Textile Insight

textileinsight.com Fall 2023 ~ Textile Insight • 55 stemming from an industry need to improve on an existing printed product in the industry. e product was successfully patented in 2018 and was outsourced for a few years before the pandemic. Making It in the U.S. Manufacturing became a part of MMI's business in 2020. Covid- related supply chain disruption posed a distinct problem for MMI: How to produce its patented product for the military and tactical markets with insufficient supply of webbing – particularly Berry compliant Mil-spec webbing in both solid and printed patterns. Having done the research and consulted with supply chain partners, it was decided that MMI would become a manufacturer, and as such provide a solution to the webbing supply problem at hand. And at the same time, the firm recognized this new responsibility could serve as a vehicle to drive further growth and align with the company's commitment to constantly innovate. MMI's narrow fabric manufacturing facility opened in Lenoir NC. Connections through solid supply chain partnerships helped MMI find the best location and the right project manager/plant manager for the new plant. MMI has partnered with a talented printer, now located in the same building. Reardon, who's responsible for special projects and keeping current with the latest textile technologies, says the company's hard work and smart planning is paying off; MMI Textiles proving to be a premier Mil-spec webbing supplier to the industry. Dutiful Distribution Distribution is the third leg of MMI's growing business. In the converting business, smaller customers exist that look for less than MOQ on various items. MMI partnered early on with Velcro and ITW Nexus and became an authorized distributor for those brands. "We stock items in our Ohio warehouse for quick distribution, which is not only helpful to smaller buyers, but also allows for quicker lead times than ordering directly would oen yield," Reardon shares. "Taking that distribution model further, we have recently forged distribution partnerships with industry giants including Milliken and Trelleborg." Earlier this year MMI finalized the Milliken distribution model, offering less than case quantities of its Tegris composite material which allows Milliken to focus on the larger customers and gives the smaller buyers an official path to secure this material. e Trelleborg relationship started as an ask from Crye Precision for a Multicam printed version of Trelleborg's HANK material. rough the unique capabilities of a MMI print partner, the company was able to achieve that development and bring it to market. Trelleborg also has asked MMI to distribute its solid color HANK material. "We are very passionate about being progressive in our textile industry, partnering with others that have that same enthusiasm, and never wavering on our commitment to innovation," says Bircher Bruyn. n MMI Textiles materials offered through distribution include this Milliken Tegris Thermoplastic Composite. Manufacturing at MMI Narrow Weaving Plant, Lenoir NC.

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