ISAIC Hosts VIP Open House In New Space, Announces Two Major Partnerships
DETROIT, MI — August 2026 — The Industrial Sewing and Innovation Center (ISAIC), a Detroit-based nonprofit and national resource for textile and apparel manufacturing, hosted a VIP Open House at its new headquarters in the College for Creative Studies’ (CCS) A. Alfred Taubman Center for Design Education.
The invitation-only event brought together industry leaders, policymakers, community partners, and supporters for an exclusive first look at ISAIC’s expanded advanced manufacturing facility. Guests heard opening remarks from ISAIC President + CEO Jen Guarino and CCS President Don Tuski, toured the new space and Michigan’s only TUKAcenter, and had the opportunity to explore the facility, connect with fellow industry leaders, and learn more about ISAIC’s work in advanced manufacturing, workforce development, and innovation.
The event also marked the announcement of two major partnerships that further advance ISAIC’s mission to strengthen the future of American textile and apparel manufacturing.
ISAIC Named a Core Partner in $480 Million FutureTEX Initiative
ISAIC is among the six core partners in FutureTEX, a 10-year, $480 million initiative focused on strengthening U.S. defense textile manufacturing. The initiative brings together industry, government, universities, and nonprofit organizations to advance textile manufacturing technologies for military and domestic applications.
The FutureTEX award includes $36 million in its first year, with a potential investment of up to $480 million over the next decade. The initiative will also support workforce development and the modernization of manufacturing facilities and equipment to strengthen U.S. competitiveness.
FutureTEX aims to help American manufacturers capitalize on digital infrastructure and emerging technologies while building a more resilient domestic supply network for the defense industrial base.
Led by NC State, FutureTEX brings together core partners including Drexel University, Gaston College, Georgia Tech, UMass Lowell, and ISAIC.
ISAIC Announces Partnership with WTRLSS
WTRLSS Display at the ISAIC Open House
ISAIC also announced its official partnership with WTRLSS, a newly launched technology company founded by CEO Dustin White, who attended the Open House.
WTRLSS has developed Orion, a patented, one-step digital dyeing and finishing platform designed to eliminate water, chemicals, and significant processing complexity from traditional textile dyeing and finishing.
ISAIC’s mission to rebuild and strengthen American apparel manufacturing through technology, training, and workforce development depends on partners who represent the future of the industry. WTRLSS brings innovative technology that aligns directly with ISAIC’s focus on advancing more efficient, sustainable, and technology-driven manufacturing.
Through the partnership, ISAIC will be among the first organizations in the country to utilize Orion technology within its state-of-the-art advanced manufacturing facility, creating opportunities to explore new applications and demonstrate the technology’s potential within the U.S. textile manufacturing ecosystem.
A New Home for the Future of Manufacturing
The partnership announcements come as ISAIC begins a new chapter at the College for Creative Studies’ A. Alfred Taubman Center for Design Education. More than twice the size of ISAIC’s previous facility, the expanded space will enable the organization to increase production capacity, serve more community members, expand training opportunities, and accelerate innovation and technology development.
The new facility also strengthens ISAIC’s role as a hub for advanced manufacturing in Detroit, bringing together industry, technology, education, and workforce development under one roof.
“ISAIC’s new space gives us the room to think bigger about what’s possible for American textile and apparel manufacturing,” said Jen Guarino, President + CEO of ISAIC. “Our partnerships with FutureTEX and WTRLSS represent two important steps toward building a more innovative, resilient, and competitive domestic manufacturing ecosystem.”
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this special event and helped us celebrate this next chapter for ISAIC.
Stay tuned for details about our public open house, coming in early 2027.
About ISAIC
The Industrial Sewing and Innovation Center (ISAIC) is a Detroit-based national nonprofit institute for advanced manufacturing, skilling, and workplace culture. ISAIC iteratively tests, validates, and trains people on new technology under one roof—accelerating transformation across the apparel and textile industry. ISAIC is where people and technology work together to advance practices, processes, and possibilities.
Press Contact
Emily Gilbert Communications and Engagement Specialist Industrial Sewing and Innovation Center (ISAIC) communications@isaic.org 313.316.0604