Techtextil North America 2019, in Raleigh, NC, in February, will be the first edition to name an official academic partner – North Carolina State University’s College of Textiles serves as a hub for textile research and development and as a primary supplier to the industry talent pipeline nationwide. The College is internationally renowned as a leader in the field of textile education and innovation, and through industry collaboration, aims to be the global leader in textile public-private partnerships.

“We are thrilled about this new endeavour and our first ever official academic partnership with North Carolina State University’s College of Textiles,” said Kristy Meade, Show Director, Technical Shows: Textiles, Sewn Products, Equipment and Technology at Messe Frankfurt North America.

“Our goal has always been to create a unique experience for all who visit, and Techtextil North America is where professionals from across industries come to cultivate business relationships and learn about the latest developments, technologies and trends hitting the textile industry. Through our collaboration, Techtextil North America 2019 will serve as a direct link between innovators of industry and the next generation of textile professionals, and we hope to create an engaging environment that sparks new ideas, partnerships, and industry growth.”

Multi-faceted partnership

The partnership aims to benefit the university, the city of Raleigh, and the North American textile industry in a number of ways:

• Utilise expertise from the College’s faculty and staff to provide top of the line educational opportunities for all Techtextil North America attendees
• Provide exhibiting and visiting companies with direct access to the latest research coming from the world’s leading textile institution
• Gain exposure for the College’s undergraduate and graduate research programmes and their industry contributions through special feature areas on the Techtextil North America show floor
• Facilitate future careers and strategic partnerships through collaboration with the College’s Career Fair and show attendees
• Shine a spotlight on the high level of global innovation and industry development coming from all levels of the North American Textile Industry

“The College of Textiles at NC State University is proud to be the first academic partner for Techtextil North America,” said David Hinks, PhD, Dean and Cone Mills Professor of Textile Chemistry, College of Textiles at NC State University.

“Throughout our 119-year journey our College has been committed to catalysing growth and innovation across the entire textiles enterprise. Our world-renowned faculty and staff recruit and prepare the future leaders of our industry, conduct applied research and development, inspire entrepreneurs and provide comprehensive professional education and workforce development that attracts new investment locally and nationally. We are also committed to knowledge transfer and inspiring collaboration. Our partnership with Techtextil North America is an ideal way to achieve our joint goal of advancing the textile industry.”

Driving force of economic development

The College of Textiles offers hands-on, science-based textile education through two departments, Textile and Apparel, Technology and Management and Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science. Textiles faculty have established interdisciplinary centres and institutes: The Nonwovens Institute and the Textile Protection and Comfort Center. The Zeis Textiles Extension department meets a high-demand for professional training and fabrication and testing services by offering programs for entrepreneurs and start-up companies as well as multinational corporations.

The Nonwovens Institute (NWI), also located on the NC State campus, has experienced remarkable growth, opening a new 40,000-sq.ft. facility in 2017 for SpunMelt and Hydroentangling.

While NC State continues to be a driving force of economic development in North Carolina, the state leads the nation in manufacturing of textile yarns and fabrics. In the past two years, companies from around the world have begun or expanded operations in rural North Carolina, bringing hundreds of new jobs and investing more than US$ 100 million.

www.techtextilna.com