SEAMS Association’s Post

Wilkie announces strategic partnership with SEAMS’ member Ocean State Innovations LOWELL, Mass. – Wilkie Technical Textiles, a global leader in advanced technical textile solutions, is delighted to announce a significant strategic partnership with Ocean State Innovations (OSI). OSI, renowned worldwide for its exceptional textile solutions, quality, and service, will now serve as the primary liaison for a variety of Wilkie America products manufactured in Lowell, MA. Wilkie America has unique capabilities for applying a broad range of polymer coatings onto textile substates for military, medical, workwear, automotive, and heat protection fabrics. Wilkie America draws on the expertise of the wider Wilkie group for spinning, weaving, and finishing of base fabrics. This collaboration marks a pivotal step in our journey towards growth and progress, leveraging the combined strengths of Wilkie and OSI to enhance our service offerings and deliver superior textile solutions to our valued customers. Read more: https://lnkd.in/ekvgnskr #AmericanTextiles #WeMakeAmazing #Yarns #Fibers #Fabric #Fashion #Knitting #Weaving #Nonwovens #Apparel #Sustainability #Sourcing #SupplyChain #CutAndSew #Textiles #FashionDesign #TechnicalFabrics #IndustrialFabrics #BuildingASupplyChainBridge #Nearshoring #Onshoring #MadeInAmerica #MadeInUSA

SEAMS Association member news: Savannah Luggage Works DON’T LET THE NAME FOOL YOU We are more – MUCH MORE – than a contract luggage manufacturer In fact, SLW is an All-American contract cut/sew manufacturer specializing in medium to heavy weight products for the military, law enforcement, commercial, and consumer products.   We've been in continuous operation for 46 years, with 3 plants, 450 sewing machines, high skill labor, and excellent onsite management.   All types of body armor vests for military, law enforcement, commercial, and consumer applications. We have made millions of these types of products. Other products would include assault packs, pouches, cases, covers, bags, medical devices/bags, book bags, tool bags, luggage, slings, straps, helmet covers, load bearing vests, laundry bags, tote bags, athletic bags, hand bags, camera bags, screen printing, embroidery, and a wide variety of custom-made cut/sewn products, all Made in America, and yes we can warehouse & drop- ship.   Generally speaking, we do not bid on Government contracts, however, many companies use our services as a sub to the prime. Call us, and we will show you how we can help you grow your business. SLW is Vietnam Veteran Owned, a Small Business, and HUB Zone Certified. Examples of work include: Military Products - Body Armor Vest, Assault Packs, Pouches, Cases, Covers, Tactical/Duty Belts, Slings & other related products. Industrial Products - Tool Bags, Sample bags/Cases, PPE, Medical/Healthcare products, Tents , Raw Material Bulk Bags, Sand Bags, & all types of custom work for your specific applications. Consumer Products - Luggage, Backpacks, Pet Products/Dog Beds, leashes/ collars, Coolers, Wallets, Golf Bags, Totes, Personal Gear Bags, Athletic Bags, Hunting Gear Bags, Gun Cases, Holsters, Fishing Bags & other related Consumer cut & sewn products. CONTACT US 1-800-673-6341 Ask for: Sherry Wilson – Sales & Marketing Allen Rice – President Sales@savannahluggage.com www.savannahluggage.com #AmericanTextiles #WeMakeAmazing #Yarns #Fibers #Fabric #Fashion #Knitting #Weaving #Nonwovens #Apparel #Sustainability #Sourcing #SupplyChain #CutAndSew #Textiles #FashionDesign #TechnicalFabrics #IndustrialFabrics #BuildingASupplyChainBridge #Nearshoring #Onshoring #MadeInAmerica #MadeInUSA

SEAMS Association member news Technology Oriented Value Creation at YKK USA Inc.: Empowering Solution for Success YKK is renowned for its high-quality zippers and other fastening solutions utilized in a wide range of manufacturing processes. Additionally, YKK offers consultation services to customers, assisting with new product development, process improvement, assembly services, and custom machinery. With over 80 years of experience in the industry, YKK has accumulated extensive know-how in sewing operations, waste reduction, and process improvement. Our core competencies span various areas of manufacturing, including brass wire production, wire stamping, textile weaving, injection molding, and extrusion.  At YKK, our primary focus is to partner with our customers to enhance the efficiency and quality of their products. We empower our customers to achieve new levels of productivity and competitiveness. Our Solutions Group is dedicated to solving our customers’ problems and helping their businesses grow. Our comprehensive services span process improvement, collaborative development, and custom machinery creation. These efforts have resulted in numerous customer success stories. For example, a tactical gear manufacturer achieved an impressive 90% reduction in labor using YKK’s customized sewing systems. These systems streamlined a previously complex six-step process down to just one step. Notably, the training curve also decreased in proportion to the labor reduction, all while maintaining quality and achieving consistency. Similarly, automotive manufacturers benefit from our innovative products, which reduce supply chain complexity, cut costs, and enhance product appearance. Our approach centers on the customer’s products and their unique manufacturing methods. We tailor customized solutions to seamlessly address growing demands. This approach not only highlights our adaptability and extensive manufacturing expertise but also underscores our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our customers and the market. To learn more about YKK and explore our fastening solutions case studies, collaborative tools, and custom machinery, visit: https://lnkd.in/eFCJS9-4 #AmericanTextiles #WeMakeAmazing #Yarns #Fibers #Fabric #Fashion #Knitting #Weaving #Nonwovens #Apparel #Sustainability #Sourcing #SupplyChain #CutAndSew #Textiles #FashionDesign #TechnicalFabrics #IndustrialFabrics #BuildingASupplyChainBridge #Nearshoring #Onshoring #MadeInAmerica #MadeInUSA #Zippers

SEAMS Association member National Industries for the Blind looking to purchase used equipment In search of two items 1) A used Bierrebi (8 years old or newer) 2 strand tubular cutting system with feeder unit, accessories to include: • Air cooling system • Photo eye kit for fabric accumulation 2) Spare parts, including display for our existing Bierrebi unit model LTE206-4S Contact John Richtarik: jrichtarik@iob-gso.com Joshua Gould: jgould@iob-gso.com #AmericanTextiles #WeMakeAmazing #Yarns #Fibers #Fabric #Fashion #Knitting #Weaving #Nonwovens #Apparel #Sustainability #Sourcing #SupplyChain #CutAndSew #Textiles #FashionDesign #TechnicalFabrics #IndustrialFabrics #BuildingASupplyChainBridge #Nearshoring #Onshoring #MadeInAmerica #MadeInUSA

SEAMS Association Member Spotlight: Devium USA In our latest edition of SEAMS Member Spotlight, Devium USA is highlighted. Sheri Benjamin, company Founder and “Wrangler-in-Chief,” answers our questions. Read: https://lnkd.in/eQSNVSeA #AmericanTextiles #WeMakeAmazing #Yarns #Fibers #Fabric #Fashion #Knitting #Weaving #Nonwovens #Apparel #Sustainability #Sourcing #SupplyChain #CutAndSew #Textiles #FashionDesign #TechnicalFabrics #IndustrialFabrics #BuildingASupplyChainBridge #Nearshoring #Onshoring #MadeInAmerica #MadeInUSA

In the recent issue of the SEAMS Association’s newsletter, a bimonthly blog series called the "X-Files" by Xochil Herrera Scheer, owner of The Chicago Pattern Maker, continues. In this installment, she writes: “Nearly two months have already passed since SEAMS’ Spring Conference, and I’ve been so busy I’ve hardly had a chance to fully reflect. However, I was glad to catch up with colleagues and meet a few new faces. In the weeks following, I had some great follow-up calls and virtual meets. “Now five years into my SEAMS journey, I’ve loved getting to know longtime members at events and tapping into their expertise and listening to their stories. I really love the introductions session – getting to hear what’s new with those I know, and making notes for who I need to meet this time around. The influx of new faces and growing diversity of attendees gets me excited. In the last year, the organization has gained several new members and many first-time attendees. I spoke with a few of them to better understand their motivations and goals and what brought them to SEAMS.” Read full blog: https://lnkd.in/e3hGbZph #AmericanTextiles #WeMakeAmazing #Yarns #Fibers #Fabric #Fashion #Knitting #Weaving #Nonwovens #Apparel #Sustainability #Sourcing #SupplyChain #CutAndSew #Textiles #FashionDesign #PatternMaking #Collaboration #BuildingASupplyChainBridge #Automation #Nearshoring #Onshoring #MadeInAmerica #MadeInUSA #EmpoweringTheMadeInAmericaMovement

100+ Bid Opportunities posted on the SEAMS Association website We currently have a wide variety of Bid Opportunities posted in our Member Only – Bid section of our website. Log in using your member username and password and hover over Members to find the Bids. Products include: ·               various types of cloth ·               flags ·               medical ·               patches ·               bags ·               various uniforms including band, police, fire, service ·               athletic wear ·               trousers ·               and more If you are not a current SEAMS member, have interest in learning more about these bid opportunities and the many other benefits of membership, please contact our office at 803-642-1111. www.seams.org #AmericanTextiles #WeMakeAmazing #Yarns #Fibers #Fabric #Fashion #Knitting #Weaving #WarpKnitting #Nonwovens #Apparel #Sustainability #Sourcing #SupplyChain #CutAndSew #Textiles #FashionDesign #TechnicalFabrics #IndustrialFabrics #SmartFabrics #BuildingASupplyChainBridge #Automation #Nearshoring #Onshoring #MadeInAmerica #MadeInUSA #EmpoweringTheMadeInAmericaMovement #Zippers #Fasteners #HookAndLoop #Thread

Attendees give SEAMS Association's Spring Networking Conference high marks SEAMS members took advantage of the numerous networking and educational opportunities at the association’s Spring Networking Conference recently at the Marina Inn at Grande Dunes in Myrtle Beach, S.C. The day before its first business session, SEAMS hosted a networking event at Topgolf Myrtle Beach. The two business sessions – one full day and one half day – featured several diverse subject matter experts who imparted useful information, enlightening data and key takeaways. Read more: https://lnkd.in/e8F8MHYb PIctured are past SEAMS' Presidents with current President Britt Moore of Minnesota Knitting Mills Inc. (L-R) Jeff Crisco, AEC Narrow Fabrics; Matt Poovey, Champion Thread Company; Jeoff Bodenhorst Jr., LACorp; Ron Roach, Contempora Fabrics; and Moore. #AmericanTextiles #WeMakeAmazing #Yarns #Fibers #Fabric #Fashion #Knitting #Weaving #Nonwovens #Apparel #Sustainability #Sourcing #SupplyChain #CutAndSew #Textiles #FashionDesign #BuildingASupplyChainBridge #Automation #Nearshoring #Onshoring #MadeInAmerica #MadeInUSA #EmpoweringTheMadeInAmericaMovement

SEAMS Association members participate in Advanced Textiles Association (ATA) Talking Textiles podcast: A discussion of growth and insight featuring women in the textile industry On this episode, we have an all-women's panel featuring Donielle Lorelli, Product Manager of Textiles at SEAMS’ member National Industries for the Blind, Kaylee Smith, Senior Sales Executive at SEAMS’ member MMI Textiles and Lindsay Zientek, Channel Account Manager at Gold Eagle Company. They discuss how they got their start in the textile industry, how they build and manage personal and professional relationships with colleagues, how they navigate a healthy work-life balance, the steps they take to manage burnout, and what's next in their careers. https://lnkd.in/eUqrvtjv #AmericanTextiles #WeMakeAmazing #Yarns #Fibers #Fabric #Fashion #Knitting #Weaving #Nonwovens #Apparel #Sustainability #Sourcing #SupplyChain #CutAndSew #Textiles #FashionDesign #BuildingASupplyChainBridge #Automation #Nearshoring #Onshoring #MadeInAmerica #MadeInUSA #EmpoweringTheMadeInAmericaMovement #WomenInTextiles