SATRA expert speaks at leather fair

A brief report on the Technology Centre’s presence at a recent Bangladeshi trade show.

At the end of 2014, SATRA exhibited at the 2nd Dhaka Leathertech Exhibition in Bangladesh, with the Technology Centre’s stand supported by SATRA’s Test Equipment Agent OMC (Overseas Marketing Corporation). In attendance for SATRA was Indian sub-continent business manager Michael Goode, Steve Rose (laboratory consultant) and divisional manager Peter Allen.

During the three days of the exhibition, some 80 companies displayed footwear-related products, including test machines, shoe manufacturing machines, adhesives, polymers, leathers, synthetics, outsoles and accessories.

Although at the time of writing the actual number of visitors was still to be announced by the organisers of the exhibition, their total number was close to 5,000, which is an increase on the previous year’s attendance.

Michael, Steve and Peter met with many visitors to the SATRA stand, where they discussed various projects, including SATRA membership, how laboratories can be set up, testing procedures and the procurement of SATRA test machines.

Step Shoes (Baly Group) and Bata Bangladesh both agreed to take up SATRA membership as of January 1st 2015. There were also many other enquires about membership and services. Activity during the exhibition demonstrated that there is a eagerness to do business in Bangladesh. Discussions with many visitors to the SATRA stand indicated that they believe Bangladeshi companies are growing in stature as manufacturers of footwear while at the same time are purchasing leather and components.

SATRA seminar presentations

Alongside the ‘Leathertech 2014’ exhibition in Bangladesh in November, SATRA and OMC arranged a day of seminars to which many companies and institutions from all parts of the leather and footwear supply chain were invited. Over 70 delegates attended.

Steve Rose presented two seminars. The first explained SATRA’s new ‘LabPlus’ service, which draws together the Technology Centre’s many well-established services across the broad range of laboratory consultancy. This service covers advice on laboratory design and construction, guidance on which tests and test machines should be purchased, supply of quality test machines (with full after-sales service and calibration) and help and training with laboratory quality systems leading to the award of SATRA Laboratory Accreditation. Many examples of laboratory systems were given in explanation of many of the items discussed, and many questions were asked throughout the presentation.

Steve’s second seminar concentrated on the laboratory testing of complete footwear. In this session, he emphasised the importance of safety-critical testing before highlighting the aspects of constructional integrity, water resistance and comfort assessments. Steve also stressed the importance of ensuring that all footwear materials and components are of satisfactory quality before shoe construction begins.

Publishing Data

This article was originally published on page 45 of the February 2015 issue of SATRA Bulletin.

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