PARIS, Feb. 10, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lectra, the world leader in integrated technology solutions dedicated to industries using soft materials-fabrics, leather, technical textiles and composite materials-is pleased to announce its support of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA)'s Fashion Manufacturing Initiative (FMI). The FMI offers financial grants and support to New York City fashion companies to help grow and sustain their businesses through the acquisition of innovative equipment, advanced technology, and worker training.
"New York City is synonymous with fashion and Lectra has a strong history of partnering with fashion and apparel companies in the region. We saw a natural opportunity to partner with the CFDA to support the revitalization of manufacturing in New York City," says Anastasia Charbin, Fashion Marketing Director at Lectra. "We believe in what the FMI aims to accomplish and we look forward to strengthening our relationship with the organization as well as our customers in the region."
"The success of CFDA's Fashion Manufacturing Initiative is built on the support of the industry. And with Lectra's support, we will be helping New York City factories grow and become more competitive," adds Steven Kolb, President of the CFDA.
The FMI, a program created by Theory founder Andrew Rosen, the CFDA and the New York City Economic Development Corporation, recently announced the inaugural grant recipients-including New York Embroidery Studio, High Production, Werkstatt, Create-a-Marker, In Style USA, Vogue Too, and Martin Greenfield Clothiers.
Lectra's support will allow the FMI to assist Martin Greenfield Clothiers, a Brooklyn-based manufacturer of hand-tailored men's clothing and long time Lectra customer, in modernizing their product development and pre-production approach. "The FMI Matching Grant underlines our own investments in employee training and process equipment, helping to increase the productivity and efficiency of Martin Greenfield Clothiers," explains Tod Greenfield, VP of Manufacturing. "The valuable jobs, wages, and other economic activity that will be generated by this program are very beneficial to our company, our industry, and New York City."
About the Council of Fashion Designers of America
The Council of Fashion Designers of America is a not-for-profit trade association whose membership consists of more than 400 of America's foremost womenswear, menswear, jewelry and accessory designers.
About Lectra
Lectra is the world leader in integrated technology solutions that automate, streamline and accelerate product design, development and manufacturing processes for industries using soft materials. Lectra develops the most advanced specialized software and cutting systems and provides associated services to a broad array of markets including fashion (apparel, accessories, footwear), automotive (car seats and interiors, airbags), furniture, as well as a wide variety of other market sectors, such as aeronautical and marine industries, wind power, and personal protective equipment. Lectra serves 23,000 customers in more than 100 countries with 1,350 employees and $256 million in 2012 revenues. The company is listed on NYSE Euronext.
For more information, please visit www.lectra.com
Contact - Lectra Headquarters / Press Dept.: Nathalie Fournier-Christol
E-mail: n.fournier-christol@lectra.com Tel.: +33 (0)1 53 64 42 37 - Fax: +33 (0)1 53 64 43 40
Lectra_CFDA_partnership http://hugin.info/143494/R/1760620/595822.pdf
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