Industry News | 3/1/23
Hanna Andersson and Carhartt Explain Why They Got into Resale
Sourcing Journal | March 1, 2023
Hanna Andersson's Jen Reed, SVP of Global Sourcing & Chief Sustainability Officer: "We are consistently looking for innovative ways to lead as a sustainable childrenswear brand and approach sustainable practices from new angles. We’re currently working with select manufacturers to transition conventional cotton fields to regenerative, a project we’re incredibly passionate about as a brand who’s most iconic product is organic cotton PJs."
IAF & SPESA to Host 38th World Fashion Convention in Philadelphia
Fibre2Fashion | February 28, 2023
IAF & SPESA announced plans for its upcoming 38th World Fashion Convention being held in Philadelpia, October 23-25, 2023. The theme of the convention is ‘Our Industry in Transition: Building Stronger, Smarter, and More Sustainable Supply Chains’. The 2023 edition of the convention aims to bring together the full global supply chain, including U.S., Canadian, and European brands; (Latin) American, European, African, and Asian manufacturers, as well as solution and technology providers, educators, and policymakers. About 300 delegates from over 20 countries are expected to attend the event.
Alamance Community College Committed to Diverse Growth Opportunities, Workforce Development (Sponsored)
Triangle Business Journal | February 28, 2023
The Alamance County apprenticeship program is a joint partnership between Alamance Community College, Alamance-Burlington Schools, and more than two dozen businesses. It allows high school students and adults to matriculate through ACC while simultaneously working and earning as apprentices in the local community. "We have a huge list of companies that we work with daily, in their consistent desire to use the college’s business and industry training division for training,” said Louis Judge, Associate VP of Corporate Education & Economic Development. SPESA member American & Efird's parent company Elevate Textiles is a participant in this initiative.
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | Twine, Adapting the Textile Industry to the 21st Century, Multiple Cones of Thread & Yarn at a Time
Haaretz Labels
SPESA member Twine Solutions, an Israeli-based company, is changing the game of thetraditional, resource-intensive, thousand-year-old dyeing process. Adi Mandel, Director of Marketing and Goor Moshe, Business Development Manager, sat down with Haaretz Labels to explain how a hand towel started a revolution. “The print industry went through a huge digital revolution,” says Mandel. “Yet somehow the textile industry lagged behind. The machines might be bigger and faster, but the work, for the most part, is still being done much like it was hundreds of years ago.”
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | Former Fashion Reporter Creates Baby Brand Stina & Mae in Fall River
CBS Boston
Local CBS affiliate profiles the founder & CEO of baby fashion brand Stine & Mae, Mishell Ekunsirinde. The story highlights Ekunsirinde transition from fashion journalism to entrepreneurship. Most notably, it talks about Ekunsirinde drive to keep her Stine & Mae production lines local. All Stina & Mae products are sewn at Merrow Manufacturing in Fall River, MA where Ekunsirinde could ensure workers were paid fair and livable wages. Merrow Manufacturing is part of the Merrow Group, along with SPESA member Merrow Sewing Machine Company.
House Panel Lays Out ‘Existential Struggle’ with China in Primetime Debut
The Hill | February 28, 2023
The committee, which was established by a bipartisan vote to run for the tenure of the 118th Congress, is an ambitious attempt by lawmakers to craft the next generation of U.S. policy towards China. One major topic of discussion: the future of trade between the U.S. and China. Specifically, the panel discussed China’s “poor” trade performance which was recently presented to Congress in a report from the USTR.
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | Groz-Beckert Discusses Goals & Missions at Seminar in Bangladesh
Fibre2Fashion
Representatives from Groz-Beckert recently visited Bangladesh University of Textiles to deliver a technical seminar, aimed to discuss the company's goals, mission, vision, and technological advancements. During the seminar, Groz-Beckert Managing Director Andreas Dietz shared that the company is making a mark in different value chain systems.
Techtextil North America and Texprocess Americas 2023: Performance, Function, Future
Just Style | February 27, 2023
“Development in future-oriented fields such as 3D design, blockchain, and advanced processes are providing multi-faceted insights for businesses to upgrade their shop floors. Techtextil North America and Texprocess Americas will serve as the ideal industry meeting point to see these advancements in person," said Kristy Meade, VP of Technical Shows at Messe Frankfurt North America. Techtextil North America and Texprocess Americas 2023 will take place May 10-12, 2023 in Atlanta, GA. Check out additional coverage here and here.
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | AFFOA Appoints Elisabeth B. Reynolds, Ph.D., to its Board of Directors
Press Release
SPESA's Associate Member AFFOA recently announced the addition of Elisabeth B. Reynolds, Ph.D., to its Board of Directors. The Institute’s newest board member brings a wealth of knowledge in supply chain management, government policy, and manufacturing/industrial strategy, having held positions in the White House as well as MIT. Reynolds’ expertise and background complement AFFOA’s current board, creating a highly knowledgeable and accomplished committee.
KARL MAYER North America Names Mariano Amezcua As New President
Press Release | February 27, 2023
Textile machinery manufacturer KARL MAYER North America has named industry veteran Mariano Amezcua as its new President. In this role, Amezcua will oversee business operations and strategic initiatives for the American subsidiary of the KARL MAYER GROUP. Amezcua previously served as president and CEO for SPESA member DAP America, Inc. He is a seasoned leader with more than 25 years of experience delivering sales and professional services for industrial automation and software applications.
Plea for Help: Third of Apparel, Textile Workers Affected by Türkiye Earthquakes
Just Style | February 23, 2023
International Apparel Federation (IAF) president and Turkish Clothing Manufacturers’ Association (TGSD) vice-chair, Cem Altan, talks about the significant impact of Turkey's recent earthquakes on the apparel industry and seeks donations to help garment workers have a place to live and work once again. Altan notes that donations will serve the ultimate goal of providing employment in the region, and will help to start manufacturing again in full capacity. Additional coverage about the earthquake's impact on the apparel and textile industries can be found here and here.
Manufacturing Solutions Center Helping Start-ups Find Footing, Soar
eTextileCommunications | February 23, 2023
Since 1990 the Manufacturing Solutions Center (MSC) at Catawba Valley Community College has offered innumerable services to manufacturing clients. Its Incubator Program allows companies to set up pilot manufacturing facilities in the Center. More than a decade old, the program allows new companies to manufacture product onsite as well as have access to the MSC’s numerous equipment, resources and services.
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | DTG Printing Machinery SS/2023 Review: Stellar Growth and New Technologies to Explore
WhatTheyThink
Stellar growth in the use of direct-to-garment (DTG) digital textile printing machinery continues to provide a unique and highly successful business model, gaining traction worldwide. As a technology built to deliver speed to market, it’s built for on-demand production and as such sustainable manufacturing—driving down inventory and production costs. Check out this article from WhatTheyThink that features key players in the DTG marketplace, including SPESA member Brother's GTX Pro + DTG inks.
Mexico Moves to Prohibit Imports of Goods Made with Forced Labor
ST&R Trade Report | February 22, 202
Mexico recently issued a resolution establishing a process for prohibiting imports of specific goods found to be made with forced labor. The U.S. has banned such imports for decades and Canada implemented a similar ban in July 2020. Under this resolution, which will take effect in May, Mexican citizens or entities established in Mexico may submit petitions to prohibit imports of specific goods on the grounds that they are made with forced labor. Check out additional coverage here.
Next Technical Textiles Powerhouse? India
Sourcing Journal | February 22, 2023
India’s Ministry of Textiles unlocked $3.89 million for 15 research and development projects aimed at growing the South Asian nation’s prowess in materials beyond the cotton staples it’s known for. The 322.50-million-rupee investment covers key strategic areas such as specialty fibers, protective textiles, high-performance textiles, geotextiles, medical textiles, sustainable textiles, and textiles for building materials. The funds were part of the 14.80 billion rupees ($179 million) budget approved by the Indian government in 2020.
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | Beena Miriam Scheer Promoted to Collaboration Officer, Tukatech
Press Release
SPESA member Tukatech recently announced the promotion of Beena Miriam Scheer to Collaboration Officer. Scheer has spent over 15 years in the fashion industry. Her background includes sewing and a formal tailoring education, and she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Product Development while living in her home country of Germany. Later when she moved to Spain, she earned a Master’s degree in Fashion Management, with an emphasis in marketing, retail, and communication.
Under Armour’s Inventory Up 50% as Supply Chain loosen
Supply Chain Dive | February 21, 2023
More efficiency and lower costs in Under Armour’s supply chain was a bright spot in a quarter otherwise challenged by slowing demand and high inventory levels across the sector, which executives described as “bloated” and “stagnant” on its earnings call. Lower freight costs — driven by an improving ocean landscape and reduced air freight — made a positive impact on Under Armour’s gross margin of 40 basis points.
Why "Made in China" is Becoming "Made in Mexico"
The New York Times Podcast | February 21, 2023
The great supply chain disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic scrambled the shipping system across the Pacific. Although mostly over, the turmoil has led to alterations in the way the global economy functions. One such change can be seen in Mexico, where companies from China are increasingly setting up shop. Check out this podcast episode from the New York Times to hear more on significant shifts taking place within the global economy.
SPESA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | How Jimmy Carter's Push for Macon Zipper Manufacturer Plant Turned into a Lifelong Friendship
CBS Affiliate WMAZ
This is a fun throwback. SPESA member YKK will soon be celebrating its 50 years in Bibb County, Georgia. According to a recent story from Macon, GA's CBS affiliate WMAZ, this milestone would not have been possible without the help of former President Jimmy Carter. "I don't think we would be here if it weren't for Jimmy Carter and for his desire to do something that was relatively new," said Marty Timms, YKK's VP of Manufacturing. Click below to read more and see some photos of President Carter with the YKK team over the years.
ICYMI | Davos 2023: PCA Hosts Dialogue on Supply Chain Integration with Amb. Katherine Tai, Microsoft's Brad Smith, Mastercard's Mike Froman, and PCA’s Jonathan Fantini Porter
Press Release | February 10, 2023
At Davos 2023, the World Economic Forum (WEF) and the Partnership for Central America (PCA) hosted CEOs and senior government officials in a strategic dialogue on investment and social impact opportunities in Northern Central America–the first discussion on this region in the Forum’s history. “The PCA is a vehicle to facilitate and coordinate diverse actors across industry and government to create economic opportunities and support the enabling environment necessary to sustain opportunities for the most vulnerable in this region,” said Jonathan Fantini-Porter, Executive Director and CEO of the PCA. Fantini-Porter will serve as the keynote for the upcoming SPESA Executive Conference in San Juan.
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