
Hodges International, Inc, a textile manufacturer based in the USA, has recently become the 68th TUKAcenter in the world.
The new smart factory of the company features advanced automation, software, and analytics tools that provide a highly efficient and sustainable manufacturing environment.
With a 147,000-square-foot complex, Hodges International boasts fully vertical manufacturing capabilities, including design and development, apparel, and textile manufacturing, and circular knitting.
The partnership with Tukatech has allowed Hodges International to engineer a workflow with advanced technologies and minimal overhead.
Deanna Hodges, Founder and CEO, Hodges International purchased the historic Black Ox/Duplan textile mill in 2020 and revitalised it into a world-class manufacturing facility, called Sparty Mill, after her late shih-tzu, Sparty Boy.
Sparty Mill is officially listed on the National Park Service Registry of Historic Places and has been saved from potential destruction. The smart factory is the first of its kind in North Carolina and is expected to create hundreds of new jobs in the region.
“The TUKAcenter concept (providing à la carte services) and the TUKAcenter network gave us exposure around the globe. So many new customers are helping us grow and keep us busy. They see the potential for quick delivery, and amazing options for local production, which is so exciting and encouraging for us. Tukatech has proven their success globally and helped us create a facility that is extremely efficient and streamlined. We couldn’t have partnered with a better technology solutions provider,” said Deanna.
Tukatech COO Chris Walia said, “We are deeply inspired by Deanna’s passion for ‘Made in America.’ Her commitment to bringing back manufacturing jobs to the United States is a wonderful opportunity, and an example that we hope others will follow.”
The smart factory is a testament to Hodges International and Tukatech’s commitment to innovation and excellence, providing the highest quality products and services to their customers.