Spain-based Montefibre Carbon reports it will invest 16.2 million ($17.3 million) in polyacrylonitrile (PAN) precursor production and a flexible carbonization line at its Miranda de Ebro, Spain, plant. The PAN precursor will be converted to semi-aerospace quality carbon fiber with a tensile strength of 700 kilopounds per square inch (ksi) to be sold under the name M700. Montefibre’s advanced carbonization line, expected to be in operation by the end of 2021, will be capable of processing fiber ranging from 80K to 480K with a capacity of 100 tons per year.
The carbonization line will be only the second such line to be installed in Spain, and the investment will make Montefibre the third leading producer of carbon fiber in Europe, according to the company. The Spanish Ministry of Industry contributed 11.5 million euros ($12.3 million) to the investment.
Greensboro, N.C.-based Quantum Materials announced a $3.5 million investment in state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment to meet increased demand for domestic production capabilities resulting from global supply chain disruptions and market voids. The investment will support research, development and manufacturing for non-traditional and high-performance woven textile solutions.
“Over the last 18 months, our R&D team has been working on proprietary, custom equipment designed to give us the flexibility to work in any textile-related industry needing specialized yarns and/or fabrics,” said Jeff Bruner, Quantum founder and vice chairman. “We made the decision to fast track this project so that we can be a domestic resource due to many of the current global dynamics affecting our industry.”
Sinopec built a meltblown nonwoven fabric plant in 12 days
China-based medical material supplier Sinopec Corp. recently inaugurated its first meltblown nonwoven fabric line at its Yanshan factory in Beijing. The line was commissioned in response to the global medical supply shortage resulting from the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The 14,440-ton capacity line is one of two meltblown assembly bases that Sinopec co-manages with China National Machinery Industry Corp. The two nonwoven lines together can produce up to 4 tons of meltblown fabric each day, which may be used to manufacture 1.2 million N95 disposible masks; or 6 tons of fabric for 6 million basic disposable masks. The company reports it is currently constructing an additional eight meltblown nonwoven lines that are expected to come online in mid-April.
“It normally takes about half a year to complete the construction of a 10,000-ton melt-blown fabric factory, we have done it in 12 days — 48 hours ahead of schedule,” said Lv Dapeng, spokesperson of Sinopec Corp. “In a challenging time like this, saving 48 hours means that we can produce an extra 12 million disposable masks.”
The Manufacturing Institute has named two Shaw Industries Group Inc. employees Women in Manufacturing STEP Ahead Award winners. Michelle Wilson, quality engineering manager, and Tracy Corbin, director of customer service, were named Emerging Leader and Honoree respectively. STEP — which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Production — Awards recognize excellence and leadership in the workplace and community.
Ghilardi
Italy-based Itema Group has appointed Ugo Ghilardi CEO effective March 2, 2020.
Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), Boulder, Colo., has named Lisa Aangeenbrug executive director.
The board of directors at Gap Inc., San Francisco, has named Sonia Syngal CEO. She also will join the company’s board of directors. Board member Bobby Martin was also named executive chairman of the board at Gap.
Greensboro, N.C.-based Wrangler, a Kontoor Brands brand, has named Holly Wheeler vice president, global brand marketing.
Lee
Gastonia, N.C.-based Champion Thread Co. (CTC) has promoted Jim Lee to vice president of sales. In his expanded role, Lee will continue his current business development role while adding responsibilities for developing strategic sales plans and managing all of CTC’s inside, outside and partner sales activities.
Dr. Jonathan O’Dwyer has joined Dalton, Ga.-based MFG Chemical as vice president of commercial operations.
Peter ter Horst was named president and CEO of the Netherlands-based Teijin Aramid effective April 1, 2020. He succeeds Gert Frederiks who will continue in an advisory role before retiring next year.
Kline
St. Louis-based Baldwin Technology Co. Inc. has appointed Joe Kline president and CEO.
Organic Dyes and Pigments LLC, Lincoln, R.I, has named Vince Hankins vice president of sales.
New York City-based J.Crew has named Jan Singer CEO. Interim CEO Michael J. Nicholson will return to his position of president and COO; and Libby Wadle will continue as president and CEO of Madewell reporting separately to the board of directors.
Hendrik Koemans has joined Inkcups as Sales Director Europe, strengthening the company’s European operations.
Inkcups, Danvers, Mass., has named Hendrik Koemans sales director, Europe. The company also has hired several local service technicians to better service new and existing customers in Europe.
Baltimore-based Under Armour Inc. has named Colin Browne COO and Paul Fipps chief experience officer. Both men will report directly to President and CEO Patrik Frisk.
Columbia Sportswear Co. appointed President and CEO Tim Boyle chairman of the board. In addition, long-time serving board member Andy Bryant was named to a lead independent director role on the board.
Portsmouth, R.I.-based Ocean State Innovations, a Brand and Oppenheimer Company, has appointed Brian Pinson vice president of sales. He will be located in Greenville, S.C.
Kent Fountain — a ginner from Surrency, Ga. — was elected chairman of the National Cotton Council (NCC), Memphis, Tenn., for 2020. Richard L. “Ricky” Clarke III will serve as the president for NCC’s promotion arm Cotton Council International in 2020. Please see the People section on TextileWorld.com for all of NCC’s and CCI’s appointments for 2020.
NCC awarded its 2019 Harry S. Baker Distinguished Service Award to Bill May, former president of the American Cotton Shippers Association. The award is given to an individual who as provided extraordinary service, leadership and dedication to the U.S. cotton industry.
Former NCC executive vice president Earl Sears received the 18th Oscar Johnston Lifetime
Achievement Award from the NCC. The award is presented posthumously to an individual who served the cotton industry over a significant period of an active career, and who also demonstrated character, integrity, perseverance and maturity during that service.
Switzerland-based Rieter reports it has decided it will no longer assemble machines at its Winterthur, Switzerland, location. The action results in the reduction of 87 jobs, which will be gradually implemented during 2020 through workforce turnover and early retirement. The company regrets that some layoffs will be unavoidable however. Rieter is taking the action “due to structural changes in the market situation.”
Karl Mayer Group reports it has acquired the Stoll Group — both family-owned companies based in Germany. The Stoll Group will formally become part of Karl Mayer July 1, 2020. The acquisition grows Karl Mayer’s portfolio in the flat knitting sector, and Stoll reports it will benefit from Karl Mayer’s global sales, service and production sites.
“The acquisition is an important step in our growth strategy and we are proud to welcome Stoll into our Group,” said Arno Gärtner, CEO, Karl Mayer Group. “Stoll is an internationally recognized brand in the textile industry and has comprehensive technological expertise and an experienced team in the knitting sector.”
“This alliance brings together two very strong brands in textile machinery building whose solutions portfolios and regional presence complement each other brilliantly,” said Andreas Schellhammer, CEO, Stoll.
NexGen™PVC-free mattress protectors defend against dust mites, allergens, stains and spills.
Seam Seal International has launched a new line of non-PVC mattress protectors for the mass market.
By Rachael S. Davis, Executive Editor
A mattress cover or mattress protector offers a last line of defense against spills, dirt and allergens; and can also reduce abrasion on the mattress — all of which may help extend the mattress’s lifetime.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is the moisture barrier of choice in many covers, especially products sold at a lower price point through mass retailers. However, PVC has a strong odor; and exposure to PVC may have adverse health effects, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Enter Guntersville, Ala.-based Seam Seal International, which recently expanded its ProtectEase brand with NexGen™ mattress protectors. Seam Seal opened in 1996 offering seam sealing technologies for waterproofing fabrics. The company branched off into film-laminated fabrics in 2006; and in 2013, added finished waterproof bedding products to its offerings.
Seam Seal’s new fabric technology is aimed at replacing outdated PVC bedding products sold at big box retailers. The patented, environmentally conscious NexGen mattress protectors offer a full range of hypoallergenic protection against dust mites, allergens, stains and spills, and also are odor-free.
“You know when you open the package of a cheap shower curtain, the room smells for a day or so,” said Chris Wright, CEO “We are the anti-PVC company and only use poly films considered ecofriendly. We are offering the ‘NextGeneration’ of fabrics, hence the product’s name.”
NexGen’s fabric composition is proprietary, but Wright reports that the process used to produce the nonwoven fabric lends a supple hand and superior strength not typically found in other nonwovens or PVC products. “Technically, we call it a polyolefin trilaminate, and we use the same fabric for the bottom and sidewalls of the basic mattress protectors.
The supple hand of the lightweight material also removes any noise and discomfort associated with PVC-based products. “This combination of better health and protection with a quieter, softer material positions NexGen as an obvious disrupter in a category filled with me-too products,” Wright noted.
The fabric has passed ASTM fabric barrier/penetration tests D2776, D3786 and D1683; and has also been subjected to third-party lab tests in order to support the claims it protects from “bed bugs, dust-mites and pet dander.” NexGen fabrics also are compliant with California’s Prop 65 toxic content legislation.
According to Wright, NexGen mattress protectors can be machine washed with warm water and air-fluff tumble dried, although cleaning with a damp cloth is the recommended method of washing to prevent over drying in the machine, which may damage the film over time.
NexGen mattress protectors currently are available at major retail stores as well as online.
“Our background is in engineered specialty fabrics with an emphasis on multi-layer nonwovens,”Wright said. “Those fabrics are used in everything from landfill linings to emergency hazmat suits. We say around here, ‘if we can protect a fireman from hydrofluoric acid, we can certainly protect your mattress from a Kool-Aid spill!’”
For more information about NexGen™ mattress protectors contact Chris Wright, 866-615-4179; info@seam-seal.com; protect-ease.com
New York City-based Designtex and Hologenix LLC — the inventor of Celliant® thermo-reactive fiber technology — have collaborated to launch Designtex Celliant upholstery fabrics. The line includes four fabric styles across 50 colors.
Wrangler®, Greensboro, N.C., has expanded its Wrangler RIGGS Workwear® line to include apparel designed for specifically women.
Ross Stores, Dublin, Calif., reports it will open 75 new Ross Dress for Less® and 25 dd’s Discounts® locations during fiscal year 2020.
The North American facilities of Schaumburg, Ill.-based INX International have attained ISO 45001 Occupational Health & Safety Standard certification. INX locations now are registered to three standards — ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and the new ISO 45001.
The Dalton, Ga.-based American Floorcovering Alliance (AFA) has announced Floortek Expo will be held September 29-30, 2020, in Dalton.
Green Buffalow, Fort Collins, Colo., has launched new Wildland Firefighter Uniforms that have been developed to be protective and comfortable for women as well as men.
Prescient Color Ltd., India, recently changed its name to Americhem Polymers India Pvt. Ltd. after joining the Americhem family almost two years ago.
Lee Vintage Modern Union-All
Greensboro, N.C.-based Lee® has introduced the Vintage Modern Collection for spring 2020. Jeans are inspired by designs from the brands historic archives and are available through online retail partners including Nordstrom and Madewell.
Japan-based YKK Corp. has introduced a zipper that closes using magnetic force. The open-end zippers may be engaged and closed using the magnetic force by simply bringing the left and right sides of the zipper together, according to the company. The zipper is suitable for sportswear and childrenswear, among other applications.
England-based Global Inkjet Systems (GIS) has released version 3 of its Atlas Graphical User Interface (GUI) software. Updates include increased functionality with interface options and new language packs.
Aurora Specialty Textiles Group, Yorkville, Ill., was presented with an Operational Excellence award by the Valley Industrial Association. The award recognizes leadership in operational strategic planning and implementation.
England-based PPSS Group has launched a black version of its high-performance cut-resistant Cut-Tex PRO fabric.
HanesBrands, Winston-Salem, N.C., has launched the C9 Champion brand on Amazon Fashion as part of a multi-year, exclusive agreement. More than 100 of C9’s most popular styles for the whole family will be available at Amazon.com.
Gerber Childrenswear LLC, Greenville, S.C., recently launched the Gerber Modern Moments baby apparel line. The clothing, available exclusively at Walmart beginning in March, is made using organically grown cotton.
Tokyo-based Teijin Frontier Co. Ltd. reports it has developed an eco-minded adhesive for rubber reinforcement that does not use resorcinol-formaldehyde, but offers the same level of performance as a resorcinol-formaldehyde latex (RFL).
Kohl’s has partnered with Lands’ End to offer the retailer’s entire assortment of women’s, men’s, kid’s and home merchandise on Kohls.com. Orders will be fulfilled and shipped directly by Lands’ End. In addition, Kohl’s will offer seasonal Lands’ End merchandise in 150 of its stores. Lands’ End merchandise will be available through Kohl’s beginning fall 2020.
CARY, N.C. — March 26, 2020 — Washington Representative Joe Fitzgibbon (D-34) joined the Association of Washington Cities and INDA, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, in applauding Governor Inslee’s signing of HB 2565, a law intended to address the labeling of certain disposable wipes.
The law, spearheaded by Rep. Fitzgibbon, Chairman of the Washington House Environment and Energy Committee, represents a months-long cooperative effort between a coalition of Washington wastewater and municipal sector stakeholders led by the Association of Washington Cities and INDA, the trade association representing the wipes industry. The groups came together to tackle the problem of consumers flushing baby wipes, surface cleaning wipes and other “nonflushable” wipes that are not designed to be disposed in sewer systems. The law requires packages of these wipes to carry prominent “Do Not Flush” labeling to help guide consumers to dispose of them appropriately in the trash.
“I introduced this legislation in response to concerns voiced by Washington sewer system operators that consumers are flushing certain categories of wipes that are not intended to be,” said Representative Fitzgibbon. “I was pleased to sponsor legislation that brought together municipalities and industry to find a common sense solution to this problem and am proud that Washington is the first state in the nation to tackle this issue in a meaningful way.”
“Improperly flushed wipes can be a contributing cause to sewer clogs and wastewater spills,” said Peter King, CEO of the Association of Washington Cities. “This bill was a collaborative effort between government and industry, which will provide consumers with clear disposal direction and protect the public’s sewer and wastewater systems.”
“Baby wipes, cosmetic wipes and other disposable wipes provide tangible benefits to consumers, while hard surface antibacterial and disinfecting wipes are an indispensable tool for household cleaning and reducing exposure to viruses impacting public health as we’ve seen recently. However, unlike wipes labeled “flushable,” these kinds of wipes were not designed nor marketed to be disposed in the toilet,” said INDA’s President Dave Rousse. “We would like to thank Representative Fitzgibbon for his leadership and the Washington cities and wastewater community for their constructive engagement on legislation that will go a long way to ensuring that consumers understand which wipes are ‘Do Not Flush’ and require disposal in the trash can.”
Posted March 26, 2020
Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry
MEMPHIS, Tenn.— March 24, 2020 — The U.S. cotton industry commends congress and the Administration for reaching agreement today on a broad-based economic relief/stimulus package for individuals and businesses, including the agriculture sector.
National Cotton Council (NCC) Chairman Kent Fountain, a Georgia cotton ginner, said it was of utmost importance that the bill includes restored funding authority for the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) and dedicated funding for producers in response to the coronavirus so USDA can develop relief measures for all of agriculture in response to the economic losses and business disruption caused by COVID-19.
“We believe this is a good first step towards addressing the needs of the agricultural economy, but more funding authority will likely be needed once there is a better assessment of the full impacts of the current crisis,” Chairman Fountain added.
The NCC is assessing economic impacts and losses across the U.S. cotton industry and will work with USDA and Congressional leaders on recommended policy options to respond to these urgent needs being felt across the industry from producer to textile manufacturer. These overarching needs are outlined in a letter sent today from Chairman Fountain to USDA Secretary Perdue and Members of Congress.
The NCC joined with other agricultural organizations on letters recently sent to President Trump and Congressional leaders saying it was critical that any fiscal and economic response to help businesses survive the crisis match the scale and intensity of the steps being taken to end the pandemic. The letters emphasized that individuals and family-owned companies operate on their cash flow, and that cash flow has been severely disrupted – their costs are up and their revenue flows are down, if not entirely shut off
