Extraction Technology Pioneer KEMPER Increases Turnover By 11.5 Percent

VREDEN, Germany — February 7, 2020 — KEMPER GmbH has closed the business year 2019 with a record result. The turnover increased by about 11.5 percent compared to the previous year. The manufacturer of extraction units and filter systems thus once again exceeded the previous sales record from 2018. Growth was driven in particular by the markets in Southern Europe, Great Britain and after-sales service. KEMPER has already set the structural course for further growth and is looking positively at the development in the coming years. In the course of a personnel increase in all business areas, the number of employees in 2019 will rise by 13 percent to more than 400.

“In the past fiscal year, we once again significantly strengthened our international market position,” said Björn Kemper, CEO. “The demand for effective occupational safety in metalworking continues to grow — and KEMPER is responding to the increasing demand with smart solutions”.

Booming international business

One of the success factors is the strong European business. In the UK, the manufacturer has been benefiting from stricter health and safety regulations since February 2019, which is fuelling demand for welding fume extraction systems. This is due to the reclassification of welding fumes by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). It no longer only classifies hazardous substances as carcinogenic when welding stainless steel, but also when welding mild steel. KEMPER has the world’s most comprehensive portfolio of extraction systems for protection against carcinogenic welding fumes.

Last year, the manufacturer from the Münsterland region founded a subsidiary in Russia, repositioned its original equipment manufacturer (OEM) business and strengthened all business areas with new personnel. Sales also increased significantly in the services segment, in particular thanks to the restructured after-sales services. With Frederic Lanz, a proven welding technology expert and industry insider joined the KEMPER management team, who has been actively shaping the development of the company since January 2019.

Further growth targeted

“The course is set for further growth in the coming years – both structurally and in terms of personnel”, says Frederic Lanz, Managing Director Marketing & Sales at KEMPER. “Our solutions offer significant added value beyond pure extraction”. This is exemplified by the new KEMPERbeats extraction hood with integrated Bluetooth speaker.

In addition, the continuing shortage of skilled workers and increasing health awareness among welders remain important growth engines for KEMPER. Metalworking companies are increasingly focusing on “soft” factors when recruiting employees, such as a pleasant working atmosphere and a healthy working environment. This sends positive signals to applicants. “Discussions with our customers show quite clearly: clean factory buildings and a high level of occupational safety are an absolute must”, says Lanz.

Posted February 7, 2020

Source: KEMPER GmbH

Technical Textile Producer RÖKONA Trusts In Technology Made By BRÜCKNER

LEONBERG, Germany — February 7, 2020 — Shortly after the end of World War II, Gerhard Rösch established in 1949 with only one knitting machine the textile company Gerhard Rösch GmbH in Tübingen in the South of Germany. At that time the company produced mainly sleepwear textiles for ladies and polo shirts as well as men’s shirts. With the foundation of RÖKONA GmbH & Co. KG in 1963, the company established itself also as innovative textile producer beyond the clothing industry and provided very soon well-known automotive manufacturers with technical textile solutions. Today RÖKONA develops and produces a wide range of demanding textiles for the complete mobility sector as well as for industrial applications, from building protection to medical textiles and cut protection for forest workers.

Flexibility and high process safety are basic prerequisites for a successful and customer-oriented production. Equally important is an efficient machine park. For more than 40 years RÖKONA trusts in BRÜCKNER lines for the finishing of their high-quality textiles. The German textile machinery producer supplies not only tailor-made lines for textile finishing but also the necessary technology. In narrow cooperation with the customer BRÜCKNER develops the perfect solution for any application and for any process. The successful partnership of both family-run companies was continued and confirmed just recently with the commissioning of another extremely wide stenter system. In cooperation with the customer’s project team several fabric paths within the line have been planned to allow the finishing with low tension of RÖKONA’s many different fabric types.

In front of the tenter is a drum washing machine with a newly developed impregnation padder. This prevents as far as possible excess residual liquor. A straightening unit with intelligent drive system in the entry of the tenter provides for a precise fabric flow without bow and diagonal distortions. The temperature homogeneity in the interior of the stenter is extremely high over the complete dryer length and width. This is due on the one hand to the alternating arrangement of the heating sources every 1.5 meters and on the other hand to the sophisticated air circulating system of the BRÜCKNER tenter. The absolutely homogeneous heat-setting ensures the highest possible fabric quality.

The newly developped non-lub tenter chain provides for clearly less maintenance and less costs for the customer. Further cost savings are provided by installed sensors minimizing the energy required by the process and energetically optimized fan motors. For a traceable management and control of the production the line is connected via a data interface to the customer’s ERP system. At the end of the new 6-chamber line the fabric is wound up nearly without tension on a dyebeam thanks to a highly sensitive dancer control. This is extremely important for RÖKONA to achieve an absolutely homogeneous and equal dyeing of the fabric.

RÖKONA is also very active in the field of sustainability and environmental protection. The recently commissioned line is together with all other tenters connected to a regenerative post-combustion system integrated into the district heating system of the municipality of Tübingen. The hot exhaust air of the tenter is first thermally cleaned and is then used for the heating of water which is supplied directly to the public utility network. This saves every year approx. 350.000 l of fuel oil.

Regina Brückner, owner of the textile machinery producer BRÜCKNER located in Leonberg, is particularly happy about this successful project between RÖKONA and the public utility of Tübingen. “It is good to see our customers breaking new ground and continuously optimizing their processes. In order to be successful in today’s world and to be able to withstand increasingly tough competition in the future, we urgently need a sustainable business policy.”

Posted February 7, 2020

Source: Brückner Textile Technologies GmbH & Co. KG

Lise Aangeenbrug To Lead Outdoor Industry Association

BOULDER, Colo. — February 6, 2020 — Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is excited to announce Lise Aangeenbrug as its new executive director. Aangeenbrug is currently the executive director of the Outdoor Foundation, OIA’s philanthropic arm that focuses on getting kids and families outside. The OIA Board of Directors and an executive search committee, guided by Koya Leadership Partners, spent six months vetting and interviewing candidates. They connected with almost 400 potential candidates, conducted more than 50 interviews and spent many hours in discussion and deliberation. Aangeenbrug’s proven history with building collaborative relationships, her success with driving engagement and collective action and her clear vision for the power and purpose of Outdoor Industry Association earned her unanimous approval following the final round of interviews.

Aangeenbrug joined the Outdoor Foundation in early 2018 and transformed its work to provide multi-year capacity building grants to underserved communities. Outdoor Foundation’s Thrive Outside Community grant program launched in 2019 in four pilot communities: Atlanta, Oklahoma City, Grand Rapids and San Diego. In each community, the Thrive Outside approach connects existing organizations — including the Trust for Public Land, YMCA, Boys & Girls Clubs, local nonprofits, local school systems and local leaders — to create repeat and reinforcing outdoor experiences that are unique and culturally relevant to each community’s local kids and families.

“Lise’s strategic vision, conservation expertise and track record of coalition building make her the right leader to move the outdoor industry’s important work forward,” said Nora Stowell, OIA Board chair and fabric sales and marketing divisional leader at W.L. Gore & Associates. “Time and again, Lise has proven that collaboration creates action and cements positive change.”

“OIA has a unique role around bringing together voices and ideas to support thriving outdoor businesses, to empower and build thriving outdoor communities and to ensure a thriving planet,” said Aangeenbrug. “This is a dream job, and I am excited to collaborate with the outdoor industry and other organizations to build a big tent that leads to powerful action.”

“Lise’s role as executive director of OIA will further strengthen the work of and partnership with the Outdoor Foundation and its mission,” said Jen Mull Neuhaus, Outdoor Foundation Board chair. “For the health and wellbeing of people, communities and the outdoor industry, it has never been more important to get Americans outside.”

Before joining the Outdoor Foundation, Aangeenbrug was the executive vice president of the National Park Foundation (NPF), playing a key role in the organization’s strategic plan and direction. Prior to that, she served as executive director of the Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) Trust Fund. In that capacity, she was responsible for the overall management and operation of Colorado’s constitutionally chartered fund which benefits the state’s rivers, trails, parks and open spaces. Her experience includes working with a 17-member governor-appointed board, grant-making, managing an 18-member staff, fundraising and governmental affairs.

Aangeenbrug began her career in natural resources as a field biologist in the Maasai Mara Game Reserve and has held positions as a presidential management fellow with the U.S. Department of the Interior and the California Department of Fish and Game. She earned her master’s degree from the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies and her bachelor’s degree from St. Lawrence University. Aangeenbrug is a board member of the Land Trust Alliance, Resources Legacy Fund and Global Dental Relief.

Aangeenbrug will start her position as executive director of OIA in March after a thorough transition from her role at the Outdoor Foundation. She will remain as president of the Outdoor Foundation when she moves to OIA, and the foundation will start a search for a new executive director to continue the momentum of the important work to increase outdoor participation.

Posted February 6, 2020

Source: Outdoor Industry Association

Freudenberg Completes Sale Of South American Hygiene Business

JACAREÍ, Brazil — February 6, 2020 — Freudenberg, the global technology group, completed the sale of its South American Hygiene nonwoven business to Fitesa effective from February 6, 2020. The relevant antitrust authorities approved the transaction. Freudenberg sees the sale of the hygiene business as the best opportunity for it to succeed over time. Fitesa is a main supplier of nonwovens to the global hygiene market. Both parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price.

Background information

Freudenberg has had success in Brazil with nonwovens for the regional South American hygiene market since 1985. However, over the past few years, the hygiene market has shifted from a regional market to a global one. “Fitesa is geared to the global hygiene market. Under this set up, our current regional business can perform better and grow long-term in the new structures,” said Dr. Frank Heislitz, CEO Freudenberg Performance Materials. “We are very happy to have found a reputable global player in the hygiene business with Fitesa, which has similar values to Freudenberg. This will be a good new home for our staff.”

“Acquiring Freudenberg’s South American hygiene business gives us a state-of-the-art production facility, as well as a professional and well-trained workforce, to help us better serve the needs of our customers,” stated Silverio Baranzano, CEO of Fitesa.

The sale is limited to the hygiene business, run by Freudenberg Hygiene Brazil Ltda. The company has 100 employees.

The sale does not affect Freudenberg Performance Materials’ Brazilian and other South American businesses in apparel, shoe and leather sectors.

In the future, the company will be an innovative solution partner for customers in nine global market segments: apparel, automotive, building interiors, construction, energy, filter media, healthcare, shoe and leather goods, as well as special applications.

Posted February 6, 2020

Source: Freudenberg Performance Materials Holding SE & Co. KG

Jones Family Of Companies Partners With OHHiO Braid

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — February 6, 2020 — Jones Family of Companies is excited to announce our partnership with Ohhio. Ohhio began as the accidental brainchild of Anna Marinenko. When Marinenko stumbled upon a skein of merino wool, it was creative love at first sight. She decided to attempt knitting with the chunky yarn using her arms instead of needles and a new trend was born.

Founded in December of 2015, Ohhio created a Kickstarter campaign to launch its business and bring their distinct chunky knit to the mainstream audience. Since its inception, Ohhio has expanded from a one-person operation to a thriving team of twenty.

Jones Family of Companies will take care of the production of the vegan Ohhio yarn in its Humboldt, Tenn., plant. The team of Ohhio posted the following on its Facebook page: “We have a partnership with the great team of Jones Family of Companies. Since the first day we met, we felt like we’ve landed in the right place with like minded people. Let our journey begin.”

“After four years of operating in Ukraine, we realized we needed our production to be closer to our primary market,” said Pavel Maryanenko with Ohhio. “We believe that producing and shipping products within the U.S. moves us forward toward sustainable production. Cutting out the middlemen allows us to be more competitive and more ecological because there is less transportation involved overall.”

Jones Family of Companies looks forward to bringing many more companies to their Humboldt facility, opening opportunities to partner for success. Senior Vice President Andrew Dailey said, “The model we are developing broadens the avenues for extending Jones’ employment reach in West Tennessee. The pursuit of these relationships maximizes Jones’ assets and expands our business base.”

Posted February 6, 2020

Source: Jones Family of Companies

Hanesbrands Extends Successful Dreamwire Bra Innovation To Bali Brand To Address Consumers’ Top Bra Complaints

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — February 6, 2020 — HanesBrands is adding its successful DreamWire bra innovation into its third brand with the launch of Bali One Smooth U DreamWire collection that features no poke, no dig bra comfort.

The introduction of the Bali One Smooth U DreamWire collection provides more coverage for full-figured women and uses DreamWire’s encased and cushioned underwire that lies flat against the body to provide comfortable support.

“Two of the top consumer bra complaints are related to the discomfort caused by traditional underwire bras,” said Maria Teza, HanesBrands’ vice president and general manager for bras, including Bali intimate apparel. “We listened, and by expanding the DreamWire technology to Bali, we’re providing our full-figured consumers with an alternative that offers comfort without sacrificing support. DreamWire comfort has been very popular with our Hanes T-shirt bras and Maidenform pushup bras.”

The Bali One Smooth U DreamWire bras, which are now arriving at major retailers, offer sizes up to 42DD. The addition of the company’s smooth, silky fabric and fully adjustable stretch straps designed to stay in place provide a clean sculpted look to fit each woman’s unique body and eliminate ride-up.

Other benefits include a stitch-free neckline, all-around smoothing and support, and touches of lace detail at the center front and back for a feminine feel. The bras are offered in four basic colors — white, nude, black and gloss (lavender) — and two fashion colors — blue whimsy and blackberry jam.

Since HanesBrands introduced the DreamWire technology in its Hanes and Maidenform brands in 2019, consumers have responded positively.

Within the first six months of launch in June 2019, Hanes’ No Poke No Pinch DreamWire T-shirt bra became one of the top-10 best-selling styles within the brand’s bra assortment. The Maidenform Love the Lift DreamWire Push-Up bra become one of the brand’s top-10 styles within the first few weeks after launching in the fall of 2019.

“Building on the success of Hanes and Maidenform, Bali’s line extension continues to deliver on the company’s Innovate to Elevate strategy by providing imitate apparel that caters to the specific needs of all women,” Teza said. “We are excited to provide solution-driven technologies with styles made to create the perfect combination of versatility, support and comfort.”

HanesBrands differentiates fit, feel and fabric features across brands to cater to a wide range of consumers. The company’s innovation strategy leverages the capabilities of its large-scale global supply chain and brand strength to offer enhanced products at an accessible price.

Bali One Smooth U DreamWire, which retails for $44, is available nationwide in Kohl’s, Macy’s, JC Penney and other department stores, as well as online at OneHanesPlace and Amazon.

Posted February 6, 2020

Source: HanesBrands

Under Armour Announces Colin Browne As COO And Paul Fipps As Chief Experience Officer

BALTIMORE — February 5, 2020 — Under Armour Inc. today announced that Colin Browne has been appointed COO and Paul Fipps has been named chief experience officer (CXO), a newly created position. Effective February 17, both positions will report directly to president and CEO Patrik Frisk.

“Both Colin and Paul are proven leaders who have played significant roles in Under Armour’s ongoing strategic and operational transformation,” said Frisk. “As we continue work to instill greater efficiency and discipline across the brand to enable deeper connections with consumers, these leadership appointments further advance our ability to successfully execute against our long-term strategies.”

“As a seasoned expert and trusted leader who consistently delivers results, Colin is uniquely qualified to drive even greater strategic prioritization, productivity and accountability within Under Armour,” Frisk continued. “With his laser-focus on operational excellence, I have tremendous confidence in his ability to execute against a state of continuous improvement with a keen eye on applying industry-leading best practices across our business.”

Frisk added, “Paul’s appointment as CXO, a newly created position, is an important milestone for Under Armour as it underscores our desire to unify, elevate and truly harness the power and intersection of product, brand and experience. As the chief architect for designing a seamless and holistic consumer experience and implementing a consumer-led digital strategy, he will work to ensure that our operational framework is advancing with the preferences of our increasingly sophisticated consumers.”

COO Colin Browne

As COO, Browne has responsibility for the company’s supply chain and sourcing operations, demand planning, distribution, information technology, business process management, corporate real estate, asset protection and sustainability. Browne previously served as the company’s Chief Supply Chain Officer from 2017 to 2020 with responsibility for all global operations related to product sourcing and logistics after joining in 2016 as President of Global Sourcing. Prior to that, he was Vice President and Managing Director of Supply Chain at VF Corporation where he led all aspects of the company’s sourcing and product supply organization in Asia and Africa. Before VF Corporation, Browne was the Executive Vice President of Footwear and Accessories at Li & Fung, CEO of Pentland Brands in Asia, and held senior leadership positions at Reebok and Bally.

CXO Paul Fipps

As CXO, Fipps is responsible for the company’s overall consumer experience and digital strategy including its global retail and eCommerce business, Connected Fitness platform, software engineering, customer relationship management, human performance and data science functions. Previously, he served as Chief Digital Officer from 2018 through 2020 with responsibility for global eCommerce, digital products, software engineering, large-scale technology investments and Under Armour’s Connected Fitness business, and as Chief Technology Officer from 2017 through 2018, with responsibility for overseeing all aspects of the company’s web and mobile applications, engineering and information technology. Prior to this role, he served as the company’s Chief Information Officer and Executive Vice President of Global Operations after joining Under Armour in 2014 as Senior Vice President of Global Operations. Before Under Armour, Fipps held several leadership roles at Breakthru Beverage Group including Chief Information Officer and Corporate Vice President of Business Services. He holds a B.S. and MBA from the University of Baltimore, is a graduate of The Wharton School’s Advanced Management Program and is a U.S. Army veteran.

Posted February 6, 2020

Source: Under Armour Inc.

Sappi North America Releases Educational Materials For Creatives And Marketers In Fashion Industry

BOSTON — February 6, 2020 — Sappi North America Inc., today announced the launch of Verticals: Fashion Marketing, the second installment of the company’s educational series for marketers, ahead of New York Fashion Week. The new guide focuses on the fashion industry and highlights successful marketing and promotional approaches used by leading brands.

Sappi’s Verticals series dives into individual markets serviced by the company while examining the unique challenges, traditions and idiosyncrasies each faces when communicating with target audiences. Sappi tackled The Marketing of Higher Education in the first part of the series, and now is taking a close look at the world of fashion.

“Sappi takes pride in creating resources that designers, marketers and creatives can leverage when they are looking for inspiration. With retail and fashion changing so quickly, we knew that this was the next industry to cover through Verticals and we are proud to release it during one of the most important weeks for the industry,” said Patti Groh, Director of Marketing Communications, Sappi North America. “Nearly every part of our business touches the fashion industry — from our high-quality paper for magazines, catalogs and print advertising, our packaging offerings for shopping bags and boxes, our dissolving wood pulp used to create sustainable fabrics to our release textures for handbags, apparel and footwear — we hope our research and expertise provide inspiration for luxury marketers.”

Printed on Sappi’s premium McCoy paper, “Fashion Marketing” dives into current marketing trends like micro-influencers, sustainability, omnichannel shopping, mass customization, and premium brand experiences. Much of the resource is devoted to case studies on how leading brands are setting themselves apart through innovative approaches to consumer marketing. Finally, Sappi showcases how print remains a vital part of the marketing mix with examples of special effects that evoke the tactile side of fashion.

Verticals: Fashion Marketing was named a finalist for the 2020 PPI Awards in the Bringing Paper to Life category, which recognizes campaigns that utilize print and paper in innovative ways to inspire end users.

Posted February 6, 2020

Source: Sappi North America Inc.

Peter ter Horst Appointed CEO Teijin Aramid

ARNHEM, the Netherlands — February 6, 2020 — Teijin Aramid, manufacturer of aramid high performance fibers with production locations in the Netherlands, Thailand and Japan, announced today the appointment of Peter ter Horst as the company’s new president and CEO effective April 1, 2020. Ter Horst succeeds Gert Frederiks who will continue in an advisory role before retiring one year later after a long and impressive career at Teijin.

Peter ter Horst joined Teijin Aramid in 2006 and brings a lot of relevant experience to his new role as CEO. He has held the position of CFO at the company since 2011 and held strategy and controller positions previously.

Teijin Aramid is part of the Japanese Teijin Group, and is a major business driver as part of Teijin’s Materials business.

“I am honored to follow the footsteps of Gert, and thank him for his leadership the past decade. I have been privileged to work together with him in building the business to where we are today. We continue to reinforce our customer’s businesses and create high-performance products that are stronger, lighter and more durable. I am excited to work together with all our customers worldwide. I also look forward to working with all the talents within the Teijin Group and Teijin Aramid, our partners and suppliers to reach our ambitions for stable growth and our never ceasing contribution to a sustainable world,” said Peter ter Horst, CEO Teijin Aramid as of April.

Gert Frederiks and Peter ter Horst worked closely together in creating a solid platform for business growth since the early 2010’s. During this period, Ter Horst led continuous improvements within the company focusing on cost leadership and investments in new technologies, products and capacity. This laid the foundation of current solid business performance and opportunities for further growth. As a result, Teijin recently announced production capacity increase in Delfzijl and Emmen, in the Netherlands, contributing to 25% targeted capacity increase between 2017-2022.

Ter Horst succeeds Gert Frederiks, who took the helm of Teijin Aramid in 2010. Gert Frederiks says: “Peter has demonstrated great leadership within the company and his appointment is a testimony to Teijin’s sustainable growth ambitions. I wish Peter every success as President & CEO, strengthening our competitive position and further growth of Teijin Aramid.”

In addition to the appointment of Peter ter Horst as President and CEO, Erik Delnoij, director marketing and sales, and Ton de Weijer, director new business, will join Ter Horst as corporate officers at Teijin Ltd. as of April 1, 2020. As corporate officers they will become part of Teijin Ltd.’s top executive management.

Posted February 6, 2020

Source: Teijin Aramid

Gelest BIOSAFE® Antimicrobial Technology Selected By National Wiper Alliance For Its QUAT KEEPER™ Foodservice Towels

MORRISVILLE, Pa. — February 6, 2020 — Gelest Inc., the manufacturer of BIOSAFE® Antimicrobials, announced today that National Wiper Alliance — a converter of custom nonwoven towels for medical, food service, and aerospace applications — has selected BIOSAFE antimicrobial technology to enhance its newly introduced QUAT KEEPER™ Foodservice Towels.

A study[1] by NSF International found that 75 percent of kitchen towels were contaminated with bacteria compared to only 9 percent of bathroom handles. Damp towels with trapped food residue create ideal environments for bacteria, mold, and fungi to grow.  Sanitizing solutions, such as quaternary ammonium compounds, or Quat, can clean the towels but will not protect them against growth of odor-causing bacteria and mold during use.

Another growing concern for food service establishments, all-natural towels are highly desirable, but they are known Quat depletors. The towels can cause Quat levels in sanitizing solutions to suddenly drop below the mandated level, which can result in serious food sanitation and safety issues.

“Gelest and NWA joined forces and successfully developed a simple solution that provides towels with antimicrobial protection and mitigates against Quat depletion,” said Ken Gayer, CEO of Gelest. “We are proud NWA chose our industry-leading BIOSAFE antimicrobial technology for its new QUAT KEEPER™ Foodservice Towels.”

BIOSAFE antimicrobial technology is highly effective and safe to use with minimal potential risk of creating adaptive resistant microorganisms. This technology is EPA-approved and has FDA exemption as well as NSF certification for food contact applications.

“We selected Gelest’s BIOSAFE antimicrobial technology because Gelest is the industry leader in developing antimicrobial technology for food contact uses,” said Jeff Slosman, president of NWA. “When converted with our proprietary process, the BIOSAFE-treated towels do not deplete Quat like the untreated towels do.”

QUAT KEEPER Foodservice Towels powered by BIOSAFE antimicrobial technology are available in a variety of colors and fiber blends, including all-natural, compostable fibers. Independent testing labs have shown that they are non-quat depleting and 99.9% cleaner than untreated towels during use. BIOSAFE-treated foodservice towels are available exclusively through NWA.

Disclaimer: NWA QUAT KEEPER Foodservice Towels do not protect users or others against bacteria, viruses, or disease organisms. Always follow all best practices for cleaning and sanitization.

[1] http://www.nsf.org/consumer-resources/studies-surveys-infographics/germ-studies/germiest-items-home

Posted February 6, 2020

Source: Gelest Inc.

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