Janet Lane, Chief Executive of the New Zealand Motor Industry Training Organization (MITO), was named Executive Director of IFAI/OFPANZ- the Industrial Fabrics Association's New Zealand Country Sector.

 Kathy Mattson, IFAI Vice President of Member Services said, "This is wonderful news for OFPANZ since Janet has been very closely connected to the organization through MITO's apprentice program and will bring valuable years of industry knowledge and vision to benefit the association." 

IFAI President and CEO Stephen Warner, said: "There is truly no other organization in the textile industry nor in many other manufacturing industries, that has attempted what we are doing to make IFAI an organization representing the global interests of those in the specialty fabrics industry." IFAI now has members located in 58 countries.

Like IFAI, OFPANZ's mission is "to promote, develop and protect the interests of the manufacture, trading, and marketing of all outdoor fabric products to recognized standards and quality."

OFPANZ (Outdoor Fabric Products Association of New Zealand) signed an agreement in October 2008 to merge its organization with IFAI. OFPANZ membership is comprised of the leading companies in New Zealand involved in the manufacture of end-products which use specialty fabrics, including lightweight structures, agricultural, transportation and protective products.

MITO coordinates apprenticeship training in the automotive and industrial textile fabrication industries in New Zealand. It also sets industry standards through the development of national qualifications, promotes career pathways and provides a strategic leadership role to support education and training initiatives. 

MITO is dedicated to supporting international partnerships. "MITO will work closely with OFPANZ and IFAI to ensure the strategic direction reflects their joint goals and objectives and that the OFPANZ Executive is well-supported to deliver on the annual business plan." says Lane. "There are tremendous synergies and we can help facilitate global opportunities," she added.

MITO has recently developed two new industrial textile fabrication qualifications, with strands in canvas fabrication, vehicle trimming and upholstery, as well as sailmaking. 

The management contract with MITO means the New Zealand membership will be well-supported on an ongoing basis; and the Trade Expo and Annual Conference at the end of June 2010 in Auckland is likely to draw significant interest.

Courtesy: The Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI).