We’ve been chronicling our members contributions to providing much needed PPE and other aid during the COVID-19 pandemic. This article, from Textile World and authored by the wonderful Rachael S. Davis does too, and features AAPN President Ed Gribbin, our own Mike Todaro, AAPN member Parkdale’s Chairman and CEO Anderson D. “Andy” Warlick and more. It’s a great read, so do take five minutes to do so!
COVID-19: The Textile Industry Responds To PPE Shortage
May 27, 2020
The global pandemic has the textile industry cooperating in ways not typically seen as it works to meet the need for medical PPE.
By Rachael S. Davis, Executive Editor, Textile World
As the globe grapples with a pandemic the likes of which hasn’t been seen in more than a century, the textile industry is stepping up and banding together in truly inspiring ways.
The U.S. textile industry — a much maligned industry in recent decades that many observers long ago wrote off — has been energized by the call to help provide personal protective equipment (PPE) as the country is faced with a dire shortage of disposable PPE for its front-line medical personnel
From the largest to the smallest companies and from the history-rich, legacy companies to businesses relatively new in the textile landscape — all are pitching in during this time of need. Raw material suppliers and machinery companies, yarn spinners, fabric producers, finished goods manufacturers, apparel companies and brands are working alone or collaborating to make a difference.
Industry associations also are lending a hand by helping match companies in the supply chain who are looking for ways to help, but need assistance — either materials, servies or advice — to get started. One such organization, the Atlanta-based Americas Apparel Producers’ Network (AAPN), established an online bulletin board named the “Sourcing Center” back in March. “Anyone interested in participating could login to the Sourcing Center and post their needs and capabilities for others to read and respond to,” said Mike Todaro, AAPN’s managing director. Read More.