Berry Announces Initiatives To Help Address Global Supply Shortage Of Face Mask Materials

EVANSVILLE, Ind. — April 16, 2020 — Today, Berry Global Group Inc. announced strategic initiatives to increase production of face mask materials. The initiatives include the Company designating additional capacity for the production of face mask materials in North America and introducing a new material for face masks in Europe. With demand outpacing current supply for face mask filter media, the product development team at Berry has responded to deliver innovative solutions in a matter of weeks to support the demand. These solutions include pivoting existing manufacturing assets and creating alternative materials for face masks.

Additional capacity for North America

To address the ever increasing demand for face mask material in the United States, Berry has expanded its proprietary Meltex™ platform to add meltblown capacity in Waynesboro, Va. This capacity was quickly converted from a pilot line into one which provides full commercial output. The line will make meltblown materials which will ultimately be used in surgical-grade face masks along with N95 and N99 respirators. This added capacity will support the manufacturing of approximately 200 million face masks annually.

In addition to its Waynesboro facility, Berry has a number of North American nonwovens manufacturing facilities which are rapidly producing materials that help protect against the spread of COVID-19. The added capacity in Waynesboro is complementary to the Company’s existing portfolio, producing incremental output of high-performing, surgical-grade materials serving the North American market.

New face mask material for Europe

Berry is also proud to launch an extension to its Synergex™ range of products, Synergex ONE, a new media for face mask applications. Developed to initially meet the new face mask categories for general population, the aim is to quickly bring the media up to EN 14683:2019 standards for surgical masks. The newly introduced Synergex ONE provides a multilayer nonwoven composite product in a single sheet, as an alternative to traditional face mask layer structures. This new material will be manufactured in Europe and serve the European market and is available immediately.

“This was something that was of paramount importance in the short term development,” said Cedric Ballay executive vice president and general manager for Europe in Health, Hygiene, and Specialties for Berry. “Given the array of materials currently being offered to the market, we are proud to offer an alternative solution to the traditional charged meltblown. We are now continuing to push on with the development to be able to pass BFE Type I and Type II testing with this media.”

Berry is well known for its high-end filtration media that goes into FFP2 (N95) and FFP3 (N99) masks. With these high-end filtration media lines now sold out until after summer, it was critical to develop alternative solutions to address the many requests received by the Company.

Leader in nonwovens for healthcare

As a global leader in the supply of nonwoven material for surgical-grade infection prevention products, Berry is diligently working to create as much capacity, maximize output, and develop innovative solutions to aid in the fight against the spread of COVID-19. Through the addition of Synergex ONE and the commercialization of the Meltex asset, Berry is quickly pivoting to provide innovative and timely solutions for markets around the world.

Posted April 17, 2020

Source: Berry Global Group Inc.

Certified Linen and Uniform Services Urge Businesses to Sustain Green Practices

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — April 17, 2020 — Business “environmental friendliness” and “sustainability” are often perceived as referring to the same quality. The COVID-19 coronavirus has separated these terms as the latter becomes more associated with business resilience. Linen and uniform service providers certified for sustainability are highlighting these two concepts as cause and effect. To mark the celebration of the 50th Earth Day (April 22), these commercial laundries are encouraging their business customers to stand by their resource conservation practices as a key to prosperity in the post-pandemic economy.

In communications with their 250,000+ U.S. customers, these Clean Green certified linen and uniform services companies see Earth Day 2020 as a potential milestone for sustainable business designations, noting their greater importance as most communities remain challenged by COVID-19. Across numerous industries, organizations’ revenues are threatened and supplies are difficult to procure. Their implementation of practices that conserve resources prepares them for scarcity. Techniques that control water and energy use and recycle supplies reduce their expenses and pass the resulting cost benefits to customers.

To achieve such efficiencies, businesses striving to increase sustainability can look to suppliers who are flexible, responsive and able to overcome scarcity themselves. TRSA, the Association for the Linen, Uniform and Facility Services Industry, has developed guides to selecting suppliers with sustainability certifications for hotels and restaurants, two of the hardest-hit industries by the coronavirus and primary users of linen and uniform services. These designations include LEED, Green Seal, UL 880 and more.

TRSA introduced Clean Green in 2011, prompting ASTM International to adopt the program’s required best practices as its own green standard for supplying, laundering and maintaining reusable textiles for all kinds of businesses.

Most of the 50+ Clean Green certified companies, single- and multi-location operations throughout North America, have earned the certification have maintained it since the program’s inception, achieving best-in-class resource conservation. They have built their operations on industry fundamentals that emphasize reuse over disposal and prompt businesses to share textile inventory and have it washed in large, high-efficiency outsourced laundries rather than buy their own and wash it in smaller on-premises laundries (OPLs).

Textile reuse achieved paramount attention recently with the coronavirus-caused shortage of disposable isolation and surgical gowns, scrub suits, and cubicle curtains. Vice President Mike Pence raised the notion of substituting reusable, laundered healthcare clothing. TRSA responded to his inquiry by pointing out the sustainability and economy of laundering such items on an industrial scale.

As consumers see empty shelves once abundant with paper towels for cleaning at home and paper napkins for dining, business operators are reminded that they have long used reusables from linen and uniform services for their equivalent purposes. These include microfiber and cotton towels for wiping surfaces in commercial buildings, machinery parts, and more; and polyester napkins in casual and upscale restaurants.

Businesses who rent employee apparel from linen and uniform services are not saddled with the costs of buying their own to outfit workers. When workforces are reduced (another coronavirus consequence), excess uniforms are returned to the service provider’s inventory. This reduces the afflicted business’s costs and saves uniforms from unnecessary disposal, reducing solid waste.

In recent decades, U.S. linen service companies 100 percent dedicated to serving hotels have comprised the industry’s fastest-growing segment. U.S. hotels have lagged their counterparts in other nations in the use of large outsourced laundries, preferring to operate OPLs themselves. Today more of these businesses are recognizing the cost benefits of outsourcing, substantially caused by the greater water, energy and chemistry efficiencies of larger-scale laundering.

When local safety and economic obstacles to COVID-19 recovery subside and businesses rebound, they will celebrate their sustainability. In Earth Day promotions of Clean Green certification in recent years, TRSA has urged such recognition of such certified linen and uniform services by the businesses who use them.

Looking forward, “As a ‘new normal’ economy emerges, environmental stewardship seems certain to be more highly valued across industries. Businesses that meet customer needs without depleting scant resources needed for future generations are likely to get more attention. Linen and uniform services anticipate Earth Day 2020 will mark an important turning point in recognition of the importance of B2B sustainability certifications, Clean Green among them,” said TRSA President and CEO Joseph Ricci.

Posted April 16, 2020

Source: TRSA

Stein Mart And Kingswood Announce Mutual Termination Of Merger Agreement

JACKSONVILLE, Fla./LOS ANGELES — April 16, 2020 — Stein Mart Inc. and Kingswood Capital Management L.P. today announced that the parties have mutually agreed to terminate their merger agreement, previously announced on January 31, 2020, under which an affiliate of Kingswood was to acquire all of the outstanding common stock of Stein Mart not already beneficially owned by affiliates of Jay Stein, Stein Mart’s former CEO and current chairman of the board of directors, and related investors.

The termination was approved by the Stein Mart board of directors (other than Stein) acting on the recommendation of the Special Committee of independent directors that oversaw negotiation of the merger agreement, and is in response to the unpredictable economic conditions resulting from the global health crisis caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, uncertainty regarding Stein Mart’s ability to satisfy the conditions to closing, and the substantial expense to Stein Mart of soliciting shareholder approval for a transaction which is unlikely to close.

In a joint statement, Richard L. Sisisky, Stein Mart board member and chairman of the Special Committee, and Alex Wolf, managing partner of Kingswood, said, “While we both believed in the benefits of the proposed transaction, we have mutually concluded after careful consideration that given the current environment and significant uncertainty, it would not be prudent to continue to pursue the transaction.”

Neither party will be required to pay the other a termination fee as a result of the mutual decision to terminate the agreement.

Posted April 16, 2020

Source: Stein Mart Inc.

Eriez® Appoints Lukas Guenthardt President And CEO

Guenthardt

ERIE, Pa. — April 15, 2020 — Eriez® Chairman Richard Merwin announces the appointment of Lukas Guenthardt to the position of president and CEO. Eriez selected Guenthardt to fill this leadership role when Timothy Shuttleworth retired after serving as the company’s president and CEO since 2004.

Guenthardt joined the Eriez Board of Directors in 2011 and was named executive vice president of Global Strategy and Development in 2014. Merwin said: “Lukas is an accomplished global executive with a proven track record. His years of experience managing our global subsidiaries have prepared him well for success as our new President and CEO to lead Eriez’ strong position and growth opportunities in key industrial markets, including food processing, pharmaceutical, mining, chemicals, paper, rubber and metals recycling.”

According to Merwin, Guenthardt has developed and implemented business operations systems that strengthened Eriez’ drive toward a more integrated global company. “Lukas’ emphasis on accelerating the company’s business development initiatives in new and existing markets has helped Eriez maintain and expand our worldwide leadership position across the diverse industries we serve,” said Merwin. “I look forward to working even more closely with Lukas as we move ahead with a continued focus on the growth and success of Eriez as our shared priority.”

Prior to joining Eriez, Guenthardt was with K-Tron International for 20 years, serving in various executive capacities during that time. He started in K-Tron’s research and development department and then relocated to Switzerland to direct European and Asian operations. Guenthardt later moved back to the United States to head K-Tron’s strategy and acquisition activities and subsequently was named president of K-Tron’s Size Reduction Group.

Guenthardt earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from The University of Basel and a Master of Science in Management from Sloan School of Management at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He is Eriez’ fourth president since the company’s founding in 1942.

Posted April 16, 2020

Source: Eriez

IFAI Hires Fred Chuck As Geosynthetic Materials Association Division Executive Director

Chuck

ROSEVILLE, Minn. — April 16, 2020 — Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) announced it has hired Fred Chuck as the new Geosynthetic Materials Association (GMA) executive director. He brings more than 38 years of geosynthetics industry experience along with him to IFAI.

Throughout the past two decades, Chuck has served in multiple roles at different companies within the geosynthetics industry as well as time on the GMA Division Board. From 2013–2017, Chuck served as the director of Corporate Training and Industry Relations at TenCate Geosynthetics North America located in Pendergrass, Ga.

“We’ve had a lot of experience working with Fred, and the transition to his new role should be seamless. This hire ensures GMA won’t miss a beat and will continue it’s great work on behalf of the industry,” said Steve Schiffman, president and CEO, IFAI.

He will transition to IFAI from his most recent position with HUESKER Inc., located in Charlotte, N.C., where he served as the vice president of Sales, Marketing and Business Development. Chuck recently served as the chairman of the GMA executive council as well. His work with Government Relations and Executive Council members has resulted in great progress in the specification of geosynthetic materials for use in a variety of infrastructure projects.

“IFAI could not have made a better choice than Fred Chuck for the GMA Executive Director position,” said Bryan Gee, director of Education and Training at Tensar Corp. located in Alpharetta, Ga., who will become chairman of the GMA Executive Council on May 1, succeeding Chuck. “Fred has served GMA for many years in numerous roles, and distinguished himself in each one. His broad industry knowledge and dedication to advancing the geosynthetics industry make him an ideal fit for his new role. I’m also thrilled that Fred will remain a part of the GMA leadership team, as we seek to continue the positive momentum and important achievements of the past several years. GMA is well-positioned to build on the successes of which Fred has been such an integral part.”

Fred gave his initial thoughts and feelings about his new position with IFAI. “I’m honored and excited to be taking on this new role as executive director of GMA. At a time when we are expecting the next Infrastructure funding, GMA’s efforts over the last two decades have positioned us well to take advantage of that opportunity to push the industry forward. Our core strengths of Education, Technical Support and Lobbying at the Federal, State and Local level have placed us in the forefront of moving geosynthetics from innovative materials to standard alternative products. Consider the impact on our businesses if GMA could help to increase the University level education of geosynthetics (we have started working on this idea). I look forward to seeing all of you “On the Road Again” and hope that you will take the time to join us as we work to increase the use of geosynthetics.”

Chuck is also a Professional Engineer. He will begin his new position at IFAI effective May 4.

Posted April 16, 2020

Source: Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI)

PVH Corp. Pledges $2 Million Toward COVID-19 Relief Efforts

NEW YORK CITY — April 15, 2020 — PVH Corp.’s values help guide its decisions, and the company’s overall purpose to drive fashion forward for good is more important than ever before. Today, The PVH Foundation — the company’s philanthropic fund specifically dedicated to nonprofit donations and volunteer programs — is announcing an additional $1 million, for a total commitment of more than $2 million, toward COVID-19 relief efforts.

The additional donation will support frontline medical workers, the fight against food insecurity, supply chain and industry relief, and community resiliency. These donations aim to complement what has already been dedicated to the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund.

“The COVID-19 pandemic is a human crisis touching everyone around the world in some way. PVH is built on its family-like culture, and the way we live our lives is the same way we conduct business: We try to do the right thing,” said Manny Chirico, chairman and CEO, PVH. “It’s more important now than any time I can remember to support our people, communities and industry.”

The PVH Foundation also is working with PVH’s long-term partner Better Work, a collaboration between the International Labour Organization and International Finance Corporation. Funds will be used to support activities benefitting suppliers and workers through the COVID-19 crisis.

Organizations to receive contributions from The PVH Foundation have been selected by PVH associates in locations around the world. Support will be targeted in Asia, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, the U.K. and the U.S. to organizations that will best address local needs.

Nonprofit grantees in the U.S. will include several hospitals and healthcare organizations, including Mount Sinai Health System (N.Y.), Montefiore Health System (N.Y.), Northwell Health (N.Y.), RWJBarnabas Health (N.J.) and Hackensack Meridian Health (N.J.).

Other U.S. grantees are: Feeding America ®, Coalition for the Homeless (NYC), Food Bank of Somerset County (N.J.), and the NYC Small Business Continuity Loan Fund.

In Canada, organizations include: Lakeridge Health Foundation (Oshawa), North York General Foundation (Toronto) and the Jewish General Hospital (Montreal).

In addition to this $2 million commitment, PVH had also made a 2M RMB (approximately $275,000) contribution to the Chinese Society of the Red Cross, as well as a $50,000 contribution to A Common Thread, the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund initiative to provide support and raise awareness for those in the American fashion community who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

CALVIN KLEIN and TOMMY HILFIGER have donated product in the U.S., Netherlands, U.K. and Italy to support frontline healthcare workers and will continue to give product where it is needed the most. Calvin Klein is also a founding partner and donor of OutRight Action International’s COVID-19 Global LGBTIQ Emergency Fund.

Posted April 16, 2020

Source: PVH Corp.

Lululemon Athletica Inc. Announces Departure Of Chief Financial Officer

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — April 16, 2020 — lululemon athletica inc. today announced that Patrick “PJ” Guido, CFO, will depart the company, effective May 8, 2020, in order to assume a leadership position outside of the apparel industry. Guido joined lululemon in 2018.

While the company begins the search to identify a successor, Meghan Frank, senior vice president, Financial Planning & Analysis, and Alex Grieve, vice president and controller, will lead the finance team and ensure a smooth transition. Both will report to Calvin McDonald, CEO of lululemon, on an interim basis.

“We would like to thank PJ for his dedication and many contributions to lululemon. Over the past two years, he has helped us to grow and strengthen lululemon’s finance organization,” McDonald said. “We are fortunate to have two leaders, Meghan and Alex, who are well prepared to take on expanded responsibilities and lead the finance organization on an interim basis.”

McDonald added: “I want to express my confidence in lululemon’s leadership team and the strength of our business model, which is enabling us to effectively navigate COVID-19 while continuing to invest in our Power of Three growth strategy. We are confident lululemon will attract an experienced chief financial officer who has successfully guided a broad-based portfolio.”

The company’s search for its next CFO will begin immediately and will include both internal and external candidates.

Posted April 16, 2020

Source: lululemon athletica inc.

Dickies®/VF Corp. To Produce 3.4 Million Isolation Gowns In Support Of U.S. COVID-19 Response

FORT WORTH, Texas — April 16, 2020 — Global workwear brand Dickies®, in partnership with its parent company VF Corp., today announced that it is further supporting the fight against COVID-19 in the United States by manufacturing FDA-compliant isolation gowns for hospitals and healthcare workers. These high-demand personal protective equipment (PPE) garments will be distributed to communities throughout the US in cooperation with federal and state government leaders.

“Dickies has stood alongside generations of workers and in light of these unprecedented times, we’re joining in the effort to help healthcare professionals on the frontlines,” said Denny Bruce, Dickies Global Brand president. “As a heritage brand that goes to work, especially when the work gets tough, we are committed to equipping these workers with the critical medical garments they need to protect themselves as they continue the fight against this pandemic.”

Dickies has been committed to championing the dignity of work for nearly a century and is no stranger to shifting its production in times of need to help the greater good. Dating back to World War II, the company helped to produce millions of uniforms for the US military, and now, to support healthcare workers on the front lines of COVID-19, Dickies is leveraging VF Corp.’s global supply chain and capabilities by converting several manufacturing facilities to produce urgently needed PPE garments.

With initial production beginning next week, VF Corp. and Dickies expect to produce and deliver 50,000 gowns in May, and intend to create production capacity to make up to 675,000 gowns by June and up to 3.4 million by September. The isolation gowns will be made with fabric sourced from industry partner Milliken & Company, in accordance with guidelines issued by the FDA. The health and safety of workers involved in the production of these gowns will be a top priority and the company will ensure that necessary educational, screening, and social distancing protocols will be strictly enforced in route and within the facility.

“We are proud to leverage our global resources and manufacturing expertise in partnership with our Dickies brand to support the fight against COVID-19,” said Cameron Bailey, executive vice president, Global Supply Chain, VF Corp.

The production of isolation gowns builds on several other initiatives that both Dickies and VF Corp. have each rolled out in response to COVID-19, including a $1.5 million donation to local communities from The VF Foundation, the private grant-making organization funded by VF Corp., and a donation of Dickies branded scrubs to impacted US hospitals in partnership with Careismetic Brands, the largest U.S. supplier of scrubs.

Posted April 16, 2020

Source: Dickies® / VF Corporation

Swift Tactical Systems, Silvus Technologies Announce Strategic Alliance

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif./LOS ANGELES — April 16, 2020 — Swift Tactical Systems, a subsidiary of Swift Engineering, and Silvus Technologies have entered into a strategic alliance. This collaboration combines Swift’s world-class unmanned aircraft systems with Silvus’ advanced MIMO communication systems for tactical applications.

The commercial agreement will enable Swift to integrate the locally manufactured radios into its family of American made UAVs, allowing Swift to accelerate its product roadmap and the delivery of its government contracts. The combined systems will bolster both commercial and advanced military missions, as well as research and development for future applications.

“Swift Tactical Systems is utilizing Silvus radios to support complex missions and RF requirements, enabling our suite of unmanned systems to pull C2, telemetry, and all of our sensor data for reliable, unparalleled datalink capabilities. The flexibility and adaptability of Silvus Technologies will enable us to accelerate the delivery of our UAVs for highly sensitive missions,” says Alex Echeverria, vice president of Swift Tactical Systems.

Swift recently won a multi-agency unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) contract with the Commonwealth of the Bahamas to support Bahamas Ministry of National Security, Law Enforcement, Immigration, and Customs Agencies. The program will utilize 55 short and medium-range drones to accelerate The Bahamas’ mandate to fight crime, curb drug and gun trafficking, illegal immigration, human trafficking, and poaching.

“Swift is a strong, strategic partner of Silvus who’s systems not only support warfighter activities, but infrastructure and surveillance support for the Bahamas. A Swift unmanned system integrated with Silvus Streamcaster will increase the situational awareness of Bahamian agencies, and the beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) structures and installations that need surveillance. We are proud to contribute to this incredibly talented Swift team,” says Kasey Cooper, director of Unmanned Systems for Silvus Technologies.

Swift plans to use the radios on other projects, including its High-Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) aircraft, which is currently under development in a project with NASA.

Posted April 16, 2020

Source: Swift Tactical Systems

Tukatech Introduces Industry’s First Virtual Digitizing And Home Printing

LOS ANGELES — April 16, 2020 — There have been many firsts for Southern California based Tukatech Inc. Today, developer of fashion technology announced the first ever virtual digitizing and home plotting/printing system to the apparel industry. These new features, accessible through TUKAcad subscription, allow users to digitize patterns on any flat screen and print them in the comfort of their home, no need for a clunky station with large digitizing and plotting equipment.

Users can access the Virtual Digitizer in TUKAdesign — the pattern making and grading system — to trace physical patterns using a flat screen monitor in place of a digitizing board. Digital photos or scans of patterns can also be imported for a more flexible workspace.

Plotting is now possible with any home printer. The new printing tool breaks the pattern pieces across a grid of standard-sized pages. A simple layout guide shows where to join the pages, at which point the pattern pieces can be cut out with scissors. Watch an overview of Virtual Digitizing and Home Printing.

“As people continue to work from home due to COVID-19, these new features become significant for designers and pattern makers,” said Sean Kim, director of Technical Services at Tukatech. “They can easily equip themselves with a complete end-to-end solution without the bulk. One CAD system, a monitor and a printer are all you need,”

Earlier in January, Tukatech disrupted the industry with the first ever Automatic Pattern Making solution, TUKA-APM. With TUKA-APM, a person of any skill level can complete a graded pattern in seconds. “Since the start of Tukatech in 1995, my focus has and remains to simplify the product development process,” said Ram Sareen, founder and CEO, Tukatech. “Tukatech is known to be the innovators of fashion technology and the first to introduce many new features and solutions. The virtual digitizer and home plotting features not only simplify the process but put less strain on those strapped with cash and do not have a digitizer or a plotter in their current budget. This is an affordable and quality option for home businesses to help run their business.”

Posted April 16, 2020

Source: Tukatech

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