Italian Textile Machinery Will Be Present At IRANTEX 2019

MILAN — November 26, 2019 — As part of the promotional activities set for 2019, Italian Trade Agency and ACIMIT, the Association of Italian textile machinery manufacturers, will organize Punto Italia, a service center at the next IRANTEX, the main Iranian textile and textile machinery trade show, to be held in Tehran, December 9-12, 2019.

Punto Italia, located in Pavilion nr. 38, will be used for meetings between Italian textile machinery builders and their Iranian customers. Moreover in the service center local companies will be able to get for information on the Italian technological offer.

“Despite the difficulties that still exist for doing business in the Iranian market due to the well-known reasons, explained Alessandro Zucchi, president of ACIMIT, it is important to keep in touch with a market of significant importance for our manufacturers”. Embargo to Iran has in fact reset Italian exports towards the Country, which until a decade ago was among the main foreign market of Italian builders. In the first half of 2019 the value of the Italian direct export to Iran was equal to 2 million euros compared to 15 million euros in the same period 2018.

“Unfortunately what is happening in Iran testifies how geopolitical tensions can influence heavily the business of a sector,” concluded Zucchi. “Only two years ago, following the signing of the Iranian nuclear deal, named JCPOA (the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action), Italian exports came to a value of around 45 million euros. Punto Italia at Irantex is the signal that our entrepreneurs believe in the ending of the embargo and in the resumption of normal commercial relations with the Iranian counterpart “.

Posted November 26, 2019

Source: ACIMIT

Coats Acquires Pharr HP

UXBRIDGE, England — November 26, 2019 — Coats has signed a binding agreement to acquire the business and assets of Pharr HP, a manufacturer of high-performance engineered yarns based in McAdenville, N.C.

Pharr HP specializes in providing technical yarn solutions to the growing markets of Industrial Thermal Protection, Defense and Fire Service industries. The acquisition of Pharr HP’s manufacturing capabilities and customer base provides further expertise and scale to Coats’ existing Personal Protection business — part of the Performance Materials segment. Coats will enhance Pharr HP’s performance by leveraging its extensive textile experience, strong industry connections, existing operational footprint in North America, and strong brand to deliver high performance solutions for its customers.

Rajiv Sharma, Coats’ group chief executive, said: “Pharr HP expands our existing manufacturing capabilities and widens our innovation offering to drive further penetration into the Personal Protection market. With Pharr HP we are acquiring deep expertise in technical yarn solutions helping us to create ever lighter, stronger and more comfortable yarns for the most extreme environments, protecting many of those who protect us. We will draw upon our strong track record of successfully integrating and growing bolt-on acquisitions, including Gotex and Patrick Yarn Mill which form an integral part of our Performance Materials business.”

Bill Carstarphen, CEO and president, Pharr, said: “It was very important to find the right buyer for our business. Coats is a global leader with a long, proven track record. It understands Pharr HP along with its commitment to its associates and communities so is a good fit which provides an excellent home. There will be great potential to collaborate by building on synergies to develop innovative products.”

Founded in 1939, Pharr HP has around 350 employees. In its latest financial year, annual sales were approximately $110 million. The acquisition is subject to certain regulatory approvals and is expected to complete in early 2020.

Posted November 26, 2019

Source: Coats

Simon Lancaster, Former Advanced Materials Lead At Apple, Joins Arris Composites To Unlock Future Of Consumer Products

BERKELEY, Calif. — November 22, 2019 — Arris Composites, the pioneering manufacturer of next-gen composites for mass market products, today announced the strategic hire of Simon Lancaster as head of Consumer Products. Lancaster will lead the team developing the next generation of consumer products for leading brands that will be manufactured with Arris Composites’ patent-pending Additive Molding™ Systems.

Prior to joining Arris, Lancaster spent the past 11 years at Apple, culminating in his role as Advanced Materials Lead and Product Design Architect. There he was responsible for spearheading materials and prototyping innovations to enable future generations of products. Lancaster was instrumental in the development of the 13″/15″ Macbook Pro with the touch bar, and the design of unreleased Apple products. He is a named inventor of over 40 patents, including several on the use of advanced composites for consumer electronics applications.

“I’m excited to join Arris because they have achieved the elusive capability of producing composites that meet the high-volume, high-performance needs of flagship products at some of the world’s leading companies,” said Lancaster. “As the Head of Consumer Products, I look forward to working with these leaders to make products that are smaller, stronger, stiffer, lighter – and that’s just the beginning of the conversation.”

Arris’ patent-pending Additive Molding technology combines 3D printing, industrial automation and aerospace-grade continuous fiber composites to unlock high-performance materials at scale. The Arris team is comprised of industry leaders from 3D printing, composites and conventional high-volume manufacturing, including engineers and material scientists who worked for iconic companies including Tesla, Apple, Audi, Toray, Autodesk and Siemens.

“Simon is an amazing fit for Arris due to a rare and valuable skill: he can identify what’s next in manufacturing and materials and apply those insights to stunning product designs. Simon has a combination of incredible technical depth, a bird’s-eye view of product development and the creativity to make the important connections,” said Ethan Escowitz, founder and CEO of Arris Composites. “His vision and deep expertise building the world’s most recognizable products make him the perfect person to steer our efforts and collaborate with our customers to bring high-performance composites to market.”

Posted November 22, 2019

Source: Arris Composites

Champion® Athleticwear Launches Bold New Collaboration With Coca-Cola®

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — November 22, 2019 — Today, Champion Athleticwear, makers of authentic athletic apparel since 1919, launched a limited-edition capsule collection, Champion X Coca-Cola, in collaboration with Coca-Cola. The brands have come together to create a unique design story expressed through bold, colorful and unexpected logo placements inspired by archived artwork. The high-energy collection, which spans men’s and women’s apparel as well as accessories including hats, socks, slides and bags, is currently available at Champion’s six retail stores in major cities across the country and at Champs Sports and Foot Locker stores in the U.S. and Canada as well as Eastbay.com, Champion.com and Footaction stores nationwide.

Known for being fresh tastemakers in their respective industries, the collaboration is a natural alignment for both Champion and Coca-Cola as they continue to promote self-expression within the fabric of popular culture. The capsule collection celebrates the unmistakable logos of both brands with reimagined vibrant color schemes and designs inspired by American heritage as well as the classic Coca-Cola bottle for a modern flare that resonates with today’s consumers.

“We are excited to partner with a world-beloved brand like Coca-Cola on this collection that resonates across cultures and personalities,” said David Robertson, director Champion Brand Marketing. “Consumers have grown up drinking Coca-Cola and wearing Champion, leading us to create designs that inspire nostalgia while being on the cutting edge of style. Coca-Cola is the latest brand partnership in Champion’s growing portfolio of collaborations that have pushed design boundaries while never wavering from our core commitment to top quality, highly functional products.”

Motivated by the richness of Coca-Cola’s 1980’s era brandmarks and the decade’s primary, colorful trends, the Champion design team created a disruptive collection that is completely unique from all other Coca-Cola collaborations to-date. Staple silhouettes such as Reverse Weave® feature elevated finishes, including high gloss glass bottle artwork, intricate embroidery and classic chenille touches for dimensionality. The collection strikes the perfect balance of on-trend visual expression paired with bold design. The classic, clean apparel art harking back to the 80’s vibe adds an authentic feel to styles including joggers, crop sweatshirts, tees, hoodies and dresses that incorporate color blocking and unexpected logo placement for a truly blended look. Styles range in colors from the classic Coca-Cola red and white to pops of yellow, green, fuchsia and blue.

“Collaborating with our friends at Champion was an obvious choice,” said Becky Anderson, Senior Licensing Manager for The Coca-Cola Company. “This collection brings to life some of the things people love about both of our brands – vibrant color, self-expression and fun.”

Posted November 22, 2019

Source: Champion Athleticwear

NIKE Inc. Invests In Handsfree Labs Inc. — Strategic Investment Strengthens Nike’s Leadership In Footwear Innovation

BEAVERTON, Ore. — November 20, 2019 — NIKE Inc. today announced a strategic investment in and exclusive intellectual property licensing partnership with Handsfree Labs Inc., a pioneer in hands-free footwear technology. The technology enables consumers to step in and out of shoes more easily without lacing or the use of hands.

“Our partnership with Handsfree builds on Nike’s leadership in using innovative technology to meet consumer needs,” said Tom Clarke, Nike president of innovation. “Our Nike FlyEase platform is aimed at providing greater access to sport for all athletes, and we believe Handsfree’s ‘easy on and off’ technology has the potential to broaden and enhance this effort by removing barriers to play and making sport easier for more people.”

“Handsfree Labs is passionate about bringing the comfort and convenience of hands-free shoes to everyone, and our partnership with Nike accelerates this vision,” said Mike Pratt, founder and CEO of Handsfree Labs. “With Nike, we are reinventing the way people put on shoes, and we are proud to introduce the world to this significant footwear advancement.”

Posted November 22, 2019

Source: NIKE, Inc.

Pegasus Home Fashions Establishing Operations In Bamberg County, S.C.

COLUMBIA, S.C. — November 12, 2019 — Pegasus Home Fashions, a manufacturer and provider of bedding and home products, today announced plans to establish operations in Bamberg County. The $1.1 million investment is projected to create 113 new jobs.

Family-owned and-operated, Pegasus Home Fashions uses the latest materials and techniques to produce and distribute bed pillows, memory foam, bedspreads, blankets, sheet sets, pet beds and more.

Located at 1349 Locust Avenue in Denmark, S.C., Pegasus Home Fashions’ Bamberg County facility is the company’s first manufacturing and distribution operations in the Southeast.

Operations are already online. Individuals interested in joining the Pegasus Home Fashions team should visit the facility to apply in person.

“We are very excited to expand our business to Denmark and bring jobs to the Bamberg area, where we look forward to hiring more than a hundred people,” said Pegasus Home Fashions Owner Carmine Spinella. “We appreciate the support we have received from the SC Department of Commerce, SouthernCarolina Alliance and the local community, which have all created a pro-business environment.”

“When a company decides to move here, it confirms that Team South Carolina’s approach to attracting businesses and building a world-class workforce is working,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “We’re excited to welcome Pegasus Home Fashions to the South Carolina family and to celebrate the 113 new jobs this investment will bring to Bamberg County.”

“Companies come to our state and invest in our people because of all South Carolina has to offer, and we’re excited to see what the future holds for Pegasus Home Fashions in Bamberg County,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.

“Pegasus Home Fashions will bring investment and jobs to Bamberg County, and we are delighted that we have the workforce that can support manufacturing operations as diverse as this textile operation, aerospace, advanced composites and agribusiness,” said Bamberg County Councilman Evert Comer. “It’s a great day for Bamberg County to welcome this fine company.”

“Denmark welcomes this new industry, and we look forward to creating the best business environment for their manufacturing,” said City of Denmark Mayor Gerald Wright. “The people of our town thank Mr. Spinella and Pegasus for the 113 new jobs and economic stimulation in our community.”

“SouthernCarolina Alliance and Bamberg County salute Carmine Spinella and his team on choosing their new location, where manufacturing is appreciated and thrives,” said SouthernCarolina Alliance President and CEO Danny Black. “Pegasus Home Fashions will be an asset to our regional industrial community, and we look forward to working with them for years to come.”

Posted November 22, 2019

Source: South Carolina Office of the Governor

Boat Builder Pamlico Yachtworks To Invest $12 Million In Beaufort County, NC

RALEIGH, N.C. — November 12, 2019 — Pamlico Yachtworks, a boat manufacturer, will create 207 jobs in Beaufort County, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest $12 million to operate a manufacturing facility in Washington.

“Pamlico Yachtworks is the newest addition to North Carolina’s manufacturing reputation and tradition,” said Governor Cooper. “I support the people of Beaufort County and I know they are prepared to enhance this growing business with their expertise and hard work.”

Pamlico Yachtworks is the new manufacturing division of MJM Yachts, a powerboat company that has been building yachts since 2002. The advanced design and engineering of MJM Yachts makes their market leading express yachts durable, easy to drive, and fuel efficient.

“North Carolina’s talented workforce will continue to attract growing companies,” said North Carolina Commerce Secretary Anthony M. Copeland. “With the largest manufacturing workforce in the Southeast and a great business climate, manufacturers know North Carolina is a great place to do business.”

The North Carolina Department of Commerce led the state’s support for the company’s decision.

Although wages will vary depending on the position, the average for all new positions could reach up to $45,637. The current average annual wage in Beaufort County is $37,611.

Pamlico Yachtworks’ project in Washington 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 $432 million. Using a formula that takes into account the new tax revenues generated by the new jobs, the JDIG agreement authorizes the potential reimbursement to the company of up to $1,712,000 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. 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.

“This is a great day for Beaufort County,” said N.C. Senator Erica D. Smith. “Our talented boat manufacturing workforce is ready to support their new operations for many years to come.”

“This is great news for Beaufort County and Eastern NC that Pamlico Yachtworks has elected to locate their boat building business in Beaufort County,” said N.C. Representative Keith Kidwell. “Beaufort County has many people and a long history of building quality boats and we welcome another partner in that market. They will be bringing 207 jobs that we certainly need and will be able to fill quickly.”

In addition to North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, other key partners in the project include the North Carolina General Assembly, North Carolina Community College System, Beaufort County Commissioners, Beaufort County Economic Development, Washington Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce, Beaufort County Committee of 100, City of Washington and Stocks & Taylor Construction.

Posted November 22, 2019

Source: North Carolina Office of the Governor

 

Luwa Announces Major New Industrial Climate Control Innovation

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — November 21, 2019 — Luwa Air Engineering, part of the Nederman Group, has announced a major development to its DigiControl suite of air engineering controls. DigiControl 7 is the latest in a line of market-leading systems from the company.

Renowned for its quality and performance in the control of textile air conditioning and filtration, Luwa has now produced a combination of hardware, software and cloud services to move industrial environments to a new level.

DigiControl 7 is capable of precisely controlling industrial environments with minimal human intervention. Specifically, spinning and weaving operations with natural fibers will be closely maintained for maximum yield and quality.

Luwa’s integration with Nederman allows it to leverage its parent company’s innovative Insight remote monitoring platform. Insight brings real-time oversight to production and filtration operations, integrating sensor data across the cloud. In addition, Insight can produce predictive notifications to operators and maintenance teams so that unplanned downtime is minimized.

Ulf Mattison, CEO of Luwa stated: “Our strength is the coordination of equipment, control and applications knowledge. DigiControl 7 builds on that strength with top-class controls technology and IoT solutions.”

Posted November 22, 2019

Source: Luwa Air Engineering, part of the Nederman Group

Shaw Showcases Sustainability Efforts At Greenbuild

DALTON, Ga. — November 22, 2019 — For the third year in a row, Shaw Industries Group, Inc. hosted an Education Lab as part of the annual USGBC Greenbuild conference and expo in addition to showcasing a test installation of an innovative new trade show carpet product and highlighting the sustainability focuses of the company’s Patcraft, Shaw Contract and Shaw Floors Builder Group brands.

Shaw offered five CEU-credit approved education sessions in its Education Lab. The sold-out sessions provided fresh thinking and continuing education opportunities for approximately 500 attendees. Featured speakers included subject matter experts from The International WELL™ Building Institute, Health Care Without Harm, Purpose Built Communities, Enterprise Community Partners, Veneklasen Associates, Greystar, Center for Active Design and the University of Georgia’s New Materials Institute in addition to Shaw.

Echoing the U.S. Green Building Council’s commitment to sustainable and resilient communities and cities, Shaw’s participation in Greenbuild centered on highlighting best practices and lessons learned in specific sectors – including affordable housing, health care, multifamily and residential housing.

“The spaces where we learn, create, and come together to solve our greatest challenges have a significant impact on wellbeing,” noted Susan Farris, vice president sustainability and corporate communications at Shaw Industries. “That’s why at Shaw we’re keenly focused on the ingredients that go into our products and the impacts of sound, moisture and other design elements on people in addition to global challenges like climate change and ocean plastics.”

The conference provided an opportunity for various Shaw brands to showcase their sustainability efforts, including:

  • Shaw Contract debuting its 2 Degrees sustainability journal;
  • Patcraft releasing its sustainability themed Idea Book;
  • Healthy Home market insights from the Shaw Floors team; and
  • Shaw Specialty Markets unveiling its innovative, new trade show carpet COMFOR3T™.

“We are proud to be a part of Greenbuild again,” Susan Farris continued. “At Shaw, we work closely with a large network of partners and organizations to help us continue to take the next step forward, across every element of our sustainability strategy to support the wellbeing of people and the planet.”

Posted November 22, 2019

Source: Shaw Industries Group Inc.

 

Trivantage® Launches Marine Upholstery Collection

GLEN RAVEN, N.C.— November 22, 2019 — Trivantage®, a one-stop shop for fabrics, hardware, and accessories, has launched the Marine Upholstery Collection, a curated line of products designed to provide the best selection of fabric options for any marine upholstery project.

“Trivantage takes pride in its marine product offerings,” said Katelyn Bell, product launch specialist. “Every day, we meet the need of boaters, marine fabricators, and manufacturers who require trusted performance and superior design for boating applications, and our Marine Upholstery Collection is designed with those needs in mind.”

From new, top-of-the-line fabrics to trusted and proven brands, products included in the Marine Upholstery Collection were specifically chosen because they meet or exceed industry performance standards, including durability, colorfastness, cleanability, and comfort. Whether fabric is being used for helm seats, sofa cushions, or dining chairs, the collection’s fabric options are available in an extensive range of prices, colors, patterns, and textures to satisfy any customer need.

The effects of the sun, sea spray and rain are no match for the Marine Upholstery Collection, meaning fabrics maintain their look and feel for years on the water:

  • Sunbrella Horizon™ – Best-in-Class Marine Industry Game-Changer, New Sunbrella Horizon engineered synthetic leather (ESL) brings unparalleled style, comfort, and performance to the water. Crafted to meet the brand standards of artistry, craftsmanship, and performance, Sunbrella Horizon features a five-year general product warranty and industry-leading three-year warranty against microbial pink staining. The product has a proprietary topcoat ensuring enhanced cleanability and extended life. It is also designed with four-way stretch, allowing for easy marine upholstering, as well as excellent stretch and recovery, providing long-term comfort and performance.
  • Causeway™ – Best Value Option Exclusive to Trivantage, Causeway  balances comfort and performance in marine upholstery. Featuring a polycarbonate- based top coating, Causeway offers ease of cleanability and extended performance, comes with a three-year warranty, and is offered in 16 embossed colors.
  • Seaquest – Time-Tested and Proven – A proven marine upholstery product with a
leatherlike appearance, Seaquest is offered in 29
colors all embossed with a leatherlike pattern. Seaquest is durable, marine grade upholstery fabric that protects against UV rays, water, mildew, stains, and abrasion.
  • Nautolex® Capitano™ – Best Quality Entry-Level Option – A standard in the marine industry for years offering a balance between value and performance, Nautolex Capitano marine fabric is water-repellent and resists bacteria, mildew, and fading. Capitano is a durable marine upholstery fabric with 100% polyester-filament backing and comes in 28 colors, all featuring a lightly embossed pattern.

Posted November 22, 2019

Source: Trivantage

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