JTATM - North Carolina State University

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To establish a high quality forum relevant to the needs of global industry and higher education that will provide leadership in the timely dissemination of information dealing with all aspects of textile and apparel, technology and management.

Fall Networking Conference Earns Rave Reviews...

The SEAMS Association held its annual Fall Networking Conference at Clemson Apparel Research (CAR) in Pendleton, South Carolina on October 17-18, 2003. The weekend schedule included a Golf Outing, a meeting of the SEAMS Government Contract/ New Business Committee, a Welcome Cocktail Reception, Election of Officers and Directors, informative sessions on Saturday, followed by cocktail hour and dinner in the evening. Comments from attendees included:

Saturday’s presentations and tour of the CAR facility made us wish we had more time to learn lots more from the speakers. Dr. Chris Jarvis told attendees about the history of the Clemson Apparel Research facility and gave an overview of CAR's project and future directions.

Sara Betts showed Made to Measure, often referred to as Mass Customization. She explored the world of made-to-measure apparel production by sharing how Clemson Apparel Research produces its made-to-measure shirts.

Larry Crolley and Sarah Friedman
"SEAMS member of the Year."

"SEAMS President Larry Crolley took great pleasure in performing one of his last official duties as Outgoing President when he named Sarah Friedman as the SEAMS 2003 Person of the Year. Sarah has worked tirelessly throughout the past year to further the mission of the Association. In addition to her duties as Executive Director, she has overseen the agenda of the Government Contract/New Business Committee to help all members locate and secure work to keep their staffs employed and their companies viable parts of their communities."

Bill Kernodle helped attendees understand BalancedFlow, an advanced plant scheduling and supply chain execution concept and software developed at CAR over the past six years for the Department of Defense. BalancedFlow integrates the best practices of Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, and the Theory of Constraints in a simple software program that reduces inventories and lead times by 50 to 90 percent while significantly reducing replenishment and manufacturing costs, and is applicable to single production lines through extended supply chains.

Sonny Sweezy shared his experiences as a consultant in Transitions: Products and Processes, and helped attendees see the change process of going from volume production to niche, small cut products, and transitioning to modular to team production.

Jim Lovejoy gave an overview of the real cost of importing products from low labor countries in Total Cost Comparison: Imported vs. Domestic. The total cost of acquiring goods and satisfying the ultimate customer can be advantageous for the domestic manufacturer. Also included was a look at what is projected to happen to prices in 2005.

Dr. Steve Davis gave a status report on the SEAMS/CAR Procurement Project, and shared how he and his staff are searching for opportunities for our members.

Jim Schollaert joined us from the American Manufacturing Trade Action Coalition (AMTAC) to bring attendees up to date on what is happening in Washington, DC. There are many trade initiatives that affect our industry and the health of our businesses. He stressed that we need to collectively let our elected representatives know what we think about what they are doing to the American manufacturing base.

College of Textiles
P.O. Box 8301
Raleigh, NC 27695-8301
Telephone: (919) 515-6646
FAX: (919) 515-3733
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Last Site Revision:
November 17, 2003