Specialty Fabrics Review December 2020 - 47

Geosynt
ynth
het
etiics
Conference

CO-LOCATING WITH

A VIRTUAL EVENT

benefits the regional economy, " creating a
snowball effect amplified by BMW suppliers
and logistics providers establishing bases
nearby, " according to columnist Eric Kulisch
writing in Automotive News (2018).
The plant employs 11,000 people on-site,
with a statewide employment multiplier of
4.0. The clustering of automotive and textile
industries is also reflected in education and
training, both vital in building and retaining
the next generation of skilled workers.
Nearby, Clemson University's International Center for Automotive Research
(CU-ICAR) offers a graduate department
in automotive engineering. Clemson Composites Center (CCC) partners with industry on lightweight sustainable composites.
Research projects include the use of bioderived cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) to
create a lightweight thermoplastic car door
while generating less greenhouse gas and
offering greater potential for recyclability
and environmental circularity. The project
partners are the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the BMW Group.
DIGITAL DEVELOPMENTS
Based in Frankfurt, the Mechanical
Engineering Industry Association (VDMA)
represents more than 3,000 member
companies of mostly small and medium
size in Germany and Europe. The VDMA
Large Industrial Plant Manufacturers'
Group (AGAB) and PwC Capital Projects &
Infrastructure recently produced a benchmark
study on the expected market changes in the
construction of large-scale manufacturing
facilities. The report forecasts a greater
emphasis on digital, data-driven services
over the next five years.
Dr. Hannes Storch, a member of the
management board of Outotec GmbH &
Co. KG and deputy spokesperson of AGAB,
commented at the report launch, " In this
changing environment, skills such as agility
and flexibility are becoming increasingly
important. " As the German textile industry
is increasingly partnering outside its
immediate discipline, most notably with
artificial intelligence (AI), it is well-placed
to make the most of its agility and its ability
to work with partners both within Germany
and internationally.

Feb. 22-25, 2021

Geosynthetics Conference 2021 is

GOING VIRTUAL

Accessing world-class education has
never been easier. Join colleagues online for
Geosynthetics Virtual Conference taking place
Feb. 22-25, 2021. Enjoy a Welcome Keynote
presented by Mount Everest avalanche survivor
Jim Davidson, the Koerner Lecture presented by
Jie Han, PhD, on-demand technical sessions, panel
discussions, short courses and more! Co-located
with the IECA Annual Conference and Expo, this is
your opportunity to experience two shows at once.

GeosyntheticsConference.com/Register

A Summit for

Experienced and Emerging

LEADERS

Women in Textiles Summit 2021
March 3-5, 2021 | Château Élan Winery & Resort | Braselton, GA USA

Register Today
* Conduct business while making meaningful connections.
* Expand your knowledge by diving into hot topics affecting women in
business and participate in interactive problem solving through
relevant dialogue and education.
* NEW! Learn how women like you have made it to the top
of their professions with snapshot spotlight sessions.
* Reflect and return to work energized and ready to
share and implement new ideas.

Women in Textiles Summit
IFAI.com/Women

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11/18/20 9:50 PM

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Specialty Fabrics Review December 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Specialty Fabrics Review December 2020