Lectra is equipping the plant of Bespoke Manufacturing Company (BMC) in Phoenix, Arizona, with the AccuMark range of solutions and a Gerber Z1 cutting machine.

A made-to-measure womenswear manufacturer, BMC is known for its on-demand business model, providing customised garments through onshore production to improve sustainability and profitability.

All products are sold prior to manufacturing, minimising fabric waste and excess inventory, which greatly reduces costs. By adopting this model, BMC also gains agility in helping its customers respond to sudden changes in consumer demand, tastes and preferences.

 “Our aim is to provide a viable alternative to the traditional supply chain by reducing manufacturing time from months to minutes,” says J. Kirby Best, BMC CEO.

BMC has selected Lectra’s Gerber Z1 cutter and the Gerber AccuMark CAD system to power its iCreate.Fashion platform, which serves as the backbone of its on-demand factory. This incorporates a digital printing solution, the Kornit Presto, and Lectra’s AccuMark 2D and AccuMark Made-to-Measure solutions, as well as the Z1 Gerber cutter, allowing BMC to go from designing to printing and cutting and sewing within minutes, without facing the risk of errors.

With Lectra’s solutions, BMC can streamline and automate the on-demand production process, without having to handle complex logistical issues and long lead times. As a result, is can achieve high throughput using less resources and labour, ensure consistent profitability and expand its business to other regions with the same production model.

“Compared to mass production, the on-demand model is well adapted to fashion’s new normal, as it digitalizes the supply chain, creates minimal waste, and is more agile to meet consumers’ needs,” said Lenny Marano, Lectra Americas president. “Traditionally, it is a complicated and tedious process, with long lead times. Our Industry 4.0 technology connects the dots to enable trailblazing companies like BMC to adopt this way of manufacturing without any of its inconveniences, thanks to automation. By helping BMC, we are promoting a flexible, responsible manufacturing mindset, which is a step towards the future of the fashion industry. At the same time, we are bridging the gap between profitability and environmental sustainability.”

www.lectra.com