Gerber Technology Pledges Software and Automation Solutions to support New York City's Fashion Manufacturing Initiative

NEW YORK, July 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Gerber Technology, the world leader in integrated software and automated solutions for the apparel and industrial markets, announced its support for the Council of Fashion Designers of America's (CFDA) Fashion Manufacturing Initiative (FMI). The grant was created in conjunction with the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYEDC) to nurture and preserve garment production in New York City, connecting fashion designers with local manufacturing.

Bestec Concept, a New York City based manufacturer, was selected by the CFDA to be a recipient of the grant. Bestec boasts 20 years of commercial apparel manufacturing experience, servicing large production runs for both men's and women's apparel. As a result of Gerber Technology's sponsorship, Bestec will be purchasing AccuMark^® pattern design, marker making, grading and production planning software, as well as a Gerber I-Table and Paragon^® HX GERBERcutter^®.

The CFDA's Fashion Manufacturing Initiative is a public-private partnership program designed to support local fashion manufacturing throughout New York City's fashion sector and offers the chance for companies to apply for grants to purchase equipment, make capital and technology upgrades, offer training to their employees or cover the cost of relocating to New York City. Over the past three years, CFDA has awarded grants for 18 companies totaling $2 million.

Mike Elia, President and CEO of Gerber Technology, said, "Since the early 20^th century, New York City has been home to many of the world's fashion labels, designers, manufacturers, showrooms and suppliers. We are committed to supporting and advancing the local fashion industry in New York City and we've been proud to participate in CFDA's Fashion Manufacturing Initiative since its inception." Elia continued, "We are delighted to support Bestec Concept, a New York City based company that makes quality uniforms for the United States Armed Forces, U.S. Postal Service, police as well as civilians."

Helen Han, President of Bestec Concept, said, "Gerber Technology's support will enable us to expand our manufacturing capabilities here in New York. We were able to grow our current production facility to a 35,000 square foot space with the capacity to produce 15,000 units per week. With the right technology, not only can business flourish, but also compete advantageously with foreign manufacturers. Gerber Technology is has been a long time leader in automated systems and has helped countless companies like ours grow and elevate their businesses."

About Bestec Concept
Bestec Concept is located in Long Island City, New York. The minority woman-owned business produces quality uniforms for the United States Armed Forces, U.S. Postal Service, police and civilians. Bestec's product specialties include shirts, pants, dress coats and trousers.

About CFDA and FMI
The Council of Fashion Designers of America, Inc. (CFDA) is a not-for-profit trade association whose membership consists of more than 500 of America's foremost womenswear, menswear, jewelry and accessory designers. The Fashion Manufacturing Initiative (FMI) is a program of the CFDA in partnership with the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC).

FMI was created to preserve garment production in New York City, ultimately connecting fashion designers to local manufacturing. The program includes: FMI Grand Fund offering matching grants to facilities committed to improving their services through innovation and technology; Apparel Skills Training Courses to generate a stronger workforce; and ongoing professional development sessions and collaborative industry events

Visit http://cfda.com/programs/the-fashion-manufacturing-initiative for more information.

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 more than 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 Vector Capital, a San Francisco-based, global private equity firm specializing in the technology sector and managing more than $2 billion of equity capital. Visit www.gerbertechnology.com for more information.

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

SOURCE Gerber Technology

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