Chaco Footwear Deploys And Retrofits ReChaco Repair Services To Sew And Donate Protective Masks — Brand Partners With BISSELL And Community

ROCKFORD, Mich.  — April 28, 2020 — Chaco, the outdoor lifestyle footwear brand, announced last month that it would shift the focus of its Michigan-based ReChaco factory and mobile factory bus from sandal repairs and product customization to the production of face masks and other critical protective equipment needed by healthcare workers responding to and working through the COVID-19 crisis. The brand has produced and donated nearly 3,000 masks.

Michigan issued a statewide shelter-in-place directive on March 23, 2020. Rather than closing the ReChaco facility outright, Chaco moved quickly to retrofit its factory to produce face masks. BISSELL, a Michigan-based floor-care company, joined the effort by donating vacuum bag material to be repurposed as filters* in the masks, providing increased protection for healthcare workers as they carry-out their essential duties.

“We are proud of our community and the response from companies like Chaco that have stepped up to retrofit its operations to produce high-demand materials needed by healthcare workers right now,” said Sean Regan, vice president, Cleaning Systems at BISSELL. “We are happy to partner on this project by donating material to provide a filtration solution that will offer increased protection to those who need it most.”

Each mask made will be shipped with multiple filters made from the vacuum bag materials, to be fitted into the dedicated slot in the mask, creating a piece of protective gear.

The ReChaco factory is equipped with industrial sewing machines, houses an ample backstock of materials, and is staffed by a production team with decades of professional sewing expertise. The ReChaco team is led by Lisa Kondrat, director of operations for the ReChaco Factory, who has been with the Chaco brand for almost 20 years.

“We at Chaco are doers. It’s not in our team’s DNA to stand by when we have the opportunity and resources to take action,” Kondrat said. “We want our skills and machinery to be useful in this crisis.”

Chaco is working with parent company Wolverine Worldwide and local organizations to source fabric and vet materials for production. The brand has shared their patterns, sourcing leads and learnings as a resource for the outdoor industry, other companies, and individuals looking to contribute during the pandemic. BISSELL confirmed they have enough vacuum bag material to produce 1.8 million filters in partnership with companies that are shifting production to masks and are in need of a filtration material to add to their design.

In addition to the ReChaco factory, Chaco has deployed their ReChaco Mobile Repair Factory bus to make face masks. The bus was developed to customize and repair Chaco sandals during their 2020 Roving Repairs Summer Tour. Outfitted with sewing machines, hot knives and other equipment for making and mending sandals, the Chaco-trained staff shifted their focus to prototyping and producing protective equipment in the Pacific Northwest. Chaco partnered with agency partner Field Scout and sister brand Merrell to source vetted fabric and materials for the initiative.

The ReChaco tour bus is currently located in Portland, Ore., and will adhere to the region’s shelter-in-place order, while working to produce and provide protective equipment for hospital systems in Hood River, Ore., and other locations surrounding the Portland area.

“Our goal here is to inspire quick and creative action from other brands and companies in our space. Chaco and Wolverine Worldwide aren’t the only companies with people and machinery positioned to help in this crisis – everyone has something they can offer,” said Josh Weichhand, marketing director at Chaco. “This is both critical aid for our communities and an opportunity to empower our teams to lead, and we know other brands with similar resources in the outdoor industry, footwear, and fashion space will also rise to the occasion.”

Posted May 1, 2020

Source: Chaco Footwear

MaskForce Consortium Produces Reusable Face Masks For Front Line Workers; Briggs & Stratton Corporation Leads Filtration Efforts

The MaskForce mask, developed by a consortium of Milwaukee-area businesses, including Briggs & Stratton Corp., will be used by healthcare professionals to help prevent the spread of infection or illness during the COVID-19 pandemic.

MILWAUKEE — May 1, 2020 — Briggs & Stratton Corp. continues to be humbled by the heroic acts of the healthcare professionals who are working on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the company is proud to be a part of a MaskForce consortium that has designed, developed and produced a reusable face mask with disposable filters to protect these individuals.

The MaskForce face mask — which is temporarily authorized by the FDA under an emergency use authorization for use by healthcare professionals to help prevent the spread of infection or illness during the COVID-19 pandemic — can be sanitized and reused, unlike most face masks which are designed to be discarded after a single use. Its filters, however, are intended to be disposed of after every eight hours of wear, further extending the life of the mask.

Because of its expertise in air filtration for its engines, Briggs & Stratton led the consortium’s efforts to identify and source candidate filter materials found outside of the traditional medical supply chain given the extreme shortages. A team of Briggs & Stratton employees conducted more than 250 flow resistance and filtration efficiency tests on Briggs & Stratton equipment to evaluate materials that will provide the breathability, quality of filtration and protection needed by medical professionals and first responders when caring for COVID-19 patients. The team presented its recommendations to the consortium, which ultimately selected a medical grade material for its final MaskForce design.

“Creating innovative products that make work easier and improve lives is the mission we live by at Briggs & Stratton; so naturally, when presented with the opportunity to use our expertise in a way that can protect the lives of front line workers, our employees met the challenge head-on,” said Todd Teske, chairman, president and CEO of Briggs & Stratton. “We are honored to be a part of the MaskForce consortium and my thanks goes out to Husco for leading the effort as well as to each and every organization that played a role in bringing this to life.”

The mask is priced close to cost, with any profits in 2020 reinvested back into the community. In addition to accelerating production of the current model, a smaller form-factor mask is under development. The MaskForce face mask is temporarily authorized pursuant to an FDA emergency use authorization and is actively pursuing NIOSH N95 certification.

About MaskForce
The MaskForce consortium began when more than 50 professionals representing 25 Milwaukee-area manufacturers, first responders, educational institutions and healthcare organizations gathered together with the shared goal of developing a reusable face mask to help address the nationwide health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Led by Husco, and through the guidance and input of these organizations, the goal was achieved in just four weeks.

Supporters and partners

  • Technical partners (design, validation, testing, tooling & manufacturing): Briggs & Stratton, Protolabs, Midwest Composites, Rexnord, Mastergraphics, Brooks Stevens, PTC;
  • Financial Support (physical materials or financial support): Briggs & Stratton Corporation, New Berlin Plastics, Rockwell Automation, Quad Graphics, A.O. Smith, Sharp Packaging;
  • Sub Suppliers (supplying products or services to MaskForce): New Berlin Plastics, Savage Solutions, Imperial, Milcut, Pentair, Quarles & Brady; and
  • Supporters (support to aid the progress of the project): Congressman Mike Gallagher, Senator Ron Johnson’s office, Froedtert, Medical College of Wisconsin, Children’s Wisconsin, Milwaukee Fire Dept., Lisbon Fire Dept., City of Waukesha Fire Dept., University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Marquette University, Concordia University, University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Posted May 1, 2020

Source: Briggs & Stratton Corp.

Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. Appoints Gustavo Arnal As New CFO — Adds New Strategic Appointments

UNION, N.J. — April 30, 2020 — Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. today announced four new strategic appointments to the company’s leadership team, each of whom will report directly to President and CEO Mark Tritton.

This includes the appointment of Gustavo Arnal as executive vice president, CFO and treasurer, effective May 4, 2020.  Arnal joins the company following his previous role as group CFO of Avon, prior to which he held senior positions at Walgreens Boots Alliance and Procter & Gamble. Bed Bath & Beyond’s current CFO and treasurer Robyn D’Elia is departing the company.

In addition to Arnal, the following appointments represent a diverse group of experienced senior executives with strong track records of success in the retail and consumer products sectors:

Rafeh Masood joins the company as executive vice president, chief digital officer, effective May 11, 2020.  Masood was most recently senior vice president, chief digital officer at BJ’s Wholesale Club, following earlier strategic positions at Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Sears Holdings.

Gregg Melnick will assume the role of executive vice president, chief stores officer, effective May 11, 2020, from his current role as the company’s interim chief digital officer.  Melnick joined Bed Bath & Beyond in 2018 as chief operations officer, Digital. Previously, Melnick was president, Party City Holdings.

Arlene Hong joins the company as executive vice president, chief legal officer and corporate secretary, effective May 18, 2020. Hong was formerly chief legaloOfficer, senior vice president and corporate secretary, FULLBEAUTY Brands, prior to which she held a number of senior legal positions at J.Crew and Amazon.

Commenting on these strategic appointments, President & CEO Mark Tritton said: “We remain committed to rebuilding our business and strengthening our ability to serve our loyal customers, while we respond to the challenges presented by COVID-19.  In addition to the appointments of Joe Hartsig as chief merchandising officer, and John Hartmann as chief operating officer, we are continuing to bring in experienced, passionate leaders of change into our business, with strong expertise in business transformation and omnichannel retail. This is a world-class team that will accelerate and drive our transformation.

“As our CFO, Gustavo’s industry knowledge and experience leading financial change in some of the world’s largest and best-known retail and consumer products businesses will help drive the next phase of our growth strategy and establish a more efficient foundation to create shareholder value.”

Arnal will have oversight of finance and will help fortify a strong and sustainable business model. He will have broad responsibilities including M&A, Controls, Tax, Accounting, Treasury, Audit and Investor Relations.

Arnal said: “Bed Bath & Beyond has a long-standing commitment to helping customers build their sense of Home. To do so, we must also build on the strong foundations of this business with a new, robust and sustainable business model. I look forward to working with this great leadership team as the company executes on its strategic growth plans and playing my part as a catalyst for cultural and financial change in the business.”

Tritton concluded: “I would like to applaud the dedication of the interim leadership team in overseeing the Company’s efforts to support our customers, employees and communities, especially during these challenging times, and to Robyn D’Elia for her decades-long commitment to Bed Bath & Beyond and recent service as our CFO & Treasurer.”

Additional information about the CFO transition is included in a Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the company with the Securities and Exchange Commission today.

About the New Team

Mr. Arnal joins the Company from Avon, a leading direct-selling beauty company where he helped lead a successful business turnaround effort.  Prior to Avon, Mr. Arnal was CFO, International Divisions and Global Functions at Walgreens Boots Alliance.  He is a global leader, with experience leading teams across the US, EMEA, APAC and LATAM, and has previously served in senior positions at Procter & Gamble, including CFO of India, Middle East and Africa, CFO Global Fabric and Home Care, and CFO Global Personal Beauty.

Mr. Masood was previously Chief Digital Officer of BJ’s Wholesale Club, where he was responsible for driving end-to-end digital strategy and vision for the company’s e-commerce and omni-channel efforts.  Prior to BJ’s, Mr. Masood was Vice President, Customer Innovation Technology at Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Vice President, Integrated Retail Solutions and Technology at Sears Holdings.  RIS magazine named Masood as one of the “Top 10 Movers and Shakers” in retail in 2017 and a “Pacesetter” in retail technology in 2012.

Mr. Melnick joined Bed Bath & Beyond in 2018 as Chief Operations Officer, Digital, where he has overseen the significant growth of the Company’s digital business.  He has been serving as the Company’s interim Chief Digital Officer since December 2019.  Prior to that, Gregg served as President of Party City Holdings, the world’s largest vertically integrated designer, manufacturer, distributor and retailer of party goods with $2.4 billion in annual revenue.  Previously, Gregg served as the President of Party City Retail Group, managing retail operations for over 900 retail locations in the United States and Canada plus e-commerce operations in North America and the United Kingdom.  He has also held senior positions at Dow Jones Inc.

Ms. Hong joins the Company from FULLBEAUTY Brands, where she was Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary, managing legal affairs for the $1 billion multi-channel retailer.  Prior to FULLBEAUTY, she led Amazon’s legal team responsible for the North America Softlines business and held the position of General Counsel at Amazon subsidiary, Quidsi.  She also previously held the General Counsel role for e-commerce retailer Ideeli, Inc., and served as General Counsel of multi-channel retailer J. Crew for approximately 10 years.

Posted May 1, 2020

Source: Bed Bath & Beyond Inc.

Unifi Announces Third Quarter Fiscal 2020 Results And Sale Of Ownership Interest In Parkdale Joint Venture

GREENSBORO, N.C. — April 30, 2020 — Unifi Inc., a producer of recycled and man-made yarns, today released operating results for the third quarter of fiscal 2020 ended March 29, 2020, and announced the April 29, 2020, completed sale of its 34-percent interest in Parkdale America LLC to the existing majority partner, Parkdale Inc., in an all-cash transaction for $60 million.

Third Quarter Fiscal 2020 Overview

  • Net sales of $171.0 million decreased 5.0 percent, compared to $180.0 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2019.
  • Revenues from premium value-added (PVA) products represented 52 percent of consolidated net sales.
  • Gross margin was 9.0 percent, compared to 7.7 percent in the third quarter of fiscal 2019.
  • Operating income was $3.1 million, compared to $0.8 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2019.
  • Net loss of $41.1 million and basic earnings per share (EPS) of ($2.23), which includes the impact of a $45.2 million impairment charge in connection with the company’s sale of its 34-percent interest in PAL, compares to the third quarter of fiscal 2019’s net loss of $1.5 million and EPS of ($0.08).
  • Adjusted Net Income* of $4.1 million and Adjusted EPS of $0.22, which exclude the impairment charge for PAL, increased compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2019’s Adjusted Net Loss and Adjusted EPS of $1.5 million and ($0.08), respectively.
  • Adjusted EBITDA*, which excludes the impairment charge for PAL, increased to $9.3 million, compared to $6.8 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2019.
  • Operating cash flows for the nine months ended March 29, 2020 improved to $32.1 million, continuing the positive momentum from the first half of fiscal 2020, compared to a use of operating cash flows of $1.5 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2019.
  • The company repurchased $2.0 million of its common stock under a previously announced program.
  • On April 21, 2020, the company announced Edmund Ingle was named CEO, effective July 1, 2020.
  • Due to the uncertainty of the duration and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic, the company has suspended its fiscal 2020 outlook.

“The first ten weeks of our fiscal third quarter were strong and consistent with our expectations as our trade actions and overall strategy were generating significant momentum,” said Tom Caudle, president and COO, Unifi. “However, the impacts of the pandemic on global demand began materializing at the end of the March 2020 quarter, which have placed pressure on many of our customers and the pipeline.”

Sale of 34-Percent Interest in Parkdale America LLC

On April 29, 2020, the company sold its 34-percent interest in PAL to the majority owner, Parkdale, for $60.0 million in cash. Proceeds have been used to reduce leverage and increase cash reserves on the balance sheet during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020. In connection with the sale, the company recorded a $45.2 million impairment charge in the third quarter of fiscal 2020.

Caudle commented, “We are pleased to have reached a mutually beneficial agreement whereby Parkdale has acquired Unifi’s 34-percent interest in PAL, allowing Parkdale 100-percent ownership of the entity that has been a producer of cotton and synthetic yarns for the textile and apparel industries since its formation in 1997. Parkdale has been the driver of the business and operational decisions of PAL since its inception, and this transaction is a natural evolution of our joint venture relationship. We thank Parkdale for being such a great business partner and look forward to continued business activities in the future, even with Parkdale becoming the single owner of PAL. For Unifi, this transaction will allow us to focus our efforts on expanding our global leadership in recycled and synthetic fibers while strengthening our balance sheet and improving our leverage profile.”

Liquidity Update and Risk Mitigation Initiatives

  • As of March 29, 2020 cash and cash equivalents were $33.4 million and debt principal was $133.7 million, totaling Net Debt of $100.3 million.
  • On April 29, 2020, the company sold its 34-percent interest in PAL for $60.0 million cash, which will lower Net Debt and reduce leverage during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020.
  • Capital expenditure levels have been reduced while prioritizing safety and maintenance.
  • Raw material pricing remains at low levels, which aids short-term working capital and liquidity.
  • Manufacturing operations have been strategically reduced to support critical businesses and manage working capital.

Caudle continued: “This pandemic quickly changed the global dynamic, and we have responded with immediate and meaningful mitigation efforts. First, we have and will continue to prioritize the health and safety of all of our employees around the globe, which includes restricting travel, maintaining diligent sanitation and disinfection practices, and encouraging social distancing. We have also taken steps to significantly fortify our cash position and strengthen our balance sheet. The path ahead will be challenging, but the proactive, strategic steps we took in 2019 and 2020 have significantly improved our financial flexibility and position. Further, we have seen a positive lift from our domestic trade actions, while our Asian operations quickly resumed in March 2020. Lastly, the combination of our diverse global operations, growing asset light model, and support of many essential businesses is expected to provide a solid level of base commerce for Unifi.”

Caudle concluded, “We are working with our customers on a daily basis to meet their shifting demand needs in this environment. I am proud of Unifi’s opportunity to participate in the supply chain for personal protective equipment necessary for our first responders, healthcare personnel, and military.  As we look beyond fiscal 2020 and these uncertain times, we remain optimistic about our ability to rebound quickly and return to long-term growth. We have the right strategy in place and we will remain committed to our values and to constant innovation. These priorities are resonating with our customers as they work to meet their sustainability goals. I have great confidence in our global workforce, brand-name customer base, suppliers and communities. Together we can navigate these near-term issues and return to long-term growth.”

Third Quarter Fiscal 2020 Compared to Third Quarter Fiscal 2019

Net sales were $171.0 million, compared to $180.0 million, driven by lower polyester raw material costs, lower nylon volumes and unfavorable foreign currency translation. Lower polyester raw material costs led to lower average selling prices across the Polyester, Asia and Brazil segments, while lower Nylon volumes resulted from the previously communicated demand declines for North American supply chains, and unfavorable foreign currency translation was driven by weakening of the Brazilian Real. Despite a significant shutdown in China during the coronavirus outbreak in that country, the Asia segment was able to recover quickly and restore its continued sales growth, with a 28-percent increase in sales volumes led by REPREVE®-branded products.

Gross profit increased to $15.4 million, from $13.8 million, primarily attributable to a more favorable sales mix and raw material environment for the Polyester and Brazil segments, along with continued sales growth in Asia. This increase was partially offset by lower Nylon sales volumes, competitive pricing pressures and unfavorable foreign currency translation impacts in Brazil.

Operating income increased to $3.1 million, compared to $0.8 million, and benefited from the increase in gross profit and more favorable foreign currency transaction impacts in Asia.

Net loss was $41.1 million, compared to a net loss of $1.5 million, and EPS was ($2.23), compared to ($0.08). In connection with the April 29, 2020 sale of the company’s 34-percent interest in PAL, an impairment charge of $45.2 million was recorded in the third quarter of fiscal 2020. Adjusted Net income and Adjusted EPS, which exclude the impairment charge, were $4.1 million and $0.22, respectively.

Adjusted EBITDA, which excludes the $45.2 million impairment charge, increased to $9.3 million, compared to $6.8 million, consistent with the increase in operating income.

Net Debt was $100.3 million at March 29, 2020, compared to $105.8 million at June 30, 2019. Cash and cash equivalents increased to $33.4 million at March 29, 2020, up from $22.2 million at June 30, 2019, benefiting from international cash generation. Net Debt is a non-GAAP financial measure. The schedules included in this press release reconcile Net Debt.

*Adjusted Net Income (Loss), Adjusted EPS and Adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP financial measures. The schedules included in this press release reconcile the non-GAAP financial measures to net (loss) income, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.

Posted May 1, 2020

Source: Unifi Inc.

Molly Langenstein Promoted To CEO And President Of Chico’s FAS

FORT MYERS, Fla. — April 29, 2020 — Chico’s FAS today announced the promotion of Molly Langenstein to CEO and president of Chico’s FAS, effective June 24, 2020. Langenstein is a 30-year retail fashion veteran with a proven track record of success in revitalizing sales and profitability. Since August 2019, Langenstein has served as president of the company’s two largest brands, Chico’s and White House Black Market. The company recently posted one of the fastest turnarounds in fashion retail with three consecutive quarters of unprecedented growth with a 9.4-percent increase in sales from Q1 to Q4 of fiscal year 2019 prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The company also announced that current CEO and President Bonnie Brooks, who stepped into her role in April 2019 to lead the company’s turnaround, will now become executive chair of the Board of Directors and continue to oversee the company’s strategic direction. William “Bill” Simon, a member of the Board and former president and CEO of Walmart U.S. and senior advisor to KKR private equity firm, will assume the role of lead independent director. David Walker, who has served as chair of the board for the past five years, will remain a member of the board of directors. Langenstein also will become a member of the board of directors. All appointments are effective June 24, 2020.

These three new simultaneous leadership appointments are the result of a planned succession designed to strengthen and provide ongoing stability and continuity to the business, and to further support the company’s future.

“Molly joined the company in August to reposition and rebuild our two significant apparel brands. She has proven to be an exceptional leader who quickly seized the immediate opportunities of improving product assortments, driving sales, and recruiting senior talent, particularly in merchandising, digital and marketing,” Brooks said.

Brooks added: “Throughout the fall period, the Company demonstrated its capacity to dramatically change its performance trajectory, which continued strongly into the pre-COVID-19 spring season. Molly has shown superb leadership during both this high growth phase and particularly in the current environment, as we pivot to a post-COVID-19 operating model. The new culture of agility, and the ability to grow sales while reducing expenses, has already served us well during this period, and I am confident we have a path forward for a sustainable future with Molly at the helm of the company.”

As president of Chico’s and White House Black Market for the past nine months, Langenstein led the apparel group, including its brick-and-mortar boutiques and digital platforms, while increasing sales, product quality and elevating taste and style.

“I’m honored to lead this company of customer and product obsessed people and three unique brands, each thriving in their own market white space to provide solutions that women say give them confidence and joy,” Langenstein said. “Starting next week, all three brands will begin to open stores in a phased rollout to immediately deliver sales.”

Langenstein added: “We have operated primarily as a digital company. We equipped our store management with Style Connect, our proprietary digital styling tool, to communicate directly with many of our customers to drive sales to digital fulfillment. Both our digital performance and our customers comments demonstrate that our investments in innovative technology have benefited our business, which we will continue to enhance in our post-COVID-19 operating model.”

In addition to these appointments, the company today announced a significant restructure of the overall organization, primarily to achieve a leaner, streamlined structure more efficiently aligned to the needs of the business, and to achieve meaningful cost reductions of approximately 30 percent across the company.

As previously announced on April 27, Chico’s FAS has a strong financial position consisting of cash, investments and undrawn funds available in its asset-based credit facility along with wholly-owned significant real estate assets of multiple distribution centers and office buildings. In addition, the Company has taken prudent actions to reserve cash and to significantly reduce overall expenses, to ensure it remains strong during this period.

Store Reopening Rollout Plan

In addition, starting on May 4, Chico’s FAS will reopen its boutiques for three additional types of revenue generation: the fulfillment of national online orders through store inventories; reintroducing buy-online-pick up in store (BOPIS) with contactless curbside pickup service; and introducing a new shop-by-appointment service for each of its Chico’s, White House Black Market and Soma brands.

These new offerings will be available in locations that are allowing retailers to reopen on a limited basis and will be consistent with all local health and safety guidelines and regulations.

Style Connect, the company’s proprietary digital styling tool, has been a significant enabler of the above reopening activities and has contributed to the robust digital sales during the temporary store closure period for the company.

Earnings Call and Annual General Meeting of Shareholders Correction

The company today announced that its conference call to review first quarter 2020 financial results will be held on June 10, 2020.

In a previous press release, the company’s 2020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders was incorrectly communicated as being scheduled on June 24, 2020. The correct date of the company’s 2020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders is June 25, 2020 and it will be held as a virtual meeting.

Posted May 1, 2020

Source: Chico’s FAS Inc.

Burlington Medical Fabrics, Proven Advanced Protection For More Than 40 Years

GREENSBORO, N.C. — April 30, 2020 — A manufacturer of advanced barrier fabrics, Burlington’s reusable fabrics have been a trusted resource for leading PPE manufacturers to provide advanced protection, for more than 40 years. Burlington’s Maxima® and XALT™ collections provide engineered, state-of-the-art healthcare fabrics that combine the highest degrees of protection, performance, comfort and durability, while offering a more sustainable, cost effective and environmentally responsible solution.

Unlike other fabric manufacturers, Burlington operates its own “on site” institutional grade medical laundry complete with steam sterilization equipment. Therefore, fabrics can be thoroughly evaluated for true to life performance and durability before leaving the manufacturing facility. Rigorous R&D, testing, strict manufacturing controls and continuous improvement provide assurance to leading PPE manufacturers that Burlington’s advanced fabrics always perform where it counts the most — protecting healthcare workers and patients.

“Burlington is known for innovation and quality, and we are proud to be a trusted supplier to leading PPE manufacturers globally,” says Nelson Bebo, vice president, sales. “We take protection and our responsibility to provide it very seriously, and never has that been more important than now. The scarcity of PPE due to COVID-19 crisis has reinforced the importance of reusable PPE, and we are pleased to offer our expertise to support the industry and ramp up the production of our proven, established fabrics to meet the current critical need.”

Burlington’s Maxima fabrics are engineered with specific yarns and constructions to provide the highest level of proven protection, durability and comfort, based on specified levels for ANSI/AAMI PB70 & EN13795 standards. Burlington’s XALT resusable fabric collection, introduced more than 20 years ago, is a high tech composite three-layer system that combines innovative fabrics, laminated film, and adhesive technology for a superior medical barrier without sacrificing durability and comfort. XALT fabrics provide higher levels of protection and are certified to meet both ANSI/AAMI PB70 Level 4 and EN13795 high performance, critical area standards.

A key advantage of Burlington fabrics is that they are reusable, which provides even greater assurance of being available when critical PPE is needed most. Additionally, reusable fabrics provide a more responsible, sustainable solution reducing not only the amount of waste going to landfills or to be incinerated but also minimizing disposal costs.

“The current COVID-19 crisis has shown that supplies of disposable products are not sufficient,” Bebo added. “The solution is fairly simple when you look at how to more quickly increase supply. One reusable garment equals, on average, 75 disposable garments and the supply of reusable PPE can be more quickly replenished through increased laundering. The durability of Burlington’s medical fabrics also allows the life of the garment to be extended past it’s original use. For example, a fabric certified for Level 2 protection through 75 launderings can be tested at the end of that time and still meet certification for Level 1 protection, extending its life cycle and useful protection.”

For inquiries into sourcing Burlington’s medical barrier products, please complete the contact form at burlingtonfabrics.com and a sales representative will respond.

Posted April 30, 2020

Source: Burlington

ITMF Survey About The Impact Of The Corona-Pandemic On The Global Textile Industry

ZURICH — April 30, 2020 — Between April 16-28, 2020, the International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) conducted a third survey among ITMF Members and affiliated companies and associations about the impact the Corona-pandemic on the global textile value chain, especially on current orders and expected turnover in 2020. In total 600 companies from around the world participated.

Worldwide, Current Orders Are Down By 41% On Average

Source: ITMF

Orders in East Asia dropped visibly less (-28 percent) than in all the other regions (-40 percent and more). It can be assumed that this region, which was hit first by the Corona-crisis, is also recovering first from it. Especially China and Korea were able to contain the epidemic successfully. In the last few weeks, most Chinese textile companies have ramped up production significantly. Likewise, off-line retail stores have reopened, and consumption is picking up again in East Asian countries. It remains to be seen what the consumption behavior will be like in China, Korea and other places once shops are open again.

Worldwide, Expected Turnover 2020 Is Down By 33 Percent on average compared to 2019

Source: ITMF

Companies in Europe are expecting turnover in 2020 to be down by “only” 22 percent, a figure significantly better than the -33 percent reported in the second survey. Companies in East Asia are expecting turnover to be down by 26 percent, which is close to what was reported in the second survey (-24 percent). Companies’ turnover expectations in South East Asia and South Asia on the other hand have deteriorated significantly. These regions were hit later by the Corona-pandemic and hence the full impact was felt with a delay. Compared to 2019, expected turnover for 2020 is down to -38 percent in South East Asia and to -31 percent in South Asia. Turnover expectations in Africa, South America and North America have not changed much since the second survey.

Challenges:

  • securing enough liquidity;
  • supply chain disruption; and
  • uncertainty.

Opportunities:

  • increasingly thinking about diversification, currently focusing on medical textiles;
  • streamlining organization and production processes;
  • accelerating the reassessment of existing supply chains; and
  • accelerating digitalization and investing in sustainable production.

Government Support:

  • Many companies receive little to no help, even if governments have support policies in place.
  • Government support can comprise:
    • loans with low interest rates and deferred repayment;
    • delayed tax payments;
    • delayed social security payments;
    • short-work schemes; and
    • reduction of power costs.
  • The biggest relief comes when retailers/brands discuss adaption to the unwinding crisis with their suppliers instead of cancelling orders unilaterally

Posted April 30, 2020

Source: ITMF

 

Oerlikon Nonwoven Expands Its Laboratory Nonwovens Production Capacities In May

NEUMÜNSTER, Germany — April 30, 2020 — Within the context of supporting the critical infrastructure in Germany, Oerlikon Nonwoven immediately began converting its laboratory systems in Neumünster to manufacture nonwovens at the end of March. With this, only small local businesses and companies were initially supported in the manufacture of oronasal masks. The laboratory system at the R&D Center is normally used solely for research and development purposes and customer trials. It was never conceived for continuous operation in its original form. Now, Oerlikon Nonwoven has made further investments in order to enable continuous operation in the laboratory. With this, material for more than one million protective masks a month can be manufactured.

“Since the beginning of the coronavirus crisis, we have received more than 500 inquiries that we are progressively dealing with. To be quite honest, we had initially not anticipated such tremendous interest. But the demand is there and we quickly further adapted to the challenge”, stated Andreas Frisch, head of operations at Oerlikon Nonwoven.

The laboratory has meanwhile run out of raw materials and new orders for replacement materials had to be placed before Easter — with current delivery times of approximately three weeks. This will allow production to be resumed, and even considerably expanded, in May.

The laboratory system is now once again being deployed to produce nonwovens that will be used to make more than million face masks/oronasal masks a month, nonwovens of the very highest quality. “We will not be manufacturing the masks ourselves. We have meanwhile found both corresponding partner companies and also private individuals demanding nonwovens,” Frisch added, commenting on the developments.

Boom in orders

Furthermore, Oerlikon Nonwoven has also fired up the production of the machines and systems used for its meltblown technology. The demand from Germany, Europe and the rest of the world has quickly secured the company a boom in orders. “In the meantime, we have been able to sign orders in the mid-range double-digit millions. We have adapted our delivery times as much as possible and will — this is our objective — start delivering the additional orders for nonwovens systems from the fall,” explained Rainer Straub, head of Oerlikon Nonwoven. “We will be commissioning the first meltblown system at the site of a leading Western European nonwovens producers in the second quarter of 2020. This system will be deployed exclusively in the manufacture of nonwovens for respiratory masks.”

The Oerlikon Nonwoven Meltblown technology — with which nonwovens for respiratory masks can also be manufactured, among other things — is recognized by the market as being the technically most efficient method for producing highly-separating filter media made from plastic fibers. The capacities for respiratory masks available in Europe to date are predominantly manufactured on Oerlikon Nonwoven systems.

Posted April 30, 2020

Source: Oerlikon

IGATEX PAKISTAN Has Been Postponed

KARACHI, Pakistan — April 30, 2020 — In view of the current situation pertaining to the rise of coronavirus pandemic worldwide, FAKT Exhibitions has decided to act in collective industry interest and postpone IGATEX PAKISTAN 2020 and its concurrent event ICADEX PAKISTAN 2020 to a later date yet to be determined, keeping in mind the health and safety of our exhibitors and visitors.

We regret for any inconvenience caused and aim to announce the new dates of IGATEX PAKISTAN as soon as possible.

Posted April 30, 2020

Source: IGATEX PAKISTAN Team/FAKT Exhibitions (Pvt.) Ltd.

Cifra Launches Warp-Mask Against COVID 19

LOMBARDY, Italy — April 30, 2020 — Warp knit seamless (WKS) specialist Cifra S.p.A., backed by its long-term know-how, has engineered and produced an innovative and high-tech range of protective masks called Warp-Mask, which will be used to help in the country’s fight against COVID-19. Cifra has developed and introduced this product onto the market in just few days.

Cifra CEO Cesare Citterio

“I thought about how I could make myself with my company available to cope with this terrible pandemic,” Cifra CEO Cesare Citterio told the online newspaper. “And we came up with the design of a high-tech mask that is guaranteed to be OekoTex Standard 100 certified, warp-knitted, double-layered, water-repellent, knitted in one without seams for optimal comfort, sterilized, washable up to ten washes and all designed and made in Italy.”

Engineered by Cifra WKS system, Warp-Mask is a high-tech double-layer, run-proof and water repellent mask, which “thanks to its Perfect Skin technology, perfectly adheres to the nose and to the mouth.”

Each mask is in fact made with 80-percent nylon and 20-percent Lycra multifilament yarn — where the high percentage of Lycra and PerfectSkin technology guarantee perfect face adherence, to ensure the covering of both nose and mouth.

The fabric is doubled for a more compact and ultra-run-resistant structure and uses HeiQ Eco-Dry technology, which offers fluorocarbon-free durable water repellence (DWR). This high-performance sustainable water-repellent treatment offers exceptional efficiency and durability to washing and dry cleaning. The applied Heiq Eco-Dry treatment makes the masks 40° machine washable and thus reusable.

Warp-Mask is also resistant to bacterial agents thanks to Fresh-tech treatment by HeiQ and is “100-percent Made in Italy quality.”

Posted April 30, 2020

Source: Cifra S.p.A.

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