Posted December 13, 2017

 

RALEIGH, N.C. – Dr. Masahiro Shima, founder and chairman of the board of directors of Japan-based Shima Seiki Manufacturing Ltd., will receive an honorary degree from North Carolina State University during its fall commencement exercise Friday.

 

Shima Seiki, with U.S. operations in Monroe Township, N.J., is known for innovations in flat knitting machines. The company has donated some of those machines to N.C. State’s College of Textiles for students to learn knitting and fashion design.

 

Dr. Shima holds numerous patents and earned the nickname the “Edison of Wakayama,” his hometown in Japan. He founded Shima Seiki in 1962, based on development of the world’s first fully automated glove knitting machine.

 

The company is known worldwide for developing WHOLEGARMENT computerized knitting technology used by both casual wear manufacturers and top designers to create seam-free garments, including three-dimensional pullovers, elegant dresses, jackets, pleated skirts, pants and running shoes. He has won international awards for his contributions in textile engineering, green development and service.

 

During the ceremony, NC State will award 3,493 degrees – 59 associate’s, 2,005 bachelor’s, 1,096 master’s, 330 doctoral and three Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees. With the 5,755 degrees conferred in May, N.C. State will award a total of 9,248 degrees in 2017. A total of 32 valedictorians will be recognized for earning perfect 4.0 grade-point averages during their academic careers at N.C. State.

 

Source: N.C. State University