Avery Heads to Guatemala
The 2002 Apparel Sourcing Show in Guatemala is not just for manufacturers looking for production outlets—it’s also a technology showcase for Fortune 500 companies such as Avery Dennison Corp.
The Pasadena, Calif.-based company’s retail information services division plans to return to the show for its second year with the company’s latest products on display at the Grand Tikal Futura Convention Center during the May 15–17 run of the event.
This year, the company plans to introduce its latest products and connect with apparel manufacturers in Central America and demonstrate the hands-on services the company provides to help their customers meet their business needs, according to marketing manager Sharon Britt.
The company’s retail information services division currently provides information and product services to 27 countries and regions, including Hong Kong, Korea, Brazil, Pakistan, Australia and the United Kingdom.
Among the company’s latest technologies are Identity Graphics, a visual image of an item’s particular style or brand on its hang tag, graphic tags or pocket flasher; Ticket Express, a source tagging device that transmits data, ticket formats, material specifications and shipping information electronically to ticket centers; Source Tagging, a security device that is attached to products or product packaging to reduce loss or theft; Woven Fabric labels; and InfoChain Expressa, Web-based software that assists business owners in customizing their supply chain by connecting manufacturers, retailers, vendors and freight consolidators.
Avery Dennison, which earned $963 million in sales last year, manufactures adhesive products, labels and signs, including street signs and Botts Dots.
Britt said the company picked up several new accounts at last year’s show. Several of those accounts were customers who needed help keeping track of large orders, she added.
“We were surprised that there was a lot of traffic in our booth last year,” Britt said. “After the show, we felt that there were several manufacturers whose needs weren’t being met, and we thought that our company could benefit their business in the future.”
Last year, Avery Dennison signed contracts with a handful of knit manufacturers who produce garments for JCPenney and Ralph Lauren.
The company hopes to repeat last year’s success and expand further into CBI (Caribbean Basin Initiative) countries, Britt said.
“Our growth philosophy is to evaluate opportunities in those countries and expand in the apparel market,” she said. —Claudia Figueroa
