National Clothesline

There are a host of problems that cannot be solved, and for those that offer no solution, we must try harder to learn, be creative, and find a better a way to deal with them.

One way is to keep narrowing the choices down before coming to the conclusion that they are unsolvable. Look closely at the final cost and effort in dealing with the problem. This, of course, makes the decision possible. No one wants to continue putting good money after bad.

I’ll never forget a seminar I attended in Chicago, arranged by Stan Golomb, where the speaker wanted the audience to name the many different uses of a simple hammer. I was amazed at what the audience came up with.

For instance, there was a door jam or a stopper, a weapon to free up a sticky steam trap, a temporary balance to a chair or table, a makeshift sinker when fishing.

Of course it was all “way in left field,” but it gave some idea of how the mind can come up with ideas when it’s free flowing, when it’s called upon with no advance notice.

The area that accounts for some of our highest cost has always been the finishing department. This includes the initial investment, operating costs, maintenance, space, work flow and, of course, labor.

The question comes up: “Are we getting our full money’s worth? Are we offering the latest in training, and getting the maximum work flow?”

Consider that no one handles a garment more than our finishers. No one inspects it more and gives it that final look of approval. One makes an immediate appraisal as to how much pressure, and time, or how much steam or vacuum is needed. Is the fabric silk or rayon? Wool or dacron blend, etc.? The appearance? Are we taking advantage and training for “our standard of excellence?”

It’s all within our cost of operation. Most plants today are beyond piece work. The finishing equipment is all high production with timer controls to guarantee uniform quality production. Furthermore, today’s fabrics are miracle blends, rarely 100 percent cotton, linen or wool.

We can use the simple method of reversing a hanger of a finished garment should it require re-cleaning or spotting, so it will be immediately singled out, and cannot be advanced on the speed rail if it’s backwards. That way, that garment gets attention immediately.

Because finishing is our highest overhead, it deserves our keenest and sharpest eye. Many times we fail to recognize that the best final inspector is, of course, the customer, but unfortunately, then it’s too late!

I often hear the answer to the question “What kind of quality do you maintain?” as, “Well, we don’t hear any complaints.”

That’s not the right answer, since many customers prefer not to complain, and at the earliest opportunity just go elsewhere.

I am not demeaning the practice of classy packaging which confirms the quality of the finished product. But what a waste of good money on advertisement, packaging, cleanliness, even courtesy, if the product is inconsistent or of a low standard.

It’s amazing that when you perfect one phase of your operation how quickly all the others fall into place. Once the standard of excellence is made a daily practice, it seems the entire plant responds in kind. Much like being dependable, with work ready on time, store hours etc., everyone comes to expect it and when it deviates all bedlam starts!

We have miracle fabrics but we also have miracle equipment, which makes a finisher into an expert with little training. It’s called “motion study:” one operator with two pieces of equipment.

If we look at our volume, we find half of our production is pants, trousers and slacks, so our first investment should be a legger press, and gone forever are double creases! Next look at the tension type of pants topper presses, which also finish pleats, elastic waists and the smallest of sizes. Here you have an operator finishing one part, while the legger is doing the other, and all with excellent quality — no more ceiling-gazing, and you have consistent production as well.

All the production manager now must avoid is excessive vacuuming and making sure the garments do not retain moisture which could be released before curing in the plastic garment bag. Fortunately, today’s equipment even provides release timers for continued and consistent quality.

Our industry has certainly come a long way, but we still have the job of continually updating to take advantage of today’s progress.

Write for “Pressed for Perfection” and the “Mystery Shopper” and see if your plant has the quality that can pass the test that today’s critical market demands and can maintain that “Standard of Excellence!”

Ray Colucci, a consultant to the fabric care industry, has revised and made available three timely pamphlets: “Up Front Is Where It Counts” for counter training; “Pressed for Perfection” for finishing techniques; the popular “Route to Success To the Home of Office” for complete route training. The pamphlets are $20 each or all three for $50. Immediate delivery with all postage paid is promised. Send requests and payment to to R. Colucci, 410 Warren Ave., Mamaroneck, NY 10543.