Duotone Diversity Magazine No.02 2020

LEADING EDGE ASSEMBLING Reinforcements and pigtails, as well as all details for the valves, are attached to the leading edge segments. COMPUTERIZED SEWING The patch is sewn fully digitally with a computerized sewing machine. THE LEADING EDGE IS GETTING CLOSED Using a gage ensures accuracy. 06 07 08 11 10 13 09 12 STRUT SEWING Nipun sews the struts together and attaches the strut ends. Then reinforcements like webbings are sewed on. THE STRUTS ARE ATTACHED TO THE LEADING EDGE Nishantha is sewing two times around the strut, using a strong thread. THE VALVES ARE WELDED ONTO THE BLADDER A special glue ensures long- lasting durability. THE CANOPY IS SEWED TO THE LEADING EDGE Dilhani is applying a save three times zig-zag stitching with the strongest thread available. THE BLADDERS ARE GETTING CLOSED Isuru closes the bladder with an ultra-high frequency welding machine. STPU SEWING Wasana is sewing the STPU Strip on the strut seams of the canopy. PREPARATION OF THE PIGTAIL LOOP Fixing (Sticking) of the pigtail loop before the sewing. T E C H N O L O G Y 72 73 T E C H N O L O G Y 1 K I T E 3 W E E K S HANNES KNOLZ The Manager of the Kite Project at GSL Lanka first started producing kites for Duotone in May 2003 – back then with only seven employees: “I can still remember it very well! The first prototype we sewed was a white and blue Rhino in 8 square meters.” During his 17-year career working at GSL Lanka, which produces exclusively for Duotone, more than 310000 kites have left the factory. Today GSL Lanka employs 400 people.