Gerber Hosts Symposium with Furniture Industry Leaders to Discuss Challenges and Opportunities for Automation and Optimization

Executives attended the symposium from some of the world's leading furniture manufacturers, who came together to discuss industry trends, workforce challenges and transformative technologies. Gerber demonstrated their easy-to-use software and automated textile and leather cutting technologies highlighting how they are helping to decrease time to market, increase throughput and improve material yields.

During the symposium, Bill McCloughlin, editor-in-chief at Furniture Today, discussed five of the trends affecting the furniture industry including:

1. Anti-Globalization – increased focus on revitalizing domestic economies around the world
2. Made in America – consumer awareness of where goods are made and increasing manufacturing in the United States
3. Consolidation – retail consolidation with mergers and acquisitions
4. Mobile-ization – internet is king, 52% of consumers use mobile when shopping for furniture
5. It's my life (style) – understanding the unique needs of the millennial demographic

"The common theme throughout the day was showing how technology addresses key trends in the market and helps our customers achieve optimum results," said Leonard Marano, director of product marketing, automation solutions at Gerber Technology. "These events provide a great avenue for communication with our customers, allow us to understand their pain points and fuel new innovations in our product development."

Dr. Andre West, assistant professor, TATM NC State University, presented new projects at the University utilizing digital printing and designing with AccuMark® pattern design, grading, marker making and production planning software to create pillow shells for outdoor furniture. Digital printing workflows could help furniture companies increase their agility and ensure they are able to respond to style trends in the future.

Additionally, demonstrations by Gerber experts were focused on matching and leather workflows. The GERBERcutter® Z1 with AutoMatch™, was shown, highlighting latest technology for automating the process of matching complex patterns across cut parts with the promise of increasing productivity and throughput by up to 75% and reducing labor costs by 50% or more. As the luxury furniture market expands, leather will play an increased role. Gerber highlighted methods to optimize yield and increase throughput while demonstrating their GERBERcutter Taurus II leather cutting system.

"We enjoyed the discussions with our customers and appreciate our partnership with CVCC in collaborating on the event. Partnering together for the good of the industry is extremely important as we address new trends and the ever changing market landscape," Marano concluded.

About Catawba Valley Community College
Catawba Valley Community College (CVCC) is an accredited comprehensive community college serving Catawba and Alexander counties in North Carolina. Approximately 4,700 students are enrolled in college credit courses and more than 10,000 students are enrolled in short-term and occupational training opportunities. It offers programming in Hickory, Newton and Taylorsville and in many community and workplace locations. For more information, visit www.cvcc.edu.

About Gerber Technology
Gerber Technology delivers industry-leading software and automation solutions that help apparel and industrial customers improve their manufacturing and design processes and more effectively manage and connect the supply chain, from product development and production to retail and the end customer. Gerber serves 78,000 customers in 130 countries, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies in apparel & accessories, home and leisure, transportation, packaging and sign & graphics. The company develops and manufactures its products from various locations in the United States and Canada and has additional manufacturing capabilities in China.

Based in Connecticut in the USA, Gerber Technology is owned by AIP, a New York based, global private equity firm specializing in the technology sector and has more than $3.0 billion assets under management. Visit www.gerbertechnology.com for more information.

Contact: Jamie Bibb 
Tel: +1 419 244 7766 
[email protected]

SOURCE Gerber Technology

Related Links

http://www.gerbertechnology.com