SASKATCHEWAN - The apparel and textile industry will be receiving $200,000 from the province to train employees in modular manufacturing. The Apparel & Textile Association (ATAS) will be administering the funds. ATAS will help companies make the transition from current methods to the new production standards as well as accepting and reviewing project requests in regards to the new system.

"Saskatchewan's apparel and textile industry has been very successful, growing in international exports by more than 80 per cent over the last four years," Economic and Co-operative Development Minister Eldon Lautermilch said. "This new program will allow the industry to continue to grow and compete with other Canadian manufacturers." The industry is made up of 400 companies that currently employ 1,800 people. Annual sales exceed $45 million.

The new method will allow apparel companies to use a "just-in-time" system and carry less stock. Under the new modular system garments would be produced from beginning to end by a single team. Currently garments are going through a line production that takes longer and involves more people.

Cliff Vanderlinde, President of Hobo Clothing Company in Saskatoon will be amongst the first users of the new system. "With our manufacturing transition to a modular 'just-in-time' model, Hobo Clothing Company, Nine-One-One Outerwear will have a real leg up to compete in new market segments and new geographic areas," says Vanderlinde.

 

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