Cobalt Fashion comes up with new innovation lab

25 Jul '18

3 min read

Courtesy: Cobalt Fashion

Cobalt Fashion, one of the largest knitwear groups globally, has opened a new CS Innovation Lab at its headquarters in Hong Kong. A joint venture between the Fung Group and South Ocean Knitters Holding, Cobalt combines the operations and resources of the two knitwear businesses to form one of the largest and most innovative knitwear suppliers globally.

Cobalt is made up of four distinct knitwear divisions serving brands and retailers worldwide across a wide range of market segments from mass market to premium. The launch of its CS Innovation Lab coincides with the unveiling of Cobalt Centre, the company’s newly renovated office space which includes both the innovation lab as well as design hub.

The CS Innovation Lab has been formed through collaboration between Cobalt and innovation partner Shima Seiki, the Japanese company behind the world’s most advanced computerised flat knitting machines. The Lab will allow the two partners to collaborate more closely on areas including advancing 3D and virtual design capabilities and driving efficiency gains in the design-to-production part of the supply chain.

Cobalt has many customers and partners throughout the supply chain who will benefit from the Innovation Lab’s research and development and it offers an environment to experiment and rapid prototype. The partnership leverages Cobalt’s market intelligence, sourcing capabilities and extensive knowledge in knitwear and yarn along with Shima Seiki’s advanced knitting technology. With a deep understanding of customer needs, the Lab will carry out highly specialised research and development and develop innovative technology and solutions to deliver quicker, more accurate solutions that address fast-changing market trends and needs, creating a win-win situation for everyone along the supply chain. Cobalt’s Design Hub and state-of-the-art Innovation Lab will service all the divisions under Cobalt Fashion.

“I’m thrilled to open the doors to our new CS Innovation Lab. Cobalt is innovation-led and the Lab enables us to discover the ideas, technologies and solutions to produce better materials and knitwear for our customers. Since joining forces with South Ocean last year, we have built a world-class knitwear company with design and production capabilities to supply the best global brands and retailers. In Shima Seiki, we have now found a strong technology partner. The Lab is an exciting next step in our journey to innovate and redefine the knitwear industry with cutting-edge knitwear technology,” said Leung Wai Ping, CEO of Cobalt Fashion.

“The CS Innovation Lab represents our passion and commitment to be innovation-led in how we deliver value to our brand and retail customers,” said Silas Chou, president and CEO of Novel Holdings, the parent company of South Ocean. “Cobalt Fashion was formed on the foundation of a tremendous amount of synergy and the driving force behind that has always been a shared goal to drive innovation in knitwear that would benefit our customers and the overall knitwear and fashion industry - I’m very excited about the new ideas and opportunities that will come from this collaboration.” (SV)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India