Often viewed as merely a commodity item, the quality and functionality of thread can play a definitive role in a garment. From enhancing garment quality through stronger or more flexible seams to serving as a ‘fashion accessory’ when used in applications such as topstitching, there’s a lot more to thread than meets the eye.

“We are not simply selling thread. We’re selling a perfect seam,” explains Johannes Ibach, head of Global Marketing at Amann Group.

The German company has built their business around this concept, continually investing in innovative new products and enhancing their support services. Although Amann’s focus is primarily on apparel, the company makes thread for a wide range of sectors including footwear, leathergoods, home furnishings and even automotive. The experience and innovation derived from these ancillary sectors often benefits the fashion sector, such as the development of a high tenacity thread that Amann created for the auto industry and which now is used in sewing very high end shoes and bags.

Key innovations for the apparel industry include a flexible thread called SabaFlex, part of the company’s flagship Saba C family, which is used in the sportswear industry for very flexible seams where a high elongation is needed. Another part of this thread family, SabaTex, the 100% polyester bulked thread provides softness, volume and bulkiness for ultra comfortable seams, especially in apparel that will have direct contact with the wearer’s skin.

The company’s new Lifecycle thread is produced from recycled polyester. As demand for sustainable apparel increases, particularly in the active sportswear sector, Lifecycle thread meets the demand for sustainable accessories and trims to complete the process.

Established in 1854, Amman’s legacy of over 150 years of making thread has provided the company with experience in both thread making and in how to improve apparel production. Amann prides itself on its team of expert sewing technicians who can assist manufacturers in improving their sewing processes and thereby produce better quality garments.

“Today there is even more pressure from buyers on factories to raise the quality of their garments. As a very experienced producer of high quality thread we can go with them through the factory’s lines and see how we can help. Our technicians are specialists in sewing so we can help figure out why a seam is breaking, for example,” said Mr. Ibach.

As the apparel industry has expanded into new markets, Amann has kept pace reaching out to garment manufactures in fast growing new markets.

For over four years Amann has partnered with Fashion Technology Magazine selecting the international magazine as a platform for its marketing initiatives in the global market.

“For us it’s very important to have a publication which enables us to reach the fashion industry, and shows not only what the fashion is but also how it is being produced,” said Mr. Ibach. “This combination in Fashion Technology Magazine of fashion and best practices in apparel production is a good way to transport information about our products to the market.

It’s also a very good source of information for us about the international apparel industry,” he added.

Part of the service Amann offers is being there to support their customers. With much of the apparel industry located in Asia, Amann has invested in two new facilities. The Group’s Yancheng, China plant came on line in January 2011 and in 2012 the new Bangladesh plant will start operations. Both facilities together will have an annual capacity of around 4000 tons and will be able to provide customers with full support services.

“Having facilities in close proximity to the market will enable Amann to provide Asian factories with faster delivery, better pricing and faster turnaround on services such as color matching,” said Mr. Ibach.