Spinnova Appoints Maree Hamilton As Textile Expert

JYVÄSKYLÄ, Finland — July 23, 2019 — Spinnova, the sustainable fiber company, is very pleased to announce the appointment of Maree Hamilton as of August 1. Hamilton, who has vast technical knowledge of textiles and fibers, will be an important liaison between the fibre innovation and brand owners who wish to implement it.

Maree Hamilton is an experienced textile technologist with over 30 years of practical and theoretical experience of wool, fiber, textile material research and development, product innovation and processing. Hamilton has vast product knowledge across apparel, hosiery, footwear, technical textiles, interiors, high lofted wadding and thermal insulation applications as well as novel products, including three patented innovations.

Hamilton has now relocated to Finland from New Zealand.

“I am passionate about fiber and textile innovation and working with progressive brands. This industry is challenging with many negative environmental impacts, so I have wanted a more sustainable focus for my career. The opportunity to work with Spinnova is incredible and an exciting, life altering adventure. I’m looking forward to bringing a bit of “Kiwi” to the beautiful Finland,” Hamilton said.

Before joining Spinnova, Hamilton worked in collaboration management with the New Zealand Merino Company since 2010. Prior to this, she mostly worked in research and technical expert and advisor roles within the wool industry, specifically on nonwoven and insulation.

“We are thrilled about this appointment! This is great news for our brand partners, as Maree is an absolutely ideal person to run Spinnova’s product development collaboration. Also, we really appreciate the life-changing move she has made by relocating to join our journey, commented Spinnova’s CEO Janne Poranen.

Hamilton is Spinnova’s first in-house textile expert, and now has several joint product development projects lined up with brand owners. After successfully starting its test facility production line, Spinnova will be focusing on end product development with partnering brands this year and the next, while making plans for the commercial phase.

Spinnova is a Finnish, sustainable fiber company that develops ecological breakthrough technology for manufacturing cellulose-based textile fiber. Spinnova’s patented technology includes 0% harmful chemicals and 0% waste or side streams, making the fibre and the production method the most sustainable in the world. Spinnova’s raw material commitment is to only use FSC certified wood or waste streams. Spinnova’s objective is to globally commercialize the fiber products in collaboration with major textile brands.

Posted July 23, 2019

Source: Spinnova

EFI Announces Completion Of Acquisition By An Affiliate Of Siris Capital Group

FREMONT, Calif. — July 23, 2019 — Electronics For Imaging Inc. (EFI), today announced the completion of its previously announced acquisition by an affiliate of Siris for approximately $1.7 billion.

In connection with the closing of the transaction, the company, which will continue to operate as Electronics For Imaging (EFI™), will be wholly owned by an affiliate of Siris, and EFI’s common shares will be delisted from the NASDAQ exchange.

“This acquisition marks a new, exciting path forward in EFI’s 30-year history as a digital imaging technology leader,” said EFI CEO Bill Muir. “With Siris’ partnership, we will look to create new opportunities for our customers, partners, and EFI employees worldwide. We are looking forward to working with Siris to write the next chapter of innovation across our growing portfolio of solutions.”

Jeff Jacobson, Siris executive partner and EFI executive chairman, added: “EFI’s portfolio of best-in-class solutions presents an exciting opportunity to drive further growth in high-quality inkjet and integrated, digital workflows. I look forward to working closely with management and know Siris is committed to providing the guidance and support needed to help EFI continue accelerating the transformation of industries where colorful images matter.”

The transaction, which was initially announced on April 15, 2019, was approved in a shareholder vote on July 15, 2019 in which 72.2% of EFI’s outstanding shares and 99.7% of voted shares were voted in favor of the transaction.

Posted July 23, 2019

Source: Electronics For Imaging (EFI™)

Mount Vernon FR Adds Flame Resistant Finishing Line as part of Trion, Ga., Expansion

TRION, Ga. — July 23, 2019 — In response to increased demand for its flame resistant products, Mount Vernon FR has announced the expansion of operations at its Trion, Ga., facility. The additional 4,500 square feet of production space will be home to new state-of-the-art FR treatment equipment that will increase Mount Vernon FR’s production and finished fabric capacity by 20 percent.

“This is an exciting time for Mount Vernon FR, but our rapid growth has presented challenges with space to accommodate the equipment required to manufacture an ever-expanding range of FR products,” said Mike Woods, vice president of flame resistant fabrics for Mount Vernon FR. “This additional square footage will allow us to better serve current and future customer demand.”

Mount Vernon FR experienced year over year growth for physical year 2018. The expansion is part of the company’s plan to expand its production footprint for flame resistant fabrics to fulfill increasing demand. The project will be complete in the third quarter of 2019, with operations beginning shortly after.

“Our fabrics are Made in the USA from fiber to finished yard, all under one roof,” Woods added. “As our business continues to innovate and grow, the expansion enables us to provide customers across the globe with access to durable, high-performing fabrics from Mount Vernon FR.”

Mount Vernon FR fabrics meet the performance requirements of ASTM F1506, comply with NFPA 70E and are UL® certified to the NFPA 2112.

To learn more about Mount Vernon FR’s newest initiatives and innovations, visit booth 607 at VPPPA National Show, August 27-30 in New Orleans, and booth 3139 at NSC, September 9-11 in San Diego, Calif.

Posted July 23, 2019

Source: Mount Vernon FR

FloorTek To Feature “Future Connections” Event

DALTON, Ga. — July 22, 2019 — This year’s FloorTek will feature Future Connections, a networking event for job seekers and HR professionals to meet potential employers or job candidates. Future Connections will take place on Wednesday, September 11 from 1-4, and will be attended by college students, job seekers, and HR professionals from the floorcovering industry.

Future Connections is not only an exciting opportunity for those in the job market and those looking to hire; it is also an opportunity for the industry as a whole to position itself as a viable choice for the next generation of workers, and create a draw for young talent.

Dalton, Ga., is the forefront of innovation and technology in floorcovering, and as FloorTek approaches, the American Floorcovering Alliance will be continuing to provide updates on the advanced technologies and events which will be exhibited at FloorTek in September.

For more information about Future Connections, or to sign up as an HR provider, please contact Stephanie Manis at manis@americanfloor.org or Sandra Kiser at Sandra.Kiser@americanfloor.org

See you at FloorTek Expo, September 10-12, 2019, at the Dalton Convention Center.

Posted July 22, 2019

Source: American Floorcovering Alliance

Major Egyptian Textile Industry Investment Announced

Dr. Ahmed Moustafa Mohamed, chairman Cotton & Textile Industries Holding Co.
Dr. Ahmed Moustafa Mohamed, chairman Cotton & Textile Industries Holding Co.

During ITMA 2019, a press conference was held to announce a very large investment by Egypt-based Cotton & Textile Industries Holding Co. The investment program, facilitated by

Brussels-based Werner International, is designed to modernize Egypt’s textile industry and will leverage the prestige of Egyptian cotton to restore Egypt’s textile industry to prominence. The investment is supported by Egypt’s President Abdul Fatah Al-Sisi and the Minister of Public Enterprises Dr. Hisham Tawfik.

The total investment of approximately 1.1 billion euros ($1.25 billion) will be used to modernize spinning, weaving, knitting, dyeing, finishing, printing and cut-and-sew manufacturing.

The investment will occur in phases and includes approximately 780,000 new spindles and 1,250 weaving machines. Dr. Ahmed Moustafa Mohamed, chairman of Cotton & Textile Industries Holding Co., reports as part of the investment, Egypt will construct a new state-of-the-art spinning mill for fine and extra-fine counts that will feature more than 180,000 spindles under one roof.

During the press conference, contracts were signed between Dr. Mohamed, and Rieter and Savio. Other companies that are part of this first investment phase are Benninger, including Thies and Brückner; EFI Reggiani; ITEMA; Karl Mayer; and Marzoli. Dr. Mohamed announced that a second phase will be signed within the next month.

“The Government of Egypt has decided to make a big investment into the textile industry of the public sector,” said Dr. Mohamed during the signing ceremony. “The program will have a major impact on the competitiveness and the success of the Egyptian textile industry in the future. It is an important step for our country. I am proud and happy that the leading machine suppliers are committed to support the holding company in the implementation of the program. We thank ITMA for having hosted the signing ceremony which gave us the opportunity to kick off our ambitious program so solemnly.”

July/August 2019

Milliken & Company Acquires Polartec

Spartanburg, S.C.-based Milliken and Company has acquired Polartec LLC from Versa Capital Management LLC. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“Polartec brings a wealth of new and respected outdoor textile expertise to complement Milliken’s strengths,” shared Halsey Cook, president and CEO of Milliken & Company. “The strategic acquisition broadens our textile capabilities with a product offering to now include fleece and soft-shell outerwear, among others, allowing us to grow in new and exciting spaces.”

“With more than 150 years of textile innovation, Milliken is the best possible ‘natural owner’ of a brand with Polartec’s pedigree,” said Polartec CEO Gary Smith. “I look forward to supporting the integration. I’m grateful to Versa Capital Management for their support in realizing Polartec’s full potential, and I’m extremely proud of the global Polartec team for their dedication and hard work that put the company in the position it is in today.”

July/August 2019

R&M International Receives Presidential Award For Exports

(left to right): Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, R&M International CEO Denys Rawson and Partner Stephen Rawson, and Gilbert Kaplan, Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade.
(left to right): Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, R&M International CEO Denys Rawson and Partner Stephen Rawson, and Gilbert Kaplan, Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade.

R&M International, Fort Washington, Pa., recently was honored with the Presidential “E” Award for Exports. The award, recognizing a significant contribution to the expansion of U.S. exports, was presented by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross during a ceremony in Washington. The company helps primary raw materials producers in the textiles and plastics industries dispose of over production, substandard or waste materials. R&M then either trades, repurposes or recycles those materials into new market opportunities. Almost 90 percent of R&M’s suppliers are domestic, 79 percent of its sales are exported.

“R&M has demonstrated a sustained commitment to export expansion,” Secretary
Ross said. “The ‘E’ Awards Committee was very impressed with R&M’s near doubling of export sales over the past four years. I was impressed with your company’s more than 40-year history of exporting. R&M’s achievements have undoubtedly contributed to national export expansion efforts that support the U.S. economy and create American jobs.”

July/August 2019

Point Blank Enterprises Awarded Marine Corps Ballistic Contract

Ballistic protection innovator Point Blank Enterprises Inc., Pompano Beach, Fla., reports
it was awarded a body armor contract by the United States Marine Corps Systems Command (MARCORSYSCOM) worth $215.9 million. The company will supply the Marine Corps Low Intensity Threat Environment body armor insert, which is a new small arms protective insert designed to improve the survivability and mobility of Marines while reducing weight and maximizing ballistic protection.

“We are honored to be selected by the United States Marine Corps to provide this new lightweight body armor solution,” said Brian Kopan, senior vice president of engineering and technology. “Reducing Marine burden by providing innovative and lightweight armor solutions along with our high-quality manufacturing capabilities is our expertise. Whether we are designing armor systems for vehicles or individual protection equipment, our mission is always focused on saving the life of those that protect us.”

July/August 2019

Hexcel Announces New JV Composite Testing Lab

A new joint venture laboratory and materials testing facility recently open its doors in Shanghai, China. Future Aerospace Hexcel Commercial Composite Testing Ltd. (FAHCCT) is a collaboration between Hexcel, Progen and Future Aerospace that will provide technical services and support with for commercial aircraft programs. The more than 1,000-square-foot laboratory will offer mechanical and chemical testing of composite laminate specimens including fatigue performance and material qualifications for customer supply chains in China.

The lab attained AS9100 certification in May.

July/August 2019

Success For JEC Forum Chicago 2019

Paris-based JEC Group reports its JEC Forum Chicago 2019 was a success. Sponsors were able to showcase their solutions to industry buyers who came from the composites value chain. More than 201 delegates participated in 490 business meetings held on site, and 29 speakers were featured in the conference portion of the event. According to JEC, participants reported successful meetings with future cooperation ahead.

“Our experience has been fantastic, being able to utilize interview schedule system has paid off tremendously,” said David Shippee, Composite Fabrics of America. “Our booth has been well occupied with several industry leaders coming and looking for unique and dedicated solutions.”

“The conversation between looking forward academics, researchers, pioneering companies and just the broad industry is critical in our sector, and JEC Forum Chicago is an incredible platform for that,” said Mark Goulthorpe, chairman of the construction sessions, from the MIT Architecture Department.

JEC also presented the JEC Innovation Award to the following companies: Austria-based KTM-Technologies GmbH in the mobility category; Spain-based Gazechim Composites Iberica in the building category; England-based Surface Generation in the automotive category; and Switzerland-based Carbo-Link AG in the infrastructure category.

In addition, three promising North America-based start-ups involved in developing new composites solutions were recognized in the first round of the Startup Booster World Tour — Gold Winner Continuous Composites; Silver Winner Vartega; and Bronze Winner Visolis. All three companies won the chance to showcase their work at JEC World 2020 in Paris, with the gold winner competing also in the finals.

“JEC Forum Chicago is a unique event in the world of composites bringing together all the value chain in the U.S.,” said Nicolas Baudry, JEC Group Events Director for North America. “This edition was great in terms of content, exchange and innovative solutions. We thank all our participants for their enthusiasm and collaboration”

July/August 2019

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