Lectra, a world leader in integrated technology solutions dedicated to industries using soft materials—fabrics, leather, technical textiles and composite materials—recently held an event to discuss the challenges and benefits of producing clothing in the United States.
The Made in America event featured a panel of industry executives dedicated to domestic production, including Ashley Stone from Art Stone Enterprises, Tod Greenfield from Martin Greenfield Clothiers, Juan Zighelboim from Textiles Opico and Mike Todaro from the Americas Apparel Producers' Network (AAPN). The panelists shared their experiences and reasoning for keeping production close to their end consumers. Erin Kent from the Council of Fashion Designers of America also attended to share information on the Fashion Manufacturing Initiative (FMI), a program designed to help grow and sustain New York City fashion companies.
"At Martin Greenfield Clothiers, we are dedicated to our workforce and believe in fostering strong ties to the surrounding community," comments Tod Greenfield, VP of Manufacturing for Martin Greenfield Clothiers. "Our menswear is made-to-measure and of impeccable quality; we strive for better rather than cheaper when it comes to manufacturing."
"Art Stone produces 800 styles, 600 of which change on a yearly basis," adds Ashley Stone, VP of Operations for Art Stone Enterprises. "With that rate of change, it made sense for our business to maintain manufacturing process in the United States."
Maintaining or moving production to North America is not without its challenges as attendees debated issues such as identifying skilled labor. "You have to find the right relationship; there will be growing pains just as there were when manufacturing first moved to Asia," Ashley Stone clarifies.
"Within our network, we find that companies are seeking operational knowledge, trust and technology when it comes to manufacturing partners," says Mike Todaro, Managing Director for AAPN. "North America has an opportunity to be on the leading edge of technology and deliver the repeatability, speed and control that are necessary in this industry."
"Fashion and apparel companies around the world are being pressured to react quicker to trends. With a compressed timeline, executives are striving to move the product development and manufacturing processes closer to the market where consumers purchase products," explains Roy Shurling, President of Lectra North America. "The resurgence of the desire for American-made goods has put additional pressure on companies as they look for ways to gain control, increase speed and improve quality with domestic manufacturing. This is an important topic and one that can be addressed through the application of lean methodology with innovative technology."
For more information, please visit www.lectra.com
