Textile Associations Join Together For The Benefit Of Industry; Host Inaugural “Alphabet Soup” Shindig During Techtextil North America 2024

TW Special Report

Textile industry associations want the textile industry to know they are talking. With a desire to work more collaboratively on industry initiatives and events that are beneficial to all their respective members, 11 associations — Advanced Textiles Association (ATA), American Textile Machinery Association (ATMA), Americas Apparel Producers’ Network (AAPN), American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC), Association of the Nonwovens Fabrics Industry (INDA), the Nonwovens Institute (NWI), North American Linen Association (NALA), SEAMS – The Association & Voice of the U.S. Sewn Products Industry, Southern Textile Association (STA), Sewn Products Equipment and Suppliers of the Americas (SPESA), and Synthetic Yarn & Fabric Association (SYFA) — recently got together to discuss ways to benefit the industry.

“We all represent various segments of the textiles and sewn products industry,” said Maggie McDonald, vice president, Communications, SPESA. “But we all agree that collaboration and building on synergies is what will propel our industry into its next chapter.”

This “Alphabet Soup Collective,” as the group has affectionately named itself, was officially launched during Techtextil North America held in Raleigh August 20-22, 2024. One of the first ideas for the collective was to co-host a social event open to all members of the textile industry including current association members as well as non-members wanting to learn more. The result, the inaugural Alphabet Soup Shindig, was held at the Whiskey Kitchen in Raleigh, Wednesday, August 21, 2024. This first-of-its-kind, sold-out event gathered people from all aspects of the industry in one place at the same time to network, learn and collaborate. Attendance far exceeded expectations, illustrating a hunger for these types of cross-industry networking opportunities.

Twelve sponsors were instrumental in making the shindig happen, and the organizers are very grateful to these companies:

  • American & Efird;
  • Asheboro Elastics Corp. (AEC);
  • Baxter Mill Archives;
  • Better Than Found;
  • Coker & Associates;
  • Contempora Fabrics;
  • Danbartex;
  • Gribbin Strategic;
  • Itema America Inc.;
  • MajorSage Business Coaching;
  • MMI Textiles; and
  • North Carolina Textile Foundation at NC State University.

Ben Talbert, president and CEO of Greenville, S.C.-based Better Than Found Search Group, one of the event sponsors, said: “Better than Found Search Group (BTF) was proud to sponsor this event. A big thank you to Devin Steele with STA and Maggie McDonald with SPESA for putting together one of the best trade show social events I have attended. The textile community is a family, and this felt like our reunion.”

Organizers also shared the following event feedback posted on Linkedin by Graham Page, co-founder and president of iAtelier Corp. and principal at AlchemyX LLC. “That was hands down, the best industry networking event I have ever attended,” Page said. “Where else can you connect with the entire industry from start to finish, from fiber to retail? The energy was palpable. This sort of thinking is exactly what is needed in these difficult times in our broader industry. Innovation happens when you mix people and ideas to address big challenges. Kudos to the team that pulled this together.”

As McDonald noted: “Good people, good networking, good vibes, AND good weather. Doesn’t get much better.”

The Alphabet Soup Collective will continue its conversations as it looks for ways to collaborate, streamline events and gather the industry in productive, beneficial ways for all involved. Questions, suggestions, feedback and ideas all are welcomed.

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Association leaders who participated in the Alphabet Soup Collective meeting held during Techtextil North America.
The Alphabet Soup Collective held a meeting during Techtextil North America to continue talking about collaborative ways they can work together for the benefit of the industry as a whole.
The inaugural shindig gathered people from all aspects of the textile industry.
The evening event provided a venue for socializing and cross-industry conversations.

August 27, 2024

Swiftwick Marks A New Chapter With Brand Overhaul And Growing Leadership Team

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — August 27, 2024 — Swiftwick, a Nashville-based maker of performance socks for endurance athletes, unveiled a brand overhaul last week. The launch, which includes a new website, product packaging, capsule collection, and week-long series of event activations, marks a new chapter for the brand as it embarks on a new stage of growth.

“This rebrand is a celebration of the active lifestyles and endurance athletes that inspire us to continue innovating and improving,” said Mark Chou, CEO of Swiftwick. “Our new branding and mission reflects our dedication to empowering these athletes by delivering the best performance socks that inspire them to get out there and take on the next challenge.”

Swiftwick is returning to its roots with a sharpened focus on supporting the endurance athletes it has served since its founding 16 years ago, while maintaining the same commitment to American manufacturing they have always been known for. In addition to launching a new brand identity and website, the brand released a limited-edition Endurance Collection, whose net proceeds will be donated to support local run clubs in Nashville. Over the course of launch week, Swiftwick partnered with 5 run clubs to give away over 1,000 pairs of socks to athletes in the Nashville area. The company continues to invest in the local cycling community as well, through its support of long-time partner Oasis Bike Workshop.

Swiftwick has also continued building its team in preparation for this new chapter. In addition to bringing on former Away executive Mark Chou as CEO last year, Swiftwick has hired Katie Nguyen from Chaco to lead integrated marketing and James Osborne, who spent nearly two decades at Nike, to build the run specialty sales and community functions at the company.

Posted August 27, 2024

Source: Swiftwick

Motion To Open New Repair Shop In Houston

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — August 26, 2024 — Motion Industries Inc., a distributor of maintenance, repair and operation replacement parts, and a premier provider of industrial technology solutions, is pleased to announce a new Motion Repair & Services location at 10710 Sharmon Road, Houston, Texas 77038. The new shop, which is entirely dedicated to repair and services, is slated to open in September 2024.

The modern, well-equipped repair facility features a full suite of CNC and manual machine tools, lifting capacities to 30 tons, and state-of-the-art diagnostic and testing equipment within its 75,000 square feet. The space allows for receipt and cleaning of repairable assets physically separated from repair processes to facilitate best practices regarding contamination. Modern offices and ample conference space allow for customer meetings and training.

Factory-trained technicians focus on mechanical, fluid power, process pumps, packaged solutions and field services. The facility’s formal quality program and factory certifications for repair processes help to ensure that customers receive the best value.

“Our customers can access this single source for parts supply, repair and services from a world- class provider,” said Ed Van Hell, group vice president of Motion Repair & Services. “We hope those who have not done business with us yet will consider how beneficial this can be in time and value. We would welcome a conversation.”

“The services rendered from this new shop will enable Motion to deliver more holistically on our vision — to be the preferred industrial solutions provider,” said James Howe, Motion’s president. “The significant investment in this operation strengthens our overall value proposition and reflects our confidence in both our people and our commitment to serving the Houston market and beyond.”

The effort is expected to create new job opportunities for the community.

In addition to this new Houston facility, Motion operates more than 45 repair and service centers throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Posted: August 26, 2024

Source: Motion Repair & Services/Motion Industries Inc.

Bally Ribbon Mills Highlights Broad Product Line Of Medical Textiles And Fabrics

BALLY, PA — August 26, 2024 — Bally Ribbon Mills (BRM) — a designer, developer and manufacturer of highly specialized engineered woven fabrics — highlights its broad product line of medical textiles and fabrics ideal for use in cardiovascular, orthopedic and dental prosthetic applications.

BRM biomedical woven tube

Tubular prosthesis of medical textiles can become one with the repaired vessel over time and can provide less invasive options than operations like open heart surgery. BRM’s woven seamless tubular materials for stent and knitted grafts offer solutions for aortic repair and endoluminal devices. Other BRM cardiovascular textiles facilitate Trans Aortic Valve Replacement and Aseptal Defect repair.

BRM’s medical textiles also include woven tapes and webbing in flat fabrics, or straight or bifurcated tubular structures. Monofilament materials used in blood filtration, aspirating devices, and bone marrow transplants are also available. For materials used in the manufacture of dental prosthetic devices, BRM offers braided composite substrates.

BRM works closely with major manufacturers to help support medical device development due to its capability to go from prototype into full-scale production.

BRM manufactures medical textiles in a certified clean room to ensure cleanliness and quality and maintains the rigorous ISO 13485:2016 certification for the design and manufacture of medical devices. Additionally, medical textiles engineers, prototype weavers, and braiders at BRM work on a confidential basis to protect the intellectual property of customers.

Posted: August 26, 2024

Source: Bally Ribbon Mills (BRM)

ZymoChem Awarded $1.57 Million U.S. Department Of Defense Contract For Bioindustrial Manufacturing

SAN LEANDRO, Calif.  — August 26, 2024 — ZymoChem, the biotech company dedicated to creating sustainable materials for everyday products, today announced it has been selected as a recipient of the United States Department of Defense’s (DoD’s) Distributed Bioindustrial Manufacturing Program (DBIMP) award in the amount of $1.57 million. This selection underscores ZymoChem’s innovative approach to manufacturing bio-based ingredients and its potential to strengthen the domestic supply chain for critical materials.

The DBIMP, part of a broader initiative outlined in President Biden’s Executive Order 14081, aims to advance biotechnology and biomanufacturing innovation for a sustainable, safe, and secure American bioeconomy. ZymoChem’s selection for this program highlights the company’s alignment with national priorities to expand domestic production capabilities and bolster the bioindustrial manufacturing base here in the U.S.

ZymoChem will use the award to plan a bioproduction facility for biobased monomers used to fabricate military fabrics, tactical gear, parachute systems, aerospace materials, and other high-performance materials. Establishing domestic production of these monomers would reduce reliance on foreign supply chains.

Dr. Harshal Chokhawala, CEO and co-founder of ZymoChem, commented on the award: “We are honored to be selected for the DoD’s Distributed Bioindustrial Manufacturing Program. This recognition validates our mission to accelerate the transition to a real-zero economy through bio-based materials. Our proprietary Carbon Conserving (C2) technology platform enables the production of critical materials from renewable resources without compromising on performance, cost, or sustainability. This capability is crucial not only for everyday commercial products, but also for strengthening and domesticating vital supply chains for the government.”

“This award demonstrates our commitment to fortifying the American industrial base and national defense with breakthrough technology for the 21st century and beyond,” said Dr. Peter Emanuel, senior technology advisor to the Office of Biotechnology, which falls under the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. “The DoD continues to build versatility, flexibility, and resiliency into our American supply chains through investments like this in homegrown innovation and talent.”

ZymoChem is just one of 30 organizations selected nationwide by the DBIMP and will leverage the award to biofabricate monomers to build performance products. If successful, the company may be eligible for a follow-on, five-year contract with the DoD worth upwards of $100 million. ZymoChem was previously selected by the DoD in 2023 as a member of its BioMADE manufacturing consortium, which seeks to secure America’s future through bioindustrial manufacturing innovation, education, and collaboration.

This award comes on the heels of ZymoChem’s recent $21 million Series A funding round, which will accelerate the commercialization of BAYSE™, the world’s first scalable, 100 percent bio-based, and biodegradable Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP). This innovation demonstrates the company’s ability to create sustainable alternatives to petroleum-derived materials, address environmental concerns while maintaining competitive pricing, and impact multiple industries including hygiene, agriculture, and water treatment.

Posted: August 26, 2024

Source: ZymoChem

American Cord And Webbing (ACW) Names Dan Bugaj Head Of Business Development

WOONSOCKET, R.I.  — August 21, 2024 — American Cord & Webbing Co. Inc. (ACW) —  U.S.-based manufacturer and supplier of industrial webbing, plastic buckles, sewn straps, and cord with expertise in military, aerospace, flotation and industrial markets — is pleased to announce the appointment of Dan Bugaj as head of Business Development.

In this strategic role, Bugaj will be instrumental in helping ACW and ACW Plastic Product Inc. (dba APP) gain market share, develop innovative products and strategies, and expand into new markets while continuing the company’s significant growth trajectory. Bugaj will report directly to Susan Lake, ACW’s director of Sales and Service.

Dan Bugaj

Bugaj brings more than 25 years of experience in industrial textiles and plastics, where he has developed significant global partnerships and provided invaluable support to end users in the automotive, safety, and tactical sectors. Before joining ACW, Dan served as Business Development for a leading distributor of plastic buckles and metal hardware, where he played a key role in expanding its product offerings, including plastic buckles, straps, and webbing.

“We are very excited to have Dan join our team,” Lake said. “His extensive experience and proven track record in the industry make him the perfect fit to help drive our business forward.”

“Dan aligns perfectly with our organizations strategic direction and will expedite our long-term growth strategies” said Jordan Krauss, president of ACW. “This new hire marks a significant step in ACW’s journey to better position ourselves to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the future.”

Posted: August 26, 2024

Source: American Cord & Webbing Co,. Inc. (ACW)

Thomas Olsen To Leave Suominen, Markku Koivisto Appointed Interim EVP, Americas

HELSINKI — August 26, 2024 — Thomas Olsen, executive vice president, Americas, will leave Suominen to pursue new opportunities outside the company. Markku Koivisto has been appointed as interim executive vice president, Americas in addition to his current role as EVP, EMEA and CTO. The change is effective as of today.

The process to recruit a new executive vice president, Americas, will be started immediately.

“I want to thank Thomas for his contribution in leading the Americas business area and for being a valuable member of our Executive Management Team,” said Tommi Björnman, president and CEO of Suominen.

Posted: August 26, 2024

Source: Suominen Corporation

Kraig Biocraft Laboratories Significantly Increases Spider Silk Reeling Efficiency, Boosting Per Cocoon Yield

ANN ARBOR, Mich.— August 26, 2024 — Kraig Biocraft Laboratories Inc. announced today that it has further boosted spider silk production with the introduction of new silk cocoon reeling protocols resulting in higher silk yields.

Dr. Nirmal Kumar assessing automatic silk reeling facilities

Under the guidance of renowned sericulture expert, Dr. Nirmal Kumar, the Kraig Labs production team modified the processing of its finished silk cocoons, increasing total silk yields per cocoon and improving reeling performance. These mechanical changes to the processing and handling of the company’s spider silk cocoons resulted in a near doubling of reeling efficiency compared to the prior production runs.

“Increasing processing efficiency and cocoon yield was one of Kraig’s top three goals for increasing production,” said company founder and CEO Kim Thompson. “Congratulations to the production team for these dramatic improvements. We anticipated many more months of work before seeing these results. Now we can focus on increasing individual cocoon size, and overall production volumes. I believe that even further gains in possessing yield can be achieved over the next two production cycles.”

Dr. Kumar and the Kraig Labs production team harvested the third production cycle of its proprietary spider silk cocoon last week. The BAM-1 hybrid cocoons have now been processed under the direction of Dr. Kumar and the newly implemented enhanced protocols. In addition to finished reeling spider silk, the team has collected, analyzed, and selected the top performing BAM-1 parent line cocoons for production expansion this fall. Over the next week, selective matings of these top-performing moths will be used to create the next generation of BAM-1 parental line and BAM-1 production hybrids.

“Dr. Nirmal Kumar has evolved our operations at an incredible pace, bringing nuanced details and innovative troubleshooting that has netted outsized returns at a rapid pace,” said Company COO Jon Rice. “These small details and tweaks in processing the finished cocoons have yielded huge improvements in finished silk yield. Undoubtedly, his continued guidance will play a major role in our continuing expansion of production.”

Posted: August 26, 2024

Source: Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, Inc.

Trützschler’s Integrated Draw Frame (IDF) In India: Flexibility For The Upcycling Of Textile Waste

MÖNCHENGLADBACH, Germany — August 26, 2024 — Trützschler and the India-based company Gimatex have a long relationship that began in 2006. Since then, they have successfully collaborated on many projects. Gimatex has used Trützschler’s IDF successfully in direct spinning. Now, they are using it to turn textile waste into valuable ring yarn.

From left to right: Shailesh Thakur (Deputy General Manager Sales ATE), Shiladitya Joshi (Deputy General
Manager Marketing Trützschler), Vineet Mohota (Director Gimatex) and Gautam Kumar Dhang (CEO Fabric Business Gimatex).

Gimatex Industries Pvt. Ltd. has high standards for quality and sustainability. The company operates fully integrated facilities with ginning, spinning, recycling, weaving and processing units in Hinganghat, within India’s major cotton-growing region of Vidarbha. It also runs a state-of-the art fabric processing unit in Dholka, near Ahmedabad. As a family-owned company with over 125 years of history, it has a lot in common with Trützschler. Together, the two partners are working in close collaboration with the shared aim of extending that long history far into the future.

“Our clients demand consistent quality and competitive prices,” said Vineet Mohota, director at Gimatex. “We meet those demands by always leveraging the latest technologies to boost quality, save energy and make progress for sustainability. Trützschler is a strong partner for that work.”

Lower costs and higher productivity

Trützschler’s Integrated Draw Frame (IDF) technology is at the heart of this collaboration. Gimatex is using these innovative solutions to produce high-quality yarn. In particular, IDF enables Gimatex to produce top- quality yarns from a uniquely wide variety of raw materials — from 100 percent cotton through to polyester, recycled fibers and blends of various different inputs.

From left to right: Gautam Kumar Dhang (CEO Fabric Business Gimatex), Vineet Mohota (Director Gimatex) and Manish Deolankar (General Manager Gimatex) in front of Trützschler’s Bale Opener.

Gimatex mainly uses Trützschler IDF to manufacture rotor yarns in a direct spinning process. Direct spinning means shortening the spinning process by eliminating draw frame passages. Fiber slivers are fed directly from the card into the integrated drafting passage. This direct spinning concept uses less electricity and less space than conventional draw frame passages, which helps Gimatex to cut costs while increasing output volumes — with no compromise in quality. Most often, IDF technology is used for rotor and vortex spinning. However, the team at Gimatex is now also one of the first spinning mills in India to develop a special IDF process for producing traditional and recycled ring yarn. This allows the company to leverage the same setup it uses for open-end yarn. The ring yarn produced in this unusual way is mostly coarser varieties and recycling blends for cotton/spandex (lycra) products, with Ne 10s and Ne 16s. The yarn goes through a blow room into a TC 15 card with IDF, before entering a Trützschler TD 10 draw frame, a speed frame and a ring frame.

Longstanding partnership

“The performance of Trützschler’s IDF machines is great,” says Mr. Mohota. “We also get support from Trützschler’s expert teams. They’re always available to give guidance and answer questions, and they’re able to access data from around the globe to share best practices for every application.” Gimatex and Trützschler have established a close relationship over a long period. IDF machines are a flexible, highly efficient and sustainable technology that is helping to extend that valuable partnership. As market conditions in India continue to evolve, we will keep working hand in hand to adapt to change successfully – while meeting high expectations from customers.

Posted: August 26, 2024

Source: The Trützschler Group SE

Thai Acrylic Fibre Co.,Ltd. (TAF) To Showcase Innovative Sustainable Fibers At Yarn Expo – Shanghai

BANGKOK— August 26, 2024 — Thai Acrylic Fibre Co. Ltd. (TAF) is thrilled to announce its participation in the upcoming Yarn Expo –China International Trade Fair for Fibres and Yarns in Shanghai, taking place from August 27-29, 2024, at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai, China. #E37, Hall 8.2.

At this event, TAF will be showcasing their innovative product range, highlighting their commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation in the acrylic fiber industry.

Key products to be showcased include:

  • Radianza™: recognized as one of the most environmentally friendly and sustainable fibers utilizing gel-dyeing technology which helps reduce the consumption of natural resources and pollution making it a preferred choice for ecoconscious consumers and manufacturers.
  • Regel™: a recycled acrylic fiber produced by utilizing post-industrial waste, with 50 percent and 75 percent recycled content variants supporting a circular economy offering the same quality and performance as virgin acrylic fibers, while contributing to resource conservation and waste reduction.
  • Pilbloc™ – Known for its anti-pilling properties, Pilbloc ensures durability and long-lasting softness, making it ideal for high-quality apparel and home textiles.

“Our participation in Yarn Expo –China International Trade Fair for Fibres and Yarns underscores our commitment to driving global growth and innovation within the acrylic fibre sector,” said Tuhin Kulshreshtha, head of Marketing, Value Added Products, TAF. ” We are excited to showcase our sustainable and high-performance solutions, inviting visitors to explore how Radianza™, Regel™, and Pilbloc™ can elevate their product offerings with sustainable and high-performance acrylic fibre solutions.”

Yarn Expo is a leading sourcing platform to both exhibitors and visitors. Suppliers from Asian and European countries showcase their latest collection of natural and blended yarns including cotton, wool, flax/regenerated flax, and man-made fibers and yarns, as well as specialty products including elastic, fancy and blended yarns.

Posted: August 26, 2024

Source: Thai Acrylic Fibre Co.,Ltd. (TAF)

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