Makers Division member CustomFab USA recognizes the soft goods industry by founding National Contract Sewing Month
July 17th, 2020
Soft goods manufacturers are encouraged to celebrate National Contract Sewing Month in July, recognizing the millions of U.S. workers involved in the industry. The founder of National Contract Sewing Month is Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) Makers Division member CustomFab USA, of Garden Grove, Calif., a contract sewing company involved in the manufacturing of soft […]
Tom Auer works to keep Bearse USA—and the U.S. sewing industry—on a firm foundation
October 1st, 2019
Tom Auer strives to put Bearse USA—and the U.S. sewing industry—on a firm foundation. by Jill C. Lafferty I believe in the philosophy of partnership with my customers,” says Tom Auer, president of Bearse USA, a Chicago., Ill.-based contract sewer of bags and other non-apparel items. “I think that their success is what we should […]
Help wanted: the next generation of manufacturing workers
May 1st, 2018
The dearth of skilled labor is an increasingly common lament heard from manufacturers of all stripes. It’s not a sudden or inflated complaint. According to recent data provided by the Manufacturing Institute (the Institute, or MI), an affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) based in Washington, D.C., 364,000 manufacturing jobs are going unfilled. […]
Makers Division Webinar 2 of 5: Prototypes and Timing–Setting A Realistic Timeline with Clients
February 5th, 2018
Discover the eight phases of setting a realistic timeline for prototype development including design inputs, engineering, proposals, validation and more. Prevent surprises in the manufacturing process with key information to assess and determine before you establish a timeline for clients or for yourself. Presenter: Chad Miller, director of contract manufacturing, American National Manufacturing Inc. IFAI […]
Manufacturing for Good Booth volunteers sew bags for Raintree Children and Family Services
September 29th, 2017
Christine Gerard (left), IFAI division supervisor, and Whitney Armentor (right), Raintree Development Coordinator, are pictured at IFAI Expo 2017 in the Manufacturing for Good Booth. Several companies contributed supplies, equipment and labor to sew 70 large tote bags for young people who receive services at Raintree Children and Family Services. Raintree is a nonprofit that […]
Charity-driven live manufacturing to debut at Expo 2017
September 1st, 2017
For four days every year, IFAI Expo offers industry members the opportunity to share trade secrets and take advantage of educational opportunities, product demonstrations and certification options. A new addition this year is Manufacturing for Good. The live manufacturing experience demonstrates the making of a duffel bag from start to finish, with a philanthropic twist: […]