Research & Development and Innovation

Textiles begin as singular fibers that are worked, and twisted, dyed, and printed, to create threads used for fabric production. The process is multi-step and includes many tests and re-makes, more testing and trying again to get each textile exactly right. Laura Parzych, Manager of Research and Development at Darlington factory in Westerly, RI, has devoted her career to this process for 37 years. Sourcing new fibers and threads with different constructions, dyes, and finishes is just the beginning as construction of the textile must meet all customer demands. With so much change happening, innovation has become part of daily functions at Darlington, and they have made some drastic improvements.