MOUNT HOLLY, NC (July 12, 2016) – American & Efird (A&E) is proud to announce that its threads and colors are now integrated within Gerber Technology’s YuniquePLM^® software. Founded 125 years ago, A&E is one of the world’s largest manufacturers and distributors of industrial threads and textiles, and continues to lead the industry in many areas, including Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

A&E’s threads and colors are readily available in the material and color libraries within YuniquePLM V7. In addition, the data libraries can be retrofitted to earlier versions. In total, there are 1,477 colors and 103 threads integrated into YuniquePLM, offering designers over 100,000 combination choices to select from. Through its combined global network, A&E products are manufactured in 27 facilities around the world and sold in over 100 countries, allowing brands to quickly source high quality, color specific materials wherever their production facilities are located.

Clayton Parker, director of PLM product management at Gerber said, “We are excited to offer A&E’s thread and color libraries in YuniquePLM. By simply using drag-and-drop to add colors and threads simultaneously to multiple styles from these data libraries, this robust integration simplifies the jobs of designers and product developers. A&E’s investment in the stewardship of future generations through Eco-Driven® solutions is unparalleled. Customers will be able to enhance their own CSR efforts by partnering with a trusted, transparent company for their material needs.”

“We are excited to integrate A&E’s thread and color information into Gerber’s YuniquePLM system,” said Chris Alt, A&E Senior Vice President Sales. “This collaboration benefits our mutual customers by making A&E threads and colors readily available during design and development.”

Commitment to safety and sustainability are important and ongoing goals of A&E. A&E’s “10 Threads of Sustainability” platform balances social responsibility and environmental impact with business growth objectives. This initiative compliments Gerber Technology’s goal to empower brands in fulfillment of their own CSR programs. As brands and retailers specify components of their end-product from supply chain partners like A&E, who have dedicated themselves to reducing their environmental impact, brands demonstrate that their choices matter.

To assist designers and retailers, above are two example images of the many products A&E has made available within Gerber’s Yunique PLM^® software for easy thread and color specification.

ABOUT GERBER TECHNOLOGY

Gerber Technology delivers industry-leading software and automation solutions that help apparel and industrial customers improve their manufacturing and design processes and more effectively manage and connect the supply chain, from product development and production to retail and the end customer. Gerber serves more than 78,000 customers in 130 countries, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies in apparel & accessories, home and leisure, transportation, packaging and sign & graphics. The company develops and manufactures its products from various locations in the United States and Canada and has additional manufacturing capabilities in China.

Based in Connecticut in the USA, Gerber Technology is owned by Vector Capital, a San Francisco-based, global private equity firm specializing in the technology sector and managing more than $2 billion of equity capital.

Visit www.gerbertechnology.com for more information.

ABOUT AMERICAN & EFIRD

A&E is the largest U.S. manufacturer and the world’s second-largest manufacturer and distributor of premium quality industrial and consumer sewing thread, embroidery thread and technical textiles. Producers of apparel, automotive components, home furnishings, medical supplies, footwear and a diverse range of industrial products rely on A&E industrial sewing thread to manufacture their products. Customers select A&E as the preferred choice for industrial sewing thread, embroidery thread and technical textiles because of A&E’s dedication to providing its customers with the finest products and services, at the highest quality, delivered globally. Through its global network, A&E’s products are manufactured in 23 countries, distributed in 50 countries and sold in over 100 countries. In addition to A&E’s steadfast commitment to superior quality and customer service, A&E is a recognized industry leader in environmental sustainability and corporate social responsibility, and operates its global facilities with the utmost regard for the safety and health of its associates employed worldwide. A&E owns or operates 27 manufacturing facilities and employs over 10,000 associates around the world directly or in partnership with joint venture partners.

For more information, please visit www.amefird.com.

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