If you only associate textiles with apparel, then you have a lot of catching up to do. Yes, cotton, synthetics and yarns have lent their versatility to some museum-worthy garments and artistic creations, but as we cross new frontiers of technology and achievement, textiles have evolved accordingly and are now elevated to the status of being critical problem solvers, making significant contributions to engineering, innovation and performance.
2018 is on track to be a good year for the U.S. textile market as we cement our position in the global economy. Here at Apex Mills, we continue to strengthen our contributions by fabricating innovative technical textiles that can inspire revolutionary products.
It’s all about information. Companies are looking to develop breakthrough products that can deliver information or recalibrate, according to conditions, to provide added benefit. For example, a workout shirt that can transmit information about heart rate or calories used; a garment that can block bacteria from touching the skin; or a fabric that can change color to alert of dangerous conditions.
Manufacturers striving to stay ahead must be equipped to pivot quickly. This much-needed flexibility is awarded to brands that partner with companies that are nimble. One way to deliver the desired accelerated response rate is by manufacturing in the USA.
Despite contradictory reports in the media, reshoring has not slowed down. More American brands are re-evaluating their position and choosing to return to the U.S. Companies from industries including apparel, aerospace, military, and more, are looking to infuse technology into their products and need advanced specialty textiles and field experts to guide their product development.
With the unveiling of the Revolutionary Fibers and Textiles Manufacturing Innovation Institute, the US has put a stake in the ground in the area of e-textiles and it won’t be long until manufacturers see exciting innovations emerge from this initiative.
Other factors contributing to the industry’s growth are textile printing, due to increased demand in the retail signage, trade show and exhibit markets; CAD modelling, which enables manufacturers to conceptualize new products and designs quicker and more cost-effectively; and the emergence of new yarns with inherent properties built-in rather than being applied topically.
Finally, customization continues to be in demand. Buyers who can’t make do with “off the shelf” variants will require custom solutions, fuelled by the increased investment in textile research and development.
Apex Mills is celebrating its 75th year in business!
Throughout 2018 we look forward to bringing our own textile advancements and innovations to market. Facing the year ahead, Apex Mills celebrates its skilled team, hard-working, dedicated, and knowledgeable collaborators, and our savvy customers across practically every industry.
This year’s top priority is to further solidify our standing as a reliable textile partner to premium companies, government agencies and innovators. Many of our fabrics are certified according to STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® and we are in the process of becoming ISO 9001: 2015 certified.
To support our pledge, we will soon launch our new website. This will allow brands to easily choose the textile capabilities they are looking to employ within their own products, from any device, at any time.
Of course, you can continue to follow our blog for the latest industry updates and can connect with us on Twitter & LinkedIn.
For further information on how our textiles can service your products, please contact us here.
Reach your most challenging
textile goals with confidence.