Picanol NV To Exhibit At CINTE TECHTEXTIL Shanghai

IEPER, Belgium — September 1, 2020 — Picanol will be present at Cinte Techtextil in the Shanghai New International Expo Centre! Visit us at booth E3-A15.

Driven by extensive investments in R&D, Picanol has grown into an industry leader for high-tech weaving machines in the sector of technical textiles. The various developments made in recent years clearly highlight this point and have resulted in the growing success of our weaving machines in technical segments.

The wide OptiMax-i rapier machines can be equipped with positive guided grippers in widths up to 212 inches (540 centimeters). This demonstrates how Picanol can efficiently replace obsolete projectile technology for such applications as agro-textiles, packaging, and carpet backings. Picanol can also present the new free flight execution for the OptiMax-i machines, extending the weaving width up to an impressive 460 cm! This has set a new benchmark for the weaving of very sensitive yarns, such as zero twist yarns in coating fabrics. Another innovation is the introduction of wasteless on the Left Hand Side in four colors (Ecofill 4), where significant cost savings can be realized. In regard to airjet machines, the new SmartShed technology which was introduced on the most recent OmniPlus-i weaving machine, already delivers the flexibility and performance in order to compete successfully. All of these developments complete Picanol’s offerings for coated fabrics, conveyor belting, glass fiber, tire cords and airbags, among all other technical fabrics.

Picanol offers technical weavers solutions for specific applications, based on machine platforms that are also applied in mainstream applications. In this way, also technical customers enjoy state of the art technology and performance, combined with the evident advantages our leading position offers them: large R&D resources, streamlined high quality production and assembly processes and a worldwide sales and services network.

Having all these products, services and specific expertise, Picanol is very well positioned to further support the industrial development in the technical market and to “grow together” with its customers.

Posted September 1, 2020

Source: Picanol

Americhem Expands Global Reach Through Acquisition Of Controlled Polymers In Denmark

CUYAHOGA FALLS, Ohio — September 1, 2020 — Americhem — a globally recognized designer and manufacturer of custom color masterbatch, functional additives, engineered compounds, and performance technologies — has announced that it has acquired Controlled Polymers, a leading global manufacturer of customized compounds and masterbatch for the medical industry and other industries. With 30 years of experience, Controlled Polymers is located in Denmark and supplies sustainable polymeric solutions to some of the largest healthcare OEMs in the world.

Controlled Polymers will seamlessly integrate with Americhem and its Engineered Compounds division (AEC) by blending the companies’ product lines together to create a full range of offerings for customers in the medical plastics and other industries. Controlled Polymers has developed a specialized portfolio of products integral to many medical device and healthcare applications, including a particular strength in the hearing aid industry.

Controlled Polymers places great importance on sustainability. It strives to produce the greenest compounds in the world through four key areas: responsible sourcing, responsible energy-efficient production, R&D focused on sustainability, and customer workshops to inspire ideas for sustainable solutions.

This acquisition expands Americhem’s global reach with increased product offerings, extended service capabilities, and broadened technical expertise. In particular, Controlled Polymers has built deep subject expertise in medical compounds and masterbatch through strategic customer partnerships. Other industries served include packaging, consumer goods, electronics, construction, and automotive where Controlled Polymers distinguishes itself through flexible lot sizes, industry leading lead times, and exceptional color matching capabilities.

Americhem’s CEO, Matthew Hellstern, stated, “We are thankful that our successes at Americhem have allowed us to continue expanding our portfolio by bringing other like-minded companies into our Americhem family.”

Vice President/General Manager of Americhem Engineered Compounds, Jim Figaniak, stated: “AEC has experienced such enormous growth over the past few years, which has created a platform for global expansion. We are thrilled to have joined in partnership with such a well-respected company as Controlled Polymers that shares the same goal of being the leading global polymeric solution provider.”

CEO of Controlled Polymers, Mogens Larsen, stated: “We are delighted to join the Americhem family and specifically Americhem Engineered Compounds. Our companies’ customers will continue to experience the same dedicated quality and service as always, but with an expanded global reach and deeper breadth of product offerings.”

Posted September 1, 2020

Source: Americhem

Mark The Calendar On September 29 For Global Textile Services Market Analysis Webinar

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — September 1, 2020 — TRSA will broadcast on September 29 a webinar on the soon-to-be-published, first-ever Global Textile Services Market Analysis, including an executive panel discussion with market-leading, globally operating linen, uniform and facility services providers. You’ll get some insight into the scope of this Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) research, which examines worldwide opportunities to be seized and risks to be managed by the industry.

Claire Casey, EIU global managing director, will keynote the presentation. Factoring the economic turmoil from COVID-19 into its study, EIU has examined shifts in market sectors key to the industry worldwide, including:

  • Construction;
  • Energy (oil and gas);
  • Healthcare;
  • Hotels; and
  • Manufacturing.

The full analysis covers all world regions and includes detailed forecasts for 13 countries, combining industry expert insights with evidence-driven research, examining how linen and uniform service has grown globally. The full report is available at a discounted pre-order price for a limited time only through the TRSA store (use code “globalwtsc” at checkout to activate the discount).

Following the keynote, the executive panel will discuss their previous international expansion. You’ll benefit from their perspectives and explanation of actions their organizations are taking as global indicators change and client profiles shift, as well as their expectations to revitalize operations in traditional and new markets.

  • Jim Kearns, executive vice president, Alsco Linen & Uniform Rental Services, which operates in North and Latin America, Europe and Asia-Pacific;
  • Juha Laurio, CEO, Lindström Oy, Europe, Asia-Pacific;
  • Harley Oaten, executive general manager, Spotless, Asia-Pacific
  • Henning Siemens, regional managing director, workwear, CWS International GmbH, Europe; and
  • Pan Wei, executive chairman and secretary general, China Laundry Association (CLA).

TRSA members receive this webinar FREE. The broadcast runs from 9 to 11 a.m. Eastern U.S. time (1500-1700 Central European time). Middle East and Asia/Australia viewers will receive registration information for broadcasts of the recording of the webinar at times convenient for them Sept. 30.

Covering countries in all world regions and combining industry expert insights with evidence-driven research, the analysis by EIU, a sister operation to The Economist magazine, has examined how linen and uniform service has grown globally. The report will tune you into the world of possibilities for your organization to create a stronger, differentiated value proposition wherever you operate.

Posted September 1, 2020

Source: TRSA

Motion Industries Announces Acquisition Of Motion Control/Automation Company

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — September 1, 2020 — Motion Industries Inc., a distributor of maintenance, repair, and operation replacement parts and a wholly owned subsidiary of Genuine Parts Co., announced today that it has completed the acquisition of Applied Machine and Motion Control Inc. (AMMC), a Kentucky-based supplier of motion control and automation products and services. The transaction closed with an effective date of September 1, 2020.

Founded in 1995, AMMC is headquartered in Park Hills, Ky., outside of Cincinnati. The majority of AMMC’s business comprises the markets of Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Western Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. The company’s engineering and application expertise propels its specialty services including motion control, drives, HMI, PC and embedded control, automation control, mechanical, robotics, motors, and mechatronics. AMMC’s customer base consists primarily of OEMs, plus a number of end users.

“We are very excited to join the Motion team,” said David Locke, AMMC president and founding partner/owner. “The cultural fit and our common goals make it an ideal match, and we look forward to contributing to the Company’s growth. Through Motion, we will have access to even more products and capabilities to enhance our value proposition and level of service to our customers.”

“As a premier supplier to the Ohio River Valley area and beyond, AMMC and its talented people will be instrumental in furthering our growth strategy geographically and in the automation arena,” said Motion Industries President Randy Breaux. “In addition to broadening our offerings to customers, their go-to-market approach and line card are very similar to our other Mi Automation Solutions Group divisions, to which AMMC will be a nice complement. We are pleased to welcome them to the Motion family.”

Mi Automation Solutions Group offerings to customers include control panels, conveyors, machine vision, motion control, network connectivity, pneumatics, robotics, aluminum extrusion, sensing I/O, and other automation-related solutions.

Posted September 1, 2020

Source: Motion Industries

INDA’s World Of Wipes® 2020 International Conference Delivered Industry Connections And Key Insights – Virtually

CARY, NC — September 1, 2020 — INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, reports its 14th annual World of Wipes® (WOW) International Conference connected more than 260 participants from 20 countries to advance their wipes business August 25-27 all virtually, through conference presentations, live Q&A, tabletop display rooms, live chat, cocktail hours, afternoon tea, and coffee connections.

In its first all virtual format, WOW provided critical program content addressing the latest wipe innovations and presentations from 30 industry leaders on issues, market trends, and statistical data to plan business strategies as well as a virtual three-day WIPES Academy training course.

“Virtual WOW™ allowed me to expand my network and tap into the newest trends without having to leave the house,” said Jonathan Layer, business development manager Americas, Fibertex Nonwovens Inc.

Among the event highlights was the announcement of Food Fresh Liners from Berk International LLC as the winner of this year’s World of Wipes Innovation Award®. Food Fresh Liners are the first nonwoven that can absorb accumulated moisture in sealed produce packaging to keep produce from wilting and spoiling, thus staying fresher for longer. The annual award recognizes the product that best expands the use of nonwovens and demonstrates creativity, novelty, uniqueness, and technical sophistication within the entire nonwovens wipes value chain.

“Virtual WOW was a good way to step outside the box and get insight from all aspects of the wipes market, and at the same time I made new contacts I would not have ordinarily met,” Roger Shields, Sales – Nonwovens, Groz-Beckert USA Inc.

Virtual WOW attracted 24 virtual tabletop displays to connect and create meaningful relationships throughout the entire wipes supply chain.

“We are reinventing our approach to conferences to meet the connection and content needs of our industry participants, as well as the social distancing and hygiene needs of the current COVID-19 situation we are in. At the World of Wipes, we were encouraged by our attendees’ ability to adapt to the new technology platform and variety of modes we put forward to creatively interact,” said Dave Rousse, INDA President.

Program sessions included Shifting Trade and Market Data, Government Updates/Industry Statistics, Emerging Consumer Wants, Panel Discussions, Industrial Wipes, and Challenges of Plastics in Wipes.

A sampling of featured speakers included:

  • Dr. Pete Mentor, managing director, practice leader, Crowe LLP;
  • Dr. John Layman, section head – corporate R&D, The Procter & Gamble Co.;
  • Geoff Collins, director, Jacob Holm, Dr. Abby Prasad, senior scientist, International Paper;
  • Dr. Piyush Thakre, Research Scientist, Dow;
  • Linda Homan, clinical affairs manager, Ecolab;
  • Patti Costello, executive director, Association for the Healthcare Environment; and
  • Claude Wei, contract manager, TÜV AUSTRIA BELGIUM, among others.

To purchase the World of Wipes® conference audio and visual presentation materials for limitless “on-demand” replay visit: https://www.worldofwipes.org/conference.php, or contact Tracie Leatham, tleatham@inda.org, +1 919 459 3726.

Preceding the conference, INDA presented a virtual WIPES Academy led by instructor Chris Plotz, Director of Technical Affairs, INDA. The Academy is the first and only comprehensive wipes training for the entire wipes supply chain.

IN 2021, the World of Wipes® International Conference will be held July 12-15, at the Atlanta Marquis, in Atlanta.  For information visit https://www.worldofwipes.org and follow @WipesCon on Twitter.

Posted September 1, 2020

Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

Panda Biotech Selects Wichita Falls, Texas, As Site Of The Largest Hemp Fiber Processing Center In The United States

DALLAS/WICHITA FALLS, Texas — September 1, 2020 — Dallas-based Panda Biotech has selected Wichita Falls, Texas, to be the home of its state-of-the-art industrial hemp processing center in the United States. The Panda Texas Plains Hemp Gin™ will also be the first facility in the nation to cottonize hemp fiber on a commercial scale for the American textile industry and export customers. In addition, Panda Biotech’s Hemp Gin is likely the only facility in the world dedicated to both the processing and cottonization of hemp fiber in industrial quantities outside of the People’s Republic of China.

The world-class facility will position Texas — and the United States — as a globally recognized leader in the processing of sustainable hemp fiber and hurd for industrial applications.

The largest industrial hemp fiber decortication facility in the United States

Panda Biotech has contracted for a 500,000 square foot facility and surrounding 97-acre campus that was formerly the home of General Motors’ Delphi assembly plant.

The company plans on installing the largest industrial hemp decorticating, or processing, equipment ever used to separate the outer bast fiber from the inner woody core, or hurd. Panda Biotech’s top mechanical engineers worked with a leading international equipment manufacturer to “super-size” their existing line of decorticators. At full production, the two 10-ton/hour decorticators are expected to process close to 300 million pounds of Texas-grown industrial hemp per year. The fiber will be refined for textile applications, and the hurd will be processed for a variety of industrial purposes. Panda estimates the two decortication lines will generate approximately $30,000,000 per year for Texas farmers.

The first processing line is currently being manufactured and is on schedule for delivery in Dec. of 2020. Panda Biotech expects its Wichita Falls facility to commence partial operations in 1Q2021 and both lines to be fully operational by 1Q2022. Panda will fill contracts with Texas agricultural producers in the region for the 2021 growing season.

The only U.S. facility dedicated to commercial hemp cottonization

The Panda Texas Plains Hemp Gin represents a significant advancement in the domestic supply chain for textile-grade hemp fiber as it is the first and only facility in the United States dedicated to both the decortication and degumming, or cottonization, of hemp fiber on a commercial scale. The “cottonization” process removes the lignin that binds hemp fibers together in bundles and “opens” them for further refinement. Once “cottonized,” the hemp fiber is ready to be seamlessly blended with other natural or man-made fibers — such as cotton, silk, wool and polyester — and spun into yarns that will be knit or woven into fabric.

Panda Biotech has successfully cottonized hemp fiber decorticated on smaller versions of the equipment to be installed later this year on its Wichita Falls campus. The fiber was subsequently spun into yarn, knit into fabric, printed, and cut and sewn into fully finished, high-end apparel.

The company is working with a number of well-known brands to develop yarn blends in multiple counts, from 8s to 40s, for sustainable and innovative textiles that will use Panda Biotech’s proprietary cottonization process. Panda is also in discussions with industry leaders in the construction and composite sectors for the purchase of hurd.

At full production, Panda Biotech expects its Wichita Falls facility to annually produce more than 35 million pounds of apparel-grade, cottonized hemp fiber suitable for use in a variety of yarns for knit and woven textiles.

Wichita Falls Selection

Several unnamed cities vied for the opportunity to be the home of the Panda Texas Plains Hemp Gin facility. Panda Biotech made the award to Wichita Falls based on an available outstanding facility, the city’s geographical location, access to highly experienced Texas producers, an excellent workforce, a low cost of living and pro-business community. On July 7, the Wichita Falls City Council unanimously approved an incentive package to attract Panda Biotech to the city.

“After conducting a state-wide search of potential buildings, in addition to meeting with officials in various cities, we selected Wichita Falls as the perfect location for Panda Biotech’s flagship hemp processing center, said Scott Evans, executive vice president of Panda Biotech. “The facility we’re moving into boasts 11 acres under roof and enough land to allow for expansion into strategic, new business endeavors that Panda is planning.

“In addition to the local agricultural community, city and county officials have been outstanding to work with and supportive of what they expect to be a global calling card for Wichita Falls as the hub of the next multi-billion-dollar industry,” Evans added. “We’re very excited that this facility will not only help to supply a growing worldwide demand for industrial hemp fiber, but also help to create a new, sustainable industry.”

“Panda Biotech’s vision for the industrial hemp industry is unparalleled, and we’re ready to partner with them to build something extraordinary,” said Henry Florsheim, president and CEO of the Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce. “This project will have a tremendous impact on our agricultural community and our manufacturing sector at a time when many communities are struggling with economic development. With Panda’s efforts and our support, Wichita Falls will become the worldwide epicenter of industrial hemp research, processing and product development.”

Panda Biotech Seeds Texas’ Hemp Industry

In the lead up to today’s announcement, Panda Biotech helped to jump start the Texas hemp industry by donating 60 tons of free hemp fiber seed to Texas agricultural producers in May of this year. Producers subsequently planted hemp fiber fields in every agricultural region across Texas. Panda donated the seed to help farmers gain valuable experience from their first trial crop of industrial hemp including an understanding of how the hemp seed responded to their local soil and climate conditions.

Panda Biotech created their seed donation program in close collaboration with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. Producers who voluntarily provide data on their planting and harvest will receive Panda Biotech’s Research Summary Report that will be prepared by Texas A&M AgriLife to help ensure the 2021 Texas industrial hemp harvest reaches its full potential.

The earth’s most sustainable crop

Hemp is widely regarded as the most green and sustainable crop on the planet. Hemp requires 70-percent less water than most major crops used in the manufacture of textiles. In addition, hemp requires very little herbicides, fungicides or pesticides, and has significant soil remediation qualities. Industrial hemp agriculture has been scientifically proven to minimize carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, absorbing more CO2 per acre than any forest or commercial crop.

Benefits of industrial hemp fiber and hurd

Industrial hemp used for manufacturing applications is highly valued for its natural durability and environmental sustainability. The processed fiber, hurd and cellulose from industrial hemp can be used in the production of a multitude of products including textiles, a wide array of building materials, paper products, automotive components, nanomaterials, composites and bioplastics. In addition, research indicates that hemp-based supercapacitors offer a less expensive alternative to materials currently used in rechargeable batteries for applications such as smartphones and electric cars. As a result, industrial hemp is poised to transform numerous multi-billion-dollar industries.

Formation and growth of the industrial hemp industry

The U.S. hemp industry was made possible due to the passage of the federal Hemp Farming Act of 2018. Panda Biotech was subsequently formed after the provisions of the Act were incorporated in the 2018 U.S. Farm Bill that was signed into law by President Trump on Dec. 20, 2018. Both chambers of the Texas state legislature unanimously passed House Bill 1325, that was signed into law on June 10, 2019, by Texas Governor Greg Abbott. On January 27, 2020, the USDA approved Texas’ hemp regulations. The Texas Department of Agriculture began issuing licenses for the growing, handling and processing of hemp on March 16, 2020. The law ensures Texas farmers are able to participate in a rapidly growing industry with a new viable crop option that should be a boon to rural economies.

The global industrial hemp market has been projected to grow from $4.6 billion in 2019 to $26.6 billion by 2025 driven largely by eco-conscious consumers who increasingly require environmentally friendly products and services.

Posted September 1, 2020

Source: Panda Biotech

Itematech Exhibits At Cinte Techtextil 2020 From September 2-4 Showcasing The Most Comprehensive Technical Fabrics Weaving Solutions

SHANGHAI — August 28, 2020 — Itematech — a manufacturer of best-in-class weaving machines, spare parts and integrated services born from the merging of Itema and Panter (ex PTMT) technologies — is exhibiting at Cinte TechTextil China (Hall E01 – Booth E1) September 2-4 at the Shanghai New International Expo Center, Shanghai.

Itematech is the brand-new Technical Division exclusively dedicated to producing weaving machines for the benefit of technical fabrics weavers launched in 2019 by Itema, an Italy-based global provider of advanced weaving solutions, including best-in-class weaving machines, spare parts and integrated services. The strategic alliance between Itema and PTMT (formerly Panter) leads to a complete and never-before-seen product portfolio, which ranges from negative and positive rapier, to air-jet and projectile weaving machines. Thanks to the strong know-how resulting from the merger of the two historic weaving manufacturers expertise and competences, technical fabrics manufacturers will now on find in Itematech a unique partner and technological reference point to meet and exceed all their needs when it comes to weaving the full range of technical applications.

Paolo Pezzoli, Itematech sales director, commented: “As a partner and weaving machinery supplier to textile manufacturers worldwide, at Itema we strongly believe in the endless opportunities and the growth potential of technical applications, that represent a consistent and growing portion of our annual overall turnover. China is a strategic area, along with Asia in general, where the adoption of our technology for technical textiles is on the rise. A significant number of weaving machines by Itematech are used for technical textiles, like geotextile, coating, filter fabrics to list just a few applications”.

During Cinte Techtextil, Itematech team will concentrate in showcasing the company strong offering for technical fabrics weavers. Itema is uniquely positioned to offer technical textile manufacturers the top three weft insertion technologies – Positive and Negative Rapier, Airjet and Projectile, in what is the most comprehensive portfolio on the market today for technical applications.

Unirap Single Positive Rapier Weaving Machine

UniRap, Itematech Single Positive Rapier Machine, embodies versatility and provides endless weaving possibilities. Combining the advantages of a positive rapier weft insertion with the gentle yarns treatment ensured by the free fight transfer system, UniRap enables complex and creative fabrics weaving with practically no limitations and maximum textile efficiency. Ranging from refined lamè to high tenacity monofilament yarns, passing through bouclé yarns up to carbon, polyester and polypropylene tape, UniRap provides the possibility to weave sophisticated technical fabrics and innovative fashion styles.

Hercules Positive and Negative Rapier Weaving Machine

Hercules is a Positive and Negative Rapier Weaving Machine designed to excel in technical textiles weaving. Offering both negative and positive rapier transfer systems, Hercules represents the perfect combination of mechanical sturdiness and textile efficiency ensuring the greater profitability in the market for applications such as Agrotextile, Heavy and Standard Coating Fabrics, Conveyor Belts and Filter Fabrics, Fiberglass, Geotextile, Mesh Fabrics and many others.

R95002 Rapier Weaving Machine

R95002 Rapier Weaving Machine is known to be the most positive negative rapier machine in the market, due to the uniqueness of its weft transfer system which provides unparalleled versatility of yarns and patterns. The continuous roll-out of customized special versions tailored for technical applications, including OPW Airbag, Fiber Glass, Bolting Cloth, among others, the wide weaving width up to 540 cm, as well as new and advanced devices make the R95002 by Itema the perfect machine to weave the full range of technical textiles, including ones with the finest monofilament, multifilament high tenacity yarns, and multiple pick insertion fabrics.

P7300HP Projectile Weaving Machine

Technical fabrics are the specialty of the legendary and unique P7300HP Projectile Weaving Machine due to the unparalleled versatility and reliability of its weft insertion system. The unmatchable uniqueness of the positive weft transfer consists in the single insertion driven by the projectile, which catches the weft and carries it directly with no exchanges, providing unmatched efficiency.

The P7300HP continues to harness great interest from projectile weaving aficionados and represents an unbeaten and unbeatable benchmark for those looking to weave the widest fabrics — up to 655cm weaving width — and high-specialty materials, such as agrotextile, geotextile and carpet backing. When it comes to weaving tape yarns, the Itema projectile weaving machine provides the highest performance compared to all the other insertion technologies currently available on the market.

A95002 Airjet Weaving Machine

When it comes to weaving very high-density fabrics A95002 Airjet Weaving Machine is customized with dedicated devices to ensure best-in-class results. Key components are reinforced to ensure optimized machine control and reliability whilst reducing consumption and assuring superior textile efficiency.

To discover the Itematech innovations for technical fabrics and the utmost Customers’ dedication, make sure to visit the Company stand at Cinte Techtextil (Hall E01 – Stand E1).

Posted August 28, 2020

Source: Itema

Year-To-Date Numbers Show Decline In Robotics (18%), Machine Vision (8%), And Motion Control (6%) Orders Compared To 2019

ANN ARBOR, MI — August 28, 2020 — Last week, the Association for Advancing Automation (A3) and ITR Economics delivered a Global Economic and Automation Outlook, providing year-to-date updates and forecasts through 2021 based on recent market data reflecting the impact of COVID-19. A3 statistics showed robotics, machine vision, and motion control markets all contracted in the first half of 2020, compared to the same period in 2019. The recorded economic outlook webinar is available for viewing until Wednesday, September 2, 2020.

Market Statistics

Robotics

“It’s clear that our industry is feeling the effects of COVID-19, its strain on supply chains, and the overall economic uncertainty due to our current circumstances,” said Alex Shikany, A3 Vice President, Membership & Business Intelligence. “Despite the numbers reflecting these recent challenges, our latest market surveys tell us that there is optimism for what the next six months will bring.”

With 13,524 units ordered, the North American robotics market decreased 18 percent from the first half of 2019. Order revenue totaled $716 million, which is also down 18 percent compared to the first half of 2019.

“Despite the overall contractions, there were two notable industry bright spots in life sciences (+97 percent) and plastics & rubber (+49 percent),” Shikany said.

A3’s recent survey of its robotics industry members showed optimism about what’s to come. When respondents were asked what they believe will happen to their sales in the next six months, 36 percent believe they will increase moderately (between 1 and 10 percent), while 22 percent believe they will increase significantly (more than 10 percent). Only 19 percent of respondents believe there will be further decreases, while 23 percent believe their sales will remain flat.

More details can be found in the economic outlook webinar..

Machine Vision

The North American machine vision market is also below one year ago levels, decreasing 8 percent in total to $1.3 billion.

Machine vision components, consisting of cameras, lighting, optics, imaging boards, and software, fell 9 percent in total to $174 million. Machine vision systems, including application specific machine vision (ASMV) and smart cameras, fell 8 percent to $1.1 billion.  For a summary of these figures, and more details in each category, register to watch the webinar recording.

When asked about the next six months, A3 vision and imaging members were similarly optimistic, with 42 percent believing sales will increase moderately (between 1 and 10 percent), and 17 percent believing sales will increase significantly (more than 10 percent). A greater share of vision respondents (27 percent) believe there will be further decreases, while 15 percent expect sales to remain flat.

Motion Control

Order revenue in motion control and motor markets totaled $1.669 billion in the first half of 2020, marking a 6 percent decrease from last year.

All product categories (including motion controllers, AC drives, motors, AC motors, actuators, sensors, and support) experienced year-over-year decreases in revenue. Electronic drives was the only category which increased, growing 1 percent to $251 million. A full order growth rate overview is explained in the economic outlook webinar.

Survey data from A3 motion control and motor members revealed 49 percent expect moderate increases in the next six months, but only 6 percent expect significant growth. Motion control and motor respondents showed slightly less optimism on what the next two quarters will bring, with 32 percent expecting further declines. Only 13 percent believe the market will remain flat.

Economic Outlook

Alan Beaulieu, president of ITR Economics and leading economic forecaster, discussed the future health of global manufacturing and highlighted growing industries, including logistics, warehousing, automotive, and electronics. He also presented economic and manufacturing updates on various key regions important to automation, including North America, EU, China, and Mexico.

Beaulieu reported an encouraging seasonal rise this June-July in total U.S. retail sales, noting the increase is the second best on record. Additionally, he discussed the beneficial surge in US disposable personal income, which he noted doesn’t happen in a recession.

The US stock prices index is showing a return climb to pre-pandemic levels, and the Housing Market Recovery Index is likewise showing positive input.

According to research, there will be an increased foreign demand in 2021 for US Exports in the robotics trade.  Here all of Beaulieu’s forecasts in the recorded webinar.

Posted August 28, 2020

Source: Association for Advancing Automation (A3)

Sodexo Supports Accelerated Growth With Coats Digital’s VisionPLM

WALSALL, England — August 28, 2020 — The Global Supply Management (GSM) Team has selected Coats Digital’s VisionPLM to boost productivity and drive connectivity across the supply chain, supporting the business on a Global level.

The GSM Team supplies workwear to Sodexo’s employees from chef’s jackets, aprons and lab coats to headwear and polo shirts.

To support it through a period of rapid growth, Sodexo Services Asia decided to invest in a Product Lifecycle Management solution to help streamline product development, purchasing and production management processes.

Sodexo GSM Team: “Whilst our internal and external demands for uniforms are growing fast, we were struggling to keep up with product development and production using disconnected manual processes and tools. Managing key business processes on spreadsheets, reports, documents and catalogues was slow and resulted in significant inefficiencies and inaccurate data. As well as the inherent inefficiencies of this approach, there were examples of out of date catalogues being used and margin control and management was a real challenge.”

“Something needed to change and we needed to streamline and automate key processes in a way that supported more effective collaboration across regions and with supply chain partners, as well as giving us fast access to accurate information.”

After reaching out to a number of providers, the GSM Team selected Coats Digital’s fashion specific Product Lifecycle Management solution, VisionPLM.

Sodexo GSM Team: “Coats Digital has provided us with a single system which stores and manages all information relating to key product development and sourcing processes, easing the connection between factories, distributors and buyers. This enables us to see one single-centralised version of the truth, and importantly, manage supplier and buyer performance alongside robust product development and approval processes. This will increase productivity and efficiency and improve data accuracy, resulting in faster speed to market and reduced costs.”

Developed specifically for fashion retailers, brands, sourcing companies and manufacturers of all sizes, VisionPLM streamlines and integrates key business processes, from design, material and product development, to supplier capacity management, order allocation and purchase order tracking. This results in significant improvements in visibility, coordination and control, across the business and with supply chain partners. VisionPLM can be tailored to each individual business needs and is proven to increase speed to market, improve productivity and reduce internal costs.

Elliot Hurst, Business Development Executive at Coats Digital, said: “We are delighted to be working with Sodexo on this exciting project. Over the last six months we have worked closely with the GSM Team to understand existing processes and challenges and deliver a solution which reflects industry best practice and Sodexo’s specific requirements.  We are confident that VisionPLM will play a key role in increasing the efficiency and speed of key product development and sourcing processes, supporting Sodexo on their journey.”

Posted August 28, 2020

Source: VisionPLM / Sodexo

Toray Integrated Annual Report 2019 Wins Gold Award In Specialized Annual Reports Category Of International ARC Awards 2020

TOKYO — August 28, 2020 — Toray Industries Inc., announced today that the Toray Integrated Annual Report 2019 has won a Gold Award in the Integrated AR & CSR: Traditional Format Section of the Specialized Annual Reports Category of the International ARC Awards 2020. The link to the awards page is: https://www.mercommawards.com/arc/awardWinners/categoryWinners/specialized.htm#in tTra

MerComm Inc., oversees the International ARC Awards, the world’s largest annual report competition. The contest attracts numerous entrants from around the globe, including corporations, non-profit organizations and associations, and government agencies. The 35th International ARC Awards 2020 assessed entries from 76 countries. This is Toray’s second Gold Award since the Toray Annual Report 2011.

Toray positions stakeholder engagement as fundamental to corporate activities, and the Integrated Annual Report is a vital communication tool in that regard. The company will continue striving to disclose timely and easily understood information about its management and business activities through this report and other publications, its website, and other communication tools.

Toray Integrated Annual Report 2019

English version URL: https://www.toray.com/ir/annual_reports/

Japanese version URL: https://www.toray.co.jp/ir/integrated_report/

Posted August 28, 2020

Source: Toray Industries, Inc.

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