Lycra opens R&D centre in China to help boost Asian demand

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
May 16, 2019

The Lycra company has announced the opening of a 4,500 sq mt R&D laboratory called Advanced Textile Innovation Center (ATIC) in Nanhai, China.

Fully equipped with knitting, weaving, dyeing and finishing machinery, the centre has been created to help mills, brands and retailers throughout Asia create innovative fabrics and garments using Lycra’s textile solutions, which include Lycra fibre, Lycra HyFit fibre, Coolmax fibre and Thermolite fibre.

Scientists at the Advanced Textile Innovation Center will also work with customers to find new opportunities and develop new polymer, fibre and textile technologies, the company said.

“Developing groundbreaking innovations and creating new garment categories are part of our company’s heritage and critical to our success going forward,” said Bob Kirkwood, chief technology officer.

The renewed Asian focus comes after Lycra was acquired by China’s Shandong Ruyi in February. But despite the ownership change, the company continues to be led by the same leadership team and operates as an independent subsidiary.

The new lab is one of four Lycra R&D centres worldwide, and further boosts an established business of eight manufacturing sites and 17 offices.

“By integrating science with apparel market research, ATIC staff will help guide the development and commercialization of innovative garment solutions designed to meet global apparel market needs,” said Julien Born, president of Apparel.
 
“Co-locating ATIC and our South China sales office, will enable tighter integration between R&D and our commercial team and help our customers accelerate speed-to-market.”