News
Maybe You're Not as Unique as You Think
SPESA Speaks
January 15, 2020
Registration went live today for the 2020 Advancements in Manufacturing Technologies Conference. While most of our events provide vital industry information for our members, this one is a little different. This one is all about getting information from SPESA members...
read moreMonday Member Spotlight: FKgroup
SPESA Speaks
January 13, 2020
Our first member spotlight for 2020 is FKgroup - a company focused on analysis, planning, and automation for the cutting room for more than 55 years. From its headquarters in Dalmine, Bergamo – the heart of "Made in Italy" textile production – to Asia and South America, FKgroup has upheld its high standards with the most eminent international brands in textile production in all its segments...
read moreLook Who's Heading South for the Winter
SPESA Speaks
January 10, 2020
Happy New Year! Or perhaps we should say: ¡Feliz Año Nuevo! For a while now, SPESA has started off the beginning of every new year with a trip to Medellin for Colombiatex de las Américas. This year, we will be sharing our booth with a few SPESA members showcasing their exceptional products and services to the Latin American market...
read moreShimmy into the Digital Future with AI-Supported Training for Textile Workers
SPESA In The News
December 16, 2019 - What They Think
At the recent SPESA Executive Conference, Cary Sherburne had the pleasure of meeting Sarah Krasley of Shimmy, a company that provides training for garment workers using gamification (to make it more engaging) and artificial intelligence for localization, among other things. With automation increasingly expected to eliminate jobs in the textiles and other industries, upskilling of these workers is a critical investment in our future—and theirs...
read moreCan the "Last Mile" of Manufacturing — Sewing — Be More Automated? Frank Henderson Says Yes
SPESA In The News
December 16, 2019 - What They Think
A third-generation family-owned company in business for 50 years, Henderson Sewing Machine Company has changed with the times, according to CEO Frank Henderson. With sewing — the "last mile" in textile manufacturing automation — still requiring significant manual labor, Henderson talks about the challenges of automating textile sewn products and the progress that is being made...
read moreMonday Member Spotlight: Magnal Solutions
SPESA Speaks
December 16, 2019
Our December spotlight goes to one of our newer members: Magnal Solutions. The Canadian-based software specialist and industrial engineering consulting service provider focuses on Shop Floor Control and piecework payroll for the garment industry...
read moreAttracting New Talent to Textile Manufacturing Starts with 8th Graders at the Manufacturing Solutions Center
SPESA In The News
December 12, 2019 - What They Think
Dan St. Louis describes the work being done over the last 30 years at the Manufacturing Solutions Center to help create and maintain jobs. As part of the Catawba Community College, the group, among other things, hosts tours of its facility and selected manufacturing plants for 8th graders to encourage them to seek jobs in the industry...
read moreEarly Bird Registration has Opened for Techtextil North America and Texprocess Americas 2020
SPESA Press Releases
December 11, 2019
Techtextil North America and Texprocess Americas will return to the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia May 12-14, 2020. With the all-new, tiered pricing structure, those who register prior to February 18, 2020 will have the opportunity for substantial cost savings on exhibit hall, symposium and special event purchases...
read moreThe Story Behind the Chairs
SPESA Speaks
December 10, 2019
Over the past few weeks, we’ve been talking a lot about the 2019 SPESA Executive Conference, but there is one story we haven’t yet told...
read moreSPESA Members Collect Knowledge, Connections, Memories in N’Awlins
SPESA In The News
December 5, 2019 - eTextileCommunications
Members and guests of SPESA on hand for its annual Executive Conference here recently came away with new knowledge, connections, and plenty of memories of the Big Easy scene...
read moreU.S. Department of Commerce Sees Textiles as a Good Case Study for Reshoring Manufacturing
SPESA In The News
December 2, 2019 - What They Think
Lloyd Wood, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Textiles, Consumer Goods and Materials, U.S. Department of Commerce, was a speaker at the recent SPESA Executive Conference and took time to share his thoughts about what the Department of Commerce is doing to help the textiles and apparel industry be more competitive...
read moreNew SPESA Member: Impactiva
SPESA Speaks
December 2, 2019
Please join us in welcoming Impactiva as the newest SPESA member! Impactiva offers services focused on quality and efficiency for the footwear and apparel industry, ranging from quality control to sophisticated customized lean transformations...
read moreWhat You Missed in New Orleans - Conference Recap
SPESA Speaks
November 20, 2019
It is hard to believe it has been three weeks since the 2019 SPESA Executive Conference in New Orleans. As we catch up on sleep and catch our breath before diving in to the next big project, we wanted to share a few insights from the conference for anyone who was not able to attend...
read moreMonday Member Spotlight: Gerber Technology
SPESA Speaks
November 11, 2019
Gerber Technology holds a special place in the SPESA family. Former Board Chairman, Sam Simpson, represented Gerber Technology on the SPESA Board for nearly two decades, and Vice President of product management and marketing for Automation Systems at Gerber Technology, Lenny Marano, was recently voted in as the newest SPESA Board member...
read moreSPESA Hosts 90 Industry Professionals at Two-Day Executive Conference in New Orleans
SPESA Press Releases
November 8, 2019
SPESA (Sewn Products Equipment & Suppliers of the Americas) hosted its 2019 Executive Conference last Tuesday, October 29 and Wednesday, October 30, in New Orleans, touching on major topics impacting the sewn products industry today. The event attracted 90 attendees from 19 states (including the District of Columbia) and 5 countries...
read moreSPESA Executive Conference Looks at the State of the Sewn Products Industry
SPESA In The News
November 4, 2019 - What They Think
Last week, Senior Editor Cary Sherburne had the pleasure of attending the Executive Conference sponsored by the Sewn Products Equipment and Suppliers of the Americas (SPESA) in New Orleans. This was the first major event planned by the new staff, led by Michael McDonald, President, and by all accounts, it was a huge success...
read moreSPESA Executive Conference Addresses Issues Affecting the Sewn Products Industry: Trade, Workforce, and More
SPESA In The News
October 31, 2019 - What They Think
Michael McDonald, President of SPESA, the Sewn Products Equipment Suppliers of the Americas, discusses the challenges facing the Sewn Products industry, including misconceptions about employment in manufacturing that can be a barrier to attracting new talent. He discusses the role of the organization's Executive Conference, explains what attendees learned, and noted that James Carville, known as the Ragin' Cajun and a native of New Orleans, where the conference was held, was the keynote speaker...
read moreSmall Business Administration Targets Textiles and Sewn Products as Biz Dev Case Study
SPESA In The News
October 30, 2019 - What They Think
Interview conducted at the 2019 SPESA Executive Conference - Chris Pilkerton, Acting Administrator of the United States Small Business Administration, talks about his experiences with companies in the textiles and sewn products industries...
read moreSPESA’s New Leadership Team Committed to Carrying on Legacy
SPESA In The News
October 25, 2019 - eTextileCommunications
Following is a Q&A with the SPESA leadership team that took over operations at the beginning of the year. Michael McDonald is President; Maggie McDonald is Vice President of Communications; and Marie D'Avignon is Vice President of Operations...
read moreGuest Post: Join Exenta at the 2019 SPESA Executive Conference
SPESA Speaks
October 16, 2019
Continuing professional development is an essential component to being a leader in your space. Taking the time to network with others in the industry, to learn about coming trends and changes, and to hear new perspectives is vital to remaining agile and crucial to the ability to adapt and grow as an organization. At Exenta, we strive to make professional development a priority, and that’s why we’ll be at the 2019 SPESA Executive Conference...
read moreMiscellaneous Tariff Bill Update for SPESA Members
SPESA Speaks
October 15, 2019
The U.S. International Trade Commission is now accepting petitions seeking temporary duty suspensions and reductions in accordance with the American Manufacturing Competitiveness Act of 2016. The act allows companies importing products that are not being made in the United States to submit a petition to receive reduced or suspended tariffs on those products when they are imported into the United States...
read moreChina Tariff Update for SPESA Members
SPESA Speaks
October 15, 2019
According to President Donald Trump, the United States and China have reached a tentative and partial trade deal and paused the tariff increase that was set to take effect today on imports on the Section 301 Tariff List 3. Instead of increasing to 30%, tariffs on List 3 imports will remain at the 25% rate implemented in May of this year...
read moreMonday Member Spotlight: Morgan Tecnica
SPESA Speaks
October 7, 2019
In 2008, the Giachetti family of Italy launched a bold new endeavor with Morgan Tecnica. At the height of world economic chaos, they saw a need to improve the cutting room floor and had the passion and drive to make it a reality. Fast forward ten years and Morgan Tecnica is now a powerhouse when it comes to groundbreaking, innovative cutting technologies in the textile industry...
read moreAn Invitation from SPESA Chairman Nina McCormack
SPESA Speaks
October 1, 2019
SPESA Members - Whether you’re in pursuit of professional development, looking to meet a new customer, or simply seeking a fun getaway, I strongly encourage you to join me in New Orleans for the upcoming 2019 SPESA Executive Conference...
New SPESA Member: Mitsubishi Electric Industrial Sewing Machines
SPESA Speaks
September 26, 2019
SPESA is proud to introduce another new member! Mitsubishi Electric Industrial Sewing Machines (ISM) is an industry leader in manufacturing and supplying industrial sewing equipment. This includes a wide range of programmable sewing machines, flatbed lockstitch machines, industrial sewing machine motor kits, clamping solutions for its programmable machines, and genuine sewing machine parts...
read moreMonday Member Spotlight: Alvanon
SPESA Speaks
September 9, 2019
Alvanon's story is one of endurance and evolution. Its founder was a garment manufacturer who failed at selling apparel online. So, he began looking at other ways he could “fit” in to the industry. He created mannequins based on real human anatomy and an understanding of pattern making and garment production...
read moreNew SPESA Member: Atlanta Attachment Company
SPESA Speaks
August 20, 2019
Atlanta Attachment Company is based out of Lawrenceville, Georgia, and employs more than 130 highly specialized and dedicated professionals in its headquarters alone. AAC produces automated systems, custom engineering, facility layout systems, and plant management software, as well as manual and automated sewing equipment and workstations, attachments, labor saving devices, and expendable replacement parts...
read moreNew SPESA Member: Automatex
SPESA Speaks
August 20, 2019
SPESA is thrilled to welcome Automatex as our newest member! Automatex is a Canadian company founded in 1992. Its 45,000 square foot plant is based in Terrebonne, Quebec, with more than 55 specialized employees...
read moreWhy it’s a Good Time to Take Another Look at Sourcing in Central America (Yes, Again)
SPESA In The News
August 15, 2019 - Sourcing Journal
Whenever the apparel supply chain is staring down some sort of upheaval—whether it’s the Tranche 4 tariffs, fires in Bangladesh or China wage hikes—many decide that it’s a good time to take another look at sourcing in Central America...
read moreGet to Know SPESA's Summer Intern
SPESA Speaks
August 13, 2019
We have really enjoyed getting to know our summer intern, Mitchell Hurd, as he helps us out with social media, industry research, marketing, and setting up the new SPESA office, and we think you should know him too...
read moreMonday Member Spotlight: Autometrix
SPESA Speaks
August 12, 2019
August’s Monday Member Spotlight goes out to Autometrix, Inc – a family-owned company specializing in pattern development software for the industrial fabrics industry and low-ply precision cutting machines. With bases in California and Ohio, Autometrix has produced innovative technology for textiles manufacturing since 1979...
read moreThe Changing Dynamics of Manufacturing Across the Americas
SPESA In The News
August 7, 2019 - Sourcing Journal
In 2017, Nidhi Kapur, jumped feet first into a brand new bold endeavor by launching a direct-to-consumer furniture brand called Maiden Home. Like many millennial consumers, Kapur was tired of mass-produced furnishings that came with a hefty price tag and low quality materials. She craved the lost art of craftsmanship, and sought to change the trajectory of how furniture was manufactured by going straight to the original source: North Carolina...
read moreSPESA to Host James Carville as Keynote Speaker for 2019 Executive Conference this October in New Orleans, Louisiana
SPESA Press Releases
August 5, 2019
SPESA (Sewn Products Equipment & Suppliers of the Americas) today announced that famed democratic political commentator, and media personality James Carville will serve as the keynote speaker for its annual Executive Conference in New Orleans, October 29 & 30...
read moreOp-Ed: The US Sewn Products Industry Faces Sizable Labor Shortage
SPESA In The News
July 9, 2019 - Sourcing Journal
The sewn products sector is struggling where labor is concerned. As evidence of this fact, there’s a man in Texas who is alleged to be the only person within a 200-mile radius with the skills needed to repair sewn product manufacturing equipment. Just by listening to a machine, he’s able to identify the problem and offer a solution, and he can be at your factory sometime between next Tuesday and two months from now. He is a regional prodigy. He also represents the decline in local resources and a need for skilled labor...
read moreNew SPESA Member: Magnal Solutions
SPESA Speaks
July 8, 2019
We are excited to welcome Magnal Solutions as the newest member of the SPESA family. This Canadian based Shop Floor Control Software Specialist and Industrial Engineering Consulting Service Provider is unique in being entirely focused on Shop Floor Control (SFC) and piecework payroll for the garment industry...
read moreMonday Member Spotlight: YKK USA
SPESA Speaks
July 1, 2019
Our 1st SPESA member spotlight of the summer goes out to YKK USA - manufacturer of a wide range of zippers & fasteners produced right here in the good ol' U.S. of A. YKK's products are used in apparel, footwear, personal protective, tactical equipment, and medical industries. In addition to being a leader in product performance and longevity, YKK focuses on the Cycle of Goodness...
read moreRegister Now for the 2019 SPESA Executive Conference
SPESA Speaks
June 4, 2019
We're excited to announce that registration for the 2019 SPESA Executive Conference is officially open! Taking place October 29 and 30 in New Orleans, the event is open to SPESA members, their customers, and anyone interested in learning more about the future of the sewn products industry…
read moreMonday Member Spotlight: American & Efird
SPESA Speaks
June 3, 2019
For June, we are featuring a different kind of sewn products supplier: American & Efird. One of the world’s foremost manufacturers of sewing thread, embroidery thread, and technical textiles, A&E’s global presence extends from Asia to Europe to the Americas...
read moreMonday Member Spotlight: Lectra
May 6, 2019
This month, we are shining the spotlight on Lectra, an international leader in integrated technology solutions specifically designed for industries using textiles, leather, industrial fabrics, & composites...
read moreSPESA’s 2019 Advancements In Manufacturing Conference
SPESA In The News
April 16, 2019 - Textile World
SPESA’s 9th Advancements in Manufacturing Technologies Conference attracted 90 industry leaders in Raleigh, N.C…
read moreSPESA President Explains Association’s Value to the Sewn Products Industry
SPESA In The News
April 15, 2019 - What They Think
Are you a supplier to the sewn products industry? If so, are you a member of SPESA? And if you are not, this article from Senior Editor Cary Sherburne lays out why you should be. SPESA’s President Michael McDonald shares his thoughts on the association’s role in promoting and supporting the sewn products industry from the supplier’s perspective...
read moreMonday Member Spotlight: Henderson Sewing Machine Co.
SPESA Speaks
April 1, 2019
SPESA members: Oh how we love thee. As a token of our appreciation and a celebration of your great work, we’re launching today a monthly member spotlight. The first one goes to Henderson Sewing Machine Co., which celebrated 50 years in the industry in 2018...
read moreSewn Products: Hurdles & Opportunities
SPESA In The News
March 25, 2019 - Textile World
The Sewn Products Equipment & Suppliers of the Americas (SPESA) recently collocated its 9th Advancements in Manufacturing Technologies Conference with Techtextil North America held at the Raleigh Convention Center in Raleigh, N.C. More than 90 registered attendees came together to discuss issues facing the sewn products industry. The conference focused on the current and future state of innovations in the sewn products industry related to microfactories, on-demand manufacturing, software connectivity and automation...
read moreMicrofactories, Automation, Talent, Investment: Deconstructing the Reality of Made-in-the- USA Manufacturing
SPESA In The News
March 11, 2019 - Apparel Magazine
When you’re talking about automating the apparel industry, and where we’re headed in the future, it’s helpful to understand where the industry has been, why it changed, and what’s sparking the changes that it will need to accommodate going forward…
read moreSPESA Brings Together Top Industry Leaders For Discussion On Technology Advancements In Sewn Products Manufacturing
SPESA In The News
March 6, 2019 - Textile World
The Sewn Products Equipment and Suppliers of the Americas (SPESA) hosted its 9th Advancements in Manufacturing Technologies Conference last Wednesday, February 27, bringing together a group of leaders on the frontline of manufacturing to discuss the current and future state of innovations in the sewn products industry. Held in conjunction with Techtextil North America 2019 in Raleigh, N.C., the event attracted more than 90 registered attendees from 18 states (including the District of Columbia) and five countries...
read moreSPESA Brings Together Top Industry Leaders for Discussion on Technology Advancements in Sewn Products Manufacturing
SPESA Press Releases
March 6, 2019
The Sewn Products Equipment and Suppliers of the Americas (SPESA) hosted its 9th Advancements in Manufacturing Technologies Conference last Wednesday, February 27, bringing together a group of leaders on the frontline of manufacturing to discuss the current and future state of innovations in the sewn products industry. Held in conjunction with Techtextil North America 2019 in Raleigh, North Carolina, the event attracted more than 90 registered attendees from 18 states (including the District of Columbia) and five countries…
read moreSPESA: Meet The New President Michael McDonald
SPESA In The News
February 20, 2019 - Textile World
In February of 2018, The Sewn Products Equipment & Suppliers of the Americas (SPESA) Board of Directors named Michael McDonald SPESA executive director. McDonald worked alongside then president, Benton Gardner, and managing director, Dave Gardner, until their retirement at the end of last year. McDonald then assumed full management of SPESA at the beginning of January 2019 as president...
read moreSPESA President Addresses Membership in Inaugural State of the Union
SPESA Speaks
February 5, 2019
At the beginning of last year, I opened an email from the SPESA Board that would change my career and my life. Having dedicated years to the textile and apparel industries — from studying work-force development to translating academia to real-world application — the offer to serve as your SPESA President was one I was honored to accept and one that I knew came with much responsibility…
read moreSPESA President Michael McDonald Talks Industry with NCSU Students
SPESA Speaks
February 4, 2019
A group of undergraduate students from the North Carolina State University Wilson College of Textiles stopped by the SPESA office last week to speak with SPESA President Michael McDonald about trade associations and trade shows…
read moreSPESA To Host Advancements In Manufacturing Technologies Conference In Conjunction With Techtextil North America
SPESA In The News
December 17, 2018 - Textile World
Techtextil North America announced today that SPESA (Sewn Products Equipment & Suppliers of the Americas) will hold its Advancements in Manufacturing Technologies Conference at the Raleigh Convention Center in Raleigh, N.C., on Wednesday, February 27, in conjunction with the show’s 2019 edition...
read moreSPESA Announces New Executive Director
SPESA Press Releases
April 2, 2018
The SPESA Board of Directors met on February 7, 2018, and approved the hiring of Michael McDonald as the new SPESA Executive Director to work alongside current president, Benton Gardner, and managing director, Dave Gardner, until their retirement at the end of 2018. McDonald will take over full management of the organization in January 2019...
read more