Olds College and AGM Wear Ltd. (Alberta Garment) have officially opened what they describe as “a world class apparel research and development facility” -- the Apparel Innovation Centre (AIC).
The federal government provided nearly $3 million, through Western Economic Diversification Canada to develop the centre -- based in Calgary – in collaboration with Olds College and Alberta Garment.
Officials say it's Western Canada's “first open-access apparel research and development facility,” featuring some of North America's most advanced apparel research and development equipment.
“The AIC will allow Canadian-based companies and entrepreneurs to have access to a full suite of product testing and development equipment, as well as research services to create advanced textile-based products such as fire and chemical-resistant safety gear for the energy, mining and manufacturing industries,” a news release says.
Highlights of the AIC include one of the only hot liquid and steam protection testing chambers in the world.
It contains one of the world's most advanced thermal comfort testing chambers.
The chamber is also equipped with a Newton thermal manikin system, capable of simulating a variety of physiological conditions that replicates the human thermoregulatory system. The comfort and thermal sensation data produced will allow researchers to further study and evaluate the performance of the apparel.
“The Apparel Innovation Centre is a crown jewel that reflects the Olds College dedication to research, innovation and entrepreneurship and celebrates our relationship with industry, government and stakeholders,” Olds College president Tom Thompson says.
“We welcome the opportunity to help strengthen the apparel industry, one which will continue to employ Olds College students in the future.”
"The Apparel Innovation Centre is a crown jewel that reflects the Olds College dedication to research, innovation and entrepreneurship."TOM THOMPSONOLDS COLLEGE PRESIDENT
