Eriez® Becomes Majority Shareholder Of Faultcurrent Ltd.

Erie, Pa. — May 6, 2019 — Eriez® President and CEO Tim Shuttleworth recently announced the company is now the majority shareholder of FaultCurrent Ltd. Based in the United Kingdom, FaultCurrent Ltd. developed a unique passive magnetic fault current limiter called the pmFCL. Its innovative design uses permanent magnets at its core to provide a reliable, robust and energy efficient solution for electrical power grid reinforcement.

Shuttleworth said: “Making this investment in FaultCurrent Ltd. was a natural choice for Eriez as we are constantly developing and investing in breakthrough products that keep us on the cutting edge.”

The pmFCL protects utility electrical distribution networks from unanticipated power surges and new demands placed on aging and already overburdened electrical infrastructures from the connection of distributed energy sources. The patented technology behind this next generation fault current limiter has been achieved through a combination of magnetic engineering insights, including using ferrite permanent magnets to saturate a network of inductors.

The pmFCL provides additional fault current headroom, presenting a low impedance during normal “in service” current flows until an abnormal fault current instantaneously forces the device into a higher impedance state, and in doing so, allows time for the power system’s existing infrastructure to react to isolate the fault safely. Post fault, the pmFCL instantly recovers, ready to protect the network again.

Unlike other fault current limiters, pmFCL’s breakthrough design is truly “fit and forget” technology. This self-contained three phase unit is delivered to the site as a complete unit that is ready to go once placed on a concrete pad. The pmFCL requires no maintenance beyond simple inspection.

FaultCurrent was incorporated in July 2012 to develop a new generation of fault current limiters based on pioneering research and development work carried out by Dr. Jeremy Hall at the Wolfson Centre for Magnetics at Cardiff University. Early stage funding was provided by Fusion IP, now incorporated into the IP Group. Eriez-Europe Chairman Andy Lewis says, “The project attracted attention — and subsequently grants — from the Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) department of the UK government.”

Lewis explained: “Eriez Investments Ltd. has a majority shareholding position, having cumulatively invested a seven-figure sum in the past two years, with the IP Group and FaultCurrent Ltd. company directors and former directors holding the remaining shares.”

FaultCurrent’s Board of Directors is comprised of Andy Lewis, Martin Ansell, Dr. Jeremy Hall and Andy Cheer.

Posted May 8, 2019

Source: Eriez

Kraig Biocraft Laboratories Expands Production Footprint In Vietnam

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — May 7, 2019 — Kraig Biocraft Laboratories Inc., developer of spider silk based fibers, announced today that, through its subsidiary Prodigy Textiles, the company has signed a new five year lease on a factory, expanding its production footprint in Vietnam. The roughly 50,000 square foot facility in Quang Nam province is expected to play a major role in supporting the company’s increasing production capacity of its proprietary recombinant spider silk technologies.

“Our team in Vietnam, led by Mr. Kenneth Le, has done an excellent job of scouting, selecting, and negotiating the terms of this deal. With its close proximity to the necessary mulberry fields, and easy access to shipping ports, this facility will serve as a springboard for Kraig Labs’ introduction of spider silk into the global textile markets,” said COO Jon Rice.

The company expects to begin transferring its technology into the larger factory from the temporary facility that Prodigy Textiles has been utilizing since December of 2018.

Posted May 8, 2019

Source: Kraig Biocraft Laboratories

Datacolor Launches New Color Lifecycle Management Solutions For The Textile And Apparel Supply Chain

LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J. — May 8, 2019 — Datacolor®, a global supplier of color management technology, announced today the launch of new color lifecycle management solutions intended to deliver greater transparency and confidence for both textile and apparel brands, as well as suppliers, mills and dye houses.

The new offerings include Assessment Services, which encompass a suite of comprehensive color assessment and lab audit services that will significantly reduce the time and cost of product development by ensuring the supply chain is qualified and capable to meet all expectations to assure color quality.

Datacolor also introduces ColorHub, a web-based software solution, which provides an unprecedented real-time view of mills’ color performance. This cloud-based depository of lab dip and production color data will help ensure shade consistency and quality by identifying and taking corrective action to color issues in real time.

“No one better understands how color impacts business than Datacolor, and we continually seek to develop new color management solutions that meet our customers’ needs within today’s complex global supply chain,” said Dustin Bowersox, market manager, Textiles & Apparel, Datacolor. “This series of solutions is intended to address several pain points for the textile and apparel supply chain, allowing brands to make better sourcing decisions based on mill performance and sophistication while allowing suppliers to improve operational efficiency by providing real-time data into the quality and consistency of their products.”

Posted May 8, 2019

Source: Datacolor

Custom Activewear Brand Xceed Acquires Peaks Apparel

MEXICO CITY — May 8, 2019 — When Miguel Arvizu founded Xceed in 2004, he set his brand on course to become the leader in custom-made activewear. Fast forward 15 years and Xceed has become a large, well-known and respected custom activewear brand in Mexico.

Today, this custom activewear company has taken another step forward to rapidly expand its brand through the acquisition of U.S.-based Peaks Apparel. The financial terms of the acquisition have not been disclosed but sources have confirmed the deal includes distribution agreements and a licensing deal with next generation technology software platform BrikL Ltd.

“This is an exciting acquisition that supports our growth strategy,” explained Xceed CEO Miguel Arvizu. “We will be able to leverage our established brand, production and distribution operation to further expand our market and channel penetration. We are ready to take the next steps in becoming a large-scale production hub for North America and the licensing and distribution agreements will get us there quickly.”

Xceed wasted no time after the agreements were signed, starting implementation of the new BrikL software platform with the expectation that the entire system to be fully live by June. BrikL is a 3D and eCommerce platform for custom-made clothing and team purchasing in the marketplace. Built with next generation technology, BrikL makes buying custom-made apparel simple and easy for both Xceed and its customers.

“People hear the phrase ‘state-of-the-art technology’ and do not typically think Mexico City is where they will find it. We have been using advanced technology since the inception of our company. You can walk into our retail store and use our 3D body scanning machine to dial in your measurements,” says Arvizu, referring to one of his design studios, located inside a high-end shopping center in Mexico City.

Peaks Apparel will transition to the Xceed name by the end of 2019 and continue to spearhead the expansion of the organization in the US and Canadian market. “It is a little surreal to wake up one morning and know that you are now one of the largest and fastest growing brands in your market space,” says Jason Reinhardt, CEO and Founder of Peaks Apparel. “Having teams of inhouse designers, customer service personnel, large scale production facilities and retail shops all driven by advanced technology will provide our customers a much better overall experience.”

Posted May 8, 2019

Source: Peaks Apparel, LLC

Lymeez Patented Technology Slows The Climb Of Ticks By 4-8x

BEDFORD, N.H. — May 8, 2019 — Lymeez® patented 3D Mesh Tick Gaiters slow the climb of deer ticks by 4–8X over common pant fabrics, such as khakis. A slower climb means longer exposure to the microencapsulated permethrin repellent on each fiber of the gaiters—a force multiplier of repellent effectiveness.

Ticks don’t fly or jump. Stop them on their instinctual climb up from grass and brush. Lymeez 3D Mesh Tick Gaiters target the most frequent questing height of ticks — foot and lower leg. New this year, are Lymeez 3D Mesh Arm Gaiters, for gardeners facing ticks crawling up arms while gardening.

Lymeez Tick Gaiters are used by thousands of outdoor workers of Local, State and Federal agencies and private utilities and outdoor recreationists of all types.

Founder and CEO John Patton warns of tick-borne risks, “Tick-borne illnesses are on the rise.” According to the CDC there has been a dramatic increase in the incidence and geographic range of Lyme disease and other tick borne diseases across the US, with cases reported in all 50 states. CDC map of tick borne diseases.  “Preventing Lyme disease starts with making prevention a regular habit — just as you always wear a seatbelt, always wear tick bite protection when heading outdoors. Lymeez products are lightweight easy on/off outerwear, readily available when needed.”

A 20-second video showing Lymeez patented technology in action is here. The study results are here. Lymeez uses “intelligent textile technology,” infusing every fiber of the gaiters with micro-encapsulated permethrin. Movement and friction causes some of the millions of microcapsules to burst, gradually releasing the repellent. Repellency is UV resistant and lasts through 50 washes, or the expected life of the product.

Deer ticks, which carry Lyme disease and other pathogens, can be as small as sesame seeds and poppy seeds—and very easy to miss. Tick bite prevention only works when it is a regular habit. Lymeez offers several choices of product, optimized for different activities or terrain. See product comparison chart. Lymeez Tick Gaiters are breathable, comfortable, easy on/off effective protection from tick bites. Sewn and treated in the USA. Available in multiple colors. Adjustable Fit.

While Lymeez LLC, nor any company, can guarantee complete prevention of tick bites, Lymeez offers effective built-in tick protection. Outside More, Worry Less!™

Posted May 8, 2019

Source: Lymeez LLC

Standard Textile Acquires JC Burnham Commercial Window Coverings

CINCINNATI — May 8, 2019 — Standard Textile Co. Inc. — a global supplier in the healthcare and hospitality textile, window treatment, and decorative fabric markets — announced today it has acquired the business of JC Burnham, located in Rochester, Minn.

JC Burnham markets the fabrication and installation of window treatments to the institutional market. The acquisition of JC Burnham advances Standard Textile’s strategy of expanding its leadership position in markets served and positions the company for future growth.

Joe and Carol Burnham founded JC Burnham 30 years ago, focusing primarily on blinds and draperies. The company expanded its offerings to include window shades, cubicle curtains, and bed covers. Since its founding, the company has gained a strong reputation for reliability, customer service, and quality craftsmanship. Today, the company is a provider of window coverings for Mayo Clinic in Rochester and other facilities within the Mayo Clinic Health System, and is a key player in the Rochester market, servicing hospitality, commercial, and educational customers.

“We are pleased to acquire JC Burnham. We respect the business that Joe and Carol built and their total commitment to customer service and quality, which aligns with our core values. Our acquisition of JC Burnham provides Standard Textile growth opportunities in all markets we serve,” said Gary Heiman, president and CEO of Standard Textile.

“It’s been thrilling for Joe and I to build JC Burnham,” said Carol Burnham. “We’re so grateful for the trusted relationships we have developed with our customers over the years. When Joe and I began talking about the future of our business, we decided what was most important was leaving the company in good hands. Standard Textile was top of mind. As a global company and a leader in the healthcare and hospitality markets, they have already established great relationships in the market, and we felt they are best positioned to take the company to the next level.”

“This acquisition allows us to expand our end-to-end healthcare solutions,” said Tom Main, Standard Textile’s Group vice [resident of sales. “With nearly 80 years of service, we have deep expertise in healthcare environments, from textiles to decorative products. We are excited to gain a stronger presence in Rochester, Minnesota, where we have a long-standing history of servicing Mayo Clinic’s textile needs and excited that we will now have the opportunity to service their decorative needs, too.”

Posted May 8, 2019

Source: Standard Textile

ITMA 2019 Exhibitor Preview: SDL Atlas

ROCK HILL, S.C. — May 7, 2019 — SDL Atlas is pleased to be an exhibitor of ITMA 2019 Show, June 20-26.

During the show, SDL Atlas will display a variety of newly redesigned instruments, Vortex M6, Martindale, Autoburst and Launder-Ometer® along with their new line of high quality SDL Atlas Test Materials and RemoteAccess, a revolutionary remote instrument monitoring app for tracking real-time testing progress of instruments anytime, anywhere, on the go that works with both iOS and Android platforms.

On display for the first time, the newly redesigned Vortex M6 is now updated with a variety of features designed to increase efficiency and the user experience.

The Martindale now features individual station lighting that gives a notification flash of the relevant station along with a beep to indicate the end of a test.

The Autoburst is reengineered from the bottom up to provide unmatched performance for hydraulic burst testing for heavy duty samples. Some of the new features include station lighting, full-color touchscreen control and the flexibility to operate as either a stand-alone instrument or paired with a computer.

The Launder-Ometer has also received a complete redesign adding a full-color touch screen pre-loaded with standard tests and muti-language interface. It has an automatic door that opens and closes with the press of a button.  Sensors automatically stop the rotor from turning when the door opens.

SDL Atlas is committed to providing customers confidence in standard based testing. With offices and experts in the United States, United Kingdom, Hong Kong and China, plus agents serving over 100 countries, SDL Atlas is ready to support its customers with instruments, test materials and services anywhere in the world.

Posted May 8, 2019

Source: SDL Atlas

ITMA 2019 Exhibitor Preview: Oerlikon

REMSCHEID, Germany — May 8, 2019 — Oerlikon invites all visitors to this year’s ITMA in Barcelona on a journey into the future of man-made fiber production. From June 20-26, 2019, the world market leader will show all its guests its vision of a sustainable and automated manmade fiber production in a virtual 4D showroom at its 1,000 m² stand in Hall 7, A101: “Clean Technology. Smart Factory.” is the motto of the future. And this is only a stone’s throw away from reality at the stand. Because today Oerlikon is presenting four world premieres for efficient machine and plant concepts in a new, innovative industrial design. Together with numerous other innovations, all this forms the new DNA of the Oerlikon Manmade Fibers segment.

The challenges for the manmade fiber industry are manifold and Oerlikon shows its customers solutions:

  1. Choosing the right business model

Price pressure on fiber and yarn manufacturers is growing due to global market consolidation. Here it is important to position oneself correctly. Are you producing polyester, nylon or polypropylene for the niche market and skimming off good margins with innovative products and ingenious material properties, or are you looking for business success through economies of scale in the volume market such as the constantly growing apparel sector? Oerlikon has the right answers for both business models. And the most important thing: the market leader supplies all solutions from a single source. See for yourself at the world premieres of the machine and system concepts of WINGS FDY PA6, BCF S8 Tricolor and the revolutionary eAFK Evo texturing machine.

  1. Finding alternatives for good personnel

Finding good operators in the manmade fiber industry is becoming increasingly difficult, even in emerging industrial nations such as China, India and Turkey. The solution is obvious. What, for example, the automotive industry achieved years ago with the 3rd Industrial Revolution is now also taking its course in the textile industry. And at the same time it is even shifting up a gear. In the next step, automation in combination with digitization will lead to new, sustainable production. Oerlikon will be showing how automation and digitization interact at ITMA. Self-learning machines and systems, artificial intelligence (AI), remote services and edge computing are just a few of the key words in the digital half of the new Oerlikon Manmade Fibers DNA.

  1. Guarantee quality and traceability

The qualities of the fibers and yarns must meet the highest demands and their production must be traceable throughout the textile value chain. This no longer only plays an important role in the automotive industry, where safety is of paramount importance. Other branches of industry that use fibers, yarns and nonwovens also want to know where the raw materials they produce for consumer articles come from. Legal regulations are demanding this more and more frequently. Oerlikon offers optimal solutions with its DIN ISO certified manufacturing processes. More than half of the world’s manmade fiber producers are convinced every day that the qualities produced on Oerlikon Barmag, Oerlikon Neumag and Oerlikon Nonwoven equipment are right – and all visitors to ITMA can do the same on site.

  1. Efficient and sustainable production

In the future, the materials produced from manmade fibers must become part of a further improved global recycling economy. The recycling of polyester — with more than 80 percent market share the most frequently used manmade fiber in the world — has not only been on the agenda since today. Oerlikon already has solutions at hand: from PET bottles to fibers and filaments, to textiles and carpets. ITMA is the next step. With the VacuFil® Oerlikon in cooperation with the subsidiary company BBEngineering presents the world premiere No. 4 – a recycling solution within a running polyester production with a waste-free approach.

Vision becomes reality

The Oerlikon Manmade Fibers segment thus demonstrates what the ITMA in Barcelona promises as the world’s leading trade fair for textile machinery and plant construction: “Innovating the world of textiles – sourcing for a sustainable future”. In Hall 7, A101, this is already reality.

Posted May 8, 2019

Source: Oerlikon

Techtextil 2019 Exhibitor Preview: Huntsman Textile Effects

SINGAPORE — May 8, 2019 — Huntsman Textile Effects is bringing its breakthrough disperse dyes and inks, comprehensive range of durable water repellents and deep technical expertise to Techtextil 2019.

“As a leading provider of high-quality dyes and textile chemicals, we are excited to showcase our solutions that deliver on performance and sustainability in equal measure,” said Oliver Gerlach, Global Marketing Manager for Process Chemicals at Huntsman Textile Effects. “We have been at the forefront developing non-fluorinated durable water repellents, robust washfast dyes for polyester and pioneered the digital printing market from its earliest days two decades ago.”

Sustainable durable water repellency at Techtextil

  • Following the expansion of the long-term alliance between Huntsman and Chemours, an extended range of offerings around PHOBOTEX® and Zelan™ for sustainable, high performance and non-fluorinated durable water repellent finishes.

Disperse ink ranges to be featured at Techtextil

  • TERATOP® XKS HL disperse inks. Ideal for automotive digital printing and outdoor end-uses, these inks deliver excellent light fastness and superior printing performance on Kyocera print heads. TERATOP XKS HL is the only ink range that meets the automotive industry’s light-fastness standards.
  • TERASIL® TS water-based sublimation inks. Ideal for waterless paper transfer printing, and designed for Piezo Epson DX print heads, these inks deliver high color density and superior printing performance for sportswear, apparel, flags and banners.
  • TERASIL W/WW dyes. Robust and high performance washfast dye range for polyester. The range achieves right-first-time performance and is bluesign® approved and suitable for STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® certified textile products.

Unrivalled expertise and experience

Huntsman Textile Effects also has a unique body of knowledge and experience built up over decades in the industry. It shares its technical expertise and application knowledge with mills around the world to help them achieve greater productivity and efficiency. It also offers local technical support worldwide.

Visit Huntsman Textile Effects at Techtextil in Hall 3, Stand D48.

Posted May 8, 2019

Source: Huntsman Corp.

Randa Accessories To Acquire Haggar Clothing Co.

NEW YORK CITY — May 7, 2019 — Randa Accessories, an accessories company, announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire 100 percent of Haggar Clothing Co. The transaction is expected to close within 45 days.

Randa, a privately-held company founded in 1910, produces belts, wallets, headwear, slippers, luggage, neckwear, jewelry, and other accessories under 50 brands, including Levi’s, Tommy Hilfiger, Columbia Sportswear, Dickies, and Kenneth Cole. Randa distributes its products globally through more than 20,000 stores and employs more than 4,000 associates at 26 offices located in 10 countries.

Since its beginnings in a one-room office in Dallas in 1926, Haggar Clothing Co. has grown from a manufacturer of men’s fine dress pants and slacks into one of the most recognized apparel brands in the market.

Haggar also owns Montreal-based Tribal. Tribal was founded in 1971 and is the largest women’s sportswear supplier to the specialty boutique market in North America, with over 2,400 active accounts.

“The acquisition of Haggar is an important waypoint on our strategic journey,” said Jeffrey Spiegel, CEO of Randa Accessories. “Following our Moats, Boats & Bridges strategic roadmap, this acquisition allows Randa to bring its existing expertise to adjacent brands, channels of distribution, and product classifications. This transaction brings together two successful, financially strong, and complementary businesses to better serve our retail and brand partners, our associates, and our consumers. We believe that brands matter — and Haggar and Tribal are highly relevant brands in their respective markets.”

Randa reports that revenues for the combined companies will be greater than $1 billion this year.

“Randa is the ideal strategic partner for Haggar because of the combined strengths of our two companies,” said Michael Stitt, Haggar CEO. “Jeff and his extraordinary leadership team add invaluable scale, resources, expertise, and marketing, in addition to retail partnerships. They align with our core values and high standards.”

In 1938, Haggar created the first ready-to-wear, finished bottom, pre-cuffed pant. During World War II, the company kept factories running 24 hours a day to supply over 10 million uniforms to the U.S. military. Haggar coined the word “slacks” to be worn during “slack time.” By the end of the decade, Haggar had become the largest producer of slacks in the world.

In 1980 the company began production of sport coats, vests, and Haggar “Custom Fit” suits, which allowed customers to purchase jackets and pants separately, creating a new menswear category: “suit separates.”

Haggar has over 80 branded brick-and-mortar retail locations, a dedicated direct-to-consumer ecommerce platform, and its products are sold in over 10,000 stores throughout North America.

“Today, understanding and applying consumer data is an essential tool,” Spiegel added. “The addition of Haggar’s retail stores and e-commerce business will supply us with invaluable insight into our consumers’ evolving expectations and path-to-purchase. This information will provide a powerful and actionable lens for our retail and brand partners, as well as our consumers.”

Haggar will remain in Dallas and will be managed by Haggar’s current leadership team. “This is a healthy company, led by a strong and respected team of talented professionals,” said Spiegel. “We intend to provide this extraordinary company with additional resources to drive our mutual success.”

Randa is funding the acquisition through a combination of cash on hand and committed financing provided by Wells Fargo Bank, National Association and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

Posted May 8, 2019

Source: Randa Accessories Leather Goods LLC

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