Manufacture New York Spreads Holiday Cheer
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer
Today was a victorious day for the design and manufacturing industry in a location within the United States that is ripe with fashion, style and sophistication.
Waking up in New York City on Thursday, December 4, 2014, there was a sharp chill in the air but that chill quickly melted away with a very important announcement made by New York City Deputy Mayor Alicia Glen who was joined by Manufacture New York (MNY) CEO Bob Bland. This day holds the promise of fresh beginnings and future successes for both Brooklyn and New York City.
The City Of New York is investing $3.5 million in Manufacture New York’s planned Manufacturing Innovation Hub which will be located in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. This is a strong testament to the commitment that the city is willing to put forth to show that they totally support the fashion and manufacturing sectors, key traditional New York City industries, by encouraging innovation and partnership between the public and private sectors. This new Hub will stretch out 160,000 square feet housing all that is needed to lead the industry.
The announcement was monumental in so many ways. Apparel manufacturing becomes even more localized, more emerging designers will be discovered and their creativity promoted, and the economy will blossom with the creation of at least 300 jobs in the design and manufacturing sector. The funding will go to build-out, modernize, and subdivide the industrial space for the long term.
“Thanks to the tireless support of City Hall, NYCEDC, and local elected leaders, New York’s fashion manufacturers will have access to world class industrial space and infrastructure at prices they can afford,” said MNY’s Bob Bland. “Creating a comprehensive system of mentorship, training, and support, while working together to solve 21st century problems in our supply chains and the fashion ecosystem, will bring long-term, sustainable growth to the New York City economy.”
The innovation hub will include:
- A small-run factory specializing in sample making;
- A research and development center to help develop new fashion and wearable technology capabilities;
- A design accelerator to create an educated pipeline of fashion and manufacturing talent;
- Incubator space containing 12 private studios, classroom space, conference rooms, a computer lab, an industrial sewing room, storage, and work areas for 50 designers;
- A workforce development center to help train skilled workers.
“We are focused on making investments that are going to spur innovation, create good jobs, and keep New York City competitive,” said Deputy Mayor Alicia Glen. “Fashion and manufacturing aren’t just legacy industries, they are rapidly evolving parts of our economy that are adapting new technologies and changing every day. Here in Sunset Park, working with our private sector partners, we’re ensuring companies at the cutting edge of these industries can grow and innovate right here in New York City.”
For those that are not familiar with Manufacture New York , it is a Brooklyn-based company whose main purpose is to reawaken and rebuild the fashion industry with confidence, which in turn, will foster the next wave of businesses and create a sustainable global supply chain. The company also prides itself on being the leader in design and production of the next generation of wearable technology.
Manufacture New York Founder and CEO Bob Bland commented, “We will work inclusively with established fashion industry veterans, non-profit and community partners, educational institutions, and the incredibly diverse community of emerging designers and local manufacturers to lay the foundation for tremendous change in our industry. We believe that creating a comprehensive system of mentorship, training and support, while working together to solve 21st century problems in our supply chains and the fashion ecosystem, will bring long-term, sustainable growth to the New York City economy.”
“This is an exciting opportunity to develop a state-of-the-art industrial manufacturing center that will enable NYC manufacturers to thrive and expand their current businesses,” said U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. “This facility will bring a much needed creative and industrial hub for designers, manufacturers, and tech innovators that will reinvigorate local communities and create new jobs.”
Responsible for more than what really meets the eye, this hub will stimulate the Fashion Manufacturing Initiative. In addition, small businesses in fashion and manufacturing can continue to thrive. The industry will continue to gain momentum as seed funding is put forth for the CFDA Fashion Incubator, professional mentorship in design and fashion management, and networking and educational programs.
Statistics have proven that New York City’s fashion industry accounts for nearly 6 percent of the city’s workforce, paying $10.9 billion in wages, and generating nearly $2 billion in tax revenue annually. New York City’s wholesale fashion market is one of the world’s largest, attracting more than 500,000 visitors per year to its trade shows, showrooms and fashion shows. Overall, the industry garners more than $18 billion in retail sales, $72 billion in wholesale sales, and $8 billion in manufacturing sales annually. The city’s semi-annual Fashion Weeks draw approximately 232,000 attendees to more than 500 shows, creating a total economic impact of $887 million.
We can feel that holiday spirit of generosity is upon us now.
PHOTO CREDITS: NYC EDC Facebook Page
