9 February 2000
RESEARCH LINKS WITH FRENCH UNIVERSITY COULD BOOST TEXTILES AND CLOTHING BUSINESS
"Northern Ireland textiles and clothing companies could strengthen their ability to compete for business by developing strategic linkages with international university research centres of excellence," Sir Reg Empey, MLA, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment, said today.
Sir Reg was welcoming an initiative by the Industrial Development Board to help Northern Ireland textiles and clothing companies to form a relationship with the Ecole Nationale Superieure des Arts et Industries Textiles (ENSAIT) at Lille in northern France.
Senior managers from seven Northern Ireland companies are to visit ENSAIT from 9-11 February to discuss projects for research, new product development and opportunities in the technical textiles sector.
Taking part in the initiative, which follows a visit to Northern Ireland last year by ENSAIT staff, are representatives from the Northern Ireland Textiles and Apparel Association, the University of Ulster and the Amalgamated Transport and General Workers Union. Lawson McDonald, Executive Director of IDB's General Manufacturing Division, will lead the group.
Said Sir Reg: "Significant opportunities exist for our companies to use the research facilities available at ENSAIT and other universities to expand their knowledge base, particularly in the dynamic technical textiles sub-sector.
"I am keen that our companies, which have great experience, tremendous expertise and highly skilled employees, should use university R&D facilities and engineering skills to develop the innovative products and cost efficient processes needed to ensure profitable growth in their target markets.
"ENSAIT, for example, has extensive technology and a wealth of knowledge in textiles engineering which could be of great benefit to Northern Ireland companies. In addition, it offers unrivalled access to international markets through the linkages it has with universities, research laboratories and industrial groups worldwide.
"The aim of this initiative is to help our companies access postgraduate textile engineering skills and become an integral part of an increasingly important international knowledge network. It can help companies with technology transfer and to identify new opportunities for products and services worldwide.
"This important initiative reflects my Department's commitment to the future development of the textiles and clothing industry in Northern Ireland and is part of a series of measures being developed to help local companies compete for business in the international marketplace," added Sir Reg.
IDB is developing a pilot scheme to place postgraduate textile engineers from ENSAIT in Northern Ireland companies for six months to carry out specific research projects. Additionally, participating companies will be able to place key staff at ENSAIT for more intensive projects.
Senior ENSAIT staff visited Northern Ireland from 6-8 December following an IDB invitation.
ENSAIT is a state-of-the-art practical learning centre for engineers specialising in textile development. It has particular expertise in the specialist fields of chemistry in bleaching and dyeing, finishing, technical textiles, fibre manipulation and the merging of companion fibres.
Founded in 1889, ENSAIT trains general textile engineers to post graduate level. It works with textile companies on project work.
TEXTILES AND CLOTHING COMPANIES TAKING PART IN THE IDB ORGANISED VISIT TO ENSAIT AT LILLE – 9-11 FEBRUARY 2000
Moygashel Ltd Dungannon Furnishing fabrics
Octopus Sportswear Ltd Strabane Sports and leisurewear
Samuel Lamont and Sons Ballymena Towels and kitchen
co-ordinates
Ulster Carpet Mills Ltd Portadown Axminster carpets
Ulster Weavers Ltd Belfast Apparel fabrics
William Clark and Sons Maghera Interlinings and
apparel fabrics
William Ross Ltd Belfast Yarns