Clothing Manufacturers

For over 80 years, SATRA Technology Centre has helped its members in the footwear and associated industries to increase their competitiveness through a wide range of products and services for reducing costs, improving quality and increasing productivity.

These include specialist services for apparel manufacturers which offer the following benefits:

Improving quality

Quality assurance - SATRA has helped many companies to introduce ISO 9001 with its special knowledge of the requirements of the apparel industry. A second company, SATRA QA, is able to give ISO 9001 certification.

'In-house' quality control - For companies wishing to control aspects of quality in-house, SATRA can supply test equipment and calibrating test machines; it can train laboratory staff, check procedures and give laboratory accreditation accepted by leading retailers.

Improving productivity

VisionStitch -A comprehensive training programme for new and experienced stitching machine operators. It reduces operator training times for competent stitching operators by combining visual feedback technology with the instructor based training system developed by SATRA. VisionStitch can also be used by factory engineers to diagnose and rectify incorrectly set stitching machines.

Testing and product development

We offer a comprehensive service for evaluating materials, ancillary products and finished garments - including protective clothing, and gloves. Our laboratories have been accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS). The service is fast and authoritative - we aim to give the results within five days of receiving samples.

Testing can be carried out to internationally recognised standards including BS, EN.ASTM, DIN and ISO. Apparel is sourced globally and the risks are greater as more countries and companies are used. SATRA can help to ensure that International, EC and UK standards are met. We can also assist members by developing performance guidelines and specifications. A full analytical service is available covering fibre identification, construction, finishes and substances such as pentachlorophenol (PCP) and azo-dyes.

Health and safety and environmental concerns

Concerns about the environment are growing daily and SATRA aims to keep you in touch with developments. SATRA can also keep you up-to-date with Health and Safety legislation and commitments.

Technical problem solving

SATRA's wide ranging expertise and state-of-the-art facilities can be used to resolve problems. This service covers a very wide area ranging from materials analysis to in-factory process monitoring.