The University of Massachusetts — Dartmouth (UMass Dartmouth) and the U.S. Army Natick Soldier
Systems Center (NSSC), Natick, Mass., have finalized a research and development agreement to create
specialized camouflage material for U.S. soldiers.
Scientists from NSSC and UMass Dartmouth’s Advanced Technology and Manufacturing Center
(ATMC) will collaborate to develop digital high-speed textile printing processes and technology
that will allow companies to create customized textiles on demand for military clients requiring
specialized camouflage clothing and equipment that minimizes heat transfer and is invisible to
infrared sensors.
The agreement was announced following a roundtable discussion on Massachusetts’
competitiveness in the global textile industry hosted by Secretary of Housing and Economic
Development Greg Bialecki, who stated, “This partnership is designed to support innovation and
collaboration in the textile manufacturing industry here in Massachusetts as the Commonwealth
continues to lead the nation out of the recession.” Approximately eight textile printing companies
are currently operating in the state.
“We have many opportunities to collaborate to enhance the competitiveness of the
Massachusetts textile and advanced materials industry,” said Louis Petrovic, director, ATMC. “From
opening some of the earliest mills in the nation to developing some of today’s most advanced
capabilities, Massachusetts has been a historic leader in materials engineering, and it will be
partnerships like this that keep our industries well-positioned in the rapidly evolving global
economy.”
“We believe there is a real opportunity to grow a 21st century technology textile industry
in Massachusetts through digital technology,” said Richard Himmelwright, CEO of Three Rivers,
Mass.-based Cold Spring Technology, which is working with the university, state, and Natick on the
project. “Digital technology has revolutionized music, photography, publishing and many other
sectors of our economy. Now, we have an opportunity to revolutionize textiles in Massachusetts and
the United States. This partnership is a great start.”
November 16, 2010
