Former Quaker Fabric Corp. Executive Duncan Whitehead Dies Unexpectedly

BRISTOL, Rhode Island  — May 21, 2025 — Duncan Whitehead, 82, died unexpectedly on May 21 at the Rhode Island Hospital with his loving wife, Margaret, by his side.

Duncan Whitehead

Born on June 25, 1942, in Yorkshire, England, Whitehead was the son of John and Marie Whitehead. Whitehead and his family moved to the United States in 1983, and he had been a resident of Rhode Island since 1990. Whitehead and his wife both became American Citizens in 2000. He will be remembered for his humor, his intelligence, an incredibly wide variety of interests and a longstanding dedication to the textile industry.

He was an executive at Quaker Fabric Corp. — at one time one of the world’s largest producers of upholstery fabrics and one of the largest employers in Fall River, Mass. He began his career in 1965 at Celanese in Canada, followed by a 12 year period at Grupo Pliana in Mexico and was a co-founder of Nortex in Philadelphia and North Carolina. After the closure of Quaker in 2007 he continued to work as a consultant to a large number of domestic and international textile companies. He was recognized as one of the leading experts in textile technology and business by his peers across the industry and around the world.

Whitehead was a Chemical Engineering graduate of Edinburgh University in Scotland. He continued to pursue learning throughout his life, and besides the textile business, was interested in politics, climate change, current affairs, sailing and cooking. He traveled extensively across the world throughout his life, both on business and for personal enjoyment.

Besides his wife, to whom he was devoted for more than 65 years, he leaves behind three sons and a daughter: Jonathan of London, Nicholas of Madison, N.J., Chris of Philadelphia, and Stephanie of Amsterdam, the Netherlands, as well as 7 grandchildren. He is survived by his younger sister, Janet.

A private memorial service will be held at Blithewold in Bristol, R.I.

Posted: May 27, 2025

Source: Jonathan Whitehead

Soho Apparel Group Rallies Behind Trump’s Made-In-America Agenda, Unveils Aggressive U.S. Manufacturing Expansion

CITY OF INDUSTRY, Calif. — May 23, 2025 — Soho Apparel Group, a leading private-label apparel company and trusted supplier to major U.S. retailers including Nordstrom, Tillys, Marshalls, Ross, Burlington, TJ Maxx, and Dillard’s proudly announces its alignment with President Donald J. Trump’s agenda to revitalize American manufacturing. Since its founding in 2002, Soho has grown into a cornerstone of the apparel industry, operating from a 300,000-square-foot facility in the City of Industry, Calif.

In a strategic move to bolster domestic production and reduce dependence on foreign supply chains, Soho Apparel Group is launching an ambitious expansion plan to increase its U.S.-based manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics operations by 300 percent by 2026. This initiative will create significant job opportunities for American workers and strengthen the nation’s industrial foundation.

James Chen, founder of Soho Apparel Group, expressed his enthusiasm: “California was once a powerhouse of American manufacturing, and with President Trump’s leadership, we see a clear path to restoring that legacy. We are proud to support the President’s vision by bringing production back to the U.S., creating jobs, and contributing to the revival of the American Dream.”

Limited Time Edition Trump Swag

To celebrate this commitment, Soho Apparel Group will launch a limited-edition line of Trump-inspired merchandise, including patriotic socks and fanny packs. All proceeds will go toward supporting the Trump Presidential Library, with more details to follow on our website.

Posted: May 27, 2025

Source: Soho Apparel Group

UNIFI®, Makers Of REPREVE®, Announces The Sale Of Manufacturing Facility

GREENSBORO, N.C. — May 21, 2025 — Unifi Inc. (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, UNIFI), the maker of REPREVE® and an innovator in recycled and synthetic yarns, today announced the closing of the sale of its manufacturing facility in Madison, N.C., to a third-party buyer.

Transaction Highlights:

  • Transaction valued at $45.0 million, with $25.0 million of net proceeds used to reduce the existing term loan and $18.3 million of net proceeds used to reduce outstanding revolving loans. Accordingly, on May 20, 2025, the term loan balance was reduced to $67.0 million and the revolving loan balance was reduced to $5.6 million, thereby reducing debt principal by approximately $43.3 million.
  • With the facility closing driving higher expected utilization and more efficient operations in the Americas segment, UNIFI expects to realize over $20.0 million in estimated annualized operating cost savings once all transition and restructuring activities are completed.

“The sale of our Madison facility, and related exit of yarn manufacturing at that site, marks a significant step in transitioning our Americas business to improved profitability. As a result of this transaction, we paid down a meaningful portion of our existing debt and enhanced our overall financial position,” said Eddie Ingle, UNIFI CEO. “Beyond the improvement to the balance sheet, the relocation of the production capacity from the Madison facility to other locations in North and Central America will dramatically optimize our business and make UNIFI a leaner organization.”

Posted: May 27, 2025

Source: UNIFI, Inc.

TenCate Protective Fabrics Celebrates A Century Of Textiles In Georgia

UNION CITY, Ga. — May 22, 2025 — TenCate Protective Fabrics proudly marked a major milestone this month, celebrating 100 years of continuous textile production in Georgia. In a time when much of the textile industry has moved offshore, this centennial achievement stands as a testament to the resilience, innovation, and enduring craftsmanship rooted in Georgia.

The celebration took place at the Coweta County Fairgrounds, bringing together employees, company retirees, community leaders, and other distinguished guests to honor a legacy that stretches back over 325 years in The Netherlands.

Built on this rich Dutch heritage, TenCate Protective Fabrics has become a global leader in advanced textile solutions for protective clothing. While its history began in The Netherlands, its steadfast commitment to U.S.-based manufacturing — particularly in Georgia — has fueled the company’s success over the last century. From producing cutting-edge flame-resistant (FR) fabrics for firefighters and industrial workers to supplying the military with mission-critical FR fabric for PPE, TenCate Protective Fabrics plays a vital role in protecting the people that communities rely on around the globe.

Maria Gallahue-Worl, CEO, TenCate Protective Fabrics

“This celebration is more than a look back — it’s a powerful reminder that American textile innovation is still alive and thriving,” said Maria Gallahue-Worl, CEO, TenCate Protective Fabrics. “Our rich heritage is deeply tied to the ingenuity and dedication of our workforce around the world, including right here in Georgia.”

Guests at the event enjoyed live music, games, food, a fashion show, and an exhibition highlighting the evolution of TenCate’s Georgia operations. The display traced the company’s journey from its origins as Southern Mills Inc., founded by the Ellis family, to its modern-day Georgia-based presence: a skilled production workforce operating across four state-of-the-art facilities and a Corporate Office in Union City, Georgia.

The celebration is a testament to TenCate Protective Fabrics’ 100-year roots in Georgia and the company’s essential and unique place in US textile manufacturing.

Posted: May 27, 2025

Source: TenCate Protective Fabrics

Turkiye-Based Breathable Film Technologies Manufacturer Will Establish First American Facility In North Carolina

RALEIGH, N.C. — May 27, 2025 — Governor Josh Stein announced that Pelsan Tekstil A.S., a global leader in breathable film technologies for the hygiene and medical sectors, will establish its first production facility in the United States in Wayne County, creating 216 jobs. The company will make an $82.6 million investment in Goldsboro.

“North Carolina is pleased to welcome Pelsan as it opens its first facility in the United States,” said Governor Stein. “Our skilled workforce, combined with North Carolina’s convenient East Coast location, enables companies to efficiently produce and deliver high-quality products to their customers.”

Pelsan was established in 2006 as a subsidiary to the Hassan Group, which has more than 80 years of experience in nonwoven and polymer film technologies. Pelsan was the first company in Turkiye to manufacture breathable polyethylene films and today offers one of the industry’s most advanced product portfolios. The company’s project in Goldsboro establishes its first U.S. facility for manufacturing various lines of breathable films for hygiene and medical applications, enabling Pelsan to respond more efficiently to rising demand across North America.

“This expansion is a major strategic milestone for us,” said Ali Sisman, CEO of Pelsan Tekstil. “Our decision to invest in North Carolina underscores our belief in the region’s strong workforce, robust infrastructure, and its alignment with our values of innovation and collaboration. This facility represents a significant new chapter in our company’s journey. We are at a pivotal moment — at the intersection of life and innovation. This journey of transformation and progress is not just ours, but one we share with every individual seeking change, growth, and a better tomorrow.”

“We continue to see strong interest in our state from international companies looking to expand into North America,” said Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “Our business-friendly reputation and proven competitive advantages continue to attract top-tier companies like Pelsan from around the globe.”

Although wages will vary depending on the position, the average salary for the new jobs will be $48,789. The current average wage in Wayne County is $46,211.

The company’s project in North Carolina will be facilitated, in part, by a Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) approved by the state’s Economic Investment Committee earlier today. Over the course of the 12-year term of this grant, the project is estimated to grow the state’s economy by more than $719.5 million. Using a formula that takes into account the new tax revenues generated by the new jobs and the capital investment, the JDIG agreement authorizes the potential reimbursement to the company of up to $2,065,000, spread over 12 years. State payments only occur following performance verification by the departments of Commerce and Revenue that the company has met its incremental job creation and investment targets.

The project’s projected return on investment of public dollars is 115 per cent, meaning for every dollar of potential cost, the state receives $2.15 in state revenue. JDIG projects result in positive net tax revenue to the state treasury, even after taking into consideration the grant’s reimbursement payments to a given company.

“We welcome this vote of confidence in Wayne County, Goldsboro, and our state overall,” said Representative John Bell. “These new manufacturing jobs and the company’s significant capital investment will bring new job opportunities for our people and will boost the local economy.”

“The new jobs and the investment into Goldsboro will bring economic growth and stability to Eastern NC”, said Senator Buck Newton. “On behalf of Wayne County, we welcome Pelsan to our community and we will continue to support this company as it grows. I am looking forward to witness the benefits this project will bring.”

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, the North Carolina Community College System, Wayne Community College, North Carolina Global TransPark Economic Development Region, Wayne County, the City of Goldsboro, Wayne County Development Alliance, North Carolina’s Southeast, and Duke Energy.

Posted: May 27, 2025

Source: North Carolina Office of the Governor

Good Fashion Fund Partners With Sharadha Terry For New Rugs Unit

AMSTERDAM — May 23, 2025 — The Good Fashion Fund, managed by FOUNT, has made an investment in Sharadha Terry Products Pvt. Ltd. (STPPL) — a renowned Indian manufacturer and exporter of high-quality bed and bath products under the MicroCotton® brand from Metupalayam. The $1.75 million loan will support STPPL’ investment in set-up of their new bath and area rugs unit (Sri Gugan Mills) in Metupalayam, Tamil Nadu. With this investment, the Good Fashion Fund is fully invested, and FOUNT is aiming to establish a follow-up fund (Good Fashion Fund 2.0) building on the successful track record, networks, lessons learned and methodologies of GFF.

Good Fashion Fund team at Sharadha Terry / Micro Cotton® booth at Heimtextil Expo ‘25, Frankfurt
(Left to Right) Sruthi Ramesh (Sr. Analyst, GFF), Vikram Krishna (MD, STPPL), Jayanth Kashyap B (Investment Lead, GFF)

The investment in Sharadha Terry Products by GFF will be towards the installation of a state-of-the-art tufting machine and accessories. The new rugs unit has an annual capacity of 4 million square meters and will majorly produce dope dyed polyester bath rugs and cotton bath rugs, with other recycled fibers such under development for new products. Compared to conventional rug manufacturing units, STPPL will significantly reduce water consumption and eliminate the usage of hazardous chemicals typically used in conventional dyeing from its process supported by a dedicated effluent treatment plant (ETP) for the rugs unit that will recover up to 98% of wastewater — estimated by STPPL — positioning itself as of one of India’s few integrated and sustainable rug manufacturers with capacity above 4 million square meters of production. The unit will be operated by workers from the nearby regions of Metupalayam, anticipated to create more than 200 jobs across male and female workers.

With India as a prominent home textile player internationally, STPPL is strategically positioned to leverage its existing brand and reputation with the business expansion and product diversification into bath and area rugs, increasing its revenue potential and improving overall resource efficiency. The company debuted its new rugs product line under ‘Sharadha Rugs’ at the Heimtextil show in January ’25 at Frankfurt for its international customers – becoming a one-stop shop for bed and bath products manufactured in the highest sustainability standards and regulatory requirements. STPPL draws majority of power through captive generation of power through its windmills (5.1 mw) and solar plant (10.1 mw).

Speaking on the partnership, Vikram Krishna, Managing Director of Sharadha Terry Products Private Limited, “We are proud to partner with the Good Fashion Fund in our journey to bring innovative and sustainable solutions to the global home textiles market. This investment enables us to expand our product portfolio into bath and area rugs while reinforcing our deep commitment to environmental stewardship and community development. At Sharadha, we believe that growth and responsibility go hand in hand — and with this support, we are building one of India’s most resource-efficient rug manufacturing units, powered by clean energy and operated by local talent.”

Bob Assenberg, Fund Director of Good Fashion Fund commented “We are elated to expand our presence in the home textiles segment with this investment in Sharadha Terry Products – being our final investment from the GFF. This partnership is a testament to the company’s commitment to sustainability and our goal as an impact fund to focus on deeper tiers of the textile industry. As an established company with rich legacy in the bath textile segment, Sharadha Terry continues to aim for new opportunities in the bath and area rugs segment as well. We look forward to collaborating towards demonstrating best practices in sustainable manufacturing for the textile industry.”

The Good Fashion Fund (GFF), is initiated by Fashion for Good and is a collaboration between Laudes Foundation, The Mills Fabrica and FOUNT complemented by Rabobank as lender to the Fund. The Fund provides long-term USD loans in addition to technical and environmental and social expertise to manufacturers in Asia, primarily India and Bangladesh. Financing is to be used to invest in impact equipment that deliver both economic growth and good fashion practice. The Good Fashion Fund has a blended capital structure with an actual fund size of USD 19 million. The Fund is managed by FOUNT, a leading impact investment firm from the Netherlands.

Current partners of the GFF also include K.K.P Fine Linen (India), Pratibha Syntex (India), Sri Kannapiran Mills (India), Progress Apparels (Bangladesh) and EPIC Group (Bangladesh).

Posted: May 27, 2025

Source: The Good Fashion Fund

Core Linen Services Partners With The Association For Linen Management To Expand Education Access For Employees And Customers

RICHMOND, Ky. — May 27, 2025 — Core Linen Services, a leading provider of linen and laundry solutions, is proud to announce a new partnership with the Association for Linen Management (ALM) to enhance industry education and professional development opportunities for its team members and customers.

Through this partnership, Core Linen has expanded its ALM membership to include all employees at its owned facilities, as well as strategic account managers. These individuals along with key customers will now have full access to ALM’s premier online education programs including:

  • Laundry Operations Courses
    • Certified Laundry and Linen Manager (CLLM)
    • Certified Washroom Technician (CWT)
  • Linen Management/Customer Service Courses:
    • Mastery of Healthcare Linen Management (MHLM)
    • Certified Linen Technician (CLT).

Core Linen’s decision to extend this training program to its customers reflects a meaningful investment in building strong, collaborative partnerships. By ensuring healthcare staff are well-trained in proper linen handling, storage, and distribution, Core Linen helps reduce waste, loss, and damage. Trained personnel are more likely to follow best practices that promote infection control, preserve textile quality, and ensure accurate usage tracking. The result is fewer service issues, clearer communication, and more efficient operations. For Core Linen, this translates into lower costs, fewer complaints, and higher customer satisfaction, ultimately reinforcing the partnership and driving better outcomes for both the laundry and the healthcare facility.

“At Core Linen, we are committed to investing in the people who make a difference for our customers every day,” said Liz Remillong, vice president of Core Linen Services. “Partnering with ALM allows us to provide our team and key partners with access to best-in-class training and certification programs. We believe that empowering individuals with education leads to stronger operations, better service, and a healthier future for our industry.”

The collaboration reflects both organizations shared commitment to advancing professionalism, quality, and operational excellence across the textile care and laundry sectors.

“We are thrilled to welcome all of Core Linen’s employees and partners into ALM’s growing network,” said Sarah Brobeck, president and CEO of ALM. “Their commitment to education underscores the value of skilled, knowledgeable professionals in every aspect of the laundry and linen business. Together, we are setting a new standard for quality and service in the industry.”

Through this partnership, Core Linen employees and customers will have the opportunity to build their skills, earn recognized certifications, and further contribute to the company’s reputation for excellence.

Posted: May 27, 2025

Source: The Association for Linen Management (ALM)

eVent Fabrics Unveils Circularity Initiative, Announces Collection Of Recyclable, Plant-Based Laminates

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — May 27, 2025 — eVent® Fabrics, a supplier of breathable waterproof, weatherproof, and windproof fabric laminates, announces the launch of its new circular fabric collection, purpose-built, plant-based, and fully recyclable for a more sustainable future without compromising performance.

eVent stormST™

Featuring 11 different laminate configurations across the eVent stormST™ and windstormST™ technology platforms, this plant-based collection is engineered for recyclability and designed to support closed-loop product systems. By utilizing monomaterial constructions, these laminate fabrics make mechanical recycling more feasible, while maintaining the trusted breathability, durability, and weather protection that outdoor brands and consumers expect from eVent.

“Circularity starts with design,” said Chad Kelly, president of eVent Fabrics. “With these stormST and windstormST fabrics, we’re giving brands the building blocks to create products that are easier to recycle at end-of-life — without sacrificing technical performance.”

The new circularity collection is a major step in eVent’s long-term sustainability strategy, addressing the industry’s growing need for performance materials that align with circular economy principles. And with the EU’s pending Ecodesign for Sustainable Product Regulations set to take effect in the coming years, apparel brands selling into the EU will be incentivized to further incorporate more circular, sustainable materials.

The stormST fabrics offer breathable waterproof protection with low environmental impact, making them ideal for outerwear, footwear, and accessories in active outdoor and urban use. The windstormST fabrics provide highly breathable windproof protection, perfect for blocking the chilling effects of the wind in dynamic conditions. All fabrics in the collection are PFAS-free, bluesign®, Oeko-Tex®, and/or GRS certified.

Posted: May 27, 2025

Source: eVent Fabrics

Renaissance Fiber Secures Investment From Equilibrium Impact Ventures To Advance Hemp Fiber Refining Infrastructure In North Carolina

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — May 27, 2025 — Renaissance Fiber (RF), the nation’s first manufacturer of hemp fiber for textiles, announced an investment from Equilibrium Impact Ventures (EQIV). This first investment will fund the initial phase of RF’s state-of-the-art fiber refining infrastructure in Mocksville, N.C. This is a crucial step towards integrating domestically grown hemp into the US and global textile supply chains.

The new Mocksville facility will utilize RF’s proprietary, clean processes to refine US-grown hemp fiber. This process prepares the fiber for blending with cotton and other textile fibers, creating a high quality textile input that improves performance. The $75,000 investment is key to scaling these operations, strengthening a transparent farm-to-fabric supply chain that guarantees traceability from American farm to finished apparel.

Processing hemp into a textile fiber compatible with existing cotton machinery — a process known as “cottonization” — has presented significant challenges. Conventional methods require chemistry that is dangerous for workers and water supplies, which has made it unfeasible to do in the US. Renaissance Fiber overcomes these through a state-of-the-art approach combining clean degumming, with precise refining to control fiber length, fineness, and surface quality. This represents a breakthrough for short-staple hemp, unlocking hemp’s potential as a true plug-and-play fiber for textiles.

“This investment from Equilibrium Impact Ventures is crucial for launching the initial phase of our infrastructure buildout in Mocksville, ” said Daniel Yohannes, CEO and co-founder of Renaissance Fiber. “For the first time, we can scale our process to integrate degummed hemp as a versatile fiber into U.S. and global textile production. By building this advanced refining capacity here in North Carolina, we are not just enabling sustainable, domestic fiber production — we are creating vital new opportunities for American farmers and manufacturers to lead the global shift towards eco-friendly textiles.”

“This is an exciting investment for Equilibrium Impact Ventures because not only are we supporting a company that is making the planet more sustainable, but we are able to continue to prove our Fund thesis that the gaps in the funding landscape can be closed with the help of Foundations and Philanthropic dollars,” stated Kasem Rodriguez Mohsen, General Partner. My Partners [Dr. Shante Williams and Adrian Smith] and I recognize that growing businesses face many challenges; however, some challenges can be easily removed by deploying capital quickly, strategically and in a patient enough way that businesses are allowed to achieve the positive outcomes that help make both of our bottom lines sustainable. Renaissance Fiber is a US manufacturer of the future.”

Posted: May 27, 2025

Source: Renaissance Fiber (RF)

Modern Meadow To Unveil Newly Branded INNOVERA™ Leather Alternative At Global Fashion Summit

NUTLEY, N.J. — May 27, 2025 — Modern Meadow, a supplier of bio-design, announced it will showcase its next-generation material, newly branded as INNOVERA™, at Global Fashion Summit, the leading international event for fashion sustainability. INNOVERA, formerly known as BIO-VERA®, will be Modern Meadow’s primary material product going forward, aligning with the company’s focus on offering the premier sustainable leather alternative in the market. During the June 3-5 Summit in Copenhagen, Modern Meadow will exhibit INNOVERA and its CEO, Dr. David Williamson, will participate in a panel discussion on “Bio-Design Futures.”

David Williamson

“Innovation centered on bioengineering, nature-inspired proteins and commercial-scale solutions is essential to the future of fashion sustainability,” said Dr. Williamson. “By dedicating our resources to INNOVERA, we are positioning Modern Meadow to drive sustainable change and deliver the most advanced leather alternative available. This singular focus allows us to scale commercial production more efficiently, deepen industry partnerships, and ensure that designers and brands have access to a luxurious, high-performance material that is beautiful and better for the planet.”

INNOVERA is crafted using plant-based proteins, biopolymers and recycled rubber, achieving more than 80 percent renewable carbon content. Completely animal-free, INNOVERA replicates the look and feel of collagen found in leather, yet it is lightweight, twice as strong as traditional leather, and available in various colors, haptics and finishes. It requires no special preservation or storage conditions, which reduces complexity and costs, and is adaptable to any standard manufacturing process. Modern Meadow’s commercial production capabilities make INNOVERA readily available to customers and simplify supply chain issues across the fashion, footwear, automotive and interior design spaces.

Dr. Williamson’s Summit panel discussion will be moderated by Sourcing Journal’s Sourcing and Labor Editor Jasmin Malik Chua and include Frank Fiedler, CEO of Heller-Leder and Helcor-Leder-Tec, and European Parliament Member Rasmus Nordqvist. The diversity of the panel — from bio-design to tannery to policy — emphasizes the importance of collaboration across the global leather ecosystem. Participants will discuss the need for reduced reliance on petrochemical inputs for fashion, focus on sustainable alternatives, how renewable carbon content materials are transforming luxury landscapes, and how the unique properties of plants can be harnessed for creativity. The discussion will take place at the Concert Hall Stage on June 5, 12:15-12:50 p.m.

Dr. Williamson added, “I invite Summit attendees to experience how INNOVERA is creating harmony between innovation and tradition with tanneries and brands.”

To learn more, visit Modern Meadow at the Summit in Booth 08 of the Innovation Forum.

Posted: May 27, 2025

Source: Modern Meadow

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