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Textile Innovation in Rhode Island

Officially launched in September 2018, the Rhode Island Textile Innovation Network (RITIN) is another example of initiatives across the country that are working to revive the U.S. textile and apparel industry, both with innovations that improve efficiency and to reshore textile and apparel manufacturing. We spoke with RITIN steering committee chairman and CEO of textile company Trans-Tex Michael Woody to learn more.

Tuesday, November 20, 2018

Across the United States, and particularly along the Eastern Seaboard which was once a textiles powerhouse, there are a number of exciting initiatives underway to revive the U.S. textiles and apparel industry, which has migrated the vast majority of its manufacturing offshore over the past several decades. New digital technologies and rising labor rates in Asian countries are key drivers for reshoring manufacturing. The Rhode Island Textile Innovation Network (RITIN) is one such initiative. We spoke with RITIN steering committee chairman and CEO of textile company Trans-Tex Michael Woody to learn more.

WhatTheyThink:  Michael, tell us about RITIN.

Michael Woody:  The Rhode Island Textile Innovation Network is an affiliation of textile manufacturers focused on positioning Rhode Island as a leader in advanced textile manufacturing. It supports and promotes Rhode Island's textile sector and supply chain. RITIN is supported by an Industry Cluster Grant from the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation and a grant from the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training's Real Jobs RI program. Mary Johnson, who works for Rhode Island’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership, Polaris MEP, handles program management.


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About Cary Sherburne

Cary Sherburne is a well-known author, journalist and marketing consultant whose practice is focused on marketing communications strategies for the printing and publishing industries.

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