The NEEDLE'S EYE... Trends and Technologies Driving the Sewn Products Industry
The Needle's Eye - June 1970
- The front cover of this issue of THE NEEDLE'S EYE is the third of our 1970 series featuring fibers. This month we take a close look at man’s attempts to imitate or improve upon nature … with man-made fibers.
- Man-made fibers, also known as synthetic fibers, are a class of textiles created entirely from chemical substances. Unlike natural fibers such as cotton, wool, hemp, or silk, these fibers are produced in laboratories or factories. They offer a wide range of properties and are used in various applications, from clothing to other sewn goods and industrial materials.
- An enlarged view of almost all types of man-made fibers will show smooth glass-like strands. Fabrics that have a radically different look and feel may be made from these similar strands by combing, brushing, or cutting them in different ways. In this manner, fabrics as fuzzy as wool, sheer as silk, or soft as cotton can be produced. Variations in the actual chemical content of the fibers produce fabrics that may be sun, moth, water, mildew or wrinkle proof, fire or foam, or even chemical resistant, with low or high tensile strength.
- Most man-made fibers begin in liquid form. These liquids vary from simple cellulose obtained from wood pulp (which ends up as rayon) to exotic combinations of petroleum, limestone, coal, natural gas, water, air, and other substances. It is also possible to produce fibers from such diverse substances as peanuts, milk, basalt stone, and even chicken feathers.
- The liquids are turned into fibers by being forced through the fifteen or more tiny holes of a spinneret, as illustrated on this month’s cover. A liquid stream appears and is solidified by a chemical bath or air current. These hardened filaments may be further processed or twisted directly into thread or yarn.
- Man-made fibers are not specifically intended to replace those of nature, but to complement them, resulting in a greater choice of fabrics for the consumer.
Industry Opinion
AI Can Be Used to Support Frontline Workers and Drive Innovation
by Frank Henderson, Henderson Sewing Machine Co. and Dave Gardner, The Needle's Eye
- Productivity is great, but your best improvement ideas and solutions will come from your front-line workers, therefore, using AI to free up their time and use their mental energy can pay huge dividends.
- Front-line workers are often deeply familiar with the practical challenges and opportunities in daily operations. They can provide valuable insights for improvements, but they need the mental bandwidth to focus on these creative or problem-solving tasks. Using AI to handle repetitive, mundane, or time-consuming tasks can be a game-changer. It not only improves productivity but also empowers workers to think critically, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to organizational growth.
- Here are some ways AI can be used to support frontline workers and drive innovation:
- ● Data Analysis and Insights: AI can quickly analyze large datasets to identify trends, patterns, and potential issues. This can help frontline workers make more informed decisions and identify opportunities for improvement.
- ● Task Automation: AI can automate repetitive tasks, freeing up frontline workers' time to focus on higher-value activities. For example, AI can be used to automate data entry, scheduling, or customer service inquiries.
- ● Predictive Maintenance: AI can predict equipment failures before they occur, reducing downtime and improving efficiency. This can help frontline workers proactively address maintenance issues and prevent disruptions.
- ● Virtual Assistance: AI-powered virtual assistants can provide support to frontline workers, answering questions, providing information, and even completing tasks on their behalf.
On-the-job AI
- Augmenting capabilities: AI-powered tools can automate routine tasks, freeing up frontline workers to focus on more complex and strategic work. This can lead to increased job satisfaction and a sense of empowerment.
- Providing real-time support: AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants can provide immediate support and guidance to frontline workers, helping them to resolve issues quickly and efficiently. This can reduce stress and improve job performance.
By investing in AI, organizations can create a more supportive and empowering environment for their frontline workers, leading to increased innovation, productivity, and overall success.
C and C Enterprise has teamed up with JACK, one of the world’s finest industrial sewing machine manufacturers, to form Jack of the Americas. Jack of the Americas distributes JACK machines throughout North America, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean Basin. When you buy from Jack of The Americas, we don’t just ship you a box! We help you get set up and answer any questions you may have! With over 100 years of combined experience in the industrial sewn products industry, we are proud to say that we are one of the world’s leading industrial sewing products authorities and are here to serve you! Not sure if Jack is right for you? Click on the button below for a short video showing off some of our machines. Watch it and see what Jack can do for you!
The Pathfinder M-Series® range of automated cutting machines is known for precision, very high productivity, reliability, and lowest power consumption. All 16 models are easily configured to suit most cutting applications, and, thanks to clever design, Pathfinder cutters require very little maintenance to continually deliver exceptional cut quality over a long working life.
UpFront with Mackey McDonald
Kontoor Brands Honors Mackey McDonald
On October 10, current Kontoor Brands President, CEO/Chairman of the Board Scott Baxter inaugurated Kontoor’s Hall of Fame with the induction of former VF Corporation Chairman and CEO, Mackey J. McDonald, who was recognized for his impactful leadership with the company and the greater Greensboro, North Carolina community.
Mackey McDonald had a distinguished career with VF Corporation that spanned more than 25 years, including 11 years as CEO and 10 years as Chairman of the Board. One of McDonald’s notable achievements was relocating the organization’s global headquarters to Greensboro in 1998.
McDonald is best known for his tenure as the Chairman and CEO of VF Corporation, one of the largest apparel companies in the world, known for owning iconic brands like The North Face, Vans, Wrangler, Dickies, and Timberland. McDonald served as CEO from 1996 until 2008, guiding the company through a period of substantial growth, brand expansion, and transformation. Read More >
Mackey McDonald (left) and Scott Baxter
Industry Technologies
Axiom Space, Prada Unveil Spacesuit Design for Moon Return
At the International Astronautical Congress in Milan, Italy Axiom Space and Prada revealed for the first time the flight design of the Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU) spacesuit that will be used for NASA’s Artemis III mission.
The outer-layer design and materials work was jointly developed starting when the two industry leaders came together, blending creativity and engineering to enhance the next-generation spacesuit design.
“Our elite teams have redefined spacesuit development, establishing new pathways to innovative solutions and applying a state-of-the-art design approach for the AxEMU,” said Matt Ondler, Axiom Space President. “We have broken the mold. The Axiom Space-Prada partnership has set a new foundational model for cross-industry collaboration, further expanding what’s possible in commercial space.”
During development, Axiom Space used a dark cover layer for display purposes only to conceal the suit’s proprietary technology. However, the spacesuit worn on the lunar surface will be made from a white material that reflects heat and protects astronauts from extremely high temperatures and lunar dust.
The single AxEMU architecture is evolvable, scalable, and adaptable for missions on the lunar surface and in low-Earth orbit (LEO). The AxEMU has significant advancements in safety, mobility, sizing, and performance.
Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada Group Chief Marketing Officer and Head of Corporate Social Responsibility said, “Going beyond our limits is one of the company’s values that perfectly reflects the spirit of the Prada brand and my parents’ vision. I’m very proud of the result we’re showing today, which is just the first step in a long-term collaboration with Axiom Space. Read More >
Diamond Needle Corp., Founded in 1951, is one of the world’s largest distributors of sewing machine needles. Our alliance with ORGAN NEEDLE CO. of Japan, as their exclusive North American distributor, gives us the backing of the world’s leading quality maker of sewing machine needles.
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In 2021, Merrow, a 183-year-old, 8th-generation family-owned company based in Fall River, Massachusetts, with centuries-long expertise in sewing and textiles, expanded its wholesale supply business by acquiring the assets and business operations of Superior Sewing Machine & Supply LLC. Through this acquisition, Merrow positions itself as the largest wholesale supplier of technical parts and supply items for the sewn products industry in the Western Hemisphere.
Superior Sewing will be run as an independent company with its Headquarters in Fall River, Massachusetts, and offices in Miami and Los Angeles. It is fully committed to providing independent dealers and distributors worldwide with extraordinary customer service, one-stop shopping, and the most extensive portfolio of in-stock products in its market.
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Americas 21st — all-in-one supplier for Sewing Manufacturing Equipment, Automation, Training, Design, and Services!
PatternFast Transforms the Fashion Industry with AI Software for Instantly Manufacturable Apparel
San Mater, California-based PatternFast has launched a first-of-its-kind platform, designed to transform the fashion industry by enabling instantly manufacturable apparel through advanced artificial intelligence, machine learning, and proprietary algorithms. The company aims to disrupt traditional apparel design processes, equipping designers and brands with the tools to bring their visions to life quickly, effortlessly, cost-effectively, and sustainably.
In an industry where speed-to-market, costs, and sustainability are critical, PatternFast provides a state-of-the-art solution that streamlines design and product development workflows. It addresses the most labor-intensive aspects of garment design – including pattern drafting, fitting, sizing (grading), and tech packs. By harnessing the power of AI, designers can create, develop, and visualize their designs in mere minutes, eliminating the lengthy back-and-forth typical of traditional product development, which can take anywhere from 36 hours to 18 months. Read More >
Alfred J. Beerli - Photo: OEKO-TEX
C and C Enterprise is the United States agency for Highlead sewing machines. These high-quality machines are available for your sewing needs and are sold only through local dealers and distributors. If you want more information on the Highlead brand, please feel free to contact us. www.candcenterprise.com
Tukatech and Tronog Join Forces to Leverage AI and Provide Photorealistic Virtual Garments
For almost two decades, Tukatech has strived to help apparel companies eliminate physical samples from the product development process with their industry-leading 3D sample-making software, TUKA3D. With their new partnership with EcoShot by Ljubljana, Slovenia-based Tronog, current and future TUKA3D users can showcase true-to-life 3D virtual garments on photorealistic digital models.
Tukatech has been the only 3D fashion technology company proven to reduce fit and look samples, but physical samples were often still used for sales and e-commerce photography. With TUKA3D’s integrations with EcoShot, this last hurdle has been overcome, with results that mimic what can be achieved with costly traditional photoshoots. Read More >
Henderson Sewing Machine Co. serves the textile and sewn products industries with an incredible range of products, automation, and technology. Our team provides the highest quality products, superior customer service, and amazing automated systems, in the ever-evolving world of business.
Kornit Digital Empowers Hybrid Digital to Fuel its Next Stage of Business Growth
Rosh HaAyin, Israel-based Kornit Digital LTD., a worldwide market leader in sustainable, on-demand digital fashion and textile production technologies, announced today that Hybrid Digital, a division of Hybrid Apparel – an industry-leading wholesaler of fashion licensed apparel and partner to major online retailers and wholesale retailers like Walmart, Target and Kohl’s – is adding Kornit Apollo to its current Kornit Atlas MAX production lines. The expanded adoption will further the company’s screen to digital transformation – key to leveraging digital production as its competitive edge and powering new customer expectations for rapid delivery. Read More >
Industry Report Review
Under The Banyan Tree: Buyers and Suppliers in Fashion
Author: John S. Thorbeck, Chainge Capital / Reviewer: Dave Gardner, The Needle’s Eye
Fashion is often seen as a major contributor to environmental issues, with unsold garments adding to the waste. Apparel manufacturers express a shared challenge, noting that “we can’t act green when we’re in the red.”
This highlights the urgent need for a common understanding of how business innovation can lead to meaningful, productive, and profitable transformation—an aim this report seeks to support.
This highlights the urgent need for a common understanding of how business innovation can lead to meaningful, productive, and profitable transformation—an aim this report seeks to support.
Under the Banyan Tree is designed and commissioned as a catalyst to articulate an alternative approach to the over-reliance on lowest-cost global sourcing.
Under the Banyan Tree takes an ambitious stance, calling for substantial, transformative changes to create real value across the industry. The focus is on the business model itself, not operational improvement. It is an agenda aligned with the UN’s Sustainability Development Goals for 2030.
As one leading analyst puts it, “Everything is becoming commoditized and uber-competitive. Supply chain evolution is the only way out.”
Read More >
Banyan is a Portuguese word for the Bodhi Tree, under which Buddha attained enlightenment. The banyan symbolizes Asia’s spirituality and its entrepreneurialism. In its shade is a gathering place of village learning and where merchants conduct business.
Industry News
Bangladesh Government Dissolves BGMEA Board
The interim government of Bangladesh recently dissolved the board of directors of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA). This decision was made in response to ongoing internal disputes and allegations of corruption within the organization. The interim government has appointed Md Anwar Hossain, vice chairman of the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), as the administrator and must hold a "free and fair election" within 120 days.
Local reports indicate that a government circular was issued on October 20. The circular outlines that Hossain will organize a “free and fair” election within 120 days, after which the newly-elected leadership will take over. Read More >
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Ecuador’s Leading Textile Association Launches New Initiative, Paving the Way For The Industry’s Digital Transformation On Its 80th Anniversary
The global textile industry is undergoing significant digital transformation, driven by increasingly technologically savvy clients. Recognizing the need to adapt to these new demands, The Association of Textile Manufacturers of Ecuador (AITE), sought innovative solutions to assist their members in digitizing their product portfolio and enhancing operational efficiency. Montreal-based Tengiva, the technological provider in this initiative, has been instrumental in this transition, offering the necessary tools for AITE members to thrive in a digital world.
This strategic partnership began last year when Camilo Ontaneda Pinto, president of AITE met Tengiva’s team and its co-founders Carlos Agudelo (COO) and Annie Cyr (CEO), at ITMA 2023. Ontaneda quickly realized that Tengiva, a technology company providing cutting-edge solutions for the textile supply chain, was the ideal partner to revive a major association project that had been put on hold for over three years due to the global pandemic.
Read More >
Lectra Propels Fashion Brands and Manufacturers Into A New Technological Era With The Launch of Valia Fashion
Lectra has announced the launch of Valia Fashion, its new intelligent digital platform designed for the fashion industry. It combines the power of artificial intelligence and Lectra’s unique expertise in fashion.
Valia Fashion connects, automates, and streamlines each stage of apparel production, from order processing to fabric cutting, while optimizing the use of materials. It revolutionizes the fashion ecosystem by breaking down the barriers between the various industrialization and production processes to better meet the requirements of brands, manufacturers, and subcontractors.
Read More >
Dominican Textile Sector Raises Concerns Over Proposed Tax Reform
The Dominican Federation of Textile Workers (Fedotex) voiced concerns on Wednesday regarding the potential negative impact of the newly proposed tax reform on the country’s textile sector. Fedotex President Eduardo Grullón acknowledged that tax reform is necessary for economic stability, but emphasized that the proposed measures could disproportionately harm the textile industry, which is a key contributor to the national economy.
The federation pointed to Law 56-07, which designates the textile, clothing, footwear, and leather manufacturing sectors as national priorities. This legislation has been crucial for fostering competitiveness and supporting small, medium, and micro-enterprises in these industries. The elimination of tax exemptions, as proposed in the reform, could affect around 70,000 formal workers, posing a risk to the sector’s sustainability and job stability.
Fedotex urged the government to engage in dialogue with industry representatives to find balanced solutions that protect employment and ensure the continued growth of the textile sector. The federation stressed that maintaining a favorable business environment is essential to preserve the gains achieved through this priority status.
Source: dominicantoday.com
Atlanta Attachment Rebranded to Atlantic Automation
In June 2024 HSM Solutions, a leading provider of manufacturing solutions, announced plans to rebrand the Atlanta Attachment Company (AAC) business unit as Atlantic Automation Company and expand operations to North Carolina. This move leverages HSM's capabilities in Hickory to drive growth and innovation for customers.
The rebranding to Atlantic Automation Company represents more than a name change - it signifies bold steps toward innovation and excellence. Expanding operations to North Carolina allows the company to leverage existing HSM capabilities to lower costs, boost productivity, and deliver greater value.
"As we look to the future, we are filled with excitement and optimism about the possibilities ahead. The rebranding and expansion represent a new chapter defined by growth, innovation, and excellence" stated Mark S. Jones, Chief Executive Officer of HSM.
At the core of this transformation is an unwavering commitment to doing more for customers, stakeholders, and communities. By combining AAC and HSM synergies, the company is positioned to provide innovative solutions that exceed expectations and enable success.
"We are thrilled to embark on this exciting journey of transformation," said Trevor Fawbush, AAC General Manager. "This strategic move underscores our commitment to pushing innovation boundaries, delivering unparalleled value, and solidifying our leadership in manufacturing."
"We are thrilled to embark on this exciting journey of transformation," said Trevor Fawbush, AAC General Manager. "This strategic move underscores our commitment to pushing innovation boundaries, delivering unparalleled value, and solidifying our leadership in manufacturing."
SPESA Hosts Successful 2024 Executive Conference in Montréal, Marking Its First-Ever Event in Canada
The Sewn Products Equipment & Suppliers of the Americas (SPESA) hosted its 2024 Executive Conference Tuesday, October 8 through Thursday, October 10 in Montréal, Quebec, bringing together leaders in sewn products, textiles, and technology for productive and insightful discussions on the future of the industry. The event, which was hosted at Le Mount Stephen Hotel, featured attendees and speakers from 3 Canadian Provinces, 12 U.S. States, and 8 countries. Read More >
The Show Miami – Contemporary Concept for an Innovative Fashion Trade Event
by Markus Oess, editor-in-chief in chief FASHION TODAY EUROPE
In an exclusive interview Ivan Herjavec, President of The Show Miami, discussed with Markus Oess, publisher and editor-in-chief of leading European online platform FASHION TODAY, the innovative approach for their upcoming fashion trade show - set to debut in March 2025.
Ivan Herjavec over our Berlin live session elaborates on their unique strategy to integrate social commerce, the reasons behind choosing Miami, and the plans for establishing the show as a premier event in the fashion industry. The Show Miami aims to bridge the gap between wholesale and direct-to-consumer markets, providing a platform for international brands, especially from Germany and Europe, to penetrate the lucrative US market.
Markus Oess: Ivan, another trade show in a time when trade shows are struggling to gain traction and visitor numbers are declining worldwide. What do you plan to do differently? Read More >
Ivan Hervajec: “The Show Miami will bring buyers better selection of brands with a better diversity and options.”
Sustainability
eBay Expands Circular Fashion Fund: 1.2 Mio. US$ Investment Planned by the End of 2025
by Yvonne Heinen-Foudeh, Senior International Correspondent
The Circular Fashion Fund (CFF) of the e-commerce platform, which in the clothing and fashion sector markets both new and pre-loved products, is aimed at designers, start-ups, tech companies, pupils, and students who have ideas for promoting the circular economy in the fashion industry.
As part of eBay’s commitment to the circular economy, the global expansion of the CFF extends its reach to invest in businesses that bring new technology and services to the market and help people think and shop differently. eBay is transforming the buying and selling experience so that more brands, sellers, and buyers can participate in a circular fashion. Read More >
Fashion Council Germany joins ebays CFF community as of 2025.
Industry Events
JIAM 2024
JIAM 2024 OSAKA will be held at INTEX Osaka from Wednesday – Saturday, November 27-30, 2024, under the theme ‘It all connects at JIAM - the forefront of technology and master craftsmanship’. Many major manufacturers and organizations have expressed their participation in the trade show as exhibitors.
Since JIAM started accepting registrations for exhibitors in September 2023, they have received many inquiries from companies and organizations in Japan and overseas. As for overseas exhibitors, KRISHNA LAMICOAT PVT. LTD (India), INL International(Singapore), and 4 companies including new exhibitor Wuhan Golden Laser have applied from China which had travel restrictions due to COVID-19 at the last edition of JIAM in 2022.
JASMA will continuously promote JIAM 2024 OSAKA to the organizers, its exhibitors, and related organizations at industry-related trade shows held in Japan as well as at sewing-related trade shows. For upcoming fairs, DTG 2024 in Dhaka (Bangladesh) in February, DTC 2024 in Shenzhen (China) in March, and Texprocess (Frankfurt) 2024 in April.
JASMA will continuously promote JIAM 2024 OSAKA to the organizers, its exhibitors, and related organizations at industry-related trade shows held in Japan as well as at sewing-related trade shows. For upcoming fairs, DTG 2024 in Dhaka (Bangladesh) in February, DTC 2024 in Shenzhen (China) in March, and Texprocess (Frankfurt) 2024 in April.