Welcome to the Innovation Pilot Program at ISAIC

In the dynamic realm of sewn goods industry, ISAIC (Industrial Sewing and Innovation Center) stands as a trailblazer, reshaping the industry through a fusion of our industrial sewing expertise and groundbreaking innovation. Let's take you on a journey through the heart of ISAIC, unraveling the threads of our mission, methodologies, and the transformative role we play in the industry. 

ISAIC, Industrial Sewing and Innovation Center, was born during the height of the pandemic, fueled by a clear mission – addressing the pressing needs of the soft goods manufacturing industry. With a relentless focus on standardizing training and testing advanced technologies, ISAIC is dedicated to making domestic production more affordable, sustainable, and efficient. 

Pictured: Tukatech On Demand Laser Cut Machine; Photographed by Alejandro Uglade

At the core of our endeavors lies the Innovation Pilot program, a strategic model that fosters collaboration between a retail partner, an innovation partner, and us – ISAIC, serving as the orchestrator. This collaborative triangle seamlessly works towards diversifying manufacturing within the United States and introducing groundbreaking technologies to the apparel industry. 

We position ourselves at the head of this triangular partnership, diligently documenting and streamlining each step of the production process. This wealth of information is then transformed into accessible work instructions and video learning tools, empowering workers across future manufacturing cells to swiftly adapt to new technologies. 

Critical to the success of the Innovation Pilot program is the unwavering commitment of our retail partner. They invest in advanced production equipment, embarking on a journey where the manufacturing cell may not yield immediate profitability. This early phase is dedicated to discovering the optimal mix of technologies, including automations and AI, paving the way for scalable U.S. production. 

Simultaneously, our innovation partner plays a vital role by providing in-kind support and technology consultations. This includes software solutions and training, fostering a collaborative environment that allows ISAIC to showcase cutting-edge equipment at our advanced manufacturing facility in Detroit. 

ISAIC meticulously captures insights throughout the process, documenting learnings, challenges, and successes. These insights are then transformed into comprehensive case studies, offering a testament to our journey and a comparative analysis of the impact of producing goods in the United States. 

Our ability to pioneer innovation pilots is grounded in our business model as a nonprofit. With 60% of our funding coming from grants and the remaining 40% from successful innovation product lines, ISAIC operates with the flexibility needed for extensive testing and learning. This sets us apart from traditional manufacturers constrained by immediate financial targets. 

In conclusion, ISAIC, the Industrial Sewing and Innovation Center, emerges as a transformative force in soft goods manufacturing. Through our unique blend of industrial sewing expertise and innovative approaches, ISAIC propels the industry into a future where advanced, sustainable, and domestically produced goods become the standard. 

Chandler Vaughan