Specialty Fabrics Review July 2020 - 25

robotic cutting machine and several
medium and heavy industrial machines.
"Fortunately, our machines were all
designed for decades of functionality with
routine maintenance, and we're really
happy with the longevity and functionality
of the equipment," Rhody says. "We
upgrade technology as necessary and would
like the equipment used on this side of the
business to be more reliable and durable."
That said, Rhody notes that there's
been a steady push for new and innovative
technology in the tech field; improvements
include memory, computing speed,
access, miniaturization and specific
forms of robustness or durability, like
waterproofing technology and less brittle,
friable glass for touch screens.
WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS
COVID-19 has illuminated the importance
of manufacturers, especially custom sewing
manufacturers. "Perhaps people may begin
to put more value into trade skills, such
as sewing, and be more open to working
in manufacturing settings," Faris says.
"I also believe the need and desire for
U.S.-made products is going to drastically
increase, and quickly. Corporations will
start sourcing from U.S. manufacturers for
quality and efficiency, rather than going
overseas for a better price."
Auer predicts increased automation in
sewing processes. "But the dexterity of a
human hand combined with our eyesight
still beats a robot today," Auer says. "The
sewing robots of tomorrow will need the
flexibility to take on a variety of tasks
before they can make a significant impact
on our industry. There are thousands of
people across the globe who sit down at
a sewing machine every day, and it's not
likely to change very soon."
Maura Keller is a freelance writer based
in Plymouth, Minn.

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AIRTEX REACTS TO MARKET CHANGES

T

he Airtex Group, Minneapolis, Minn., is a custom textile manufacturer
that designs and manufactures products ranging from high-end linen
draperies, pillows, throws, soft-sided furniture and bags, including backpacks
and computer sleeves under its own brand, Acme Made.
Historically, Airtex generates about 50 percent of its revenue from its
Minneapolis factory, and the rest is produced by partners primarily in Cambodia,
Vietnam, India and Taiwan.
The markets that Airtex serves were changing even prior to the global
pandemic. According to Michael Noer, president of Airtex, prior to the pandemic,
the trends they were seeing included personalized products, consumers'
higher awareness and appreciation for recycled and upcycled products and
the willingness to pay for U.S.-made products.
"Now, we expect those trends to strengthen, especially the desire to
understand where the products come from, and based on feedback from our
customers, a preference for U.S.-made goods," Noer says.
The company boasts three key markets
including private label retail, business to business
(B2B) customers and the Acme Made brand.
The private label retail business includes soft
furniture, window, bags, pillows and throws.
The B2B business includes industries such as
medical, automotive, aeronautics, outdoor gear,
manufacturing and now, not surprisingly, personal
protective equipment (PPE).
To help meet the need for face
The biggest challenges Airtex faces now include
masks during the COVID-19
addressing the massive demand for PPE gear,
pandemic, Acme Made is
manufacturing seamed face
prioritizing goals and sticking to the company's
masks made from upcycled
core values by balancing doing good with continscrap fabric at its Minneapolis,
ued growth.
Minn., factory. Photo: The
"I believe that the renewed interest in U.S.
Airtex Group.
manufacturing will provide a platform for growth,"
Noer says. "Whether specific to PPE gear, fast-to-market customized products,
understanding the source of raw materials-and therefore sustainability-or
just that, philosophically, people are asking more about what can be done in
the U.S. specific to the textile industry, that could lead to consolidation in the
industry to address higher demand and the need to be more efficient."
TOP: Acme Made | The Airtex Group specializes in designing and manufacturing pillows
and poufs using exclusive prints and artwork, embellishments and a variety of edging and
piping styles and textiles for both indoor and outdoor use. Photo: The Airtex Group.

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Specialty Fabrics Review July 2020

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