Media Contact: Emily Parker, 919/515-6529 or emily_parker@ncsu.edu

March 10, 2005

NC State Textiles Exhibit Highlights Swiss "Reinvention"

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

A special exhibit at North Carolina State University 's College of Textiles will showcase cutting-edge textiles and fashions from several Swiss companies.

The city of St. Gallen , in northeast Switzerland , was once home to a thriving textiles industry that produced renowned embroidery and lace. For a thousand years, top quality fabrics were manufactured, including highly prized merchandise that led trends in clothing fashions and home furnishings. Textiles were once Switzerland 's most important export industry, but foreign competitors copied Swiss products and sold similar goods at much lower prices. Cheaper foreign competition effectively put an end to St. Gallen's textile dominance.

By utilizing new technologies and developing unique new products, St. Gallen has rebounded as a center for textiles of every kind - from fashion clothes to outerwear, medical textiles and home furnishing textiles. St. Gallen has now regained its standing as a world leader in textiles.

A special exhibit showcasing the textile products of St. Gallen will be on display in the Atrium at the College of Textiles from March 18 to April 30.

The Swiss Ambassador to the United States , Christian Blickenstorfer, will unveil the exhibit. Representatives of the St. Gallen Canton Government will also attend.

Dr. Blanton Godfrey, dean of the College of Textiles , thinks the Swiss textile turnaround provides many interesting lessons for the North Carolina textile industry. " In the past few years the Swiss, particularly the Canton of St. Gallen, have once again used new technologies to bring exciting products to world markets. What they have done is truly amazing," Godfrey said.

"In this exhibit are fascinating case studies for all textile companies. In fact, there are lessons in this exhibit for all businesses in North Carolina , no matter the industry," he said.

The exhibit is sponsored by the Canton of St. Gallen, ProHelvetia: Arts Council of Switzerland, Swiss Textiles and IHK Inudstrie-und Handelskammer.

The opening of the exhibit coincides with the 13th National Textile Center Forum and the 84th Textile Institute Annual World Conferences being held March 20-25 in Raleigh .

Directions to Centennial Campus and the College of Textiles

Centennial Campus is located inside the Raleigh city limits, just two miles from downtown and the State Capitol. Interstate 40 provides a direct connection to Research Triangle Park and RDU International Airport , both located 15 miles west of Centennial Campus.

I-40 coming east
Take Gorman Street exit. Turn left onto Gorman. Turn right at second light onto Avent Ferry Road . Pass Trailwood Drive (light) and turn right at next light onto Varsity Drive .

I-40 coming west
Take Lake Wheeler Road Exit; turn right onto Lake Wheeler . Turn left at first light onto Centennial Parkway ; follow to end. Turn left on Avent Ferry Rd. Turn left at first light onto Varsity Drive .

Inside the Raleigh Beltline
Take Western Boulevard to Avent Ferry Road . Turn south (downhill). Turn left at the second light onto Varsity Drive .

If coming on a weekday stop at the Visitor Booth on Varsity Drive to receive a parking pass for the Textile Visitor Lot. You will then travel to the stop sign and take a left on Main Campus Drive . Travel to the next stop sign and go through the intersection. The visitor lot is on your right. If coming to the College of Textiles on the weekend there is no need to obtain a parking pass.