Green Lasers Allow Finer Structures

PUCHHEIM, Germany — June 18, 2019 — OEM scan solution manufacturer SCANLAB GmbH is presenting a new member of its precSYS product line at the LASER World of PHOTONICS 2019 tradeshow in Munich, Germany. Five-axis precSYS subsystems enable industrial ultra-short-pulse (USP) laser micromachining of flexible, definable geometries with high aspect ratios. The availability of a subsystem optimized for 515-nm lasers is particularly attractive in the electronics industry, where it allows creating probe cards with even finer lateral structures.

Ongoing technological advances in the consumer electronics and mechanical engineering sectors bring countless changes to how electronic components such as PCBs, control elements and sensors are made. Here, a relatively new laser processing market is the production of probe cards for testing integrated circuits. These probe cards place the highest demands on laser micromachining systems used in micro-structuring applications.

To even better address such demands, SCANLAB is extending its precSYS product line with a subsystem optimized for 515-nm green lasers. That’s exactly half the applied wavelength of a 1030-nm infrared laser, which leads to a much smaller spot size and enhanced lateral precision in processing challenging materials. At the same beam aperture angle, a larger aspect ratio is achievable.

All precSYS scan solutions are galvo-based 5-axis subsystems for integration into laser machines. Thanks to their flexible laser beam positioning capabilities (in the x, y, z, α and β directions), these scan heads offer the highest freedom in developing new process strategies. Circular, elliptical or linear trajectories can be defined for processing in 2D or 3D.

Effective immediately, the entire product line has received a servo control strategy update that enables even higher rotational frequencies and processing speeds in drilling operations. The new DrillControl software version supports both versions of precSYS and allows to use also existing laser jobs. Initial precSYS 515 systems will be orderable as of Q4 2019.

Posted June 18, 2019

Source: SCANLAB GmbH

Dupont Tate & Lyle Unveils New Susterra® Website For Footwear, Apparel And Gear

WILMINGTON, Del. — June 18, 2019 — Better products today and a better planet tomorrow.  That’s what today’s consumers are increasingly demanding and what outdoor brands are keenly focused on providing. To help make it easier for footwear, apparel and gear designers to find sustainable bio-based material options that also enable improved performance, DuPont Tate & Lyle is launching a new website:  susterra-performs.com.

This new website provides an application-specific breakdown that allows outdoor brands to take a closer look at how materials based on Susterra® propanediol can provide a multitude of sustainable and high-performing design solutions for their product offerings. Whether they are looking to stretch the boundaries of what’s possible in apparel designs, working to take footwear design a step further or bringing bio-based performance to gear that inspires adventure, designers will quickly discover that Susterra® can help them find a smarter, greener way to get there.

“In the past, how a product performed was the most important factor for consumers when purchasing outdoor brands; however, today’s consumers increasingly believe that sustainability is just as important as functional performance, and this belief is driving their purchasing decisions,” said Laurie Kronenberg, Global Marketing Director, DuPont Tate & Lyle Bio Products.

“Outdoor and fashion brands recognize this evolution in consumer thinking and are actively working to provide next-generation sustainable products that deliver improved performance,” said Kronenberg.  “We are launching our new website to help designers and specifiers easily find the information they need, in an application-specific way, so they can take full advantage of the unparalleled platform for innovation that bio-based Susterra® makes possible from outsoles and waterproof breathable membranes to synthetic leathers and coatings.”

Susterra® propanediol is manufactured through a proprietary fermentation process using plant-derived glucose instead of petroleum-based feedstocks. In addition to being renewably sourced, Susterra® is manufactured using a more sustainable process that produces 50 percent less greenhouse gas emissions and consumes 42 percent less energy than equivalent petroleum-based diols.

DuPont Tate & Lyle Bio Products is a joint venture between DuPont, a global science innovator, and Tate & Lyle, a world-leading renewable food and industrial ingredients company. DuPont Tate & Lyle Bio Products provides natural and renewably sourced ingredients that enhance product performance. For more information on Susterra® propanediol, visit susterra-performs.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube to see the solutions we offer across a wide variety of markets and applications.

Posted June 18, 2019

Source: DuPont Tate & Lyle Bio Products Company, LLC

Epson Opens Textile Solutions Center (TSC Asia) At Fujimi Plant In Japan

TOKYO — June 13, 2019 — Seiko Epson Corporation (“Epson”) has opened a new textile solutions center called “TSC Asia” at its Fujimi Plant in Nagano prefecture. Designed to accelerate the global expansion of the digital textile printing business, TSC Asia is equipped to handle every step in the textile printing process, including textile pre- and post-treatment.

Like the Epson Group’s Textile Solutions Center operating in Como, Italy, since 2014, TSC Asia supports digital textile printing by conducting research and development and by using actual textile printers to produce samples for customers in Japan and throughout Asia.

Epson was among the first inkjet printer manufacturers to put its inkjet technology to use in digital textile printing. And, joined by its Italian subsidiaries For.Tex S.r.l. and Fratelli Robustelli S.r.l., Epson has been researching and developing digital textile printing as well as producing the Monna Lisa series of inkjet digital textile printers.

Epson is currently strengthening its production and sales organizations to position it to provide products and services globally from both Japan and Italy. Epson started producing some models in the Monna Lisa series in 2018 at its Hirooka Plant in Nagano prefecture, Japan. The company will be expanding its prototyping and volume production operations for large industrial printers, including the Monna Lisa series, with the completion of a new facility in Hirooka, Innovation Center Building B, at the end of March 2020. In 2019, Epson will begin selling these products through its global sales network, which will also offer enhanced customer proposals and broader support.

TSC Asia opened prior to the completion of Building B in order to respond to growing demand from Asia.

“I am pleased that we can now fully support the introduction and use of digital textile printing by an even larger audience thanks to the establishment of TSC Asia,” said Koichi Kubota, Representative Director, Senior Managing Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Seiko Epson’s Printing Solutions Operations Division. “We will contribute to the development of digitization in the textile field with Epson’s inkjet technology and will make Epson indispensable for the textile world.”

Commercial and industrial printing, including digital textile printing, are one of the strategic areas of focus cited in the company’s long-term corporate vision, Epson 25. Epson will broaden the world of digital printing in these areas, further accelerating innovation with inkjet technology.

Profile of TSC Asia:

  • Name:  TSC Asia
  • Opening date:  June 2019
  • Total floor space:  Approx. 1,000 m²
  • Investment:  Approx. 300 million yen

Profile of the Fujimi Plant:

  • Address:  281 Fujimi, Fujimi-machi, Suwa-gun, Nagano prefecture, Japan 399-0293
  • Operations:  Semiconductor operations, sensing devices operations, research & development, production technology development
  • Lot size:   247,143 m²
  • Start of operations:  1980

Posted June 17, 2019

Source: Seiko Epson Corporation

Christopher & Banks Corporation Names Rachel Endrizzi Chief Marketing Officer

MINNEAPOLIS — June 17, 2019 — Christopher & Banks Corporation, a specialty women’s apparel retailer, today announced that Rachel Endrizzi will be joining the Company as Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer, effective June 19, 2019.

“Rachel is a seasoned marketing executive with extensive experience in brand positioning and development, CRM, and loyalty as well as mobile and digital marketing,” said Keri L. Jones, President & CEO of the Company. “We are excited to have Rachel join our team given her outstanding leadership capabilities and her proven track record of driving traffic and customer engagement.”

Ms. Endrizzi joins Christopher & Banks following fifteen (15) years at Regis Corporation (“Regis”), where she most recently served as Chief Marketing Officer overseeing the integrated marketing, brand management and communications strategy for Regis. Regis is a leader in beauty salons and cosmetology education, and as of March 31, 2019 it franchised, owned or held ownership interests in 7,838 worldwide locations.

Ms. Endrizzi has more than 20 years of experience in marketing, advising well-known brands such as Polaris, Tresemme/Alberto-Culver and Famous Footwear.

Posted June 17, 2019

Source: Christopher & Banks Corporation

Elbit Systems Awarded $50 Million Contract To Supply Structural Parts From Composite Materials For An Aircraft Of A Customer In North America

HAIFA, Israel — June 16, 2019 — Elbit Systems Ltd. (“Elbit Systems”) announced today that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Elbit Systems – Cyclone Ltd., was awarded an approximately $50 million contract for the supply of structural parts from composite materials for an aircraft of a customer in North America. The contract will be performed over six years.

The contract calls for the supply of a variety of structural parts from composite materials for all the models of one of the customers’ leading aircraft platforms.

Posted June 17, 2019

Source: Elbit Systems Ltd.

Spirit Develops New Carbon Fiber Fuselage Panel To Support Lower-Cost, Higher-Production Volumes For Aircraft Manufacturing

WICHITA, Kan. — June 17, 2019 — Spirit AeroSystems today announced it has developed new production methods for carbon fiber composite materials that will enable lower costs and higher production volumes for future aircraft components. The ASTRA (Advanced Structures Technology and Revolutionary Architectures) panel, a full-scale demonstration fuselage panel using this new proprietary architecture, is on display starting today at the Paris Air Show.

“Our new disruptive technology will offer step-change improvements in terms of cost and weight,” said Spirit AeroSystems Senior Director of Research and Technology Eric Hein. “For instance, our integrated sheet stringer, an internal fuselage support component, can be formed in place, eliminating many of the processes used today. This includes a separate stringer forming line and elimination of multiple tools.”

Multiple new technologies are integrated within this solution, Hein explained. The seamless sheet stringer and skin provides smooth, continuous surfaces for attaching frames and other hardware.  Weight savings are achieved by more efficient application of composite fiber tape placement.  Non-vented bladder systems used in the aerostructures manufacturing process improve quality, and low-cost production tooling reduces overall new program costs.

In addition, Spirit is leveraging a new composite material, Toray T1100/3960, that provides enhanced structural performance and QISO braided fabric made by A&P Technology, which offers greater formability. These concepts have been validated by Spirit researchers through hundreds of manufacturing demonstrators and structural tests.

“Spirit is a premier tier-one provider of composite aerostructures,” Hein added.  “We are shaping a new approach to composite fabrication and assembly.”

To see the ASTRA panel and learn more about the process, visit the State of Kansas booth in USA Pavilion, Hall 3, Stand 3-C98.

Posted June 17, 2019

Source: Spirit AeroSystems Inc.

Kemin Launches New Vision And Logo For The Future

DES MOINES, Iowa — June 16, 2019 — Today Kemin Industries, a global ingredient manufacturer, unveiled its new global vision and logo to align the company strategically for 2042 and beyond.

The new vision, “Kemin strives to sustainably transform the quality of life every day for 80 percent of the world with our products and services”, lays the groundwork for strategic growth and priorities for the company with operations on six continents and a portfolio of more than 500 specialty ingredients. Previously, Kemin reached 3.8 billion lives – more than half the world’s population – every day through its products and services for humans, animals and pets. This vision was set in 1998, with a target goal of 2019. Kemin achieved the milestone two years early.

By 2042, the world’s population will reach approximately 10 billion people. For Kemin to transform 80 percent of the world’s population – approximately 8 billion – people must encounter Kemin products five times each day. From sunrise to sunset, a person may have eggs for breakfast, feed their pet, wear jeans, take a supplement and purchase bakery items or meat at the market – all opportunities that include Kemin ingredients.

“When we created our previous vision 20 years ago, it was ambitious and encompassed all aspects of our business. Since then, Kemin has grown ten-fold, and now the impact we can create is even greater,” said Dr. Chris Nelson, President and CEO, Kemin. “By using our scientific expertise at the molecular level and continuing to innovate, we have the ability to be transformative on a global scale in a rapidly changing and growing marketplace. With a new vision to guide us, we are reenergized to reach more people with our products and services to truly transform the quality of life around the world.”

Along with this vision, the new Kemin logo reflects the company’s focus on future growth while respecting its history through a thoughtful evolution of the Kemin brand identity.

“Our previous logo was encased with a thick, red circle in the signature Kemin red. Now without a border, the new logo represents transparency and innovation,” said Haley Stomp, Senior Vice President – Worldwide Marketing, Kemin. “The stylized ‘K’ remains, paying homage to the two previous Kemin logos. The red arch represents forward movement and calls attention to the ‘I’, emphasizing Kemin’s innovation. The ‘N’ behind the red arch represents the Nelson family who stand behind Kemin now, as they have since the company’s founding, and will continue to do so for generations to come.”

Established in 1961 by R.W. and Mary Nelson, Kemin’s primary focus was to develop innovative agricultural products. Today, Kemin remains privately owned-and-operated by the Nelson family and has expanded into the human and animal health and nutrition, aquaculture, pet food, nutraceutical, food technologies, crop technologies and textile industries. With its growth and diversification, Kemin has been able to reach more than half the world’s population by being the science inside countless products consumers interact with every day.

Major Kemin Product Innovations:

  • Antioxidants: Two of the first antioxidant products in the feed industry, Endox® and Rendox® preserve freshness in animal feed. These innovative products launched Kemin into global agricultural markets. Decades later, Kemin created consumer food solutions, including EN-HANCE® and the FORTIUM® product line to assist with oxidation, shelf life and color preservation.
  • Antimicrobials: To reduce the likelihood of harmful bacterial contamination in animal feed, human food and pet food, Kemin launched Sal CURB®, BactoCEASE® and other products to help prevent spoilage.
  • Mold Inhibitors: Myco CURB®, a non-corrosive feed preservative, inhibits typical mold growth found in commercial grain, which also led to the creation of SHIELD® to prevent mold growth in tortilla products. Still a legacy product for Kemin, Myco CURB® remains the world’s most widely sold mold inhibitor.
  • Kemin Botanicals:
    • Marigolds: Kemin pioneered the process of isolating and purifying antioxidant molecules from this flower. ORO GLO® adds marigold oleoresin to chicken feed to naturally enhance egg yolks’ yellow color. FloraGLO® Lutein is used in health supplements to support eye health and reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration. FloraGLO® is the #1 doctor-recommended lutein brand and was the first introduced into the global marketplace.
    • Rosemary: Actives from this plant are used in FORTIUM® R to protect against flavor and color loss in consumer food, and in NATUROX® to naturally keep pet food fresh.
    • Oregano: A natural source of the molecules carvacrol and thymol, which have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, oregano is shown to work as an antibiotic alternative in animal feed.
    • Spearmint: Kemin uses naturally sourced spearmint extract to target working memory – the part of the brain that supports attention, focus and productivity – with Neumentix®, a nootropic found in health supplements that improves cognitive function, agility and reaction performance without disrupting sleep.
    • Potato: The tuber provides a natural extract that significantly enhances satiety and which Kemin uses to create Slendesta® to assist with healthy weight management in humans.

With the new vision, Kemin strives to sustainably transform the quality of life around the world. By forming a new vision and transformed logo, Kemin is focused on expanding its global reach to achieve this goal. By incorporating a triple-bottom-line approach into all aspects of the Kemin business, and with its expertise on how to nourish, protect and innovate on a global scale, the company is dedicated to fostering healthy people, a healthy planet and a healthy business.

“We believe the industries we serve and the science we stand behind offer endless opportunities to reduce our environmental impact and increase our contribution – all while continuing to serve our customers to transform the quality of life around the world,” said Dr. Nelson. “With inspired molecular solutions, we are using science to provide answers to the world’s challenges related to food, feed and health for humans and animals. We’ve turned our attention to ensuring that what we do at Kemin today creates a better tomorrow.”

Posted June 17, 2019

Source: Kemin Industries

US Companies Developed More Than 40 Projects In Bogota Last Year

BOGOTA, Colombia — June 17, 2019 — Invest in Bogota reports that in 2018, Bogota experienced a 37% increase in greenfield foreign direct investment compared to 2017 and received more than USD 2.7 billion as a result of new and expansion projects. With more than 40 projects and USD 414 million in investments in 2018, American companies continue to position themselves as key players of greenfield foreign direct investment in the Colombian capital.

Spain, France, Mexico and Chile are just some of the other countries that have ventured into greenfield foreign investment projects in the Colombian capital, which shows that Bogota is not only an attractive business destination for Latin America, but for other regions of the world as well.

The most popular sectors to invest in include textiles (18.8%), software and IT services (12.87%), consumer products (11.88%), corporate services (9.9%) and telecom (7.43%).

These positive figures are not only for 2018. Over the last ten years, the city’s GDP grew by 3.6%, which exceeded the average for Latin America (2%). According to estimates from the Research and Market Intelligence department of Invest in Bogota, the city’s investment agency, Bogota-Region received more than USD 22.2 billion in greenfield foreign direct investment for new and expansion projects in the last decade, which account for approximately 35% of Colombia’s total. There are more than 1,100 projects from foreign companies that have created over 119,000 new jobs.

Looking ahead, foreign direct investment is expected to keep rising. The outlook is positive: in the first quarter of the year, Colombia received more than USD 3.3 billion in foreign investment, an increase of more than 68% compared to the same period in 2018, when the economy experienced a significant slowdown.

These figures could be explained by the prospects for greater economic growth by the end of 2019, which will in turn boost the confidence of investors. On the other hand, thanks to the appreciation of the exchange rate, foreign companies could be more willing to invest in projects with foreign currency-denominated debt or that export a percentage of their production.

Posted June 17, 2019

Source: Invest in Bogotá

Martha May Joins Varsity Brands As Chief Human Resources Officer

DALLAS — June 17, 2019 — Varsity Brands, the market leader in team sports, school spirit and achievement recognition, today announced that Martha May has joined the Company as Chief Human Resources Officer.  In this senior leadership capacity, May will be responsible for all human resources functions, including responsibility for strengthening Varsity Brands’ culture and mission around “Elevating Student Experiences.”

May joins Varsity Brands from The Freeman Company, where she served as Chief People Officer & Executive Vice President, People and Inclusion. Among other achievements at Freeman, May led global efforts to launch a new Code of Conduct, re-designed incentive programs to drive alignment and growth of the business, and designed and implemented a new leadership framework.  Prior to Freeman, she was the Chief Human Resources Officer at Rockwell Collins with responsibility for all aspects of human resources worldwide.

Adam Blumenfeld, CEO of Varsity Brands, said, “Varsity Brands is growing rapidly while continuously expanding and improving our products and services.  Doing so while maintaining a relentless focus on our mission is a high priority, and Martha’s experience and passion for what we do makes her the ideal candidate for this important leadership position.  We look forward to her strategic thinking and proven ability to instill values, incentivize employees in new and exciting ways, and accelerate development of a winning, people-first culture.”

May added, “My decision to join Varsity Brands will enable me to apply my skills and expertise while working towards the inspirational goal of improving the lives of young people. It is, in short, a wonderful opportunity.  I’m excited to get started, eager to meet my new colleagues across the country, and driven to help Varsity Brands succeed in new and impactful ways.”

Early in her career, May spent more than 15 years working for American Airlines, moving from employee and labor relations to customer service and, eventually, to organizational effectiveness. In 2006, she joined Bell Helicopter and led all human resources functions, including compensation, benefits, talent acquisition, and diversity.  May earned her B.A. in Speech Communication with a concentration in Mass Media and Public Relations.

Varsity Brands is a portfolio company of Bain Capital Private Equity.

Posted June 17, 2019

Source: Varsity Brands

J.Crew Names Billy May Chief Customer Officer

NEW YORK — June 17, 2019 — J.Crew Group, Inc. (the “Company”) announced today that it has named Billy May Chief Customer Officer for the J.Crew Brand, effective July 15, 2019. As Chief Customer Officer, he will lead customer-facing aspects of the business and be responsible for advancing J.Crew’s digital transformation across marketing, loyalty, stores, and ecommerce. Mr. May will report to Michael J. Nicholson, Interim Chief Executive Officer.

“Billy’s significant industry experience across a range of well-known consumer brands, and his track record of innovative leadership in omni-channel marketing will elevate customer engagement across our digital, mobile, and store channels,” said Mr. Nicholson. “He brings a collaborative, integrated approach to brand development, and we are looking forward to partnering with him to return J.Crew to profitability and long-term growth.”

“Having spent my career building, scaling, and transforming global businesses, I’m humbled by the opportunity to work alongside J.Crew’s leaders as a steward of this iconic brand,” said Mr. May. “Customer experience is at the heart of any great retailer, and I am eager to work with this talented team to reignite the brand and more actively engage J.Crew’s customers.”

Mr. May was most recently Chief Executive Officer of Sur La Table, a privately-held retailer based in Seattle. Previously, he was Senior Vice President and member of the executive leadership team at Abercrombie & Fitch, where he led marketing, direct-to-consumer, and corporate development globally. While at A&F, he established the company’s digital presence, scaled its $1B ecommerce business, developed an integrated, omni-channel operating model, and launched two branded loyalty programs. Earlier in his career, May served in digital and business leadership roles at adidas Group and Lowe’s Companies. He is a fourth generation retailer who started his career as a management trainee and buyer within the May Department Stores Company.

Posted June 17, 2019

Source: J.Crew

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