Sofina Invests In Drylock Technologies

ZELE, Belgium — August 6, 2019 — Drylock, a family-owned hygiene manufacturer, is pleased to announce the successful closing of the partnership it concluded with Sofina, allowing the investor to subscribe to approximately 25 percent of the shares.

The funds will be attributed to support the business plan of Drylock. Bart Van Malderen will remain the majority shareholder as well as chairman and CEO.

In describing the transaction, Harold Boël, CEO of Sofina stated: “We were impressed by the speed and success of Drylock Technologies so far. The entrepreneurial spirit, the state-of-the-art production platform with a global presence, the portfolio of sustainable products, the healthy and promising customer mix, and our meetings with the Drylock team have all contributed to convince us of this investment’s merits. Drylock fits in our strategy of investing in growing businesses with a partner that also believes in the virtues of patience and entrepreneurship. We are looking forward to collaborate with Drylock’s management and to contribute to its success.”

Bart Van Malderen, CEO Drylock Technologies, said: “In the past seven years we have been growing and building Drylock at an incredible fast pace. As such we have commissioned four plants from scratch, acquired five others in Russia, Italy, North America and Brazil, whilst leading product innovations with proprietary technology such as the fluffless and channel technology. Today we have a platform that allows us to continuously and rapidly further expand our business and I am pleased to welcome Sofina in supporting the further roll-out of our business plan.”

Posted August 6, 2019

Source: Drylock Technologies

Five Years Of BST Eltromat: Promoting Further Growth By “Perfecting Your Performance”

BIELEFELD, Germany — August 6, 2019 — As the 5th anniversary of the merger of BST and eltromat arrives, BST eltromat International is setting the course for further growth. The company has acquired a 22,000-square-meter plot of land in Bielefeld-Altenhagen, where it will build its future headquarters. Employees from both the Leopoldshöhe location and the former company headquarters in Heidsieker Heide, Bielefeld, will move into the new, generously sized building, which will be designed for maximum functionality from top to bottom.

The closer links among the different product areas of BST eltromat under one roof and the optimized internal communication as a result will further increase the efficiency of the company in sales, service and technical development. By merging production after the move, BST eltromat will also be able to adapt it even further to the requirements of its customers. The new company headquarters, with a direct connection to the A2 motorway, will also house a large demo center.

“Our goal is to offer employees an extremely comfortable and modern working environment where they can develop and exercise their creativity to the greatest extent possible. The new building gives us the opportunity to try new things and optimize our processes, including our customer-facing activities. In our demo center, we will continue to expand our selection of product presentations, material tests and training courses for our customers. We look forward to discussing their individual requirements with them, testing innovative approaches, and finding the best solutions for their applications together,” explains the Managing Director of BST eltromat Kristian Jünke.

True to the motto “one plus one is more than two,” the merger five years ago created enormous potential and far-reaching synergies. “In the first year after the merger, BST eltromat already achieved significantly higher sales than the two companies could have managed alone. BST eltromat is constantly growing. For three years now, our group of companies has been achieving revenues of over 100 million euros,” says Jünke.

For the future, the managing director sees considerable potential for the growth of the company, in view of the constantly rising need for quality assurance in web-oriented production processes. Bringing people together at one location will further boost the innovative strength of BST eltromat. Jünke: “The companies BST and eltromat, which have now been united under BST eltromat, have more than 100 years of experience. With the acquisition of the majority stake in Nyquist Systems at the beginning of this year, a highly qualified manufacturer of quality assurance systems for narrow web production processes has also been assimilated into our corporate group. And with our strong parent company, the elexis Group, behind us, we have every opportunity to continuously increase our attractiveness as a global partner for our customers around the world.” The successes in the market during the first five years since the merger form a solid basis for further growth at BST eltromat.

The new company headquarters in Bielefeld-Altenhagen aligns perfectly with the new “perfecting your performance” strategy of the elexis Group, of which BST eltromat is the biggest subsidiary. The slogan, which otherwise refers to the optimization of customer processes, also applies inwardly – and the increased efficiency in the company’s own internal processes will ultimately benefit the customer too.

Posted August 6, 2019

Source: BST eltromat

New Report Forecasts Excellent Worldwide Outlook For Nonwovens Through 2023

CARY, N.C./BRUSSELS — August 6, 2019 — A new report published by two nonwoven trade associations forecasts strong market demand for nonwovens materials through the next five years, according to the Worldwide Outlook for the Nonwovens Industry, 2018-2023.

The sixth edition of the report is now available for purchase from both INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, and EDANA, the International Association Serving the Nonwovens and Related Industries.

Among the highlights of the report:

  • In the historical period (2008–2018) production increased 5.7%, lead by growth in spunbond/spunmelt and dry laid hydroentanglement.
  • China leads the growth in production, adding an additional 3.3 million tonnes from the end of 2008 through to 2018, representing a 10.8% annual growth rate.
  • Across the nonwoven end use segments, transportation and wipes production expanded at the fastest rates, while absorbent hygiene applications recorded the highest incremental volume, with 1.3 million tonnes.

“The worldwide nonwovens industry’s prospects are excellent and it remains an exciting industry in which to be involved,” said the report’s co-authors Jacques Prigneaux, market analysis and economic affairs director at EDANA, and Brad Kalil, director of market intelligence and economic affairs at INDA.

This comprehensive new report provides in-depth information and analysis of global nonwoven macro drivers; supply and demand forecasts and statistics; and regional trade analysis; among other topics.

The report includes detailed regional information and forecasts on production, technology and investment requirements for North America, Greater Europe, Asia and the South America region. The report further features regional views of economic growth, population, product by end use, and trade flows. Other key topics include raw material usage and a detailed appendix.

“As strategic partners, INDA and EDANA are committed to promoting the sustained growth of the nonwovens industry. This report provides the industry’s best estimates on future demand by the key nonwoven segments predicated on sound macro-economic analysis,” said INDA President Dave Rousse. “The Worldwide Outlook report is an essential planning resource for all those involved in global strategic planning for nonwovens across the supply chain.”

“With the remarkable growth and global success of nonwovens, both industry insiders among our member companies and outsiders, from financial analysts to potential investors, require more than ever reliable sources of market information as well as forward-looking data. This new report issued by our two leading nonwovens industry associations builds on decades of experience, and of close observation and direct data collection from hundreds of companies,” said EDANA General Manager Pierre Wiertz. “Produced by the industry for the industry, this is therefore a unique tool and a more legitimate and reliable source of data than any other report about nonwovens.”

The report is available for purchase now and delivery starting on August 15, 2019. For more information or to purchase, contact Cindy Garcia at INDA, or Jacques Prigneaux at EDANA.

Posted August 6, 2019

Source: INDA

Steve Moore Named President, Mass Division Of Delta Galil

TEL AVIV, Israel — August 6, 2019 — Delta Galil Industries Ltd. — a global manufacturer and marketer of branded and private label apparel products for men, women and children — today announced that it has named Steve Moore president, Mass Division, reporting to Isaac Dabah, CEO of Delta Galil. Moore is a highly accomplished mass merchandising executive with more than 25 years of experience, including at Gildan Activewear and 14 years at Hanesbrands Inc.

Most recently, Moore oversaw all branded and private label retail partnerships and omnichannel strategy development at Gildan Activewear as vice president of sales and customer service. During his tenure at Hanesbrands, he served in various sales and planning roles of increasing responsibility, working extensively with Walmart. Earlier in his career, Moore worked in buying and planning roles at Kmart Corp. and Sara Lee Branded Apparel. Moore holds a BA in Supply Chain Management from Michigan State University and an MBA from Wake Forest University’s Babcock Graduate School of Management.

“We are very pleased to welcome Steve to our leadership team,” said Isaac Dabah, CEO of Delta Galil. “His intimate understanding of both branded and private label apparel, as well as his strong industry relationships will prove invaluable as we continue to grow our mass merchandising segment both in the U.S. and globally.”

“I’m very excited to be joining Delta Galil,” Moore said. “There is so much opportunity in private label within the mass merchandising segment, and I very much look forward to working with the strong team already in place as we execute the Mass Division’s growth strategy.”

Posted August 6, 2019

Source: Delta Galil

Dukane Announces Acquisition Of Aurizon

ST. CHARLES, Ill. — August 5, 2019 — Dukane has acquired all the assets and intellectual property of Aurizon LLC in Kimberly, Wis. Aurizon is a developer of high-power rotary ultrasonic systems for converting nonwoven materials, bonding textiles and films, and sealing packages. With more than 30 years of R&D in product design and application experience, Aurizon holds a significant patent portfolio. These patents and the team’s experience have significantly improved the speed and capabilities of the ultrasonic continuous bonding process. Over the years, Dukane and Aurizon have worked together closely to develop a generator solution for continuous ultrasonic bonding, sealing and converting. This collaboration advanced the core technology and application knowledge of Aurizon, Dukane and their customers.

This acquisition will create significant synergies and opportunities for Dukane and Aurizon, allowing both companies to share their technical expertise in the hygiene, personal care, medical disposable and packaging industries. For the hygiene market, Aurizon’s product line will expand with Dukane’s fixed (blade) sonotrode technology for customers who don’t require continuous rotary bonding. For the packaging industry, both Dukane and Aurizon have developed several applications and will combine their sales and engineering efforts to better meet the demands of our packaging customers. Dukane’s product portfolio includes the ultrasonic, vibration welder, spin welders, laser welders, hot plate welders, hot gas welders and infrared welders. These products will now be complimented by Aurizon’s rotary ultrasonic technology. This addition to the product portfolio will be supported through Dukane’s worldwide sales and service network in conjunction with the team at Aurizon.  With Dukane products installed at manufacturing facilities all over the world, Aurizon’s rotary ultrasonic technology will be a welcome addition for existing and future customers.

Aurizon will continue sales, support, manufacturing and design at the Kimberly, Wis., facility. This facility houses a state-of-the-art application laboratory for rotary ultrasonic applications. The plan is to expand the capabilities of the lab to handle fixed blade horn technology as well. Moving forward, both Dukane’s and Aurizon’s electrical and mechanical engineering groups will be working together in bringing new products and advanced technologies to the market.

President and CEO of Dukane, Mike Johnston said: “I have personally worked with Aurizon’s team for over 25 years. Knowing their technical capabilities and seeing the products they have developed makes me very proud to have Aurizon part of the Dukane organization. The rotary technology for continuous applications and Aurizon’s capabilities far exceed any supplier in the industry. Rotary technology expands Dukane’s current wide range of ultrasonic processes. Whatever your bonding needs, Dukane has a solution.”

Posted August 5, 2019

Source: Dukane

SPESA To Host James Carville As Keynote Speaker For 2019 Executive Conference This October In New Orleans

RALEIGH, N.C. — August 5, 2019 — Sewn Products Equipment & Suppliers of the Americas (SPESA) today announced that famed democratic political commentator, and media personality James Carville will serve as the keynote speaker for its annual Executive Conference in New Orleans, October 29 and 30.

James “The Ragin’ Cajun” Carville gained significant notoriety in the late 1980s and early 1990s when he managed the gubernatorial victory of Robert Casey in Pennsylvania in 1986, helped guide Wallace Wilkinson to the governor’s seat in Kentucky in 1987, managed the successful 1990 gubernatorial campaign of Georgia’s Lieutenant Governor Zell Miller, including a tough primary win over Atlanta mayor Andrew Young, and in 1991 drew national attention when he led Senator Harris Wofford from 40 points behind in the polls to an upset landslide victory over former Pennsylvania Governor and U.S. Attorney General Richard Thornburgh. His most prominent victory was in 1992 when he helped William Jefferson Clinton win the Presidency. Carville is also a best-selling author, actor, producer, talk-show host, speaker, restaurateur, and professor of Practice at Tulane University in New Orleans.

“We’re thrilled to have James Carville as the Executive Conference keynote this year,” said Michael McDonald, President of SPESA. “Mr. Carville brings to the table a unique perspective and personality that we hope our attendees will be able to enjoy. For us, he was the perfect fit. A lively keynote in a lively American city.”

For years, SPESA has hosted its Executive Conference as an opportunity to gather like-minded industry professionals for two days of networking and professional development that touches on the key challenges and opportunities facing the sewn products equipment industry today. Held annually in notable cities across the U.S. this year’s event will take place in the Big Easy and feature a series of fun and unique opportunities to explore the historic southern city in an authentic way.

The two-day event will focus on how the sewn products industry is becoming Better, Faster, and Closer. In addition to James Carville as keynote, this year’s conference will feature three panels of industry experts focusing on current and future manufacturing trends:

  • Reshoring, Near-shoring, and What it Means to be “Made in U.S.A.” – Today’s consumers want customization, made-to-order products, and a good story. Speakers on this panel will discuss whether or not reshoring is right for your company and how to make it work.
  • Sewn Products Equipment and Suppliers of the Americas – That’s what SPESA is all about, and this panel is all about the opportunities and challenges that come with manufacturing sewn products in North, Central, and South America.
  • Mitigating Your China Exposure – Whether it’s high labor costs, tariff wars, or other concerns, mass production in China is becoming an increasingly challenging option for many manufacturers and suppliers. Learn how other companies are dealing with this issue and explore alternative strategies for your business.

Posted August 5, 2019

Source: The Sewn Products Equipment & Suppliers of the Americas (SPESA)

MMI Textiles Acquires Competition Textiles

WESTLAKE, Ohio — July 26, 2019 — MMI Textiles Inc. — a diversified supplier of fabrics, trims, hardware and other notions — has acquired the assets of Competition Textiles, Indianapolis, Ind. Mike Wire, the former owner of Competition Textiles, has been in the textile industry for 40 years, and started Competition Textiles in 1996 after 17 years with Top Value Fabrics. Competition Textiles is a synergistic acquisition for MMI as they are also a woven fabric converter, as well as an importer of fabrics, that will enhance the existing stock line for MMI Textiles to offer their large, domestic and international customer base.

“This has been Mike’s baby for the past 23 years, and we look forward to making him proud to choose MMI Textiles and give his customers the MMI Textiles experience to help grow his great company,” said Amy Bircher, founder and president, MMI Textiles.

Wire will stay on as a consultant for MMI to help with the transition of the business. “I’m looking forward to helping Amy and her staff grow MMI Textiles and continue with their success,” Wire said. “Selling Competition Textiles was a difficult decision, but after meeting with the people at MMI Textiles, I know I made the right decision and can’t wait to start the next chapter of my life.”

Posted August 2, 2019

Source: MMI Textiles, Inc.

Tipton Linen Achieves Clean Green Certification

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — August 2, 2019 — Tipton Linen, a family-owned and operated laundry serving customers throughout the state of Missouri, has been certified Clean Green. This certification reflects the company’s dedication to operational efficiency and sustainability. Linen, uniform and facility services companies receive this distinction by adhering to TRSA-designated water and energy use thresholds and deploying best management practices (BMPs) consistent with the ASTM International environmental laundering standard.

Tipton Linen’s customers can be assured their reusable healthcare textiles are washed, dried and finished with processes that maximize sustainability and reduce greenhouse emissions. Clean Green certified operations demonstrate significant commitment to conservation and green operations through these BMPs:

  • Recovering heat from drained hot water and heat dispersed from the process of warming water;
  • Recapturing drained water from rinses for reuse;
  • Using environmentally friendly detergents;
  • Removing solids and liquids from wastewater;
  • Solar energy and energy-efficient lighting;
  • Recycling programs;
  • Re-routing trucks to save vehicle fuel; and
  • Spill prevention plans.

The Clean Green certification is valid for three years at a time. TRSA inspects laundry facilities seeking certification and approves documentation of their water and energy use and BMP deployment through production reports they submit to auditors during the inspections. TRSA’s certification management protocol includes auditor training by the association’s inspection program administrator.

Clean Green aligns with the ASTM International standard, Guide for Sustainable Laundry Practices, which recognizes key criteria for the certification as universal indicators of maximum sustainability in commercial laundry work. ASTM’s review of TRSA BMPs verified these as the most effective and practical techniques for a laundry to achieve green objectives.

TRSA members prompted development of the standard, which was vetted in the sustainability subcommittee of the ASTM Committee on Textiles. Top technical experts, scientists and environmental professionals from outside the linen, uniform and facility services industry reviewed the BMPs. ASTM is the global leader in developing and delivering voluntary consensus standards unparalleled in building consumer confidence in product and service quality.

“I applaud Tipton Linen for their sustainability efforts and maintaining the highest standards in their production and delivery operations,” said Joseph Ricci, TRSA president and CEO. “Meeting all the criteria for certification is not easy, but the company is committed to industry-leading processes and technologies.”

For information about the Clean Green and Hygienically Clean certification programs, contact Angela D. Freeman, Manager, Certification Programs.

Posted August 2, 2019

Source: TRSA

INVISTA To Expand STAINMASTER® And STAINMASTER® PetProtect® Portfolio Of Products Through Licensing

KENNESAW, Ga. — July 29, 2019 — Spilled wine, messy pets and dirty shoes can all take a toll on the furnishings in your home. That’s why INVISTA, the parent company of the STAINMASTER® and Stainmaster PetProtect® portfolio of products, has announced plans to develop new licensed product opportunities and to expand its reach to new audiences.

“We develop products that live up to life’s messiest moments. Through new licensing partnerships, we will bring consumers more ways to experience our brand in complementary categories that will allow them to rest easy and enjoy life, just as we continue to do for the flooring industry,” said Brook Brown, vice president, Stainmaster brand.

More than 30 years ago, the Stainmaster brand revolutionized the flooring industry by introducing technology never-before available in carpet. Now the brand continues to search for and develop breakthrough solutions to consumers’ everyday messes like those they’ve come to expect from the most trusted brand in flooring. That’s why Stainmaster is excited to find innovative licensing partners to extend the brand promise to consumers into new categories.

The Stainmaster and Stainmaster PetProtect portfolio will be expanded into home furnishings and home improvement categories that align closely with the brand equities, including furniture, outdoor living, area rugs, upholstery, kitchen countertops, and interior paint.

Posted August 2, 2019

Source: INVISTA

National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) Board Member and Auburn Manufacturing Inc. President and CEO Kathie Leonard Named to Ex-Im Bank Advisory Committee

WASHINGTON — August 2, 2019 — NCTO Board member and President and CEO of Auburn Manufacturing Inc. Kathie Leonard was appointed to serve as the U.S. textile industry representative on the Export-Import Bank (Ex-Im) 2019 Advisory Committee.

Auburn Manufacturing Inc. is a woman-owned manufacturer based in Mechanic Falls, Maine, producing heat-and fire-resistant textiles used worldwide by industries like ship building/repair, foundries, mining, aerospace, power generation and many other heat-intensive industries.

Leonard started the company in 1979 and over the past 40 years has worked tirelessly to build Auburn Manufacturing into a leader in its field, turning 1.5 million pounds of fiber per year into over 2 million yards of fabric.

On both the state and national level, Leonard lends her voice to issues affecting the textile industry, ranging from global trade policy to regulatory issues.

In her role on the Bank’s Advisory Committee, she will provide recommendations on export financing products to the Ex-Im Board of Directors and the Bank’s President.

“Kathie is such a tremendous asset to our industry,” said NCTO President and CEO Kim Glas. “We are pleased the Ex-Im Board has selected Kathie to serve on its Advisory Committee. She will be the voice of the industry at the table and help support the U.S. textile industry, which has seen a significant increase in its exports, particularly to the Western Hemisphere.”

Leonard said: “I’m very pleased to be appointed to EX-IM’s Advisory Committee. As a small U.S. textile manufacturer, we know first-hand how important EX-IM’s financing program is to building sustainable sales relationships around the world.”

“I look forward to being able to provide feedback to the Board on behalf of the textile industry and the small business sector.”

NCTO is a Washington-based trade association that represents domestic textile manufacturers, including artificial and synthetic filament and fiber producers.

  • U.S. employment in the textile supply chain was 594,147 in 2018.
  • The value of shipments for U.S. textiles and apparel was $76.8 billion in 2018.
  • U.S. exports of fiber, textiles and apparel were $30.1 billion in 2018.
  • Capital expenditures for textile and apparel production totaled $2.0 billion in 2017, the last year for which data is available.

Posted August 2, 2019

Source: National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO)

Sponsors