New leather trimming machine simplifies process for employees
In his 35 years with the company, Director of Leather Karl Kowalewski often travels to Italy in search of the latest raw material, designs and production techniques. On a recent trip, Karl discovered a state-of-the-art leather cutting machine that greatly impressed him. On his return, he discussed it with his brother, Henry Kowalewski, Factory Production Manager, who’s always on the lookout for the benefits technology can provide. Traditionally, heavy metal dyes that look like massive cookie cutters are used to cut leather. A dye can take weeks to be fabricated and then sharpened. Today, modernized factories use lasers to cut leather. This ensures a more precise cut and less waste, and is also much safer for the worker. “Roots is continuously modernizing our production techniques,” says Karl. “We are always looking for ways to create an easier and more efficient environment for our craftspeople.” After meetings between Karl, Henry and Co-Founders Michael Budman and Don Green, Roots purchased the CM 44 Plus and a new digitizer last summer. The new addition, which is the size of a Zamboni ice-making machine, now has a pride of place in the 50,000 square foot factory. Helen Rego, who has worked in the factory for 13 years, operates the machine. “This is so much faster and easier than the old method,” says Helen. “The best thing is that there are no heavy dyes to lift.” The patterns for handbags are entered into the digitizer by Product Development Assistant Nadeen Peca and Assistant Designer Ringo Law. Then, leather is placed on a conveyer belt, which carries it under the laser. The cuts are then made, all at the click of a mouse. Located in Toronto, the leather factory is at the heart of the Roots constellation. Over the past year, the factory has been operating at full capacity due to the great success of the Roots leather bag program. Innovation has always played a key role at Roots. The leather factory is no exception.
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