US integrated hardware and software systems provider to the sewn-goods and flexible goods industries Gerber Technology has established a wholly-foreign-owned enterprise in Hanoi, Vietnam, and plans to open a branch office in Ho Chi Minh City that will include an Advanced Technology Centre and a service location in Da Nang.

The Advanced Technology Centre will house its automated spreading systems and multi-ply cutting systems and showcase the company’s CAD systems with plotters. The facility will serve as a centre for product demonstration, system testing, and hardware and applications training for customers, engineers and industry students.  It will also serve the apparel and related industrial companies in the neighbouring countries of Cambodia, Laos and Thailand.

President, Asia-Pacific, Gerber Scientific Inc. James Arthurs said: “With Vietnam’s membership in the WTO in December 2006, textile and apparel industry exports are expected to increase from $5.8 billion in 2006 to $10 billion in 2010.”