Support Service for Business Conversion in the Clothing Industry as Part of the Recovery

Since the start of the health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Vestechpro has put its expertise at the service of the clothing industry, to help it contribute to the production of personal protective equipment (PPE) efficiently and to adapt its production floors to the new reality.

Context
 

During the large mobilization of textile suppliers, where clothing manufacturers and related service companies were expected to meet the needs of the health sector in a time of crisis, Vestechpro found that few companies were able to produce PPE and that several were struggling to convert their production line to be able to help.

The Quebec clothing industry usually manufactures ready-to-wear, outerwear, work uniforms, and technical clothing (sports/outdoor). It brings together hundreds of banners working in the design, manufacture, and distribution of various types of clothing. It also occupies a considerable labour pool in Montreal and throughout Quebec. It was therefore imperative to support it and guide its recovery.

Vestechpro quickly developed a support program dedicated to the industry and aimed at converting production operations and updating resources for PPE production. The program enables the development of new strategies regarding textile supply, equipment / assembly line adequacy, quality control, training workers and their workplace safety.

In this context, the following work functions can be addressed:

• Textile supply
• Adaptation and modifications of the production chain
• Adaptation and equipment modifications
• Recognition of technical data sheets
• Training workers
• Quality control
• Implementation of worker safety measures
• Good practices related to the handling and shipping of products
• Validation of corporate compliance
• Real time information channel

A Three-Step Process

The program is divided into three distinct stages: diagnosis, upgrade and follow-up.

1. Diagnosis

• Data collection (designated resource person survey)
• Analysis and assessment of the current situation
• Stage carried out before production start up

The following aspects will be considered:

• Manufacturer’s certification (LEIM) if applicable
• Textile material certification by Groupe CTTT if applicable
• Available raw materials
• Available human resources
• Expertise
• Available equipment
• Production capacity
• Management capacity
• Safety measures
• Shipping and handling
• Access to finance

2. Upgrade and Consultation

• Vestechpro team intervention to upgrade operations and train staff
• Stage carried out at the start of the production period
• Companies will be supported during the update phase of operations

The following aspects will be considered:

• Equipment installation
• Upgrading the production chain
• Implementation of security measures
• Introduction of specifications and prototypes
• Training staff
• Quality control
• Shipping terms
• Support for improving productivity
• Recommendations

3. Follow-up

• Vestechpro team intervention during the production period.
• Availability of Vestechpro technician to answer questions and intervene quickly as needed.

Approximate duration of the support program for a company: 16 to 20 hours as needed Financial Support for Businesses

Vestechpro offers companies interested in benefiting from this service to apply for a grant under the Tech-Access Assistance Program of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) in order to obtain a 20-hour consultation with Vestechpro, free if charge.

Since Vestechpro is recognized as a Technology Access Center (TAC) designated by the NSERC, it can recommend this approach to companies that wish to take advantage of the program benefits. The TAC’s goal is to help Canadian companies promote their products, processes, and services.

Are you interested in this support service? Contact us now.