One of the Institute of Textile Technology's (Institute) most highly regarded executive programs, the Principles of Textile Technology (POTT), is scheduled for January 21-27, 2007. This year's program is organized into one intensive week of training and is described in the enclosed brochures or on the Institute's website http://www.itt.edu/ 

Many of the POTT attendees have rated this program as the best textile educational conference they have ever attended. Our website lists comments from past POTT attendees.  In many cases, upcoming leaders do not have a broad background in textile technology.  The POTT program provides an intense exposure to and learning of advanced textile manufacturing processes and understanding of key issues that affect performance of textile manufacturing facilities.  This program is designed to provide a comprehensive knowledge in basic manufacturing technology, which allows your staff to more effectively function and communicate in our complex industry.

I invite you to identify, among your future leaders, an individual or two that you believe could benefit professionally by attending POTT.  I promise you that they will return better equipped to make an even greater contribution to the competitiveness and success of your company. 

We are holding the conference in Raleigh, NC, at the Sheraton Capital Center and the NC State University College of Textiles. The cost per individual is $4,000, which includes all accommodations and most meals. Institute and NCSU faculty will both be participating in the conference. Please call if there is anything about this valuable learning opportunity you would like to discuss.

I trust that you will give this invitation your serious consideration. Please contact Patrice Hill (patriceh@itt.edu, 919-513-7583) or me
(wgoneal@itt.edu, 919-513-7581) if you have any questions or need additional information.  We look forward to hearing from you.

If you know of others in your organization who might be interested in this program, please feel free to forward this announcement.  Thank you.

Article can be found at

http://www.textileworld.com/News.htm?CD=5&ID=11078

Milliken StainSmart Utilized For Hospital Clothing

7/25/2006    Spartanburg, SC - Milliken & Company, a textile and chemical manufacturer, announced that StainSmart, the company's dual-action stain repel-and-release fabric technology, is being utilized in a new line of fashionable yet functional hospital clothing for women undergoing specialized medical treatment such as chemotherapy, radiation, MRIs, CT scans and outpatient surgeries. The clothing is also appropriate and practical for nursing moms.   Created by Spirited Sisters" Inc., the new Original Healing Threads" hospital patient clothing includes an array of jackets and pants with examination-and treatment-friendly features to help ensure the comfort, privacy and dignity of patients, claims Milliken.   According to Milliken, the clothing line features the company's StainSmart fabric technology which gives it stain protection and ease of care. Milliken claims that most liquid and oil-based spills bead up and roll-off, preventing the majority of soils from initially staining the fabric. Oil-based and particulate stains that penetrate and are ground into the garment can be washed away during normal laundering. The fabrics are made of microfiber polyester and are color-fast as well as wrinkle resistant, according to the company.

Article can be found at

http://www.textileworld.com/News.htm?CD=5&ID=11078

Milliken creates stainless uniforms
Clothing geared toward food, service workers

Published: Saturday, April 22, 2006 - 6:00 am


By David Dykes
BUSINESS WRITER
ddykes@greenvillenews.com

http://greenvilleonline.com

Spartanburg-based Milliken & Co. has joined with a Kalamazoo, Mich., firm to develop a stain-resistant line of casual work clothes that the companies say will help eliminate worries about spilled coffee or lunch on corporate uniforms.

The new line of blended twill clothing from Edwards Garment uses new fabric technology from Milliken. It is designed for executives and other employees in hospitality and other industries where stains or wrinkles can be problems, officials from both companies said.

The Service Mate apparel uses a repellent feature in Milliken's StainSmart fabric that means most liquid and oil-based spills bead up and roll off, preventing the majority of soils from initially staining the fabric, the officials said. The patented chemical technology allows stains that are ground into a garment to be washed away during normal laundering, they said.

"The improved functionality provided by Milliken's dual-action stain repel-and-release capabilities greatly enhances the value of our product for our customers," said Gary Schultz, president of Edwards Garment.

Milliken was pleased to partner with Edwards officials and "to help further enhance their executive uniform product offering," said Lyn Murajda, Milliken's division brand manager.

Richard Dillard, spokesman for Milliken, a privately held textile and chemical company, said the StainSmart fabric is the result of Milliken's patented research.

Milliken has developed more than 2,000 patents in a history of research that goes back more than 50 years, he said.

Milliken is among the top companies worldwide in terms of patent development. It ranks 206th, according to Intellectual Property Owners Association's 2004 top patent-owners list, the latest available.

In the category of privately held companies, Milliken is the No. 1 company in United States for patent development, the company says its research shows. Neither the IPO trade association nor the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office breaks down rankings just for privately held companies.

Service Mate clothing is carried nationwide by Edwards Garment dealers, distributors and specialty retailers, including several in the Greenville and Spartanburg areas.

Medium-weight blended twill shirts are available in short and long-sleeve styles for both men and women, and are made from 65/35 polyester/cotton. Available in nine colors, Service Mate shirts are wrinkle-resistant and machine-washable.

The Service Mate line also includes Edwards' blended chino pants, skirts and shorts.

Founded in 1865, Milliken operates more than 60 manufacturing facilities in 11 countries and has more than 10,000 workers worldwide.

Edwards Garment, also privately held, has been manufacturing and supplying corporate and casual apparel for 139 years.

NC State University College of Textiles has announced the date (April 6) for the 2006 Research Open House. The information can be seen at the following link.

www.tx.ncsu.edu/research_industry/open_house/

Leadership of Textile Technology (LOTT) Executive Program is scheduled for March, 2008 in Raleigh, NC. Watch for further details at www.itt.edu.

• LOTT Schedule - New!
• LOTT Registration Form 2006 (PDF) - New!
• LOTT Quotes from 2005 - New!

The Principles of Textile Technology (POTT) Executive Program is scheduled for Jan. 15-21, 2006 in Raleigh, NC. Watch for further details at www.itt.edu.

• POTT Schedule 2006 New!
• POTT Registration Form 2006 New!
• POTT Quotes from 2005 New!

This is a test message from the new ITT newsletter system.  Feel free to disregard this message.  If you have any questions, please contact webmaster@itt.edu

Thank you for your patience.

• Click here for more Details!

http://triad.bizjournals.com/triad/stories/2005/05/23/daily6.html

05-25-05

A new finishing formulation has been announced by Milliken and Company.

http://acs.yellowbrix.com/pages/acs/Story.nsp?story_id=72071693&ID=acs

The following information is provided by ITT for the interest of our ITT News Subscribers.

Dr. Henry Boyter Jr.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Raleigh, North Carolina

May 10, 2005

The newest issue of the Journal of Textile and Apparel, Technology and Management (JTATM), is available (http://www.tx.ncsu.edu/jtatm).  This issue's theme is "Interface: Apparel, Materials and Technology,"  with a focus on state-of-the-art approaches to creative product development and production.   The goal of JTATM is to present the latest in theoretical and empirical research in the field of textiles and apparel, technology and management to an audience comprised of academicians, industry executives, and consultants. 

This issue includes articles on digital printing as a design process, sizing technologies used for custom and ready-to-wear product development, a review of smart clothing, and other areas intended to provoke creative thought processes and new product development.  In addition, feature articles focus on industry-relevant courses, innovative technologies, information about education programs focusing on textile aspects, and a listing of upcoming industry and university events.  

The Journal of the Textile and Apparel, Technology and Management offers new information for industry personnel, academics and students who are interested in the technology and management of fiber based products, as well as the environment and markets in which textile and apparel companies operate and evolve.  Each issue of the quarterly JTATM contains research articles, as well as information about new innovations and useful linkages.

JTATM is coordinated by the Department of Textile and Apparel, Technology and Management, College of Textiles, North Carolina State University.   We invite you to visit and register for JTATM and submit articles for consideration in future issues.

CONTACT:
Dr. Nancy Cassill, Professor
College of Textiles
Textile and Apparel Technology and Management
Raleigh, NC 27695-8301
Phone:  (919) 513-4180
Fax: (919) 515-3733
E-mail: Nancy_Cassill@ncsu.edu

• See next year's LOTT

The alumni event has been rescheduled due to bad weather in the Charlotte area.  The new date is June 11, 2005 at the Marriott City Center in Charlotte, NC.  Visit www.itt.edu for details. 

The ITT Alumni Association Organization and Reunion Event is scheduled for Saturday, January 29, 2005 at the Marriott City Center in Charlotter, NC. The cost is $50 per person.

**Please bring your spouse or a guest

• Click here for more Details!

        Institute of Textile Technology's

        FALL MEETING OF THE 
TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE

The Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) has been active since it was created by the Board of Trustees in 1950 and has the responsibility to guide the Institute in the development of an annual research agenda. The TAC is chaired by a board-appointed industry leader and is composed of the chairpersons of five steering committees plus three or four Institute leadership and faculty members.

• Announcement for Membership
  
• Invitation Letter
  
• List of Presenters
  
• Schedule of Events
  
• Directions to Centennial Campus and Banquet
  
• Hotel Information
  

        Institute of Textile Technology's

        SPRING MEETING OF THE 
TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE

The Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) has been active since it was created by the Board of Trustees in 1950 and has the responsibility to guide the Institute in the development of an annual research agenda. The TAC is chaired by a board-appointed industry leader and is composed of the chairpersons of five steering committees plus three or four Institute leadership and faculty members.

        Institute of Textile Technology's

           FALL MEETING OF THE 
TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE

The Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) has been active since it was created by the Board of Trustees in 1950 and has the responsibility to guide the Institute in the development of an annual research agenda. The TAC is chaired by a board-appointed industry leader and is composed of the chairpersons of five steering committees plus three or four Institute leadership and faculty members.

The Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) has been active since it was created by the Board of Trustees in 1950 and has the responsibility to guide the Institute in the development of an annual research agenda. The TAC is chaired by a board-appointed industry leader and is composed of the chairpersons of five steering committees plus three or four Institute leadership and faculty members. Held this year in Raleigh, NC.

The North Carolina State University College of Textiles and the Institute of Textile Technology (ITT) have agreed to create an alliance between the two institutions. "This alliance will strengthen the competitiveness of the textile manufacturing industry and truly represents the coming together of leading research and consulting organizations in the industry," said Allen Gant, Chairman of the Board of ITT and CEO of Glen Raven Mills.

The benefits of this new alliance for both institutions will be the consolidation of physical and intellectual resources on NC State's Centennial Campus. This will permit combining the College of Textiles' strong academic research program with ITT's applied and industry-directed research program, and allow coordination of research and academic programs and facilities.

Students in the ITT program will be taught at the College of Textiles and have full access to the college's faculty, staff and resources. NC State will provide the faculty for the majority of courses. Students accepted into College of Textiles graduate program will apply for acceptance into the ITT Fellows Program. ITT will select qualified students and continue to administer its master's degree program and provide guidance for the special thesis projects. The Fellows Program is not only a required number of classes, but also has complementary educational activities such as team-building experiences, group studies at textile facilities, problem-solving exercises, internships and public presentations.

Students who graduate from the ITT Fellows Program earning a master's degree will have management and leadership skills. The job-placement rate for these graduates has historically been 100 percent. ITT's first graduating class was in 1949 and, to date, 523 MS graduates have completed the program. All students are provided a tuition scholarship, non-service fellowship, and a research budget.

The College of Textiles at NC State is the leading academic and research institution for textiles in the world. It is dedicated to education, research, and extension and engagement. The college provides bachelor's degree programs in textile technology, textile engineering, textile and apparel management, textile chemistry, and a dual degree (BA and BS) with NC State's College of Design in art and design and textile technology. In addition, the college offers graduate degrees such as master of science and master of textiles and two doctorate degrees in fiber and polymer science and textile technology management. There are currently approximately 700 undergraduate students and 150 graduate students enrolled at the college.

The Institute of Textile Technology was founded in 1944 by textile industry leaders who saw a need for individual companies to join forces in collective support of a private educational and research institution. Today, ITT enjoys an international reputation for the high quality of its programs and its graduates, many occupying positions of leadership in industry, education, and research. The Institute was directed to conduct cooperative research, integrated with graduate research, as a means of helping the textile industry meet the challenges confronting it. They currently enroll 10-15 graduate students per year who earn a masters of science awarded by ITT.

By the two institutions coming together, "we are combining resources that will allow us to have research, facilities, labs, and a master's program competitive with anyone in the world," states Dr. Blanton Godfrey, dean of the College of Textiles. Dr. Gilbert O'Neal, president of ITT says, "The master's degree offered by ITT is already excellent, but it will become even better due to the facilities that our students will have access to at the College of Textiles." Roger Milliken, Chairman and CEO of Milliken & Company, a long time supporter of ITT says, "The American textile industry is the most modern, state-of-the-art industry in the world. This alliance will take the competitiveness of the industry to another level by combing resources of both institutions."

ITT will continue to operate as an independent non-profit organization. An ITT Fellows program will be established offering a master of science in textile technology awarded by the College of Textiles. ITT and NC State's College of Textiles will collaboratively pursue funding for industry-driven research from private, institutional, and government sources. Furthermore, the ITT Roger Milliken Textile Library, which has approximately 40,000 volumes and is one of the most comprehensive collections of English language textile information in the world, will be combined with the Burlington Textiles Library at the College of Textiles. The two organizations will also offer a full range of open-enrollment courses. This alliance, to be complete by July 2003, will truly be a collaborative effort between the two institutes for the betterment of the textile industry.

To keep a competitive edge in a highly volatile environment, successful textile companies must have the latest manufacturing equipment and the leadership that understands the technology. Knowledge and understanding of the integrated vertical processes, and how to lead the people involved in those processes are essential skills for the textile executive. The Institute's Executive Education programs provide the tools to help these leaders more clearly understand the language, concepts, and issues affecting the entire vertical manufacturing of textiles.

Next offered March 17-27, 2002 (and again August 8-18, 2002) in Charlottesville, Virginia, the Leadership of Textile Technology program focuses primarily upon leadership of textile manufacturing at home and in a global environment. Participants are instructed by appropriate knowledgeable faculty in a challenging, participative, environment designed for the participant to "carry home" the knowledge for individual, process, and company enhancements. Online registration available. Open to member and non-member participation.

Andre Drayer, a graduate student at the Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETHZ) of Zurich, Switzerland, arrived at ITT in late October and spent 14 weeks in Charlottesville working with Ctec staff on his master's thesis. Mr. Drayer possesses a B.S. in Chemistry and an M.S. in Chemical Engineering, and is currently studying for an M.S. in Industrial Management and Manufacturing.

Andre's thesis project is part of the final examination for the diploma of Engineer in Manufacturing Engineering and Management at the Federal Institute of Technology. The topic of the thesis, the development of an Economic Competitiveness Index, was defined jointly by the Federal Institute of Technology and the Institute of Textile Technology. Both institutes will share the thesis results.

Two previous Ctec research studies had identified those financial factors that statistically correlate to textile company profitability. A striking result of these studies was that of the 30 or more financial factors studied, only 5 to 6 were real drivers of textile profitability. However, these earlier studies dealt only with financial factors, but could not identify those business factors that allowed this profitability performance.

Therefore, the next logical question is, “What are the business factors that create these improved financial results?” The discovery of these business factors is the subject of Mr. Drayer's thesis. It is these business factors that define how companies organize and operate their business to create the desired financial results. Those business factors that are a significant driver of improved financial performance are referred to as "competitiveness factors." There are two objectives to Andre's study. The first objective is to determine which competitiveness factors correlate to profitability. The second objective is to convert the significant competitiveness factors into a single index number (i.e., a Competitiveness Index), which would allow a textile company to assess its relative competitive strength using an index that statistically relates to profitability.

After over 27 years of service to the Institute and its members, Neil Cahill retired on February 15, 2002. Neil, a 1964 ITT graduate, worked in industry until 1974 when he returned to the Institute as Manager of the Yarn Preparation and Weaving Group. His responsibilities quickly increased to Director of Fabric and Filament Processing (1977-1979), Director, Manufacturing Research (1980-1983), and Vice President, Manufacturing Technology (1984-2000). Neil was also instrumental in broadening the membership’s perspective of global competition as he led several study missions to Europe and the Far East in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Since 2000, Neil was the director of Center for Textile Economic Competitiveness.

Dr. Gilbert O'Neal, President of the Institute issued this statement, "I have worked somewhat closely with Neil over the last few years and have learned to respect his knowledge of the textile industry and his love for both the industry and the many people with whom he has come in contact with through the years. As all who have come in contact with Neil know, he is very passionate about his work and will be known for his analytical insight and vision. Over the last couple of years, driven by his concern for the industry’s future, he has concentrated on analyzing factors affecting competitiveness. Knowing that Neil will not be satisfied to be idle, I expect that he will continue his work in this area. Neil has expressed his continued interest in the Institute and his desire to help us in any way possible. Please join me in acknowledging the tremendous contributions that Neil has made to the Institute throughout his career. I wish him well in his retirement and I’m sure our paths will continue to cross."

The six members of the Class of 2002 are working hard to complete their thesis research projects. Defense copies of the theses are due on or before April 23, 2002. Oral defenses will be conducted from May 6-10, 2002. Second-year students and their thesis topics are as follows:

Four of theses candidates for the ITT master’s degree are industrial fellows and will each be returning to their sponsor company for full-time employment. The other two are pursuing positions as free agents, and are buoyed by the fact that since the inception of our program in 1947, 100% of ITT graduates seeking employment have been hired directly out of our program.

There are 10 members of the Class of 2003 of which four are industrial fellows. The class is just completing the second quarter of classroom and practical experiences. Their yarn intra-session was hosted by Milliken & Company, and their weaving plant study was recently hosted by Central Textiles.

The class will begin the third quarter on February 19, 2002. In addition to the wet processing, environmental, and energy topics, they will have three business related courses during this quarter. Final hurdles for this year include requirements for the presentation of a credible thesis research proposal as well as the successful completion of oral comprehensive examinations.

We are in the process of securing summer internship assignments for the six free agents in this class. Any company interested in hosting one of these students for the summer should contact Dan McCreight (danm@itt.edu) right away.

ITT has been asked to help analyze fabric used to fabricate the wing of the Wright Brothers 1903 Flyer used in their historic "first flight" on December 17, 1903 at Kitty Hawk, NC. Ken Hyde, representing The Wright Experience, recently visited ITT to solicit our help. The Wright Experience, located in Warrenton, Virginia, is an organization devoted to the preservation and re-creation of the aircraft built by the Wright Brothers. Mr. Hyde learned about the Institute through Mr. Yalcin Ozbey, V.P. Corporate Manufacturing Services of Liberty Fabrics.

A peer review was conducted in September 2001 of the Institute's compliance to the accreditation requirements of the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). The visiting reaffirmation committee was composed of representatives from Clemson University, Georgetown College, Georgia Institute of Technology, Stephen F. Austin State University, University of Tennessee, and Warner Southern College.

The committee evaluated our documentation and practices pertaining to six sections of the Criteria for Accreditation. In total there were 286 requirements to be met. We met all 59 requirements relative to the principals, philosophy, and purpose of the Institute. In what was deemed an unprecedented outcome, the Institute also met all 100 requirements for the education program. Some areas for improvement were identified and formal responses to 15 committee recommendations must be submitted to the Commission on Colleges before February 26, 2002. We are extremely pleased with the outcome of the review and are confident that we will appropriately correct all deficiencies, and receive reaffirmation of our SACS accreditation for another 10-year period.

Adrienne Granitz served as the chairperson for the SACS committee that provided an outstanding effort allowing us to reach this milestone.

ITT is excited to announce the organization of the ITT Alumni Association and that Dr. Robert A. Barnhardt '61 has agreed to be the inaugural president. The mission of the Alumni Association will be to enhance alumni fellowship, networking, and support of ITT through various activities. Since 1949, some 500-plus students have graduated from the Institute, but until now there has not been a formal effort to orchestrate alumni activities.

The success of the Alumni Association will depend on successful communication with all alumni. To initiate that communication, ITT will mail a survey to all alumni concerning their goals and activities, and give them an opportunity to submit ideas for alumni activities.

Alumni - Please contact Dean Cobb at deanc@itt.edu and verify your contact information or register at www.itt.edu/Alumni.

ITT offers short courses and seminars concerning key technical issues in the textile industry. All courses are offered at the Madren Conference Center in Clemson, SC. Online registration available.

Executive Education

Leadership in Textile Technology is being offered March 17-27, 2002, in Charlottesville, Virginia and August 8-18, 2002, in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Leadership Course has been created to assist the textile industry to prepare textile leaders to meet the challenges of global competition. In the words of Professor Snyder, “The leader's role changed dramatically over the past decade as the speed of global realignment accelerated, and no industry in the U.S. has been affected more by these changes than the textile industry."

Principles of Textile Technology was held from January 8–28, 2002, and was a resounding success. The Principles Course has been created to provide knowledge and understanding of the integrated vertical textile processes and how to lead people involved in those processes with emphasis on issues affecting performance of a textile manufacturing facility, problem solving techniques, and leadership issues.

Professional Courses

Professional courses are open to everyone, are usually from 1-to-4 days long, and deal with technical textile subjects. Our 2002 Conference offerings will be held in Charlotte, North Carolina. A full schedule of over 20 courses and registration information is available at www.itt.edu/ContinuingEd/.

Online&Custom Courses

Online offerings are being developed based on our current open enrollment offerings. Five courses are in process and a CD course on Dyeing and Finishing is scheduled for completion in late summer. All of our courses can be customized to suit exact requirements of your company and we can deliver these courses at your site.

Like the textile industry as a whole, the Institute is being impacted by economic conditions experienced over the last 2 years. These conditions are forcing individual companies and the Institute to examine themselves, and to develop and implement new business strategies. To succeed, companies must be willing to change, to abandon business practices that have been followed for decades and which in the past have survived depressions, wars, and economic recessions. Today, however, it is clear that the textile industry is facing a new economy, one in which innovation must replace tradition.

Simplistically, many of the policy leaders of our nation write off the problems being faced by the U.S. textile industry as our inability to compete in a global economy. In reality, it is much more complicated, and policies impacting the textile industry today will ultimately present similar challenges across industry lines. Nevertheless, regardless of current and future policies, change must occur and companies and organizations must find ways to not only survive, but thrive as communications and other technologies continue to break down political, economic, and social barriers. Globalization is occurring. This must be recognized, be accepted, and be the catalyst to create competitive strategies.

While the Institute can do little to influence the political and economic forces impacting the industry, it can provide knowledge-based resources to companies that respond to the ongoing challenge to be competitive. Even more so than in the past, successful companies will need highly trained and talented business and technical leaders, a skilled workforce, information, and state-of-the-art knowledge derived from ongoing research. We feel that the Institute has succeeded in helping the industry meet these needs for nearly six decades. However, as we evaluate our past and develop our strategy forward, it is clear that we have not adequately shared our capabilities and resources. We have not aggressively reached out to the industry and exerted the leadership necessary to be an agent of change and to promote the need for the knowledge resources required. We too must change.

Fortunately, the change envisioned for the Institute is not as dramatic as that faced by many companies within our industry. Nonetheless, the change that must occur is fundamental. We must find ways to integrate our knowledge resources into the strategies of individual textile companies. This integration must help companies become and remain competitive by providing trained leaders, pooling resources for collaborative as well as proprietary research, and providing technical services that target cost drivers and increase profitability. This will only occur if we make our capabilities known and aggressively market these capabilities one company at a time.

The Institute is committed to the continued development of knowledge resources and to evolving these resources to meet the challenges of a global economy. We feel that knowledge is the fundamental key to success and only those companies that recognize and invest in education, training, research, and continual improvement will have long-term success. Our goal is to partner with such companies to create, innovate, and perpetuate positive change. We invite you to join us as we pursue this goal.

IT3 is embarking on an ambitious effort to gain accreditation which will allow us to offer certification services to both the ISO 9000 series Quality Management Systems and the ISO 14000 Environmental Management Systems. ISO is the International Organization for Standardization, which is comprised some 130 national standards institutes from around the world. ISO develops voluntary standards, over almost the entire range of technology, adding value to all types of businesses. These systems govern the management systems responsible for the manufacture of quality products but do not address specifics for any one product or product sector. ISO addresses those standards deemed necessary by the market. Experts from various industrial, technical, and business sectors participate in the construction and implementation of these standards.

ISO 9000, the Quality Management Standard has undergone a radical change with its latest version published in December 2000. It revolves around eight fundamental quality Management principles as follows:

• Customer focus
• Leadership
• Involvement of people
• Process approach
• System approach to management
• Continuous improvement
• Factual approach to decision making
• Mutually beneficial supplier relationships

The standard is not focused on a particular industry segment but is written to have applicability to most manufacturing and service environments. The standard involves upper management taking a leadership role in establishing the vision, direction, and method for achieving customer satisfaction of an organization. The organization must then define the processes to achieve the goals of the organization and the mechanism by which those processes will be monitored by. A new addition to this version of the standard is the documented requirements for continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.

ISO 14000, the Environmental Management Standard has experienced increased application and has been mandated in some industry segments by certain customers. The environmental management system focuses on upper management placing a high degree of importance or recognizing the environmental impact of an organization and going beyond simple compliance to putting a system in to improve upon the environmental goals set by the organization. While compliance is a part of ISO 14000, the focus is on moving beyond compliance to good environmental stewardship.

There are many similarities between ISO 9000 and ISO 14000 and indeed many of the latest revisions to ISO 9000 were to further strengthen those similarities. The goal is for organizations seeking compliance to both standards utilizing a common management system to achieve both goals. Similar elements include the method of control of the documentation, upper level management review, policy setting, continuous improvement, and internal auditing.

The process for accreditation is very similar to that an organization implementing ISO would execute. We are in the process of establishing processes as required by the accreditation body and documenting the method of compliance to the requirements of the criteria. Once this is completed to the satisfaction of the accreditation body, a site visit will be conducted with members of the accreditation body witnessing an audit to both the ISO 9000 and ISO 14000 criteria. Once nay issues from these activities are resolved, IT3 will be granted accreditation, thus allowing us to certify any organization in which we have industry knowledge. This accreditation is valid for three years after which another site assessment by the accreditation body will be required.

IT3 is looking forward to assisting clients in the implementation and certification of quality and environmental management systems. The timing is somewhat dependent on the action of the accreditation body however, it is expected that accreditation will be achieved in the summer of 2002.

By definition, sustainability (long-term viability) is the goal every industry wishes to attain. To achieve sustainability a more complete accounting of the true costs of production needs to be made, including consumption rates of limited resources and energy, and impacts to the environment. Indications from the scientific community are that at the current accelerated rate of global industrialization, we can no longer afford to put off this accounting. Recognizing this, the Institute is working to establish a Center for Sustainable Manufacturing to focus on research projects that will identify the textile industry’s most immediate technological needs with respect to pollution prevention and utilization of renewable resources. Simultaneously, the research will look for innovative technological solutions that are already available. The Institute is currently seeking funding to help establish the Center through grants and specific project funding.

The Institute is proud to announce the release of the Textile Technology Digest Online. The database contains extensive coverage of textile and textile-related literature found in the Institute's library collection. There are over 280,000 abstracts in the database from 1978 to date, covering resources that are international in scope, timely, and represent a variety of material formats, such as journals, conferences, books, trade literature, theses, and technical reports. Although the scope is primarily scientific and technical information related to textile manufacturing, major resources for the apparel, home furnishings, flooring, and polymer industries are represented. Each entry includes the author, title, source, subjects, and an extensive abstract that summarizes the selected article.

The online product features

• basic and advanced search screens,
• multiple display and print features,
• the capability to email search results,
• specific date ranges to limit searches,
• wildcard and Boolean operators, and
• a search history for each session.

The database was developed with the user in mind. There are no complicated search strategies to remember, no set combinations to formulate. First time users are able to create searches using the suggested search samples to develop successful results. The Basic Search is easy and perfect for simple searches. The Advanced Search, with a fill-in-the-blanks format, lets the user combine several different search criteria into one search.

Research librarians at the Fashion Institute of Technology and at Virginia Tech tested the Textile Technology Digest Online database. The hours of review and suggested changes made by Steve Rosenberger, Associate Professor and Naomi Bricker, Reference Librarian at FIT and Ellen Krupar, Business College Librarian at VT were invaluable in making the online database a user friendly, quality product.

For subscription information, please contact Adrienne Granitz at 434-296-5511, x224 or adrienneg@itt.edu. Full-text documents can be ordered from the Institute's library by using the document delivery page on the library's homepage or by calling the library at 434-296-5511, x304 or email Ann Gatewood at anng@itt.edu. Documents can be delivered by mail, fax, Fed Ex or other carriers by providing your carrier number, or through Ariel transmission.

The Institute is delighted to announce the formalization of a long and productive partnership with Rieter Corporation as they officially joined the Institute as a full member on January 1, 2002. Rieter is a Swiss corporate group that operates on a global scale. Their systems and services for the textile, automotive, and plastics industries are acknowledged as leaders in their field.

Rieter Corporation has been a strong contributor to past ITT research, donating equipment and participating in collaborative efforts to serve the textile industry. Mr. Ueli K. Schmid, President & CEO, Rieter DT NAFTA, will serve on the Institute’s Board of Trustees.

The Statement of Purpose for ITT clearly lays out its mission. "In fulfilling its education, information service, and research purposes, the Institute defines ... goals for its major program areas". Nowhere in the Statement is the phrase "financial security" used. But ITT is facing serious economic conditions that dictate that financial security becomes a priority. And, while making money is not a mandate of Institute, it is the reason behind the establishment of ITT Technologies, or IT3.

Historically, ITT has enjoyed the benefits of a strong US textile industry, a powerful membership base, and an outstanding reputation in its areas of expertise. There has been no pressure for revenue streams to maintain excellent academics, strong research efforts and effective information technology. While the Institute believes in the benefits of a strong domestic textile industry and continues its support of its member mills, the changing environment in which it operates must be recognized and steps must be taken to address the economic realities in the industry today.

The intellectual and physical assets of the Institute are tremendous. The professional and support staff at ITT are unsurpassed. The Institute has state-of-the-art technology and systems. Its information capabilities are outstanding.

But while these assets are effectively used in support of the academic, research, and information needs of the Institute and its membership, they are typically not well utilized overall. This presents an opportunity for the establishment of an effective, revenue-generating organization like IT3. It can provide services within the membership and also to organizations outside the membership and even outside the textile industry itself. For example, the environmental services that the Institute provides are just as appropriate for non-textile manufacturing operations as they are for textile companies.

IT3 services cover a wide range of activities at the Institute. Major opportunities exist in areas such as greige manufacturing, energy and environmental consulting, finishing, and CTEC. But significant opportunities also exist in marketing the TTD, grant development, data base systems, and even in the academic department. Eighteen different business areas have already been identified, and business plans are currently being developed for each one. Anywhere capabilities exist that are not being leveraged, IT3 will be used to provide benefit to its member mills, to the textile industry as a whole, and ultimately to the Institute.

It is important to note that the establishment of IT3 in no way diminishes or changes the importance or focus of ITT’s traditional services and goals. We are still dedicated to outstanding academic training, to progressive textile research, and to effective information services. IT3 is simply a new approach to ensuring that these objectives will be met going forward.

At this time, there is no documented Statement of Purpose for IT3. But there will be. And the primary mission will be providing additional financial security to the Institute. In future editions of this newsletter, the services offered by IT3 will be explored in detail.

Based on the unanimous recommendation of the faculty on the Academic Committee, and the approval of the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees, Dan McCreight has been appointed Dean of Academic Affairs. Dan has done an excellent job over the last 8 months as acting academic administrator and was instrumental in our successful review by SACS. Dan has shown great enthusiasm and talent for this position and we are excited about the new leadership he will bring to our academic program.

To keep a competitive edge in a highly volatile environment, successful textile companies must have the latest manufacturing equipment and the leadership that understands the technology. Knowledge and understanding of the integrated vertical processes, and how to lead the people involved in those processes are essential skills for the textile executive. The Institute's Executive Education programs provide the tools to help these leaders more clearly understand the language, concepts, and issues affecting the entire vertical manufacturing of textiles.

Next offered Jan. 8-18, 2002 in Charlottesville, Virginia, the Principles of Textile Technology program is designed to offer technical textile and manufacturing information and principles necessary to achieve world-class status in this decade and on into this new century. Online registration available. Open to member and non-member participation.

The Institute of Textile Technology is pleased to announce the opening of our online store. The ITT bookstore offers quality items perfect for the ITT alumni or supporter. The merchandise includes ITT logo watches, shirts, coffee cups and more!

On October 9, 2001, Dr. Urs Meyer of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology of Zurich, Switzerland, gave a presentaion on the state of the textile industry in Europe. The presentation was outstanding, and we thank Dr. Meyer for sharing with our students a larger perspective.

On September 28, 2001, the Institute launched the ITT Industry Jobs Board. The Jobs Board allows employers to post job openings and search resumes, and allows individuals to post resumes and search job openings. Targeted at the textile industry and related industries, we hope that by bringing together companies from related industries with individuals that know these industries that we are able to provide a service different and more useful than the other online job listing services.

The ITT Industry Jobs Board is open to any person or company that wants to list a resume or job opportunity. All posts are verified before being posted on the site. The Jobs Board can be reached directly at www.itt.edu/Jobs/.

Contact us if have any questions or would like further information.

The Environmental Health and Safety ListServ is an informative email group focused on environmental health and safety issues. Moderated by Dr. Henry Bo