founding, the company has successfully diverted 200,000 pounds of carbon fiber waste through its innovative upcycling process. Elevated Materials transforms this waste into press-cured carbon fiber sheets, plates, and blocks, which have applications in various industries, from sports equipment to manufacturing accessories and drones.

The agreement between the two companies is a testament to their shared commitment to prioritize sustainable solutions in response to the planet’s growing environmental challenges. Their focused efforts aim to make a positive ecological impact by reducing waste, conserving resources, and decreasing pollution.

“Collaborating with the Toray team on tough sustainability challenges has been a rewarding experience. Their expertise and collaborative spirit have been instrumental in pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve in sustainable composite materials. Together, we are making significant strides towards a more sustainable future,” said Ryan Olliges, founder and CEO of Elevated Materials.

The MOU is a significant and strategic step towards supporting Toray’s sustainability vision. This vision includes achieving net zero emissions by 2050 and managing resources sustainably.

“Our commitment to repurposing waste material underscores our dedication to sustainability and innovation. With this initiative, we are reducing our environmental footprint and setting a new standard for responsible manufacturing,” said Jeff Hawkey, senior vice president of operations at Toray. 

Posted: July 17, 2024

Source: Toray Composite Materials America Inc.

Auria Announces Appointment of QiuMing Yang as President and CEO as Brian Pour Steps Down

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. — July 16, 2024 — Auria, a supplier of highly engineered systems for automotive acoustics, textiles and cargo management for gas and electric vehicles, today announced the appointment of QiuMing Yang as the new president and CEO, effective July 22, 2024. Yang succeeds Brian Pour, who is stepping down after leading the business for the past seven years since its inception.

QiuMing Yang, president and CEO, Auria, effective July 22, 2024

Yang has served as Auria’s executive vice president and managing director for Asia/RSA operations since the company’s formation in 2017, in which time he has expanded the company’s customer base, while adding five new manufacturing facilities in the region. Yang will be based in the company’s operational headquarters in Southfield.

“We are fully confident that Qiuming Yang’s thorough understanding of the business and his impressive career achievements make him ideally suited to seamlessly transition to the president and CEO role. We congratulate Yang on this well-deserved appointment!” said Board Chairman Zhijun Lu.

Yang said: “I am honored for the opportunity to lead this great company and our talented employees. It has been a privilege to work alongside Brian, and I am excited to continue building upon the foundation and momentum established under his leadership. As we continue driving towards our ambitious financial targets and sustainability standards, I know that the future is bright for Auria!”

Pour said: “Auria has been an important part of my life over the last 7 years. I am filled with pride for what we, as a team, have achieved together. Together, we have transformed Auria from a startup joint venture to a global leader in automotive soft trim and acoustic systems. I’ve worked closely with Yang for 20 years at Auria and its legacy companies and have complete trust and confidence that Auria will continue to build on its success and thrive under his leadership.”

Lu said, “On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, we would like to thank Brian for his exceptional leadership and the invaluable impact he made on Auria. He was instrumental in building Auria into the company that it is today and setting the organization on a path for continued success. We wish him much success in his future endeavors.”

A full biography of QiuMing Yang is available on Auria’s website.

Posted: July 17, 2024

Source: Auria

The Textile Gateway: Re-Energizing The Textile Industry By Connecting Students

MINOT, N.D. — July 17, 2024 — The FabricLink Network (FLN) announced the launch of TheTextileGateway.org to help reenergize the textile industry. The website connects the textile industry to students from elementary school to universities. A challenge is that most young students aren’t thinking about textile careers, in part because they lack sufficient education about the opportunities.

“The mission of The Textile Gateway is to educate and inspire students at all levels about textiles; promote career paths in the industry; and, serve as a catalyst for future innovation,” explained Tom Swantko, director of the Gateway program. “The Gateway is vitally needed to help develop the next generation of leaders, innovators and skilled workforce.”

Outreach to elementary and high school students is a primary focus. The Gateway provides students in every grade through high school with a wealth of age-appropriate resources designed to engage and inspire. Outreach is also provided to students in colleges and universities. The Gateway aids students by bridging the gap between academic studies and real-world applications. You’ll find an array of resources, and gain access to industry professionals who share their knowledge and insights through articles, videos and live events.

Students will learn about textile industry workforce development programs. Swantko explains, “We are looking to partner with workforce programs that provide internships, apprenticeship, skills-training programs, or offer scholarships to students. The Gateway is an ideal partner to direct students to these opportunities.“

Steve Schiffman, president and CEO, Advanced Textiles Association (ATA), agreed, stating:  “We are very excited to partner with the Textile Gateway and support their education and outreach programs. Workforce development in the textile industry is a critical initiative and one that requires collaboration between textile-related trade associations, and other like-minded organizations/partnerships.”

David Parkes, founder and CEO, Concept III Textiles, concurred: “For the Textile/Apparel industries to present mature ideas and innovations in the future, we need TheTextileGateway.org as a platform where high schools, and entry-level college students can have exposure to the many careers and exciting opportunities these industries provide.”

Family & Consumer Science (FACS) programs and Career and Technical Education (CTE) curriculums for middle and high schools often lack resources for textiles. So, little is being done to educate young students about textiles and its many career paths. Swantko added: “We’ve met with administrators involved with FACS/CTE programs, who are excited to hear about what we’re doing and want to know how they can help. There is a real opportunity to promote the textile industry through schools across the USA.”

This is a platform where teachers can interact, share ideas and lesson plans, connect online with the industry, or arrange school visits. Ann Dietchman, supervisor of Family & Consumer Science Education (FCSE), for North Dakota’s Department of CTE (Career and Technical Education), is eager to work with TTG, and sums up the program in this way:  “The Textile Gateway program brings exciting opportunities for our students taking textile and clothing classes, by linking education to the textile/apparel business world.  This resource has long been needed for our FCSE programs.”

Posted: July 17, 2024

Source: FabricLink Network (FLN) / TheTextileGateway.org (TTG)

Cygnet Texkimp Supplies Versatile Filament Winding Cell To TWI’s Materials Integrity Centre

CHESHIRE, England — July 17, 2024 — Composites technology company Cygnet Texkimp has supplied a multi-mode filament winding cell to TWI’s Materials Integrity Centre in Middlesbrough, England.

The technology will be used to develop, validate and commercialize new composite materials and parts, including high-performance pressure vessels and pipes for the aerospace, nuclear and hydrogen markets.

TWI is a membership-based global research and technology organization offering R&D support and engineering, materials and joining technologies at 18 sites worldwide, delivered by more than 800 scientists, engineers, consultants and support staff. Its Materials Integrity Centre is a state-of-the-art laboratory and world-leading test facility part funded by the European Regional Development Fund to provide specialist materials and engineering support to businesses in the North East of England.

Cygnet Texkimp supplies filament winding cell to TWI 2024

The cell delivered by Cygnet Texkimp consists of a filament winding machine, driven fiber unwinding creel and pneumatic mandrel extraction technology. It is designed to run in a number of modes and can be modified to accommodate different resins and materials, with an adaptable wet-out system and wet winding capability to trial and optimize new resin formulations.

The machine can wind four tows simultaneously and each tow has its own tension control unit and dancer arm to regulate tension. This, coupled with a bespoke fiber handling and delivery system, enables accurate winding at higher tensions and speeds. The machine developed for TWI is currently capable of winding dry fibers and towpregs at tensions in excess of 100 Newtons, but with simple modifications, and depending on the fiber being wound, can be engineered to produce much higher tension in the region of 200 to 300 Newtons.

Mihalis Kazilas, Business Group manager of TWI’s Materials Performance and Integrity Group said: “The new centre combines the industrial expertise of TWI in the area of non-metallics testing and evaluation with the academic excellence of Teesside University in net-zero technologies. Together, TWI and Teesside University will support local businesses and enterprises in the development of new products and services that will contribute to the growth objectives of the Tees Valley Social Economic Plan.”

Amir Khamsehnezhad, Section manager at TWI’s Polymers & Composite Services Section, said: “The filament winder is a key piece of equipment that will help TWI deliver research and manufacturing projects on composite pipes and tanks. The equipment is already playing a role as part of a bid for the European Space Agency (ESA) to develop SMART manufacturing technology.”

Gareth Davies, International sales manager at Cygnet Texkimp, explains how the machine’s engineering makes it ideal for TWI’s R&D programmes: “A crucial feature of this highly versatile, multi-mode winding cell is the ease with which it can be modified and customised by TWI, giving the organization and its partners a very flexible resource to carry out effective product development and optimization.

“As with all our machines, the way the fibers are handled and guided through the cell is critical to the quality and performance of the end product. Because this machine has been designed to look after the fibers throughout the process, TWI and its partners can achieve higher production speeds and fiber tensions, which in turn leads to lighter, thinner parts.”

Posted: July 17, 2024

Source: Cygnet Texkimp

Rieter Places 700 Autoconer X6 Winders At Shanghai Digital Intelligence World Industrial Technology Group Co., Ltd. (DIW)

WINTERTHUR, Switzerland — July 16, 2024 — On July 16, 2024, Rieter and Shanghai Digital Intelligence World Industrial Technology Group Co. Ltd. (DIW) have signed a purchase contract for more than 700 of the company’s winding machines Autoconer X6. This represents the largest order in the history of Rieter China. The agreement also strengthens the strategic partnership between the two companies that aims to develop state-of-the-art spinning operations and achieve unprecedented levels of quality, productivity and efficiency.

(Back row) Thomas Oetterli, CEO Rieter Group (left); Roger Albrecht, Head of Business Group Machines & Systems (Front row, from left to right): Liu Yifang, Vice Chairman, Shanghai Digital Intelligence World Industrial Technology Co., Ltd.; Michael Hubensteiner, Country Managing Director Rieter China; Michael Wang, Senior Vice President, Rieter Sales China

DIW has placed an order for more than 700 of Rieter’s winding machines Autoconer X6. The winding machine serves as the final quality assurance in the ring spinning and compact-spinning process and is key to the performance of subsequent process steps. With its outstanding productivity, intelligent process automation, excellent splicing and winding quality, the Autoconer X6 is widely recognized in the market. The order will help DIW strengthen the vertical integration of its operations and accelerate its growth strategy in the cotton spinning industry, further underpinning its leading position in global markets. This order follows the initial batch placed in March 2024, when Rieter and DIW signed their first strategic partnership to develop intelligent yarn manufacturing technology that utilizes digitization and automation to minimize conversion costs and maximize value for customers.

Liu Yifang, vice chairman, Shanghai Digital Intelligence World Industrial Technology Group Co., Ltd., said: “This partnership is a win-win for both companies. With our vertically integrated manufacturing operations, we are building some of the world’s most advanced spinning operations which will ideally position us for growth in this industry. Together we will further enhance the overall operational efficiency of DIW, creating a major player in cotton spinning.”

Michael Hubensteiner, Country managing director Rieter China, said: “With its high- performance winding machines, Rieter will help DIW meet its steadily growing demand and requirements for higher operational efficiency. The renewed cooperation will further amplify our shared strengths, position us to capture growth opportunities together and enable long-term and stable cooperation between Rieter and DIW.”

Posted: July 16, 2024

Source: Rieter Holding Ltd.

Trelleborg Announces Engineered Coated Fabrics Investment Exceeding $30 Million In North Carolina

RUTHERFORDTON, N.C. — July 10, 2024 — Global engineered polymer group Trelleborg has announced a greenfield development for its engineered coated fabrics operations in Gateway West Commerce Park in Rutherford County, N.C.

The site, part of Rutherford County’s development vision for advanced manufacturing, will be Trelleborg’s second major facility in the area and is expected to cement Trelleborg’s position both as an industry leader and as a major local employer.

In addition to investments in state-of-the-art production capabilities Trelleborg will further invest in ensuring that the building and its operations are at the forefront of sustainability. The initial investment exceeds $30 million.

“By investing in sustainability as well as capacity, we will be better positioned to meet our customers’ needs and have a positive impact on our local community,” said Steve Brockman, president of Trelleborg Engineered Coated Fabrics. “Our new facility will be built to achieve LEED certification, and our operations will be carbon neutral and emit zero emissions. This investment helps us expand our use of bio-based polymers and recycled raw materials, aiding Trelleborg and our customers in meeting their product circularity targets.”

“I would like to thank Trelleborg for its continued investment and commitment to our community” said Rutherford County Board of Commissioners Chairman Bryan King. “As one of the county’s top employers, and a valued partner in community initiatives, this expansion underscores Trelleborg’s dedication to Rutherford County. “

“Trelleborg was the first corporate sponsor of our new Engineering Technology and Workforce Development Building and is a key partner in our international student exchange program,” added Dr. Margaret Annunziata, Isothermal Community College president. “We have a long history working with Trelleborg and are so excited about this new investment and its close proximity to our college.”

Brockman continued, “Our partnerships with local governments and Isothermal Community College have been instrumental in our decision to locate the new facility here. We have collaborated with Isothermal Community College for over twenty years. This new facility will strengthen our collaboration with the college and other local stakeholders, ensuring we continue to build a skilled workforce and drive economic development in the region. We hope our investment will expand career opportunities within the local community and attract further investments from other multinational companies.”

Trelleborg expects to break ground on the new facility in Q4 2024 and start production in Q1 2026.

Posted: July 16, 2024

Source: Trelleborg

Crystal International’s First-Ever Modernization Centre Amplifies Intelligence With Digitalization

HONG KONG — July 15, 2024 — Crystal International Group Ltd. has been widely adopting cutting-edge automation and technology throughout the operations at the forefront. To accelerate automation solutions and bolster innovation, Crystal International invests in and newly establishes its first-ever Modernization Centre in Vietnam, achieving manufacturing excellence with combined expertise.

Crystal International amplifies digitalization throughout the operations.

With the presence of key brand customers at the grand opening ceremony, the two-floor Modernization Centre serves as Crystal’s innovation hub of automated machine development and manufacturing. Following the inauguration of the centre, the group aims to further modernize all aspects of manufacturing process including cutting, value-added process, sewing, and finishing, through digital and automated solutions. The centre also heavily integrates advanced data analytics systems into operations, underlining the group’s commitment to continuous innovation.

The Modernization Centre with testing and piloting is where the innovation sparks.

The Modernization Centre consists of two main areas, one is a smartLAB where machine development and manufacturing, robotic development, as well as custom-making testing and simulation are taken place. Another area showcases various automated applications and digitized techs, including machine modifications and enhancements, robotic loading and unloading, fabric handling and auto-assembly. Going beyond, the team is planning to expand the centre to allow for developments to be piloted in a production environment that will be equipped with the latest technologies, in order to expedite the scaling up.

Leveraging automated solutions, the company spends 15% less time to make a basic t-shirt since 2020.

In addition to the demonstrated techs at the Modernization Centre, the group also deploys digitalization along the entire manufacturing process, such as digitized printing techniques, auto-sewing, automated heat transfer, auto-ironing, and auto-folding. Artificial intelligence is utilized during inspection, prototyping, and sorting processes. All advanced modernization initiatives help the company to streamline the operation and earn a winning edge.

Crystal International is resolute in the pursuit of digitalization and manufacturing excellence. This new step is imperative for the Group’s digital transformation journey. To stay competitive in light of the evolving expectations from brand customers, the Group is paying tremendous effort in developing innovative solutions and leveraging our strength, which boost operational efficiency and productivity.

Process digitalization is strengthened at different manufacturing processes.

Building on the success of the Modernisation Centre in Vietnam, the team will work closely with different factories to apply and upgrade process digitalization. Crystal International will continue to unleash the power of innovation and automation, with a view to becoming a smarter, more intelligent enterprise globally.

Posted: July 16, 2024

Source: Crystal International Group Limited

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