Fourth Shift Customer Nextec Applications Named a "Most Admired Manufacturer" by Start Magazine
Nextec Applications Inc. is a privately held, high technology manufacturer of high-performance fabrics and advanced materials with product applications in the apparel, industrial applications, and medical/protective products markets. Nextec has developed a proprietary encapsulation technology that gives lightweight fabrics the durability of heavyweight fabrics, making them a leader in the performance apparel industry. The fabrics are water-repellant, wind-proof, durable, breathable, comfortable, and packable.
"It is exciting to know that all of our hard work is being recognized—by the IT industry as well as our customers and business partners," said Peter Ellman, president and CEO of Nextec. "We've developed revolutionary products for both the industry and everyday consumers."
As a start-up company in 1996, Nextec got its manufacturing operations off the ground quickly and cost-effectively using Fourth Shift enterprise software solutions. Fourth Shift supports Nextec's ISO requirements and quality initiatives by providing functionality such as lot trace, automatic data collection, and operations performance - improving the efficiency of manufacturing processes. The Fourth Shift system also supports Nextec's accelerated growth. In 1999 the company grew 127%. In 2000 they expect to grow 160%. Also in 2000, Nextec is planning to expand their operations into Asia. This move will facilitate operations and reduce lead-time between Nextec and their multinational business partners, including Patagonia, L.L. Bean and Nike. Nextec is consulting with eStar-Solutions about this Asia expansion.
eStar-Solutions Pte. is a Fourth Shift spin-off company that has considerable expertise in establishing businesses and partnerships throughout Asia. eStar-Solutions senior management consists of many of the individuals instrumental in building Fourth Shift's formidable presence in China, which expanded through Southeast Asia and Australia.
"We are proud to see another Fourth Shift customer recognized for their accomplishments. Nextec is very deserving of these accolades," commented Mel Stuckey, CEO of Fourth Shift. "I am thrilled to see Nextec working with eStar-Solutions on their endeavors to Asia. Fourth Shift has over 10 years of experience in the Asia marketplace. eStar-Solution's relationship with Nextec will be a mutually beneficial one," Stuckey added.
In 1998, Nextec was inducted into Fourth Shift's "Circle of Excellence", a growing group of Fourth Shift users who demonstrate excellence and measurable improvements in their manufacturing practices. The details of the start contest and the manufacturers honored are published in the February 2000 issue of start magazine.
About Fourth Shift
<%=company1%> is a Minneapolis-based global application software company that provides e-business solutions through its Enterprise Resources Planning and Complete Care software suite of products and a host of consulting and technology services. Fourth Shift software is licensed by more than 3,700 customer sites in 60 countries and is translated in more than a dozen languages. Licensees include some of the fastest growing manufacturers and global enterprises from the Global 2500. The company maintains close strategic relationships with leading information technology vendors, including Microsoft, Micro Data Base Systems (mdbs) and IBM. Fourth Shift is a Microsoft certified Solution Provider Partner.