Project I, an innovative apparel manufacturing group started by fashion executives Jon Lewis and John Elmuccio, has announced its collaboration with Germany’s leading flat knitting machine manufacturer Stoll, during the Stoll Symposium in New York City this week.

“We’re partnering to create the apparel manufacturing and supply chain facility of the future,” said John Elmuccio. “The collaboration with Stoll will strengthen America’s fashion market, restore apparel production jobs using the latest technology, and revitalise the fully-fashioned knit sector.”

Project I and Stoll’s advanced apparel manufacturing facility results in the largest single order of Stoll’s latest 3D knitting machinery and software solutions within the US. This collaboration is expected to bring a great output of jobs and help position the US as a key player of the apparel manufacturing and supply chain market.

“The apparel, fashion, and luxury markets are ripe for disruption and resurgence in the US,” said Jon Lewis. “By shortening the supply chain and locating production in the US, fashion brands and retailers will be able to keep pace with emerging trends and react to — not just anticipate — customer demand.”

The installation of the 300 high-tech flatbed knitting machines will happen throughout the next three years. Stoll will install the latest generation of ADF machines, which feature yarn carriers that are independent of the carriage and can move horizontally and vertically, and the latest CMS 830 C&S Knit & Wear (seamless knitting) machines. Stoll will provide programming, training, manufacturing and on-site production support while guiding new and existing customers alike to Project I.

“We have been working with Project I for over two years to turn this groundbreaking vision into a reality,” said Stephan Robertson, CEO North American Operations. “At Stoll, we take great pride in reinventing ourselves as a high-quality OEM with the latest technology on the market. We have seen Fashion & Technology flourish on a mass global scale, but we needed a new competitive edge in the North American market. With Project I, we are finally able to make the United States a destination for advanced manufacturing and production.”

Project I’s new venture will incorporate an eco-friendly workspace that will provide sustainable manufacturing jobs. Production is anticipated to begin at the end of 2019 at a brand-new US-based facility.

www.stoll.com