by Lydia Anaka Lydia Anaka

Sporting Equipment to Surgical Gowns: Gilman Gear and COVID-19

Devoted to fulfilling the need for PPE among the medical field, Gilman Gear has re-purposed one of their facilities to make surgical and isolation gowns. Over the span of two weeks, the Gilman team designed, manufactured, and began supply of surgical and isolation gowns for the Yale New Haven Hospital.

Gilman Gear has been domestically sourcing raw materials for the past 91 years to produce sporting equipment. During the pandemic, the company is proud to be using their logistics network, skilled labor force, and machinery to assist in keeping supply and fabrication of PPE in America.

“The Eastman cutting machine is our workhorse to cut all gowns,” said Gilman Gear President, Neil Gilman.

The sporting equipment manufacturer uses an Eagle C125 conveyor system to aid in its production. The automated machine continuously conveys multiple layers of material with consistent speed and control, while exceeding industry standards for accuracy. The C125 boasts supreme capabilities for single- to low-ply cutting requirements at up to 60 in. (1.52 m) per second and has proven itself as the go-to cutting solution for various industries. Gilman mentioned how substantial the productivity gains are with the automated Eastman conveyor system. “It cuts 280 gowns per hour and over 12,000 yards of material per week.”

To keep up with the demand, Gilman hired 12 new sewing machine operators and the whole team is working six, 10-hour days a week. “We are also committed to keeping our employees working and on the job during these tough times.”

Much like Gilman Gear, Eastman Machine Company is a family business and has been innovating for over 130 years. Robert Stevenson, fourth-generation owner of Eastman Machine, applauded Gilman’s earnest efforts. “The key to success is to be adaptive and to respond quickly to crisis,” said Stevenson. “Gilman Gear is a prime example of such success.”

Hundreds of cutting solutions are proudly designed and manufactured at Eastman Machine Company’s headquarters in Buffalo, New York. Complimentary test cut evaluations to capture the machine’s speed and recommended configuration are available by contacting the Eastman headquarters at +1-716-856-2200.

 

Watch Gilman Gear’s PPE Production Process!

by Lydia Anaka Lydia Anaka

Introducing Versatile Tools For Automated Cutting Of Challenging Technical Textiles

Eastman announces recent additions to its catalog of precision tools with the oscillating tool head and 10-sided blade. The tools have been engineered to offer maximum versatility and adaptability while adhering to stringent industry requirements for accuracy, speed, and repeated quality. Eastman is also introducing the foot-activated pause switch to its automated machine accessories.

Oscillating Tool Head

The unique motion of the oscillating tool decreases drag force, creating a clean and precise cut. The high-speed sawing motion of the oscillating tool head, around 12,000 oscillations per second (12,000 Hz), nearly eliminates hangars and minimizes overcut.

The oscillating tool is engineered within a heavy-duty tool head which contains two supplementary tool spindles. These individually aligned and calibrated spindles can be used with any two tools in addition to the oscillating; pneumatic pen lift/holder assembly is included. The spindles offer less deflection when cutting rigid or dense material due to their stiff, thick, and durable nature.

A variety of blades specifically designed to handle a wide range of applications are available.

10-Sided Blade

The 10-sided blade is engineered to cut through advanced textiles, like stitched fiberglass, with ease while offering maximum versatility and adaptability. It’s a great addition to the standard or multi-spindled heavy-duty tool head. The blade is available with a variety of exclusive depth limiting discs and is compatible with both the C125 conveyor cutting system and the S125 Static Table.

Foot-Activated Pause Switch

Located at the takeoff end of a conveyor system, the foot-activated pause switch allows the operator to stop the conveyor with their foot. Once paused, the operator can easily remove cut pieces from the work area with both hands free. The switch length equals the machine width, making it easily accessible, and only 12 oz. of pressure force is needed to activate it.

 

The oscillating tool, 10-sided blade, and foot-activated pause switch, along with hundreds of other cutting solutions, are proudly engineered and manufactured at Eastman’s Buffalo, New York headquarters. Complimentary test cut evaluations to capture the machine’s speed and recommended configuration are available by contacting the Eastman headquarters at +1-716-856-2200.

by Lydia Anaka Lydia Anaka

Tsuga Collaborates with CTD to Support PPE Production

The Carolina Textile District (CTD) is working with North Carolina manufacturers to produce medical supplies in the wake of COVID-19. Tsuga, an outdoor gear brand, has taken on a major role within the CTD efforts: cutting.

Automated cutting of high-quality industrial textiles is usual practice for Tsuga. Knowing the capabilities of its Eastman static table, Tsuga quickly joined the efforts to assist in COVID-19 relief. “We’re cutting close to 40,000 masks a week,” says Tsuga CEO, Jimi Combs. “Our machine is running from 6 AM to midnight.. everyday.”

So far, the coalition has produced close to 400,000 units of PPE over the past three months. Thousands of masks and gowns have been donated to essential workers and community members throughout North Carolina and the U.S.

“We are grateful to have the opportunity to take part with the Carolina Textile District in the PPE effort,” said Combs. “This is an amazing network of people within our region and we at Tsuga are fortunate to have a connection to this community.”

The Eagle S125 can cut, mark and punch virtually any flexible material at speeds of nearly 60 inches per second (152.4 cm/second), proving itself as the go-to resource for many industries. Next to unrivaled speed, Combs finds the precision cut quality to be the most impressive.

Typical to Eastman products, the S125 is completely customizable based on the customer’s application and demands. A variety of system widths, lengths and tool head accessories are available to ensure the machine is maximizing productivity.

Eastman Machine Company has been manufacturing American made cutting solutions for over 130 years and is inspired by the dedication at Tsuga. “We are proud to play a minor role in the impressive efforts of the Carolina Textile District during this crisis,” said Robert Stevenson, Eastman President and CEO.

The Eagle S125 Static Table, along with hundreds of other cutting solutions, is proudly designed and manufactured at Eastman Machine Company’s headquarters in Buffalo, New York. Complimentary test cut evaluations to capture the machine’s speed and recommended configuration are available by contacting the Eastman headquarters at +1-716-856-2200.

 

Watch video by White Blaze Marketing, outlining the efforts of CTD during the pandemic.

by Lydia Anaka Lydia Anaka

Eastman Machine Company Announces Appointment of TeCS to Represent Eastman in the UK and Ireland

BUFFALO, New York – Eastman Machine Company announces that it has appointed Technical Cutting (TeCS) of Nottinghamshire to represent its line of automated cutting systems in the UK and Ireland. To offer local testing and education, TeCS strategically established an Eastman technical demonstration facility inside the world-renowned composites specialist Kamm Projects Ltd. in Newcastle.

TeCS is a team of experienced engineers, technicians, and CAD/CAM specialists. The company has extensive experience in cutting room implementation, applications analysis, and service across a variety of machine manufactures. With decades of hands-on customer facing support, specific to automatic cutting and material handling, TeCS is a natural fit for Eastman. “Eastman is part of our DNA,” says Shaun Doohan, owner of TeCS. “That DNA has flowed through nearly every cutting room we have visited in 30 years of service.”

The demonstration facility boasts a fully automated, CNC-controlled Eastman conveyor system to use for cutting trials and software training. As a direct result of the of the TeCS team’s ambition and flexibility, the site opened in early June and is now available by appointment with TeCS. “Having a team that really understands cutting solutions and is also capable of providing valuable support and service mirrors our business concept around the world,” said Elizabeth McGruder, Eastman’s vice president for European sales and marketing. “A local team will provide more options, increased savings and knowledgeable support for all of our customers in the UK.”

With 20 years of manufacturing and engineering experience, Kamm Projects has cultivated a reputation for delivering creative solutions. “We are proud to open our facility and demonstrate how two industry leaders work together in synergy to produce a flawless product, in both design and execution,” says Martin Meir, the Managing Director of Kamm Projects. “The automated technology which Eastman has extended to our facility has given us the confidence to create, design and continually meet the evolving array of design requirements. We are proud to welcome the Eastman conveyor system to our facility and look forward to hosting Eastman training and demonstration events in the near future.”

Eastman has installed thousands of automated cutting systems worldwide. Automated cutting systems offer time and labor-saving solutions to manufacturers using composite materials and industrial fabrics in the aerospace, transport, marine, apparel and safety industries, among others.

Eastman has been manufacturing manually-operated cutting machines, automated CNC cutting systems, CAD/CAM software programs and material handling equipment in Buffalo since 1888. For more information, visit www.eastmancuts.com.

by Lydia Anaka Lydia Anaka

D’Addario: Music Accessories to Medical Necessities

Farmingdale, NY – Helping alleviate the dire shortage of medical protective gear is the current mission of D’Addario, a musical instrument manufacturer and Eastman Machine Company patron. D’Addario has been able to repurpose its production facilities to fabricate protective face shields for healthcare workers in need.

Cutting the FDA approved Dynatomy clear film for its face shields is usual practice for D’Addario. It is the same material and process used to fabricate the popular Evans G2 drumhead. Even before D’Addario factories were closed, the team was devising a way to use its resources to support the global response to COVID-19. Since the end of April, the company has been producing up to 100,000 shields per week.

D’Addario has committed to making 1,500,000 face shields by the end of July but they do not plan to stop any time soon.

“It’s our intention to manufacture these shields as long as they’re needed in New York or anywhere around the globe,” says Jim D’Addario, the Chief Innovation Officer. “We feel an immense responsibility to do our part in overcoming the COVID-19 crisis.”

Committed to providing musicians the most innovative musical accessories in the world, D’Addario sources the highest quality materials and machinery. Over a decade ago, D’Addario invested in an automated conveyor system from Eastman. The American-made machine has been a reliable asset to D’Addario in its usual production of musical accessories and now medical face shields.

John D’Addario III, CEO of D’Addario, decided to name his company’s efforts Project Excelsior, after the New York State motto. Excelsior means ‘Ever Upward’ and he felt this program title captured the incredible dedication of his small team while typifying the company’s current adage: #WeWillPlayOn.

Eastman Machine Company applauds D’Addario for its ingenuity and quick turnaround in production. “Millions of medical professionals across the globe now have access to protection, because of our customers,” says Robert Stevenson, Eastman President and CEO. “I am humbled by the continued effort.”

Hundreds of cutting solutions are proudly designed and manufactured at Eastman Machine Company’s headquarters in Buffalo, New York. Complimentary test cut evaluations to capture the machine’s speed and recommended configuration are available by contacting the Eastman headquarters at +1-716-856-2200.

Watch a video of the production of PPE at D’Addario here.

To learn more about D’Addario: www.daddario.com

by Lydia Anaka Lydia Anaka

Saratoga Horseworks’s Current Mission? Fulfilling The Need for American-Made PPE

Amsterdam, NY – Saratoga Horseworks has halted regular manufacturing of equestrian supplies to assist in local COVID-19 relief. In a matter of days, the company was able to bring PPE designs to life and has since supplied thousands of face shields and isolation gowns to health officials across the country.

“We are shipping about 7,500 gowns per week and have demand for over 30,000 at this time,” said Michael Libertucci, Saratoga Horseworks president. The company’s quick turnaround grabbed the attention of local executives and has been recognized as Montgomery County’s first ever Small Business of the Month.

“We have a great team here at Saratoga Horseworks,” says Libertucci. “I couldn’t be more proud of how they have stepped up (during this crisis).”

Since 1988, Saratoga Horseworks has been producing high-quality, American made consumer products. “We take pride in our made in USA label,” said Libertucci. Not only are the products made in America, but Saratoga Horseworks goes through great lengths to source innovative American-made materials and machinery. “Forget China,” says Libertucci, “buy American.”

For over a decade, Eastman machinery has been a staple in production for Saratoga Horseworks and Custom Sewn Products, the contract manufacturing division of the company. In fact, Libertucci recently purchased a new C125 conveyor to pair with his faithful EC3 conveyor. Using automation, they reduce material waste and increase efficiency he noted. Without the Eastman machinery, Libertucci believes they would not be able to keep up with contract orders.

Eastman Machine Company has been manufacturing American made cutting solutions for over 130 years and is honored to be working alongside a fellow Upstate New York manufacturer like Saratoga Horseworks. “It is exciting to see how much PPE in America is coming from our customers,” says Robert Stevenson, Eastman Machine President and CEO. “I am humbled by the continued effort to supply our citizens.”

Hundreds of cutting solutions are proudly designed and manufactured at Eastman Machine Company’s headquarters in Buffalo, New York. Complimentary test cut evaluations to capture the machine’s speed and recommended configuration are available by contacting the Eastman headquarters at +1-716-856-2200.

 

Watch Video of Saratoga Horseworks PPE Production.

by Lydia Anaka Lydia Anaka

America Knits Called on by Federal Government Amid COVID-19

Swainsboro, Ga – A coalition of nine high-profile American textile manufacturers have joined forces across the country to produce supplies for COVID-19 response efforts. America Knits, Eastman Machine customer, is a member of this powerful alliance and has been contracted by the U.S. government to produce 1.5 million silver- and copper-infused cloth face coverings as well as isolation gowns.

To meet the demand, America Knits quickly hired employees to work a night shift; enabling 20-hour days to manufacture supplies for the White House Coronavirus Task Force. In just a few short days, America Knits employees have become American heroes.

The past five months have been a very exciting and busy time for America Knits. The American cut-and-sew factory held its grand opening in November of 2019, after investing in an Eastman Talon 75x™, system. This launch restored apparel manufacturing in Swainsboro, Georgia for the first time in more than 20 years.

The Eastman Talon 75x™ is engineered to automatically pull stacked material piles from the spreading table to a modular, bristle-block conveyor bed for reciprocating knife cutting patterns. The Talon offers an industrial-strength solution for cutting up to 7.5cm (3 inches) of compressed material goods, allowing America Knits to fabricate thousands of cloth face coverings and gowns a day.

“I am thankful for our employees and customers who continue to do their part to help America beat this virus,” says Robert Stevenson, Eastman Machine President and CEO. “We all should be proud of our role in this battle.” Eastman Machine Company has been manufacturing American made cutting solutions for more than 130 years is honored to be assisting America Knits, and other customers like them, who have retooled to assist in the COVID-19 crisis.

The Eastman Talon 75x™, along with hundreds of other cutting solutions, is proudly designed and manufactured at Eastman Machine Company’s headquarters in Buffalo, New York. Complimentary test cut evaluations to capture the machine’s speed and recommended configuration are available by contacting the Eastman headquarters at +1-716-856-2200.

To learn more about America Knits: www.americaknits.com

by Lydia Anaka Lydia Anaka

From Marine to Medical, SeaCanvas Converts Cutting Room

 

Egg Harbor Township, NJ – Eastman Machine customer, SeaCanvas, is starting its 20th year in business manufacturing PPE for COVID-19 relief efforts. Taking a break from manufacturing award winning custom marine canvas, SeaCanvas has already donated hundreds of face shields for first responders in the surrounding New Jersey communities.

Police, fire fighters and school employees preparing meals for students are among the first responders across Atlantic and Cape May Counties to have received SeaCanvas face shields. “Tough times for our nation so we thought we could help out a bit,” says Carl Pellegrini, SeaCanvas Owner.

Five years ago, Carl decided to upgrade the SeaCanvas cutting room and invested in an Eagle S125 Static System. He said he was hesitant at first but automation has increased efficiency and accuracy for SeaCanvas and, “is really a perfect fit.” Cutting high quality industrial marine fabric by hand, was now a thing of the past.

The Eagle S125 has proven itself as the go-to resource for many industries as it has capabilities of cutting, marking and punching virtually any flexible material at speeds of nearly 60 inches per second (152.4 cm/second). “The accuracy of every cut is spot on,” says Carl. SeaCanvas cuts a variety of industrial fabric on their machine, including .080 acrylic plastic and .040 sheet vinyl.

Just like any Eastman cutting system, the S125 is completely customizable based on the customer’s application and demands. A variety of system widths and lengths and tool head accessories are available to ensure your machine is maximizing productivity.

Eastman Machine Company has been manufacturing American made cutting solutions for over 130 years and is proud to be a part of SeaCanvas’s fabrication of much needed PPE during this crisis. “I am thankful for our employees and customers who continue to do their part to help America beat this virus,” says Robert Stevenson, Eastman Machine President and CEO. “All of us at Eastman are an important part of this fight.”

The Eagle S125 Static Table, along with hundreds of other cutting solutions, is proudly designed and manufactured at Eastman Machine Company’s headquarters in Buffalo, New York. Complimentary test cut evaluations to capture the machine’s speed and recommended configuration are available by contacting the Eastman headquarters at +1-716-856-2200.

Both Eastman Machine Company and SeaCanvas are longtime IFAI members.

by Liz McGruder Liz McGruder

Buffalo Connection Strengthens Efforts for Healthcare in Utah

Respected brands DPS Skis, Eastman Machine, Goal Zero & Petzl combine resources to help combat COVID-19

   

Buffalo, New York – April 9, 2020 – DPS Skis, Eastman Machine Company, Goal Zero and Petzl have joined forces to manufacture medical-grade reusable polycarbonate face shields for the Utah Department of Health. The combined efforts and resources of the four highly-respected brands has resulted in the expeditious manufacturing of key Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for the medical community in response to the COVID-19 crisis.

“Our entire team is proud to be contributing to the nationwide effort of PPE production and are humbled by the enthusiastic support of key partners – Goal Zero, Petzl, and Eastman Machine Company – that are helping make this possible. With a 15 year history of rapid prototype-to-production manufacturing, we are in a unique situation to convert a major portion of our operations to produce protective medical face shields,” said Alex Adema, DPS President and CEO. “We are inspired by the healthcare workers who dedicate their lives to helping others. Their selfless sacrifices deserve recognition as they continue to mitigate the risk of COVID-19’s spread. We are humbled to have found ourselves in a position to mobilize this project with the passionate, soulful team at DPS and our amazing partners.”

Production of the face shields has commenced at DPS Skis’ Salt Lake City factory, with the first shipment of shields expected to be delivered in the coming weeks to Utah’s medical community. The four brands have come together in a unique way to make this possible, with tooling donated by Eastman, raw materials purchased by Goal Zero and by utilizing retrofitted Petzl headlamp headbands.

DPS Skis has been a customer of Eastman Machine for more than a decade. The world-renowned ski company cuts pre-impregnated carbon fiber and base material with a CNC system manufactured at Eastman’s Buffalo, New York headquarters. Eastman’s customer network reaches well beyond the Washington Street facility and the story with DPS is one of many with hometown ties to Buffalo. “The first thing I noticed was the large Eastman machine that we use to cut our ski base material. I was so floored, it honestly made me emotional to see that,” recalls Alex Adema from his first day at DPS Skis in 2015. Alex Adema grew up ski racing in Ellicottville, earned an Executive MBA from the University at Buffalo, participated in the Leadership Buffalo program and was the Director of Finance and Operations for LaunchNY before relocating to Salt Lake City. “I can’t tell you what a deep love our family has for our Buffalo roots. It’s cliche, but it is simply the best kept secret in America, as you know.”

Cutting flexible technical textiles is often the first phase of manufacturing in the now critical production of masks, hospital bedding, gowns, curtains, gloves, medical wipes, laboratory coats and other PPE. Eastman has been fielding calls from customers around the globe who traditionally cut flexible materials for applications as varied as race car bodies, window blinds and spa covers who are now transitioning their operations to aid other industries deemed essential: health care, utility, military and law enforcement, transportation, safety and sanitation, agriculture and construction.

“All of us at Eastman are an important part of this fight,” says Robert Stevenson, Eastman Machine President and CEO. “I am thankful for our employees and customers who continue to do their part to help America beat this virus.”

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is in short supply and necessary in keeping medical workers protected as they test and treat those affected by the virus.

 

For more information, please visit the respective brand websites below.

About DPS Skis

Located at the base of the Wasatch Mountains in Salt Lake City, Utah, DPS designs the world’s most advanced ski products by fusing space age carbon technology with groundbreaking shapes. DPS is responsible for the world’s first and only pure pre-pregnated carbon fiber sandwich ski, the first 120mm-waisted powder pintail, the first rockered ski with sidecut, the Spoon – a convex three-dimensional shoveled ski with radical edge bevel and PHANTOM, a paradigm-shifting permanent, one time application base-coating that forever eliminates the need for waxing skis and snowboards. DPS products are sold on five continents and are the trusted brand of choice for serious skiers worldwide. For more information visit www.dpsskis.com or call +1.801.413.1737.

About Eastman Machine Company

Eastman has been manufacturing manually-operated cutting machines, automated (CNC) cutting systems, CAD/CAM software programs and material handling equipment in Buffalo, New York since 1888. Over a century ago Eastman introduced the world’s first electric fabric cutting machine which revolutionized the textile industry in the process. Today, the family-owned, small-cap manufacturer is a trusted supplier to global businesses that require manual or automatic cutting of flexible materials. Our promise to craft reliable, quality, American-made solutions means that every Eastman machine is guaranteed to perform. For more information visit www.eastmancuts.com or call +1-716-856-2200.

About Goal Zero

Goal Zero is the industry leader in sustainable, portable power. From emergency outages to camping to off-grid projects and events, our solar panels, power banks, power stations, and accessories give you the power to keep your gear charged through any situation. We were born out of the desire to empower people everywhere, and as an NRG company we’re working to change the way people think about and use power by pioneering the development of smarter energy choices. Power. Anything. Anywhere. For more information, visit www.GoalZero.com.

About Petzl

For over 40 years, Petzl has developed innovative tools and techniques used by those who work and play in the vertical world. Today, the Petzl brand is closely associated with adventure, exploration, rescue, and many notable exploits in the worlds of rock climbing, caving, and alpinism. In the professional market, Petzl is a world leader in work-at-height, fire and rescue, and tactical equipment and techniques. A family-owned business, Petzl is committed not only to quality and innovation, but also to giving back to the communities that have made us so successful. For more information, visit www.petzl.com.

Media Contacts

DPS Skis | Alex Hunt | alex.hunt@dpsskis.com

Eastman | Elizabeth McGruder | EMcGruder@eastmancuts.com

Goal Zero | Clay Blackham | clay@methodcommunications.com

Petzl | Pat Light | plight@petzl.com