Bristol, Va.-based Universal Fibers, a manufacturer of solution-dyed fibers including
post-industrial and post-consumer recycled fibers, has been recognized by Marriott Hotels for its
contribution to the Amazonas Sustainable Foundation (ASF), a non-profit organization that procures
and preserves rainforest land in support of the Juma Sustainable Development Reserve in South
America. Universal Fibers selected Marriott’s MeadowView Conference Resort and Convention Center in
Kingsport, Tenn., as the location for a national sales conference, and donated all discounts and
incentives associated with the conference to ASF through Marriott’s “Spirit to Preserve the
Rainforest” initiative.
“Marriott’s MeadowView Conference Center is very committed to sustainability initiatives, and
operates their property in Kingsport accordingly,” said Marc Ammen, CEO, Universal Fibers. “This
supports our EarthSmart Promise of environmental stewardship, and also supports our commitment to
our local communities and businesses.”
The company also used reusable and recycled paper products at the conference and employed
internal water- and energy-savings initiatives that reduced its carbon footprint during the
five-day conference.
Marriott presented Universal Fibers with the award at the company’s new Customer Care Center
(CCC) — an interactive concept design and meeting area developed as part of a $13 million
expansion announced last year
(See ”
Universal
Fibers To Expand Headquarters Operations,” Dec. 15, 2009). The CCC allows customers to
meet with members of the product development team to match a fiber’s color and design to their
vision.
“Our goal is to have the perfect match — in color and texture before the customer heads
home,” Ammen said. “This saves time and environmental resources and there should be less trial and
error for production, and fewer samples being mailed back and forth. What many people may not
realize is that we have endless color possibilities within our huge color bank of solution dyed
fiber, and we provide ample flexibility in customizing our products to fit the exacting needs of
our customers.”
Universal Fibers also will use the CCC for company activities and for local group and
community tours. Ammen said he would like to see it eventually be used as an educational resource
for architecture and design students and associated trade organizations, and it may provide the
groups with support related to continuing education credits.
June 15, 2010
