What Works for Small Apparel Manufacturing: Issues Affecting Reshoring
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The first national meeting of textile and clothing professors took place in Madison, Wisconsin in June 1959. With a mission to advance excellence in education, scholarship and innovation, and their global applications, the International Textile and Apparel Association (ITAA) is a professional and educational association of scholars, educators, and students in the textile, apparel, and merchandising disciplines in higher education.
This site provides free, public access to the ITAA annual conference proceedings beginning in 2015. Previous proceedings can be found by following the "Additional ITAA Proceedings" link on the left sidebar of this page.
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Abstract
This study is the first step in a National Science Foundation supported investigation of evolving innovative US supply chain linkages that support development of small apparel manufacturing centers across a southwestern state. We provide a case study of a small US apparel manufacturing business organized in 2014 to meet the needs of local and regional industry, while creating sustainable, dignified jobs. The company defined itself as, 'a social enterprise with a sewing machine at its heart'. Researchers conducted in-depth interviews with the owner and founder of the manufacturing firm. Overall lessons learned that could advance emerging small manufacturing businesses include the importance of brand creation and building an organizational structure with cohesive alignment. Further research is needed, but there is the indication that the ability to collaborate or network with other similar small manufacturing centers could play an important role in meeting large orders or providing training for workers.