Techtextil North America 2019 Exhibitor Preview: Itema America Inc.

SPARTANBURG, S.C.— February 21, 2019 — Itema — manufacturer of weaving machines, spare parts and integrated services — is exhibiting at Techtextil North America (Stand 1335) from February 26-28 at the Raleigh Convention Center, North Carolina.

Itema America Inc., with headquarters in Spartanburg, S.C., is the result of the successful merger in the early 2000 of two renowned weaving machines manufacturers, Sulzer (founded in 1834 in Switzerland that opened the US subsidiary in 1964) and Somet (founded in 1967 in Italy that opened the affiliate – Somet of America – in 1982).

During its long-standing presence in the U.S. market, Itema has established a solid reputation as a highly reliable and trustworthy partner with a strong track record of outstanding technology provider and customer support.

In fact, customer support is well recognized and it is the pride of Itema America, where highly skilled and experienced weaving technicians and textile experts are on call to ensure a quick and personalized after-sales support to the wide base of Itema customers.

The Itema America team works relentlessly side by side with its American customers, offering expert advice and service, unwavering support, and unmatched dedication.

Itema America provides extensive training courses at its premises and/or on-site at customer mills and, additionally, the company offers electronic and mechanical services and repairs, as well as timely and reliable spare parts deliveries and upgrade kits.

In recent years Itema further reinforced its traditional leadership in the American market, where the company advanced weaving technology is increasingly appreciated for a wide range of applications, from technical fabrics to furnishing and passing through apparel and home textile fabrics.

The latest Itema machine models — the rapier R9500 (today available in its second generation offering superior energy savings and higher performances than ever before) and the airjet A9500p with its real time filling insertion and best in class air-consumption — have quickly become the machines of choice for many U.S. weavers.
 Both customers’ satisfaction and Itema machines installed base are increasingly growing leading to extremely positive results for Itema in the American market. As a matter of fact, in 2018 Itema America sold more airjet weaving machines in the U.S. market than anybody else.

During Techtextil North America, Itema America team will concentrate in showcasing the company strong offering for technical fabrics weavers. Itema is uniquely positioned to offer technical textile manufacturers the top three weft insertion technologies — Rapier, Airjet and Projectile, in what is the most comprehensive portfolio on the market today for technical applications.

The rapier R95002 is by far the most successful rapier loom in recent history. The continuous roll-out of customized special versions tailored for technical applications, including OPW Airbag, Fiber Glass, Bolting Cloth, among others, the wide weaving width up to 540 cm, as well as new and advanced devices make the R95002 by Itema the perfect machine to weave the full range of technical textiles, including ones with the finest monofilament, multifilament high tenacity yarns, and multiple pick insertion fabrics.

Looking at specific technical applications the airjet A9500p — the most innovative airjet weaving machine in the market — provides undeniable benefits, matching unparalleled performances and the highest productivity with superior textile efficiency and has already amassed important references, especially in medical applications and automotive fabrics

The Itema A9500p is pre-set for independent motorized Jacquard with no cardan shaft, allowing to weave specific technical textiles (such as Airbag OPW) with no speed limitations.

When it comes to weaving very high density fabrics, the A9500p is customized with dedicated devices to ensure best possible results. Key components are reinforced to ensure optimized machine control and reliability whilst Itema patented devices guarantee reduced air and energy consumption and superior textile efficiency.

Technical fabrics are the specialty of the legendary and unique projectile P7300HP due to the unparalleled versatility and reliability of its weft insertion system. The unmatchable uniqueness of the positive weft transfer consists in the single insertion driven by the projectile, which catches the weft and carries it directly with no exchanges, providing unmatched efficiency.

The P7300HP continues to harness great interest from projectile weaving aficionados and represents an unbeaten and unbeatable benchmark for those looking to weave the widest fabrics — up to 655cm weaving width — and high-specialty materials, such as agrotextile, geotextile and carpet backing. When it comes to weaving tape yarns, the Itema projectile weaving machine provides the highest performance compared to all the other insertion technologies currently available on the market.

Posted February 21, 2019

Source: Itema

Techtextil North America 2019 Exhibitor Preview: Bolger & O’Hearn

FALL RIVER, Mass. — February 21, 2019 — Bolger & O’Hearn Inc. Specialty Chemicals, (B&O) will showcase DSM Resins, introduce its new corporate website and continue launching B&O’s new “Stormproof/Breathable” durable water repellent, OmniBloq™,  at Techtextil NA 2019.  The media and public are invited to visit Bolger & O’Hearn in Booth 1635 to learn more.

Techtextil NA 2019 takes place at the Raleigh Convention Center in Raleigh, N.C., February 26-28, 2019.

In September of 2018, Bolger & O’Hearn entered an exclusive agreement to represent DSM Coating Resins in the United States. DSM is a leading provider of innovative resins for sustainable coatings systems, including waterborne resins for the textile and related markets. DSM’s high performance polyurethane and acrylic systems provide lamination ability, abrasion resistance, fire retardance, moisture transmission and several other value-added properties to textiles.

In addition to the standard DSM textile product line, Bolger & O’Hearn will also provide fully customized and formulated coatings, finishes and adhesives based on the DSM product technology. You can learn more about B&O’s exclusive agreement with DSM Coating Resins on the B&O website.

“We’re excited to promote our new distribution relationship with DSM to the Techtextil audience,” said Shaun O’Hearn, president of Bolger & O’Hearn. “Techtextil is an ideal venue to discuss DSM’s textile coating products. We’re also looking forward to discussing industrial applications for our powerful new Stormproof DWR, OmniBloq.”

Applied to textiles at the mill, Stormproof/Breathable OmniBloq delivers highly durable, water repellence that does not compromise fabric hand, product design or fabric breathability.

An ideal DWR against even the harshest rainstorms and squalls, OmniBloq has been engineered to keep the rain off without the bulk or stiffness of a laminate. OmniBloq is also recyclable, non-PFOA and provides protection against oil and stains. End applications include stormproof outdoor apparel, such as with Flylow Gear ski wear, workwear, boat covers, awnings and any other textile that needs heightened DWR protection.

Bolger & O’Hearn is also launching a new corporate website at Techtextil. Introduced In January, the new website provides a comprehensive look at their products, sustainability programs and Innovation Lab.

Known for innovation and the highest quality standards, Bolger & O’Hearn frequently develops new chemical products for customers and can turn most requests over quickly. Many of their products use the most environmentally-compliant materials and technologies available. Most are water-based, and Bolger & O’Hearn strives to continually improve the health, safety and environmental profiles of the chemistries they develop for the industries they serve.

Posted February 21, 2019

Source: Bolger & O’Hearn

INVISTA And The Shanghai Chemical Industry Park Sign Memorandum Of Cooperation For China ADN Plant — A Key Ingredient In The Production Of Nylon 6,6

SHANGHAI — February 20, 2019 — Representatives from INVISTA and the Shanghai Chemical Industry Park (SCIP) signed a memorandum of cooperation at a ceremony today in Shanghai.

In attendance were Wu Qing, vice mayor of the Shanghai Municipal Government; Chen Mingbo, deputy secretary general of the Shanghai Municipal government and director general of the Shanghai Economy Informatization Commission; Ma Jing, director general of the Shanghai Chemical Industrial Park Administration Commission; and Jeff Gentry, chairman and CEO for INVISTA.

Engineering for a 400,000-ton adiponitrile (ADN) plant is underway at an estimated investment in excess of $1 billion (7 billion RMB). With support of the local authorities, we expect construction to start in 2020, and startup is expected to begin by 2022.

“With this memorandum of cooperation and a commitment to work toward an investment agreement, we are pleased to be taking the next step toward finalizing the investment and its location,” said Jeff Gentry, INVISTA chairman and CEO.

“Shanghai is an attractive location in part due to the benefits of integrating the new facility into our existing HMD and polymer plants at SCIP. Furthermore, the cooperation and support we’ve received from the Shanghai government and SCIP to advance this project give us confidence that we can work together to meet future milestones.”

According to the memorandum of cooperation, INVISTA will advance its internal decision-making process for the project with strong support from the Shanghai government and SCIP, including commitment to intellectual property protections and joint efforts to execute an investment agreement.

ADN is the key ingredient in the production of nylon 6,6, a versatile polymer used in many applications that improve people’s quality of life. Applications include engineered plastics, automotive airbag fabric, high-performance coatings and specialty apparel fibers.

Posted February 20, 2019

Source: INVISTA

Chico’s Announces New Products That Further Showcase Fabric Innovations, Solutions For Women

FORT MYERS, Fla. — February 20, 2019 — Chico’s today announced the launch of multiple new apparel offerings using fabric innovations and solutions that build on the brand’s heritage of combining style with exceptional function, giving women even more reason to love the clothes they’re in.

No Stain, No-Iron shirts powered by Stain Shield™ technology are now available in seven colors and prints in boutiques and online at Chicos.com. Styled like Chico’s bestselling no-iron collection of classic button-up shirts, the no-stain, no-iron shirt repels a variety of everyday substances such as cola, salad dressing, ketchup, coffee and even red wine. Spots easily flush away with water. The Stain Shield repellant lasts up to 30 washes.

No Stain White Jeans powered by Stain Repellent Bright White™ technology will be available in boutiques and online in Spring 2019. In addition to repelling stains for up to 20 washes, the new technology helps prevent yellowing in the wash, ensuring crisp white denim for up to 25 washes.

As part of Chico’s ZENERGY® collection, active wear with UVA and UVB protection will be launched in Spring 2019. The new tops and bottoms will use No Sun technology that provides UPF 50+ protection and repels UVA and UVB rays.

“We are delighted to offer these new products, which use innovative technology to enhance our customers’ wardrobe with clothes that provide style, fit and function,” said Shelagh Stoneham, Chico’s senior vice president of marketing. “We know our customers value excellence in these areas just like they value our most amazing personal service, and we will continue working to deliver on her expectations.”

The new product launches announced today build on Chico’s legacy of fabric and fashion innovations and solutions for women. These include Chico’s widely acclaimed wrinkle-free and packable Travelers™ collection; No Tummy pants and denim powered by So Slimming™ technology, which are equipped with proprietary flattening panels that smooth the midsection; No-Iron shirts that can be tossed in the wash and don’t need to be steamed or ironed; and denim and sweaters featuring Coolmax™ technology, which keeps the wearer cool and comfortable.

Posted February 20, 2019

Source: Chico’s FAS Inc.

Techtextil North America 2019 Exhibitor Preview: Aurora

YORKVILLE, Ill. — February 20, 2019 — While other U.S. textile manufacturing plants have shuttered or moved overseas, Aurora Specialty Textiles Group Inc. (Aurora) has spent the last five years investing in a new state-of-the-art, North American manufacturing operation strategically equipped with next-generation wide width (up to 130″) bleaching, finishing, fabric skewing and coating technologies.

That investment is paying off for their customers. With its new technologies, convenient location and streamlined operations, Aurora is ideally poised to help their customers meet and surpass market demand for their products.

Visitors to Techtextil NA 2019 can learn more about Aurora’s next-gen capabilities by visiting Booth 1823, February 26-28, 2019, at the Raleigh Convention Center in Raleigh, N.C. The product groups for Aurora include Woven Fabrics, Knitted Fabrics, Nonwovens, Coated Textiles, Canvas Products and Research & Development.

“The products we bleach and finish have a vast number of end applications,” said Dan LaTurno, president of the company. “It could be anything from tape products to bedding to personal safety products. In addition, our industrial belting fabric is the best in the industry.”

Aurora’s manufacturing operations are also centrally located in the USA. “We offer best quality paired with brisk turnaround times, quick deliveries and competitive pricing,” said LaTurno. “Our customers can rest easy knowing that they are working with a manufacturer that’s investing in the latest technology, is growing and is here to stay.”

Aurora also offers ease of communication with customer service and sales staff located in the USA and an easy phone call, text or email away. Attending the show from Aurora are Erik Nees, Sales Account Manager; Mark Noles, Sales Account Manager; Dan LaTurno, President; Jack Gaches, Logistics and Purchasing Manager; and Vlad Antal, Product Development Manager.

Posted February 20, 2019

Source: Aurora Specialty Textiles Group

TRSA Member Companies Honored For Accentuating Industry Positives

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — February 20, 2019 — TRSA is increasingly acknowledging members’ exemplary efforts to care deeply for employees, customers, communities and the environment. This recognition will share the spotlight with meetings on Capitol Hill when TRSA conducts its 9th Annual Legislative Conference March 27-28 in Washington.

The Annual Awards Dinner will close the opening evening of the conference. The association received a record 31 nominations this year for awards in five categories.

The ceremony will enable members to honor peers and consider the value of their companies’ own humane efforts. This reinforces the conference as the industry’s main event for companies to support each other, primarily uniting for small-group visits to the Hill urging legislators to support balanced, pro-business policies.

Award presentations will testify to the value of efforts to improve workplace safety, sustainability and diversity; provide excellent customer service; and give back to communities. Operator (launderer) and associate (industry supplier) members were encouraged to enter all categories.

Five companies (see list of all winners below) will be honored in two categories. Each winner will receive a statue or plaque at the dinner, depending on final judging by TRSA committees and subject-matter experts who will assess the positive impacts of each award-winning effort.

Above and Beyond Service Award

Operators:

  • Huebsch Services, Eau Claire, Wis.
  • Miller’s Textile Services, Wapakoneta, Ohio
  • Mission Linen Supply, Santa Barbara, Calif.

Associates:

  • Colmac Industries, Colville, Wash.
  • Ecolab Textile Care Division, St. Paul, Minn.
  • Sigmatex-Lanier Textiles, Suwanee, Ga.

Clean Green Innovation Award

Operators:

  • Mission Linen Supply, Santa Barbara, Calif.
  • Prudential Overall Supply, Irvine, Calif.
  • White Plains Linen, Peekskill, N.Y.

Associates:

  • Ecolab Textile Care Division, St. Paul, Minn.
  • WSI, Cinn.

Company Community Service Award

Operators:

  • Huebsch Services, Eau Claire, Wis.
  • Paris Cos., DuBois, Pa.
  • Quintex Services, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
  • West Michigan Uniform, Holland, Mich.

Diversity Recognition Award

Operators:

  • Service Linen Supply, Renton, Wash.
  • UniFirst Corp., Wilmington, Mass.

SafeTRSA Safety Excellence Award

Operators:

  • Bates Troy Healthcare Linen Services, Binghamton, N.Y.
  • Prudential Cleanroom Services, Mesa, Ariz.
  • Quintex Services, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
  • Superior Linen Service, Tulsa, Okla.

Associates:

  • Kemco Systems, Clearwater, Fla.
  • Meese Inc., Madison, Ind.

In addition, winners were chosen for the Volunteer Leadership Award, honoring individuals active in TRSA who recognize the competitive benefits and overall economic value to their companies of strengthening the industry, including their own competitors. This honor for operators went to Liz Remillong, strategic alliance vice president, Crothall Healthcare, Chesterbrook, Pa; for associates, Mike Diedling, retired applications engineering manager, Pellerin Milnor Corp., Kenner, La.

All members are encouraged to participate in the conference, with early registration pricing ending Friday, Feb. 22, and further discounts for companies with more than one attendee (www.trsa.org/legcon). TRSA President and CEO Joseph Ricci observed that TRSA members participating in the conference fulfill the association’s paramount function of advocating on behalf of the industry. They “tell local stories in educating legislators and staff regarding the positive impacts of regulatory reform, providing critical personal and professional perspectives on the impact of regulations, labor issues and legislation. Legislators, regulators and their staffs want to hear from them.”

Posted February 20, 2019

Source: TRSA

Kim Glas Appointed Incoming NCTO President and CEO; Tantillo To Retire

After a rigorous search process, the board of directors of the Washington-based National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) has unanimously approved the appointment of Kimberly Glas as president and CEO effective April 29, 2019. She succeeds Augustine D. “Auggie” Tantillo who recently announced his retirement.

Glas brings more than 20 years of experience in government policy development and advocacy to her new role. She served as the deputy assistant secretary for Textiles, Consumer Goods and Materials at the U.S. Department of Commerce under the Obama Administration, where she oversaw efforts to improve the domestic and international competitiveness of the U.S. textile and apparel industries. Glas also worked closely with the United States Trade Representative, key agencies and Congress to advance various critical trade policy issues including changes to the CAFTA-DR agreement.

“I am honored and excited for the opportunity to lead NCTO and to work on behalf of this innovative industry,” Glas said. “I am grateful to Auggie for his leadership and all his support and friendship over the years, and am deeply appreciative to the NCTO membership for this incredible opportunity.”

Tantillo’s knowledge, built over a 38-year-career in the Washington policy arena most often while directly representing the textile industry, was a valuable asset to NCTO and the textile industry. “Due to his vast institutional knowledge and skill in navigating policy matters in Washington, Auggie will certainly be missed,” said NCTO Chairman Marty Moran. “On behalf of our entire membership, I want to express our gratitude to Auggie for his dedicated and important service to our industry.”

“It has been a tremendous privilege to represent an industry that has made such an enormous contribution to the U.S. economy and the U.S. workforce,” Tantillo said. “I will always be grateful for the confidence that the domestic textile sector has shown in me as the head of this important organization.”

January/February 2019

Elevate — New ITG Identity

Following last year’s integration of Mount Holly, N.C.-based American & Efird (A&E) and Greensboro, N.C.-based International Textile Group (ITG) under the leadership of Platinum Equity, ITG has announced Elevate Textiles Inc. as its new name and corporate identity. Elevate — which replaces ITG as the parent company of American & Efird, Burlington, Cone Denim, Gütermann and Safety Components — will establish its global headquarters in Charlotte, N.C. Existing Greensboro and Mount Holly offices will remain as divisional headquarters for the brands.

The combined group — with 37 facilities and more than 15,000 employees — offers a broad range of textile products including apparel fabrics, denim, technical fabrics, and industrial and consumer sewing threads.

January/February 2019

Crypton® Enters European Market

Crypton®, Bloomfield Hills, Mich., reports it is expanding into the European performance fabric technologies market. Its fabrics for both residential and contract markets will be produced in Europe by carefully selected fabric manufacturers, and warehoused in Belgium. Executive Vice President Hardy Sullivan will oversee the initiative along with all of Crypton’s international operations.

“We have long been evaluating Europe as a growth platform and have spent considerable R&D efforts to provide best in class performance that meets the stringent European test requirements,” said Lance Keziah, Crypton CEO. We’re excited to enter the market ….”

“We look forward to connecting with prospective European distributors, mills, and jobbers, as well as dialoguing with designers and specifiers,” said Guy Parmentier, vice president of international sales.

January/February 2019

Coats Acquires ThreadSol, Sells North America Crafts Business

England-based Coats Group Plc has acquired India-based ThreadSol for $12 million. ThreadSol, a provider of material management solutions for the apparel industry, is now part of Coats Global Services. The deal expands the scale of ThreadSol’s artificial intelligence and Big-data-based software solutions, which complement Coats’ existing suite of software solutions for the apparel and footwear industries.

In other company news, Coats reports it has sold its North America Crafts Business — which includes the Red Heart, Coats & Clark, Aunt Lydia and Susan Bates brands — to Spinrite, Listowel, Ontario. Spinrite manufactures branded and private label products including craft knitting yarns. Spinrite will take ownership of Georgia-based manufacturing sites in Toccoa, Douglas and Albany, as well as a distribution center in Albany, along with approximately 560 employees. The initial cash consideration payable upon closing the transaction is $37 million.

“The sale of our standalone North America Crafts will have a stronger future with Spinrite,” said Rajiv Sharma, CEO, Coats Group. “It also allows us to focus complete attention on our high performing business-to-business global Apparel and Footwear, and Performance Materials segments.”

January/February 2019

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