Posted May 20, 2015

 

I was pleased to be included in last week’s meeting regarding the Revolutionary Fibers and Textile Manufacturing Innovation Institute (RFT-MII), even though most of the information dispensed was off the record. During the gathering, which took place at Gaston College’s Textile Technology Center-Kimbrell Campus, two proposer groups presented thorough presentations on how they see the institute taking shape and sustaining itself. Proposals were competitive and sensitive, so I was asked to abstain from reporting on details of their presentations, which I kindly obliged.

 

For me, it was as a learning experience that provided more detailed insights into what group leaders envisioned for such an institute – details that offered more clarity as I report on the RFT-MII as it progresses. I appreciate the trust granted me by the organizer, the National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) and especially NCTO Vice President Hardy Poole, along with the proposer groups. I’m pleased to have earned such confidence from the industry.

 

As you know, the institute was a big “get” for the industry. After a meeting in October that drew collaborative participation and input by the textile complex, the Department of Defense’s ManTech (Manufacturing Technology) office agreed that a need existed for such an institute to be included in its National Network for Manufacturing Innovation. So a notice of intent to create such an entity was granted by the DoD in March. The institute is designed to accelerate innovation by investing in manufacturing technologies with broad technical applications for both military and commercial markets.

 

How it will work to help the industry is still up in the air. Both proposer groups provided an exceptional vision of how they see it playing out to the benefit of the industry and the government. Their operating models diverged in some areas but were similar in several others. They brought forth several objectives that included a location for an innovation hub and pilot facilities, funding strategies, business and technical plans, sustainability methods, education and training programs, project concepts, membership value, expected outcomes and more.

 

Though the potential “winner” is unknown, the likely winner will in the end will be the U.S. textile industry and its full supply chain. From speaking with members of both groups, I think they agree there will be no losers, regardless the outcome. I’m excited to see the U.S. government allying with this industry. For so many years in a past life, I saw textiles as a pawn or a bargaining chip in so many areas or in trade negotiations.

 

For the record, I was pretty much blown away by the thoroughness and hard work that each proposer group has given – on a volunteer basis – for the betterment of our industry. No doubt, their efforts come from a deep-seated place, that being the spot where love and passion for this great industry exists. They know the stakes are high and they want to see the industry they have spent their blood, sweat and tears in continue in perpetuity.

 

So if you’re not involved in this effort, I implore you to get involved. This could be a much greater resource for the industry than anyone can imagine – provided we have full support by all