The Composites Institute (IACMI) Announces Inaugural Rising Star Award Winners

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — June 11, 2026 — IACMI–The Composites Institute®, announced the winners of its inaugural Rising Star Awards, a nationwide initiative aimed at highlighting emerging talent in the manufacturing industry. The five winners and five honorable mentions span across eight states and work in a variety of industry segments, including engineering, forging, machining, metallurgy and smart manufacturing.

“The inaugural class of the Rising Star Awards exemplifies modern manufacturing skills, an eagerness to learn and the ambition to make a measurable impact,” said Justin Brooks, deputy director of workforce development, IACMI. “Manufacturing’s future begins with retaining the great up-and-coming talent already working in the industry. These awards were created to highlight these individuals and motivate them as they continue to advance and shape their careers. IACMI is proud to celebrate these winners and acknowledge the significant influence they’ve already achieved.”

Each of the winners was nominated anonymously by a supervisor at their workplace. To be selected, the nominee must be between 18 and 35 years old and show a significant contribution to their field, measurable impact through problem-solving or innovation, inner motivation, and leadership potential. The inaugural class includes five winners and five honorable mentions:

Winners:

  • Alonzo Bullman – Trenton Forging Company; Trenton, Michigan
  • Julian Espinoza – Gretna Machine Shop; Houston, Texas
  • Nick Knotts – The Lawton Standard Co.; Novi, Michigan
  • Samantha Melnick – SKF USA; Falconer, New York
  • Jake Carney – Trenton Forging Company; Trenton, Michigan

Honorable Mention:

  • Daniel Levine – IsoTruss, Inc.; Springville, Utah
  • Farbod Moghaddam – Sense Manufacturing Inc.; Washington, D.C.
  • Matthew Sausen – Endeavor Composites, Inc.; Knoxville, Tennessee
  • Daniel Stewart – Finkl Steel; Chicago, Illinois
  • Kevin Vazquez – Pyka Inc.; Alameda, California

For the rest of the year, IACMI will publish spotlight features on each winner across its social media channels. The features will showcase details from each submission and offer insights into each winner’s role, increasing visibility into their rewarding careers.

The Rising Star Awards reflect IACMI’s broader commitment to strengthening the future manufacturing workforce by highlighting the people already making a difference on the shop floor, in laboratories, and across production facilities nationwide. Through workforce development initiatives such as America’s Cutting Edge (ACE) and Metallurgical Engineering Trades Apprenticeships & Learning (METAL), IACMI works with industry, educators and government partners to expand awareness of manufacturing careers, provide training opportunities, and help employers develop the next generation of skilled talent.

Posted: June 19, 2026

Source: IACMI, The Composites Institute

National Safety Apparel (NSA) Appoints Michael Enright As Chief Executive Officer; Chuck Grossman Jr. To Transition To Vice Chairman

CLEVELAND — June 8, 2026 — National Safety Apparel (NSA), a manufacturer of high-performance personal protective equipment, safety apparel, and electric utility products, announced a planned leadership succession, positioning the company for continued growth and long-term success.

Michael Enright

Effective June 8, Michael Enright will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Chuck Grossman Jr., who will transition to Vice Chairman after nearly 30 years leading NSA.

Mike Enright has over three decades of experience in the protective clothing market and has served as NSA’s President for the past five years as an integral member of the executive team. During that time, he helped expand the company’s market position and advance its strategic vision.

“This transition reflects the strength of the NSA team and our approach to long-term succession planning,” said Grossman. “Mike has earned the trust and respect of our employees, customers, and industry partners through his integrity and proven track record of delivering results. He has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to our mission and values, and I am confident that NSA’s future is in excellent hands.”

Chuck Grossman will be actively involved as Vice Chairman, with a continued emphasis on mergers and acquisitions. He will also continue to support the executive team in advancing NSA’s growth and strategic objectives.

“As I step into the CEO role, I am honored and humbled to be the first non-Grossman family member to lead NSA,” said Enright. “Chuck has helped shape the company into the industry leader it is today. His vision, paired with his dedication to employees and to serving customers, drove more than twentyfold growth during his tenure. He created an extraordinary foundation, and I look forward to building on the Grossman legacy and leading NSA into its next chapter.”

Under Grossman’s leadership, NSA experienced significant growth, expanded its product portfolio and manufacturing capabilities while strengthening its position as a trusted partner in worker safety. This evolution reflects the company’s enduring commitment to its Core Values of Safety, Customer Experience, Collaboration, Innovation, and Growth. These core values have guided NSA’s success and will continue to shape its future.

“This is a logical and exciting next step for our organization,” Grossman added. “I look forward to supporting Mike and the entire NSA team as we continue to pursue new opportunities and create value for our customers, employees, and shareholders.”

Posted: June 19, 2026

Source: National Safety Apparel (NSA)

Vestis Appoints Steve Cochran As Chief Commercial & Supply Chain Officer

ATLANTA — June 8, 2026 — Vestis Corporation, a provider of uniforms and workplace supplies, today announced the appointment of Steve Cochran as Executive Vice President, Chief Commercial and Supply Chain Officer, reporting directly to President and Chief Executive Officer Jim Barber.

Mr. Cochran brings to Vestis over 30 years of leadership experience across the apparel, uniform, and business services industries, with a core focus on commercial strategy and global operations. In his new role, he will lead the Company’s commercial and product supply chain operations.

“Steve brings deep commercial expertise, and a proven track record of leading complex global organizations,” said Jim Barber, President and Chief Executive Officer. “He will help sharpen our focus on growth while strengthening the alignment between commercial strategy and supply chain execution. Steve’s leadership will be critical as we improve the customer experience, enhance revenue quality, expand market share, and create long-term value for shareholders.”

Prior to joining Vestis, Mr. Cochran served as Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors of TSC Miami / Monster Digital, a provider of digital and printed products serving consumer, retail and e-commerce markets. Previously, he was Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors of Tegra Global, a manufacturer and supplier of sport and performance apparel, where he led the company through a period of significant growth and a successful exit to a global buyer.

“I am excited to join Vestis at this important stage of the Company’s transformation,” said Mr. Cochran. “Vestis has a clear opportunity to advance commercial growth, strengthen customer relationships and expand its presence in the markets it serves. I look forward to working with Jim and the leadership team to help build a stronger Vestis for the long term.”

Earlier in his career, Mr. Cochran held senior leadership roles at Delta Apparel, Inc., including President and Chief Operating Officer, and served as President of the Delta Activewear division. He also served as President of the Image Apparel Division at VF Corporation. Prior to that, he served as Senior Vice President of Sales and Store Operations at LESCO, Inc. Mr. Cochran began his career at Cintas, where he advanced through leadership positions in sales, marketing, merchandising, and national accounts. Mr. Cochran holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Miami University in Ohio.

Posted: June 19, 2026

Source: Vestis Corporation

Goodwill South Florida Reduces Cutting Room Planning Time From Days To Minutes With Lectra Valia Manufacturing

MIAMI — June 16, 2026 — Lectra, a provider of industrial intelligence technology solutions for the fashion industry, today announced that Goodwill South Florida has implemented Valia Manufacturing, Lectra’s new cloud-based solution to modernize and automate cutting room operations, marking a significant step forward in efficiency and operational performance that will yield nearly a 99% reduction in cutting room planning time.

Based in Miami, Goodwill South Florida operates a centralized manufacturing division producing over one million U.S. military garments annually, including trousers, coats, and combat shirts. As production demands continue to grow, Goodwill identified the need to modernize its planning workflows that were taking up to two days per order to complete.

The deployment of Valia Manufacturing will enable Goodwill South Florida to automate marker planning and nesting, integrate order data directly from its ERP system, and gain real-time visibility across planning, spreading, and cutting. The result is a faster, more connected workflow that replaces manual, spreadsheet-driven processes with AI-powered decision-making.

“We set out to fundamentally rethink how our cutting room operates,” said Eduardo Dominguez, Vice President of Manufacturing at Goodwill South Florida. “Valia Manufacturing allows us to replace manual planning with intelligent automation to build a smarter, more connected cutting room. The speed, visibility, and control we gain across our entire workflow will have a lasting impact on how we produce and scale moving forward.”

By implementing Valia Manufacturing, Goodwill South Florida expects to:

  • Transform planning from a two-day process into a 15-minute task — a 99%-time reduction
  • Achieve around 1% in material savings.
  • Realize a payback period of approximately five months.
  • Deliver nearly $400,000 in net savings in the first two years, while also reducing manual intervention and improving production control.
John Brearley

“With Valia Manufacturing, Goodwill South Florida is taking a decisive step toward a fully connected, Industry 4.0 enabled cutting room that is built for the future,” said John Brearley, President, Americas at Lectra. “In today’s fast-paced manufacturing landscape, the ability to accelerate operations and adapt to shifting market demands is a critical competitive advantage. By automating planning and connecting systems end-to-end, Valia enables manufacturers unlock speed, improve material utilization, and gain the operational visibility needed to scale efficiently. This collaboration demonstrates how intelligent automation can deliver rapid, measurable impact in high-volume production environments.”

Valia Manufacturing will integrate into Goodwill’s existing technology stack, connecting ERP order intake to planning, nesting, and cutting execution within a single, unified platform. Beyond near-term financial returns, the project lays the foundation for scalable growth and greater agility, marking a key milestone in Goodwill South Florida’s shift toward a more efficient, data-driven manufacturing operation.

Posted: June 19, 2026

Source: Lectra

S&S Activewear To Add Ariat® International To Expanding Brand Portfolio

BOLINGBROOK, Ill. — June 16, 2026 — S&S Activewear, a leading technology-enabled distributor of apparel and accessories in North America, today announced plans to add Ariat International to its expanding portfolio, with availability expected in Spring 2027. One of the most recognizable names in western and workwear apparel, Ariat will support S&S Activewear’s continued strategy of bringing customers brands with strong consumer demand while expanding access to growing categories and end markets.

“Ariat is an exciting addition to the S&S portfolio,” S&S Activewear Chief Commercial Officer Toby Whitmoyer said. “The brand’s authentic heritage and broad consumer appeal have helped it remain highly relevant in today’s market. We’re excited to bring that combination to our customers as we continue to expand our assortment.”

Founded in 1993, Ariat was the first to integrate athletic footwear technology into boots for equestrian athletes and western riders. More than 30 years later, the company has grown into a global leader across the western, work, and equestrian markets. Known for its commitment to innovation and quality craftsmanship, Ariat is one of the most recognized and trusted apparel and footwear brands in the industry.

“Ariat was built on a deep respect for the people who wear our products: ranchers, tradespeople, and outdoor enthusiasts who demand quality and authenticity in equal measure,” said Heath Hunter, Vice President of Industrial Sales at Ariat. “Our partnership is built on the shared belief that S&S Activewear’s customers deserve access to brands they can trust. We’re thrilled to join their portfolio and serve their incredible network of customers with apparel featuring unrivaled comfort, field-tested performance, and signature styles.”

The planned addition of Ariat reflects S&S Activewear’s continued focus on broadening its presence across high-growth market segments. With a strong presence across workwear, western, and outdoor-inspired apparel, Ariat will help broaden the company’s assortment and provide customers with new opportunities to reach a wider range of end users.

S&S Activewear customers will gain access to a strong assortment of Ariat apparel for men and women, including wovens, fleece, and outerwear designed for work, recreation, and everyday life.

Posted: June 19, 2026

Source: S&S Activewear

Novanta Inc. Announces Acquisition Of Riverpoint Medical — Known For Utilizing Highly Specialized Implantable Surgical Fibers

BOSTON — June 9, 2026 — Novanta Inc. (“Novanta” or the “Company”), a trusted technology partner to leading global medical and industrial original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Riverpoint Medical (“Riverpoint Medical” or “Riverpoint”), a category leader in high-growth minimally invasive surgical consumables, from Arlington Capital Partners (“Arlington”), a Washington D.C.-area private investment firm. Under the terms of the agreement, Novanta will acquire all outstanding equity interests of the parent company of Riverpoint Medical for an upfront cash consideration of $1.2 billion and a milestone payment of $250 million in the first quarter of 2027. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2026, subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions.

The transaction is aligned with Novanta’s strategy to shift its portfolio to more durable, recurring revenue streams, which will help further reduce business cyclicality, deepen Novanta’s medical OEM partnerships, and help compound and accelerate revenue and cash flows.

Riverpoint Medical is a leading developer, designer, and manufacturer of medical devices focused on advanced surgical fibers and related technologies, providing strategic OEMs with private-label minimally invasive surgical consumables and instruments across high-growth end markets including sports medicine, trauma and cardiovascular surgery. Riverpoint’s portfolio includes unique implants and constructs requiring complex assemblies, and novel IP-protected coatings for absorbable and non-absorbable implant material.

“Riverpoint Medical is an exceptional business, a market leader in high-growth minimally invasive surgical consumables that is perfectly aligned with our strategic direction and our business model,” said Matthijs Glastra, Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Novanta. “Riverpoint Medical is growing revenue and cash flows at twice the rate of Novanta, with an expected long-term annual revenue growth outlook of 12% to 15%. Together with Novanta’s core business, this acquisition is projected to double our recurring medical consumables revenue to approximately $300 million, deepen our medical end-market concentration to 60% of total revenue, and meaningfully accelerate revenue and profit growth. Because Novanta and Riverpoint serve a common customer base, we will be able to deepen those relationships while adding an additional addressable market opportunity of $2 billion. Beyond the core transaction, we expect this will meaningfully advance our regional manufacturing footprint, placing FDA-registered production capacity in the markets our customers serve, reducing supply chain risk and improving responsiveness. Riverpoint is the right fit, at the right time, and Novanta is the right owner.”

“Novanta is the ideal partner for Riverpoint Medical and for the customers we serve,” said Doug King, Chief Executive Officer of Riverpoint Medical. “We have built a uniquely capable business that serves as the innovation engine behind some of the most important new product development programs of our OEM customers in sports medicine, trauma and cardiovascular surgery, utilizing highly specialized implantable surgical fibers. Joining Novanta will accelerate our strategy, while giving our customers access to a broader suite of surgical solutions through a single, deeply trusted OEM partner. We are thankful to Arlington for their strong partnership in guiding us to this point and are excited about the opportunities and resources Novanta will provide our team going forward, giving them the resources and operational infrastructure to scale faster and expand into adjacencies. We are proud of what Riverpoint has accomplished but are more excited about what we will create together.”

Matt Altman, a Managing Partner at Arlington, said, “When we first partnered with Riverpoint, we recognized a company with exceptional engineering talent and differentiated capabilities in surgical fiber and biomedical textiles. Together with the management team, we’ve meaningfully expanded its product portfolio, scaled its manufacturing, and broadened its end markets. Novanta is the ideal home for Riverpoint’s next chapter, and we’re confident the combination will accelerate innovation for customers and create lasting opportunities for the team.” Gordon Auduong, a Managing Director at Arlington, added, “Riverpoint exemplifies the kind of business we set out to build at Arlington—mission-critical products, deep technical capability, and a culture of innovation. We’re proud of what this team has accomplished and excited to see Riverpoint join Novanta, a strategic partner with the scale and resources to take its technologies to the next level.”

Transaction details and financial impact

The upfront purchase price of $1.2 billion represents approximately 19x Riverpoint’s estimated 2026 Adjusted EBITDA excluding synergies, or approximately 17x estimated 2026 Adjusted EBITDA, including the full value of expected year-5 pro forma synergies.

Under Novanta’s ownership upon closing, Riverpoint is expected to generate Adjusted EBITDA, including synergies, of approximately $80 million in 2027. In addition, Novanta has identified more than $80 million in potential cumulative profit and cash flow synergies over five years after closing. Upon completion of the transaction, Riverpoint Medical will be reported under Novanta’s Medical Solutions operating segment.

The transaction will be financed through a combination of cash on hand and Novanta’s existing credit facility, and the recently completed $300 million equity raise.

The transaction is expected to be immediately accretive in 2026 to Novanta’s Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share, and in 2027 accretive to revenue growth rate, Adjusted Gross and EBITDA Margins, Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share, and Operating Cash Flows. Novanta expects its net leverage ratio to be approximately 2.7x (less than 3.0x on a gross leverage basis) after closing the transaction in the Third Quarter 2026. Novanta expects to reduce its net leverage ratio to be below 2.3x by year-end 2027.

The Company notes that it confirms its previously issued Second Quarter and Full Year 2026 financial guidance for the standalone Company and will update guidance for the impact of the Riverpoint acquisition once the transaction is closed.

Posted: June 19, 2026

Source: Novanta Inc.

Albany International Reports Progress With Cyclezyme On Industrial Textile Recycling Project

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. — June 11, 2026 — Albany International Corp. reports continued progress in the ongoing project with Cyclezyme AB, a leader in advanced enzyme-based plastic recycling, based in Sweden.

The project exemplifies leading edge innovation in materials science, focusing on the development of enzyme-based recycling of industrial textiles primarily consisting of polyester and polyamide, where there is currently a significant lack of effective solutions for circular material flows. The objective of the project is to establish enzymatic processes for depolymerization and recycling of technical textiles and high-performance industrial materials.

During the project, Cyclezyme has successfully depolymerized selected material samples, demonstrating the potential for future circular recycling where materials can be broken down into their building blocks and reused in new production. Cyclezyme has also carried out optimization work to improve degradation efficiency. In parallel, Cyclezyme has developed and produced several nylon-degrading enzymes for the recycling of nylon and polyamide-based materials. Work now continues on the development of analytical methods to evaluate enzyme activity and further optimize the technology.

Technical textiles and advanced industrial materials are used globally in papermaking, construction materials, process industries, logistics, and other advanced manufacturing. Development of circular solutions is a priority among Albany International’s customers, and demand is expected to increase in line with stricter sustainability requirements and regulatory initiatives.

Albany International and Cyclezyme have also initiated discussions regarding the next phase, focusing on scaling and future industrial applications.

“Along with performance, we know how important recycling capability is for our customers. We are encouraged by progress on this project, which has demonstrated the possibility of circularity in advanced textiles, including paper machine clothing. Existing recycling technology tends to focus on recycling a single material; however, Cyclezyme’s innovative approach and advanced enzymes are proving capable of depolymerizing both polyester and nylon. This would allow our customers to focus on optimizing performance without compromising recycling potential at the end of product life. We believe this would provide the best solution for our customers, and we look forward to being able to offer this benefit,” says Merle Stein, President, Machine Clothing at Albany International Corp.

“We are very pleased with the progress in the project, and the results strengthen our view that enzymatic recycling can become an important solution for more advanced textiles and industrial materials. Many of these materials are difficult to recycle with current methods, while demand for innovative circular solutions is increasing. We have succeeded in developing and producing enzymes for nylon degradation which demonstrates the breadth of our platform technology and the potential to, in the long term, recycle several different types of plastics and textiles, not only polyester. It is also very positive that we have already initiated discussions regarding the next phase and how the technology can be scaled up for future industrial applications together with Albany International,” says Peter Falck, CEO of Cyclezyme AB.

The project is proceeding according to plan, with continued focus on optimization, analysis, and evaluation of additional material streams.

Posted: June 19, 2026

Source: Albany International Corp.

Durst Group Celebrates 90 Years Of Innovation With The Durst NEXT Technology Festival In Brixen

BRIXEN, Italy — June 19, 2026 — Durst Group will celebrate its 90th anniversary with the Durst NEXT Technology Festival, taking place on June 25 and 26, 2026, at the company’s headquarters in Brixen, South Tyrol.

Founded in 1936, Durst has grown from its roots in photographic imaging into a global company for digital production and industrial printing. Under the guiding idea “Our World is Printed”, the anniversary year reflects on the company’s heritage while looking ahead to the technologies, partnerships and ideas that will shape the next phase of industrial production.

“Durst started 90 years ago with a clear idea: to make good things better,” said Christoph Gamper, CEO and co-owner of Durst Group. “This idea continues to guide us today. With digital production, automation and Industrial Intelligence, we are building on our heritage and looking ahead to the next chapter of industrial production. The Durst NEXT Technology Festival gives us the opportunity to open our doors, bring people together and discuss this future in Brixen.”

“Industrial innovation has always been shaped by the ability to connect people, ideas and technologies,” said Rachel Brill, Durst NEXT Technology Festival Director and Founder of CHAPT3R, Inc. “Durst NEXT creates a setting where visitors can experience how automation, artificial intelligence and Industrial Intelligence are becoming part of real production environments – and how these developments can open new perspectives for industry, business and society.”

The Durst NEXT Technology Festival is designed as an open platform for dialogue, exchange and hands-on experience. It brings together international perspectives from technology, industry, entrepreneurship, academia, policy, agriculture, print and advanced manufacturing – reflecting the diversity of Durst’s global ecosystem of customers, partners, experts and employees.
At the center of the festival is the question of how industrial production is evolving in an age of automation, data and artificial intelligence – and how these developments can be translated into reliable, scalable and responsible production systems.

  • On June 25, Durst will host the inaugural Durst NEXT Honors, an invite-only evening dedicated to customer excellence and to the global network of partners and customers who contribute to the printed world. The evening will create a setting for recognition and exchange, connecting Durst’s anniversary with the people, applications and partnerships that have shaped its international development.
  • On June 26, the festival will open its doors for a full-day public program of panels, talks, live experiences and community formats. The Innovation Stage will address key topics including Industrial Intelligence, digital print production, automated workflows, deep tech, digital twins, sustainable production, technical ceramics and applications in demanding environments such as aerospace.

A central focus will be the introduction of KYVERIS, Durst’s platform for Industrial Intelligence in Digital Print Production. By connecting hardware, software, data and process knowledge, KYVERIS reflects Durst’s approach to more intelligent, adaptive and efficient production environments.

Beyond the stage program, visitors will be able to experience selected applications including robotics, 3D scanning, technical ceramics, wearable systems, digital production workflows and the KYVERIS Sandbox.

Food, music and community formats will complement the day and reflect both the festival’s location in South Tyrol and Durst’s international orientation.

The public festival day is June 26, 2026.

Registration and further information are available at:  www.durst-group.com/durst90

Posted: June 19, 2026

Source: Durst Group

Supreme Nonwoven Inc. Invest $25.8 Million To Establish Its First U.S. Manufacturing Facility

RALEIGH, N.C. — June 17, 2026 — Governor Josh Stein announced Supreme Nonwoven Inc., a manufacturer of advanced nonwoven materials and products, will create 50 new jobs in Davidson County, N.C. The company will invest $25.8 million to establish its first U.S. manufacturing facility in Lexington.

“I am proud to welcome Supreme Nonwoven and the good jobs it will bring to Davidson County,” said Governor Josh Stein. “This announcement reinforces what the world already knows: Our state is a premier destination for textile innovation. Our history in this industry is enhanced by a skilled workforce that is ready to support global companies seeking to establish and expand their presence in the United States.”

Supreme Nonwoven Inc. is a subsidiary of Supreme Group, India, which was founded in 1986 by Mohan Kavrie. The company has spent four decades building a leading reputation that serves customers in apparel, automotive, filtration, and other industrial sectors with a broad technology base and the ability to translate advanced materials into value-added solutions.

The over 200,000-square-foot Lexington facility will serve as a hub for technical collaboration, enabling Supreme Nonwoven Inc. to work closely with North American customers and partners on customized material solutions. This collaborative approach ensures that clients benefit from responsive service, customized applications, and access to the latest advancements in nonwoven technology.

“Our decision to establish this facility in North Carolina reflects a long-term commitment to serving the U.S. market with locally manufactured nonwoven materials,” said Amit Kavrie, Managing Director, Supreme Group. “We see this as an important step in bringing our material technologies and development capabilities closer to customers in the region while building a foundation for long-term growth.”

“Lexington offers us a strong base from which to support customers with responsiveness, technical collaboration, and reliable execution,” said Manoj Swain, Director of International Operations, Supreme Group. “As we build this operation, our focus will be on creating the right competencies locally while also drawing on the broader capabilities of the Group to serve regional customer requirements over time.”

“North Carolina’s textile industry continues to set the standard for excellence and innovation,” said N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “As the home to the nation’s largest concentration of nonwoven firms and the second-largest textile manufacturing workforce, we have built an ecosystem that combines research, talent, and industry expertise, positioning our state to attract investment and create more opportunities for many years to come.”

While wages vary by position, the annual average salary for the new positions will be $55,800, exceeding Davidson County’s average of $54,395. These new jobs could potentially create an annual payroll impact of $2.79 million for the region.

A performance-based grant of $100,000 from the One North Carolina Fund will help the company locate to North Carolina. The OneNC Fund provides financial assistance to local governments to help attract economic investment and to create jobs. Companies receive no money upfront and must meet job creation and capital investment targets to qualify for payment. All OneNC grants require matching participation from local governments, and any award is contingent upon that condition being met.

“I’m proud to announce this great win for Davidson County and our people,” said N.C. Senator Steve Jarvis. “Investments like this create good jobs, strengthen our local economy, and demonstrate confidence in the business-friendly climate we’ve worked hard to build across North Carolina. I look forward to the positive impact this project will have on our community and families for years to come.”

“These new jobs and investments are another example of Davidson County competing on a global stage,” said N.C. Representative Larry W. Potts. “Supreme Nonwovens could have chosen to invest anywhere in the world, and the company’s decision to establish roots in Lexington is a strong endorsement of our workforce, our business climate, and the collaborative efforts that make projects like this possible.”

In addition to the North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, other key partners in this project include the North Carolina General Assembly, Commerce’s Division of Workforce Solutions, the North Carolina Community College System, Davidson-Davie Community College, Davidson County, Davidson Water, Inc., the Davidson County Economic Development Commission, Duke Energy, and the City of Lexington.

 

Posted: June 18, 2026

Source: North Carolina Office of the Governor

AFFOA Celebrates Opening Of New Headquarters With Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony In Bedford, Massachusetts

BEDFORD, Mass. — June 16, 2026 — Advanced Functional Fabrics of America, Inc. (AFFOA), a national leader in advanced textile innovation and Manufacturing USA Institute, proudly celebrated the opening of its new headquarters with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 135 South Road, Bedford, Massachusetts. The event brought industry leaders, government partners, academic institutions, and startup innovators together to mark this milestone in AFFOA’s mission to accelerate textile technology and manufacturing breakthroughs to safeguard the nation, advance industry, and improve quality of life.

“Our new facility enables AFFOA to expand its technical development capabilities, better serve the US advanced textile ecosystem, and create an environment to inspire the next generation of innovators,” shared Sasha Stolyarov, Ph.D., CEO of AFFOA. “We are grateful to our members and partners who attended and are looking forward to leveraging this new space as a hub for collaboration, innovation, and workforce development.”

Distinguished Speakers Headline the Celebration

The ceremony featured remarks from a distinguished group of leaders at the forefront of advanced manufacturing and textile innovation:

  • Sasha Stolyarov, Ph.D., CEO of AFFOA, welcomed attendees and spoke to the organization’s continued commitment to driving innovation in functional fabrics and positioning the United States as a global leader in advanced textile technology.
  • Lily Fitzgerald, Director of the Center for Advanced Manufacturing at the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, spoke to the importance of AFFOA’s work within the broader Massachusetts advanced manufacturing landscape and the critical role the institute plays in supporting the Commonwealth’s innovation economy.
  • Eric Evans, Ph.D., Chair of the AFFOA Board of Directors, Director Emeritus of MIT Lincoln Laboratory, and Professor of Practice and Senior Fellow at MIT, offered inspiring remarks on the transformative potential of advanced textiles and the vision that drives AFFOA’s work at the intersection of technology, defense, and everyday life.

A Showcase of Innovation

Following the ribbon cutting, guests toured AFFOA’s new state-of-the-art facilities, gaining firsthand insight into the organization’s extensive end-to-end development capabilities and technical expertise. The tour provided a compelling window into cutting-edge research and development in functional fabrics and wearable technologies, showcasing the breadth and depth of innovation across the U.S. Advanced Textiles ecosystem.

A Broad Coalition of Industry, Academia, Government, and National Security Leaders

The event drew an impressive cross-section of stakeholders from across the innovation ecosystem, reflecting the wide-ranging impact of AFFOA’s work across sectors.

Industry and academic representatives in attendance included leaders from MIT, MIT Lincoln Laboratory, Harvard Medical School, Puma, Shark Ninja, E Ink Corporation, Boston Engineering, Draper Knitting, and many more — underscoring the vibrant partnerships that define AFFOA’s collaborative approach to innovation.

Government officials representing elected leaders at the federal and local levels were also in attendance, including:

  • Laura Byman, representing the Office of Senator Elizabeth Warren
  • Michael Massiwer, representing the Office of Senator Edward Markey
  • Tom Arsenault, representing the Office of Congressman Seth Moulton
  • Selectman Terence Parker, representing the Town of Bedford

Their presence reflects the strong government support for AFFOA’s mission and its significance to both the local community and the nation’s advanced manufacturing strategy.

Representatives from the U.S. Department of War, including the U.S. Navy and U.S. Army, were also in attendance, demonstrating the critical role advanced textiles play in national defense and military readiness.

Posted: June 18, 2026

Source: Advanced Functional Fabrics of America, Inc. (AFFOA)

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