Atlanta Attachment Company (AAC), a division of Hickory Springs Manufacturing Company (HSM), is taking innovative steps to present its products to the industry in response to the cancellation of the ISPA Expo in August due to COVID-19. AAC has developed several digital initiatives to continue to service its manufacturing partners who were planning to attend the Expo in New Orleans. Available through its website, atlatt.com, the materials include a variety of product videos, brochures, photography and detailed product specifications.
Adding to its extensive lineup of sewing equipment that makes furniture and mattress production more efficient, some of the first products included in the digital launch include a Roll Material Cutter that makes precise cuts on a variety materials, a Pneumatic Press System used to apply adhesive to foam layers used in mattress builds, and a Pneumatic Press with a Needle Lifting System that automatically aligns mattress foam layers with minimal operator input.
“While the cancellation of many of our industry’s key tradeshows have certainly presented some unexpected challenges in how we go to market with new products, we fully support the decisions that have been made for the health and safety of our employees and industry partners,” said Hank Little, President of AAC.
“Unfortunately, while we will not be able to demonstrate our new equipment for our customers in person at ISPA, we are fully prepared to empower our sales team with the tools they need to support discussions that can help improve production efficiencies, boost quality control and ease labor shortages in mattress and furniture manufacturing facilities,” he continued. “The efficiencies and cost-saving benefits that our products can add to our customers’ manufacturing processes are more valuable than ever before, as many are now beginning to return to full production.”
The Roll Material Cutter makes precise cuts on non-woven, ticking, foam, plastic, vinyl and other materials, allowing manufacturers to lower their materials costs by purchasing these materials in bulk. The Pneumatic Press System functions in-line with the company’s Roller Laminating Machine to allow adhesive transfer between foam plates and the simultaneous activation of the adhesive itself. It was designed to exert approximately three tons of pressure, allowing for maximum pressure over slightly porous materials in order to achieve a perfect transfer of adhesive. The Pneumatic Press with Needle Lifting System offers the same benefits as the company’s existing Pneumatic Press System, with the added benefit of automatic alignment of mattress foam layers to reduce operator input.
Each video includes a detailed “walkaround” of the equipment and are produced in English and Spanish with voiceovers to help convey the features and benefits of each product in lieu of being able to experience a demonstration in person. The self-guided videos are available on AAC’s website or through its YouTube channel. Detailed product brochures and operator manuals are also available for download.
The company is planning additional videos to support the launch of a variety of new pieces of equipment this summer including an Automatic Border Tacker Workstation, a Decorative Border Workstation, a Rail Glue Machine, a Panel Bind with Zipper and Gusset Machine, an Automatic Sock Closer, a Filling Machine for Spring, Foam and Latex Mattresses, a Line Shaft Conveyor, an Automatic Mattress Testing Machine and an Automatic Mattress Stacker and De-stacker.
In addition to the digital assets, AAC is also exploring new technologies that can add interactive elements to future videos as well as a new interactive video conferencing solution for its sales and engineering teams, as it anticipates travel to remain uncertain throughout the end of year. Additional details will be announced soon.
