IAF founder Thomas Roboz passes away

The International Apparel Federation (IAF) founder and

Honorary Life President Thomas Roboz passed away on April 14, 2013 after illness. It was in 1972 that Thomas Roboz from the US along with Joachim Hoffman from Europe and Komataro Kondo of Japan had come together to set up the International Apparel Federation. And as IAF President Harry van Dalfsen says Roboz, a leading industrialist had a dream to bring together apparel manufacturers from all over the world. “Building bridges between continents by promoting common business interests, by encouraging best practice and supporting apparel manufacturers and marketers worldwide, is a mission IAF still embraces”, Dalfsen says.

Last year, Thomas Roboz was honoured with the IAF Golden Award for great services to the international apparel industry. “Even though he left our Board he showed great interest in our further developments and his wise comments and suggestions from the sideline were very much appreciated. We will all miss our dear friend Thom”, Dalfsen said on behalf of the IAF Board.

After more than 40 years, the IAF has become the world’s leading federation for apparel manufacturers, their associations, and the supporting industry. IAF’s membership now includes apparel associations from more than 40 countries representing over 150,000 companies who provide products and services to the apparel industry, a membership that represents over 20 million employees. The associate members of IAF are prominent companies or institutes in technology, business services, retailing, logistics, culture and education.