Becoming a textile manufacturer requires knowledge of fabrics, weaving, and markets, as well as the ability to make complex decisions and manage production. Skills in negotiation, communication, and innovation are also important, as is the ability to secure financing and build networks.
The quest to become a textile manufacturer requires an entrepreneurial spirit as well as a broad knowledge of fabrics and weavings. It is necessary to know the traditional natural fabrics such as wool and cotton; synthetic fabrics such as nylon and polyester; and the developing market for eco-friendly synthetic products, such as those made from recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) containers. Knowledge of different types of fabrics and yarn varieties, such as alpaca and cashmere, is another key factor in being able to buy the most economical looms to manufacture these fabrics.
This broad knowledge of basic textiles and textile markets is essential to becoming a textile manufacturer. The ability to manufacture textiles requires the ability to make complex decisions to assess types of textiles, sources of raw materials for suppliers, equipment and labor needs, and plans to market textile products. For example, deciding to produce only knitted or woven fabrics also requires deciding on production techniques such as braiding or gluing, and the raw materials to be used such as vegetable, animal or synthetic sources.
An important step in becoming a textile manufacturer has traditionally been to create a strategy to produce and sell textiles to market buyers such as a textile supplier, textile exporter or textile importer. The manufacturing process has become very computerized, however, and this technology controls nearly every phase of textile production. Managing textile production now also requires knowing how to manage robotics machines, the high costs of obtaining and repairing this equipment, and the additional labor costs of acquiring the highly trained workers needed to operate these machines.
Mathematics and engineering courses can help a person become a textile manufacturer by training their basic analytical skills, and economics courses can help develop an insight into market forces. Supervising the production of textile products from raw materials also requires negotiation and communication skills. These skills can be honed by working in a textile production environment. Being a skilled negotiator is essential as this can affect profitable discussions in other major manufacturing areas such as textile trading, manufacturing equipment procurement and employee management.
The ability to manufacture textiles that stimulate significant market demand requires adaptability and an ability to analyse, plan and think outside the box. Being adept at putting innovative ideas into practice is another necessary attribute to manage textile production. Along with these attributes, a person needs to have a knack for making good business decisions, such as where to locate. For example, in the US, where mills are heavily concentrated in the southeastern states, cost-effective supply routes for raw materials are already established. Similarly, the manufacturer needs to accurately identify and analyze regional, national and international markets for textiles.
Another key factor for anyone wanting to become a textile manufacturer is the ability to get adequate finance to start the manufacturing business. Building networks of financial sources is one way to seek funding. A good credit history is essential, both to obtain initial financing from banks or investors, and to manage the ongoing costs of production once business starts. For example, mills in other segments of the manufacturing chain, such as yarn manufacturers, may grant special rates or extended credit terms to new mills with good credit. Established distribution channels may also be willing to help new industries achieve a stronger market presence by offering up-front discounts or allowing forward payments for raw material costs.
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