DICKSON-CONSTANT LEADS INDUSTRY WITH INNOVATIONS

Innovation remains an essential strategy for Dickson-Constant, including the following milestones in new product development:

• Photovoltaic – Dickson-Constant has been an industry leader in the integration of photovoltaic cells into outdoor performance fabrics. The company was the first in Europe to commercialize a bimini top with solar panels and during the R+T trade show in Europe in February featured awning fabrics that are electricity producing.

• Solar protection – The Sunworker line of solar-protection products is central to Dickson’s strategy of establishing itself as a leader in the pursuit of increased energy efficiency in buildings. This line of products, produced by Dickson Saint Clair, is gaining traction in commercial markets as Dickson innovates with options that vary the amount of light and heat penetration and allow applications for interiors and exteriors. One of the newest versions of Sunworker, Sunworker Cristal, offers sun protection along with water repellency for structural applications.

• Dickson Woven Flooring – This new product line will be launched in the fall as a breakthrough in commercial flooring. Dickson Woven Flooring has been engineered for an ideal marriage of the performance of vinyl with the aesthetics of a woven, textile-like aesthetic.

• Self-cleaning awnings – Dickson was at the forefront of low-maintenance awnings with the introduction of Orchestra Max, a nanotechnology-based, self-cleaning awning fabric. Nanoparticles applied to the fabric form a dense protective layer that keeps dirt on the surface where it can be easily rinsed off. Orchestra Max fabrics are targeted for commercial applications in which the appearance of awnings is critically important and in situations where traditional cleaning methods are difficult due to limited access.

• Flame-retardant fabrics – Commercial applications in Europe often require flame-retardant fabrics for interior and exterior spaces, which Dickson has addressed through special product offerings that incorporate flame-retardant technology under the Alto FR brand manufactured by Dickson Saint Clair. Additional styling options are a primary focus for the coming year.

• Field sales support – Dickson-Constant is steadily enhancing software tools used by its international sales force. The latest version, which operates on iPhones, tablets and PCs, allows sales representatives to access the latest information on each customer, which encourages targeted calling and faster resolution of questions from the field.

Christophe Catteau brings more than 23 years of textile design experience to his position as Dickson-Constant design director, including service with a French company that specialized in household linens and upholstery and an Italian printing company also focused on linens and upholstery. He has overall responsibility for the Dickson-Constant design, including collaboration with the Glen Raven design team.

“Design is at the heart of all innovative strategy, so it is definitely at the heart of Dickson-Constant’s future. I believe that design

Making Design The Heart Of Innovation

should be considered as one of the major factors in optimizing productivity and competitiveness, and that a well-designed product can make a real difference. Dickson-Constant will sustain a strategic place in its markets by emphasizing design as one of the important elements. The added value created by good design will give Dickson-Constant greater visibility, identity and credibility.”