New apparel innovation centre to design, test and manufacture protective clothing

A new research, development and manufacturing centre in Calgary is being set up to try to make the workplace a little safer.

Olds College is joining Alberta Garment Manufacturing to establish what is believed to be Western Canada’s first apparel research and development facility.

When it opens in 2015, the Calgary-based facility will test, design and manufacture protective clothing for the energy and construction industries, as well as for the Canadian Forces.

Adrian Bussoli of Alberta Garment Manufacturing says the centre will design its own product lines and test designs from other companies.

He says an example would be tests on cold-weather gear developed by the Canadian military.

The federal government has chipped in nearly $3 million to help purchase equipment.