IFAI Expo 2018 Delivers Valuable And Engaging Event

DALLAS, Texas — November 6, 2018 — The 98th IFAI Expo attracted more than 4,350 verified registered participants from IFAI Expo and 500 scanned leads from CAMX to the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center for the three-day event.

Attendees had the opportunity to meet with over 800 different exhibitors, including those from CAMX, hear expert advice at more than 69 educational sessions and gain inspiration at a rousing keynote address. Thirty-one Campfire-style sessions on the show floor provided valuable information for the Advanced Textiles, Specialty Fabrics and Shade and Weather Protection segments, with many of the sessions enjoying standing room only crowds. In total, 66 countries were represented at IFAI Expo 2018, a 14-percent increase over last year!

IFAI Expo 2018 collocated with CAMX, the Composites and Advanced Materials Expo, which offered attendees a look at the technology and products within the composites and materials industry. IFAI Expo and CAMX are of comparable size in attendance and number of exhibitors. Both shows benefited from product and attendee crossover, as proved through comparable numbers of badge scans from each.

“We attend IFAI Expo every year,” said Alex Petizian, Naizil Coated Fabric Inc., IFAI member for more than 25 years. “It is a great place to meet clients; we are constantly learning and teaching about our industry. Plus, it’s a great way to collaborate. Expo helps us innovate by finding new ways to manufacture and bring new products to the industry.”

Highlights at IFAI Expo included Industrial Fabrics Foundation Night, a brand new event that kicked off IFAI Expo, Casino-style, at Cloud 9, a revolving restaurant by Wolfgang Puck which makes its home among the downtown Dallas skyline; IFAI Expo’s Opening Reception featuring the textile industry’s band, Hangin’ by a Thread, where hundreds of reception guests enjoyed food, fun and rock n’ roll; plus, a keynote address from Emmy award winning, Hall of Fame Keynote Speaker Mark Scharenbroich, who talked about the importance of making connections in a disconnected world.

The Smart Fabrics Program at IFAI Expo 2018 offered many educational and hands-on opportunities on and off the show floor. Between sessions at the Pre-Expo Conference, campfires on the show floor and a dedicated e-Textiles workshop space, attendees were provided a wealth of information regarding fabric advancements and e-textiles content. Click here to learn more.

One of the most popular features of IFAI Expo was the Manufacturing for Good demo area where sixteen IFAI member companies collaborated to manufacture a product right on the show floor! Thousands of attendees viewed live equipment demonstrations and live manufacturing of duffel bags to benefit local charity, The Bridge North Dallas, which helps people facing homelessness. For more information on the Manufacturing for Good program, click here.

“The excitement generated by this year’s attendees was palpable from the show floor to packed campfire sessions to the networking available,” said Steve Schiffman, CEO and president of IFAI. “Whether you are a canvas fabricator, an engineer working with geosynthetics or responsible for designing the next spacesuit, IFAI Expo is the only place where you can see and experience it all, learn from the industry’s top experts and stay at the forefront of innovation.”

IFAI Expo’s Pre-Expo Conference, hosted more than 46 total educational sessions on the day prior to the show opening providing valuable information on the Advanced Textiles, Specialty Fabrics, Shade and Weather Protection. Attendees enjoyed sessions from NASA Engineer, Shane McFarland who spoke on “Developing the Next Generation Space Suit for the Moon and Mars”, Connie Huffa, textile engineer and president of Fabdesigns, Inc. who presented “Digitalized Manufacturing: Will the Fourth Industry Revolution Transform Flat Knitting” and Hiroshi Aruga, Doctor of Agriculture, AGC; Nic Goldsmith, FAIA LEED AP, Senior Principal at FTL Design Engineering Studio who spoke on “Standing out with Tensile Structures.”

More than 300 attendees participated in 14 Market/Division “Open Meetings” where members and nonmembers came together to discuss challenges their market segment is facing, new opportunities and technologies. Another unique benefit of attending IFAI Expo 2018 was Mentor Meetings, where attendees scheduled one-on-one mentor meetings which paired an attendee with an industry veteran.

IFAI Expo wrapped up with its exclusive, sold out Shop Tours in which attendees experienced firsthand how shops are finding success through innovation and technology. Attendees learned about production, inventory control, lead generation, estimating projects and staffing at USA Canvas Shoppe and toured the anchor testing lab, the repair center and tested a few of their newest tools at Hilti North America Headquarters.

Mark your calendars, IFAI Expo 2019 is scheduled to be held at the Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Fla., in 2019 with show dates set for October 1-4, 2019. For more information, visit www.ifaiexpo.com.

Posted November 6, 2018

Source: IFAI

Creative Ticking Introduces New Design Department

GASTONIA, N.C. — November 6, 2018 — Creative Ticking, a Beverly Knits company headquartered in Gastonia, N.C., has recently restructured its design department as part of its strategic initiative to enhance the scope and direction of this integral component of the company.

Priscilla Peralta has been hired as design director. Peralta graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish language and literature.

Peralta’s extensive textile design experience includes working as a senior knit and jacquard designer at Global Textile Alliance Inc. and a knit designer at Culp Inc. In these positions, Peralta produced packages and designs for knit and jacquard textiles, interpreted customers’ needs to produce fresh lines and analyzed market fashion trends and forecasting.

Kathleen Kelly is Creative Ticking’s textile designer. Kelly graduated from Meredith College with a Bachelor of Arts in graphic design and NC State with a Master of Textiles. While at NCSU, Kelly won the NC State University Pack Plaid Design Contest. The tartan design, registered with the Scottish Registry of Tartan, is used throughout the university on licensed clothing and other Wolfpack merchandise.

Kelly previously worked as a knit designer at CT Nassau as well as the sample department manager. Prior to that, Kelly worked as a project manager at NC State’s College of Textiles and a graphic designer and photographer for Mike Bayley Photography.

As design director, Peralta will lead the direction of original design concepts, provide project direction for the design team, assist the sales team with interpretation of customer requests and manage sample requests and inventory.

Peralta and Kelly will collaborate to create the company’s annual design portfolio, research and identify industry trends and develop original designs based on the visions of Creative Ticking’s customers.

“As a team, Priscilla and Kathleen share a high level of creativity and technical knowledge that will provide Creative Ticking’s customers with innovative products,” said Ron Sytz, owner and president of Creative Ticking. “They are both talented designers with a strong ability to interpret and develop the customer’s ideas making them invaluable to Creative Ticking and our customers.”

Posted November 6, 2018

Source: Creative Ticking


Copland Fabrics, Copland Industries Announce End Of An Era

BURLINGTON, N.C. — November 1, 2018 — Copland Fabrics Inc. and Copland Industries Inc., Burlington, N.C., announced they will cease operations by the end of the year. In business since 1941 and run by four generations of the Copland family, the company cited Chinese competition and increasing costs as reasons for the closure.

Jason C. Copland, president and CEO, issued a statement about the company’s decision:

“With a heavy heart, the board and management of Copland Fabrics Inc., and Copland Industries Inc. are announcing that the companies will end all manufacturing operations at the end of 2018. For four generations, we have manufactured fabrics on the banks of the Haw River in Hopedale. Unfortunately, the economics of domestic textile manufacturing — including the continued onslaught of ever-cheaper fabrics from China, combined with ever-increasing costs — give us no choice but to stop our operations.

We are not declaring bankruptcy, and we will do everything in our power to exit the textile business with dignity and respect for our community and for our employees. Employees will continue to be paid through the end of the year, and the Copland family will be working tirelessly to try to help these hard-working employees find new employment. We will honor our scholarships for our students at North Carolina universities. We appreciate all of the employees and families that have made Copland the place it has been since 1941. Every one of them has been a valued piece of our history and heritage, and we appreciate the chance we have had to lead these fine folks and, hopefully, make a positive difference in their lives.

It has been an honor to be a long-time business in Alamance County. Though our textile businesses are closing, the Copland family remains committed to doing what we can to help our community in the future.”

Posted November 6, 2018

Source: Copland Industries

Superior Group Of Companies Announces Promotion Of Jennifer Daniel To Vice President Of Strategic Planning

SEMINOLE, Florida — November 5, 2018 — Superior Group of Companies Inc. today announced the promotion of Jennifer Daniel, its senior director of Finance & Strategic Planning, to the position of vice resident of Strategic Planning.

“Jen has been a tremendous part of our success, especially with her ability to manage and oversee our strategic planning process. Jen has a unique ability to keep our management team focused on the strategic goals of the company and moving forward together.  With the ever increasing diversity of our multiple businesses, the importance of her role continues to increase.” said Andrew Demott, COO.

Posted November 5, 2018

Source: Superior Group of Companies, Inc.

Pier 1 Appoints Retail Industry Veteran Donna Noce Colaco Chief Customer Officer

FORT WORTH, Texas — November 5, 2018 — Pier 1 Imports Inc. today announced that Donna Noce Colaco has been appointed as Chief Customer Officer, effective December 3, 2018. In this newly created position, Colaco will lead the merchandising organization and oversee product development, planning and allocations, stores, marketing and e-Commerce. She will report to Alasdair James, president and CEO.

“We are thrilled to welcome Donna in this new role as we continue to focus on bringing the customer to the center of everything we do,” said James. “With 40 years of experience in the retail industry, she brings a successful track record of reinventing brands, spearheading new business initiatives, and driving long-term sales and profit growth, which we believe will be instrumental to our success at this time of transformation. Moreover, Donna’s deep expertise in merchandising and omni-channel operations, married with her focus on brand-building and customer centricity, make her an ideal addition to our leadership team as we execute our ‘New Day’ plan.”

Most recently, Colaco served as brand president of White House Black Market, a Chico’s FAS Inc. brand, from August 2007 to January 2018. During her tenure, she led a brand repositioning and business turnaround, and was responsible for retail and e-commerce operations, including 500 stores, as well as brand development, product design, marketing, merchandising and financial planning. Colaco also served as a member of the Chico’s FAS Executive Committee, which was responsible for developing corporate initiatives and business strategy. Prior to that,she spent 11 years with AnnTaylor Stores Corp., where she held positions of increasing responsibility within the merchandising organization, successfully launched the LOFT outlet division, and served as head of e-Commerce for the Ann Taylor brand. From 2006 to 2007, Colaco was president of Ann Taylor Loft, a $1 billion apparel and accessories business. Earlier in her career, Colaco held positions as a buyer and merchandise manager for Limited Inc.’s Lerner New York Division, and was a Buyer for Petrie Stores Corp. She has been a member of the Board of Directors of Dover Saddlery, a specialty retailer and omni-channel marketer of equestrian products, since 2015.

Colaco stated: “I am excited to be joining a company with Pier 1’s rich brand history, seasoned leadership team and deep commitment to its customer. The company has a number of strengths to leverage as we seek to transform Pier 1’s brand proposition, deliver superior value to the customer, and reinvigorate sales growth. I look forward to working with Alasdair and the executive team as we enter our peak season and beyond.”

Posted November 5, 2018

Source: Pier 1 Imports, Inc.

Educators To Build Lessons From Experiences At Manufacturing And Engineering Businesses In Tennessee And Ohio

COLUMBUS, Ohio — November 5, 2018 — Under a grant from the Office of Naval Research, Battelle will launch the Manufacturing & Engineering Externship Program to place teachers in two states inside manufacturing and engineering businesses to create new problem-based lessons for their classrooms. The $1.03 million award funds stipends to educators and recruitment through the Tennessee STEM Innovation Network and Ohio STEM Learning Network.

An initial pilot group of Tennessee teachers will test the program during the summer of 2019. Full recruitment in Tennessee begins the 2019-2020 school year. Ohio educators will join the following year. In total, the program will reach 160 educators.

“Great educators work constantly to bring connections to the world outside of the classroom into their teaching,” said Aimee Kennedy, senior vice president for Education and Philanthropy at Battelle. “With this award, teachers will find and share new connections between academic content and real-world solutions.”

Over the course of the externship experience, each teacher will embed at a local manufacturing or engineering business. Following their experiences at their industry host site, the teacher will design and pilot a new problem-based learning experience for students. Battelle will support participating teachers with year-long training on problem-based learning. The program was designed to address the growing skills gap in STEM industries, with a focus on the advanced manufacturing field.

“Bridging the gap between the demands of industry and the content and skills taught in the classroom is the key to developing a robust manufacturing workforce,” said Denise Rice, director of the Tennessee Manufacturer’s Association. “Through the unique Project Based Learning approach, Battelle will ensure that students are exposed to the manufacturing technologies and develop the problem-solving skills and careers interests to successfully pursue post-secondary manufacturing opportunities.”

The Office of Naval Research issued the award to Battelle Education, a nonprofit subsidiary of Battelle, created to drive innovation in education. Battelle Education and the STEM networks support Battelle’s commitment to quality STEM education.

Posted November 5, 2018

Source: Battelle

Chromaflo Technologies Acquires CECOPLAS Colorants

ASHTABULA, Ohio — November 5, 2018 — Chromaflo Technologies, a global provider of colorant technology solutions, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Central de Colores Plásticos’ (CECOPLAS) colorants business. Chromaflo Technologies and CECOPLAS have come to a purchase agreement whereby Chromaflo Technologies will acquire CECOPLAS’ colorants with production in Querétaro, Mexico. The business acquisition is effective November 1, 2018.

“The acquisition of this business from CECOPLAS is consistent with our efforts in supplying quality colorants and additives for high performance thermoset products in the Americas’ markets and beyond,” said Scott Becker, president and CEO of Chromaflo Technologies. “The addition of CECOPLAS will provide us an opportunity to serve the Mexican market to a more effective degree.”

Production will remain at the current location in Mexico. This will enhance Chromaflo Technologies’ North American manufacturing facilities.

“With any merger or acquisition, our number-one goal is to assure continuity of supply while building stronger relationships to enable us to meet and exceed customers’ expectations,” said Larry Haines, vice president of Mergers and Acquisitions of Chromaflo Technologies. “We are confident that our acquisition of CECOPLAS will add to our mission and create an improved service level for existing clients.”

Posted November 5, 2018

Source: Chromaflo Technologies

Printful Opens New Cut-And-Sew Fulfillment Center In Mexico

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — November 5, 2018 — Printful, a print-on-demand drop shipping company, is expanding its operations and opening a new fulfillment center in Tijuana, Mexico, that specializes in cut-and-sew products and activewear.

With the growing demand for activewear products such as leggings, opening a new cut & sew facility is the logical next step to keep up with growth. This branch helps Printful balance order load across all locations, add new products quicker, and lower prices for premium apparel.

“Activewear is a fast-developing market segment, so our new facility is the logical solution to meet the growing customer demand and take Printful to the next step. Our increased production capacity will also help our customers compete with global fashion and sports apparel brands,” says Davis Siksnans, Printful CEO.

Printful decided on Mexico primarily because of access to a skilled workforce in the cut & sew industry and its proximity to their Los Angeles branch.

The company acknowledged that being “Made in the USA” is important for some brands. For this reason, it gave customers the option to opt out of order routing to Mexico.

Printful invested $500,000 in this 10,000 square foot facility. Production will start with a team of 10 specialists. It plans to continue growing its international presence and developing the Mexico branch with more staff, products, and equipment.

This is Printful’s fourth fulfillment center, after their branches in California, North Carolina, and Latvia. Its team of more than 500 people is spread out across all locations, with 350 in the Unites States and 150 in Europe. Printful also offers warehousing & fulfillment and other services to help customers launch and manage their online businesses at every stage.

Posted November 5, 2018

Source: Printful

Serge Ferrari Launches 2019 Sling Collection – Batyline ISO And Duo

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. — November 5, 2018 — Serge Ferrari has launched its 2019 collection for two of its sling mesh fabrics: Batyline® Duo and Batyline® Iso. The company consulted with European designers and color experts to produce a more sophisticated and trend-setting color palette compatible with all design styles. The 28 colors of the Batyline Duo range and the 31 colors of the Batyline Iso range are now stocked and available in the Pompano Beach, Fla., warehouse.

Batyline Iso is Serge Ferrari’s original sling fabric and a standard in the industry for the last 30 years. Coated high-tenacity polyester yarns are threaded one in warp and one in weft for a square-weave pragmatic construction. Most fabrics in the Batyline Iso range continue to use a single color in the weave to further accentuate the simplicity. The 2019 collection is the first launch in the range to offer a two-color weave. Raffia, in green and white, and Mist, in blue and white, offer a checkered pattern within a simple construction.

Batyline Duo provides a fabric with more complexity and artistry. Colorists carefully chose two or three colors per fabric and these coated high-tenacity polyester yarns are woven one thread in warp and two in weft. The result is a distinctive, more complex look with three dimensional depth. The Twist range creates even more interest and depth by twisting the threads for a random weave, speckled effect. Serge Ferrari has pushed the envelope to create unique works of art: Duck combines brown, blue and teal; Avocado combines both a light and dark green with beige; Cruise combines blue and dark grey.

“Designers and furniture manufacturers that have previewed this collection are very excited”, says Laurent Pellequer, market manager for Furniture and Hospitality. “Innovative designers are asking for innovative fabrics. Our team has worked hard to deliver this.”

Posted November 5, 2018

Source: Serge Ferrari

ITMA ASIA + CITME Enjoys Another Successful Presentation

SHANGHAI — November 5, 2018 — ITMA ASIA + CITME 2018, the region’s leading textile machinery exhibition, ended successfully after five days of exciting product demonstrations and business networking.

The sixth combined exhibition welcomed visitorship of over 100,000 from 116 countries and regions, with an increase of 10 percent from domestic visitors compared to the 2016 show. About 20 percent of the visitors came from outside of China.

Of the overseas participants, Indian visitors top the list, reflecting the strong growth of its textile industry. Following closely were trade visitors from Japan, China Taiwan, Korea and Bangladesh.

Fritz P. Mayer, president of CEMATEX, said: “Response to the combined show has been very strong. There was a larger pool of qualified buyers and most of our exhibitors were able to achieve their business objectives. We are delighted with the positive outcome from our latest event.”

Wang Shutian, president of China Textile Machinery Association (CTMA), added: “The strong turnout of visitors to the combined show reinforces the reputation of ITMA ASIA + CITME as the most effective business platform in China for the industry. We shall continue to do our best to present the best technologies from both east and west to Chinese and Asian buyers.”

The total exhibition area at ITMA ASIA + CITME 2018 grossed 180,000 square meters and spanned seven halls. A total of 1,733 exhibitors from 28 countries and regions demonstrated their latest technological products that focus on automation and sustainable production.

Following the successful staging of the 2018 edition, the next ITMA ASIA + CITME will be held in October 2020 at the National Exhibition and Convention Centre (NECC) in Shanghai.

The combined show is owned by CEMATEX, together with its Chinese partners – the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT (CCPIT-Tex), China Textile Machinery Association (CTMA) and China International Exhibition Centre Group Corp. (CIEC). It is organized by Beijing Textile Machinery International Exhibition Co. Ltd. and co-organized by ITMA Services.

Posted November 5, 2018

Source: CEMATEX, CCPIT-Tex, CTMA & CIEC

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