Transformative Gift To NC State Names The Wilson College Of Textiles

RALEIGH, N.C. — November 2, 2018 — North Carolina State University announced today that it has received a $28 million gift from the family of alumnus Frederick “Fred” Eugene Wilson Jr. and the Wilson family. The gift funds an endowment to support and name NC State’s College of Textiles. Effective immediately the college will be known as the Wilson College of Textiles.

The gift is part of the Think and Do the Extraordinary Campaign — a $1.6 billion fundraising effort. It is the largest gift ever made to the college in its 119-year history and makes the Wilson College of Textiles only the second named school at NC State.

The gift to the Wilson College of Textiles will have a significant and long-term impact by connecting students with new opportunities; allowing for investment in award-winning faculty and life-saving research, and enhancing campus facilities used by students, faculty and industry partners.

“This is a historic day for NC State and a truly transformational gift for the College of Textiles,” said NC State Chancellor Randy Woodson. “We are tremendously grateful to Fred Wilson and the Wilson family. Their amazing generosity means that the Wilson College of Textiles will continue to be a vital, vibrant leader in education, discovery and practical application of innovation for years to come.

“Textiles has been an important part of our university’s story, and North Carolina’s economy, for more than a century. As the industry has changed, NC State has been able to change along with it — to purposefully adapt, to innovate and to keep pushing forward. Our faculty has built expertise in a wide range of textile applications and specialties. The Wilson family’s gift will empower us to prepare students for success in a resurgent textile industry, inspire investment through key partnerships and initiatives, and make a real difference for our state and beyond.”

Fred Wilson graduated from the College of Textiles in 1961 with a degree in textile chemistry. He is chairman of the board of directors of Piedmont Chemical Industries Inc., a family-owned and operated chemical manufacturer headquartered in High Point, N.C. The business was founded by his father in 1938 to support the local textile industry and, in addition to other products, manufactures a wide array of textile chemicals to address the wet processing of fiber, yarn and fabric.

The Wilson family has a history of philanthropic support and community involvement and strong ties to the College of Textiles. Wilson’s son, Frederick “Rick” Eugene Wilson III ‘87, and his daughter, Elizabeth “Cres” Wilson Calabrese ‘89, both graduated with degrees in textile chemistry. Fred Wilson’s grandson, Frederick “Rede” Wilson IV ‘16, earned his degree in polymer and color chemistry.

For Fred Wilson, this gift demonstrates his commitment to a college that, much like the textiles industry, has persevered and evolved despite the economic downturns of the late 20th century. As manufacturing jobs were shipped overseas in search of cheaper labor and mills shut their doors, long-standing textile, chemical and retail industry relationships served the college well and allowed NC State to invest in textiles as other universities shuttered their programs.

With insight from key industry partners, in part via the North Carolina Textile Foundation, the college targeted the kinds of education and research that would define the now resurgent field of textiles. Leadership recruited and retained world-class faculty with expertise in chemistry, design, engineering, management and technology – particularly faculty with expertise in emerging areas such as environmentally responsible textile and fiber chemistry, digital printing and composites.

Today, the Wilson College of Textiles is unique, diverse and interdisciplinary. It is also the only remaining textiles college in the United States.

“When we were talking to the Chancellor about the college and about it being the only college of textiles remaining in the U.S., a lightbulb really went off. Somebody’s got to draw a line in the sand. We’ve got to remember what got us here and recognize where we can go in the future. I’m happy that we could be the ones to do that,” said Fred Wilson.

For David Hinks, dean of the Wilson College of Textiles, this gift connects the textile manufacturing tradition within North Carolina with future economic and societal impact by shaping the future of the textiles industry.

“Wilson College of Textiles will secure its global reputation as the premier academic, research and service-intensive college that catalyzes advancement of the innovative and resurgent U.S. textiles industry by recruiting and retaining the very best talent to lead, educate, discover, serve and innovate for decades and centuries to come.”

Posted November 2, 2018

Source: NC State, College of Textiles

Large Gift to NC State’s Textile School Will Help Mold Next Generation Of U.S. Textile Leaders And Innovators

WASHINGTON  — November 2, 2018 — Thanks to a $28 million gift from alumnus Frederick “Fred” Eugene Wilson Jr. and his family, NC State’s College of Textiles henceforth will be known as the Wilson College of Textiles. A world leader in textile research, the Wilson College of Textiles is the only standalone textile college in the United States.

“Thank you so very much to the Wilson family. This gift is significant for the U.S. textile industry,” said National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) Chairman Marty Moran, CEO of Buhler Quality Yarns Corp. and a holder of a degree in textile management from NC State.

“As a fellow alumnus I’m proud and grateful to the Wilson family for giving back so selflessly to help others.  As the CEO of a textile company and as chairman of the largest Washington, D.C.-based trade association representing U.S. textiles, I’m excited because this gift will help mold the next generation of leaders and innovators,” Moran added as he noted more than fifty companies participated in the Wilson College of Textiles career fair on September 26.

“The Wilson family’s donation will benefit not just North Carolinians, but the entire U.S. textile supply chain,” stressed Moran, as he explained NCTO and its member companies often work closely with Wilson College of Textiles faculty and students on everything from solving technical problems to innovating and manufacturing the fibers, yarns and fabrics of tomorrow.

NCTO President and CEO Auggie Tantillo said, “On behalf of NCTO’s entire membership, I want to express appreciation to the Wilson family for their very generous gift. Further, we are grateful to the Wilson College of Textiles for their continued dedication and invaluable contribution to the U.S. textile industry.”

Posted November 2, 2018

Source: National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO)

Orion Engineered Carbons Announces Investment In Acetylene Carbon Black To Drive Technological Strength In Batteries And Other Premium Segments

LUXEMBOURG  — November 2, 2018 — Orion Engineered Carbons S.A., a worldwide supplier of specialty and high-performance carbon black, announced on November 1, 2018, that it has reached an agreement to acquire acetylene carbon black manufacturer Société du Noir d’Acétylène de l’Aubette, SAS [SN2A] from LyondellBasell Industries Holdings B.V. and its French affiliate. SN2A was founded in 1987 and is headquartered at Berre l’Etang, near Marseille, France.

Acetylene black is an ultra-pure premium specialty carbon vlack distinguished by its high electrical and thermal conductivity. Lithium-ion batteries and high-end electrical cables are key applications for this material.

“SN2A brings us a skilled team, proven technology and an operating plant. With this platform we are going to significantly strengthen our capabilities in the lithium-ion battery market and broaden our position in other attractive markets,” said Corning F. Painter, CEO of Orion Engineered Carbons. “This bolt-on acquisition is a perfect fit with Orion’s focus on Specialty Carbon Blacks. We look forward to welcoming the SN2A team to Orion and bringing Acetylene Black into our portfolio.”

The agreement with LyondellBasell includes provisions for a secured long-term feedstock supply. Orion plans to strengthen production capabilities at the Berre l’Etang facility.

The transaction closed on October 31, 2018.

Posted November 2, 2018

Source: Orion Engineered Carbons S.A.

TRSA Publishes Calendar For 2019 Professional Development Opportunities

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — November 2, 2018 — TRSA’s 2019 professional development calendar has been published and individual events are now open for registration at the association’s website, www.trsa.org/events.

Carefully crafted to appeal to senior executives as well as a broad range of plant management that includes general, maintenance, production, human resources, safety, marketing and sales, the professional development events highlight TRSA’s commitment to strengthen, grow and promote the linen, uniform and facility services industry through the people who power it. At this time 12 events are confirmed to occur throughout the United States, providing opportunities for enrichment while minimizing downtime for travel.

The first event of 2019 is also its newest: TRSA’s First Annual Hospitality Conference has been added in response to requests for enrichment for this rapidly growing market. Ten other events include three additional Conferences, four Summits and three educational Institutes, which will follow the agenda layout seen in prior years; however, content continues to be refreshed. Post-event evaluations, TRSA committees and task forces inform and drive subject matter to ensure each event provides attendees with opportunities to build skills, learn best practices from industry leaders and spend time in collaboration and information-sharing.

The Ninth Annual Legislative Conference — to be held in Washington in March — will help constituents find their voices to advocate for the industry when participants visit Capitol Hill for organized, scheduled meetings with lawmakers and staff members in their congressional offices.

Summits are structured to typically focus on management of a single aspect of industry operations. Returning in its twice-yearly format is the Production Summit & Plant Tours, where attendees discuss and view process improvements to build personal skills and increase laundry throughput and productivity. Typical attendees of this event, set for April in Dallas, and October in Las Vegas, are production executives/managers and company owner/operators.

The back-to-back pairing of the Third Annual Workforce Management Summit and the Eighth Annual Safety Summit — covering human resources, health and safety — will occur in Dallas in April.

June 2019 is the biennial Clean Show in New Orleans, and TRSA will continue its practice of providing high-value networking and professional development events with the TRSA Clean Show Experience.  A single advance registration will provide for attendance with 400+ of your colleagues at the welcome reception, breakfasts, lunches, and a variety of educational sessions and exhibit floor presentations. Traditionally the professional development sessions occur prior to the opening of the exhibit floor in the morning, with some presentations set for the afternoons, minimizing time away from the exhibit floor.

Institute programs occur in the last half of the year; in August at the University of Maryland, Hyattsville, Md, with the 55th Annual Executive Management Institute (EMI) and the 30th Annual Production Management Institute (PMI) and then in October, attendees of the 27th Annual Maintenance Management Institute (MMI) will journey to Las Vegas to pair with the Production Summit & Plant Tours that will dovetail with this event. Appropriate for new and experienced managers, TRSA Institutes provide training in management principles and technical practices from the industry and businesses at large.

TRSA’s Eighth Annual Healthcare Conference & Exchange — to be held in San Diego in November — is the premier and largest event for companies that supply, launder and maintain linens, scrubs, garments and other reusable textiles for the healthcare sector. At this event, participants improve their grasp of practical techniques and operations/financial trends through information-sharing and networking with TRSA members, who process more than 90 percent of North American acute, long-term care and specialty medical linens and garments.

“Enhancing the skills of our team members is vital to our success as an industry and TRSA’s 2019 professional development opportunities show commitment to industry professionalism and best-management practices. In a highly competitive employment market, developing the industry skills and knowledge needed for success is key to recognizing, rewarding and retaining workers who will be the industry leaders of tomorrow,”  stated TRSA Chairman Jim Buik, president and owner of the Roscoe Co., Chicago.

In addition to the live events listed below, TRSA offers monthly webinars (free to members) and will continue to build its On-Demand Learning library with e-learning courses, training videos and certificate programs. Visit  https://www.trsa.org/events/calendar for upcoming webinars or www.trsa.org/ondemand for on-demand training.

TRSA 2019 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CALENDAR

  • February 20-21: TRSA 1st Annual Hospitality Conference Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, Lake Buena Vista, Fla.;
  • March 20-21: TRSA 9th Annual Legislative Conference – Hilton Washington DC National Mall, Washington;
  • April 9: TRSA 3rd Annual Workforce Management Summit Embassy Suites Dallas Park Central, Dallas;
  • April 10: TSRA 8th Annual Safety Summit – Embassy Suites Dallas Park Central, Dallas;
  • April 11-12: TRSA Production Summit & Plant Tours – Embassy Suites Dallas Park Central, Dallas;
  • June 19: TRSA Young Leaders @ The Clean Show – TBD, New Orleans;
  • June 19-23: TRSA Clean Show Experience – TBD, New Orleans;
  • August 11-16: TRSA 55th Annual Executive Management Institute (EMI) – University of Maryland, Hyattsville, Md.;
  • August 11-16: TRSA 30th Annual Production Management Institute (PMI) – University of Maryland, Hyattsville, Md;
  • September 17-19: TRSA 106th Annual Conference – Hyatt Regency Boston Harbor, Boston;
  • October 22-23: TRSA Production Summit & Plant Tours – The Palms Hotel, Las Vegas;
  • October 23-25: TRSA  27th Annual Maintenance Management Institute (MMI) – The Palms Hotel, Las Vegas;
  • November 19-21: TRSA 8th Annual Healthcare Conference & Exchange – Hyatt Regency Mission Bay, San Diego, Calif.

Event sponsorships are available and can be reviewed at www.trsa.org/advertising.

Posted November 2, 2018

Source: TRSA

Indorama Ventures Expands Presence In Brazil With Entry Into Fiber Market

BANGKOK, Thailand — November 2, 2018 — Indorama Ventures Public Co. Ltd. (IVL), a global chemical producer, has announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire M&G Fibras Brasil, in Cabo de Santo Agostinho, Brazil. The Cabo plant manufactures and supplies polyester staple fiber, with total polymerization capacity of 75,000 metric tons per year.

The transaction is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter 2018, subject to regulatory approvals.

This acquisition fills an important gap in IVL’s global footprint in fibers by establishing capacity in South America’s largest economy, Brazil. It also offers IVL an opportunity to participate in the domestic market along with strategic and logistic advantages from established free trade agreements with other Latin America countries. The demand in Brazil is expected to grow in response to a recent recovery in consumption.

The plant is in close proximity to Indorama Ventures’ PET site and also the third party PTA site in Brazil. Further synergies will be realized by using a jointly located Sao Paolo commercial office. Having a local manufacturing base, IVL is also in an advantageous position to expand more into nonwoven applications which are growing strongly in Brazil, supported by the presence of global brands. As a world leader in the service of the hygiene sector, the presence of global brands will allow IVL to offer its customers an extensive portfolio of products to serve their needs. Brazil has a very innovative textile industry and its relatively high consumer purchasing power is driving the growth in nonwoven and filling fibers. IVL’s strategy is to continue to serve the growing needs of the existing customers of M&G as well as the needs of IVL’s global branded customers in this fast-growing economy and stay ahead of the curve in introducing quality products.

Commenting on the acquisition, Aloke Lohia, Group CEO of Indorama Ventures, said:

“Brazil, with its large spinning industry is a natural place for the textile industry to enjoy long-term growth due to its location and large population.  We intend to support the local spinning industry with a commitment to supply high-quality fibers to blend with cotton and reduce dependence on imports.

In addition, IVL will also be able to support the local non-woven manufacturing industry by supplying specialized fibers produced with the know-how from our global manufacturing businesses. We look forward to the continued support of the Government of Brazil in developing a robust and self-reliant textile sector.”

Posted November 2, 2018

Source: IVL

Pindler Releases New Sunbelievable Fabrics And Wanderlust Trims 

MOORPARK, Calif. — November 1, 2018 — Recognizing the significant demand for trimmings and indoor/outdoor performance products in the design market, Pindler, an  international wholesaler of decorative fabrics, announced the new addition of fabrics and trims to their exclusive Sunbelievable and Wanderlust collections.

“We’re pleased to introduce the new additions to these two exclusive collections,” said Pindler Design Manager Sarah Williamson. “The Wanderlust trims and Sunbelievable fabrics reinvent some of the most popular patterns from our past collections and introduce new design elements we know interior designers and their clients will love. These new additions aid in our ongoing mission to provide a unique and ever-expanding product assortment that reflects the best of the latest design trends.”

The two continuations of the collections are detailed below:

  1. The second edition of the exclusive Sunbelievable Collection is a selection of modern, vibrant colors perfect for any indoor or outdoor setting. Woven from solution-dyed acrylic and polyester — making it fade-proof and easy to clean — the new fabrics offer bright and fresh colorways that retain color and strength.
  2. The new Wanderlust trims are a luxurious, unique grouping of wide tapes. Drawing inspiration from the feeling of wanderlust, the trims are made with a combination of contemporized colors, transitional patterns and metallic accents and are woven and embellished with natural yarns such as cotton, viscose and rayon. The trims are a perfect enhancement to any indoor setting.

The exclusive Sunbelievable Collection and the exclusive Wanderlust Collection are currently available at Pindler’s 16 corporate showrooms, seven agent showroom locations across the country, as well as three agent showrooms in Canada.

Posted November 1, 2018

Source: Pindler

Hyosung Chairman Cho Hyun-Joon Convenes Vietnam Co. Board Meeting To Step Up Conversion To Holding Company

SEOUL — November 1, 2018 — Hyosung Chairman Cho Hyun-Joon convened a board meeting of Hyosung Vietnam Co. on October 26, where he fixed procedures to convert it into a holding company.

He explained the remaining proceedings for the changeover of the company to a holding company, and collected opinions from inside and outside directors in the meeting. He also accounted for a decision to pay more than 4,000 won in cash dividends to Hyosung shareholders for 2018, and vowed to continue business activities to return part of profits to shareholders.

After the meeting, the chairman visited the site of a polypropylene plant under construction in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province in southern Vietnam with the directors, inspected the production process of the plant and discussed an infrastructure investment plan with related officials.

“Hyosung will sharpen its competitiveness to hold the global markets all the time by utilizing the expertise of Hyosung Corp., which is the holding company of Hyosung Group, and newly established affiliates,” Hyosung Chairman Cho Hyun-Joon said. “By doing so, we will firmly carry out a management policy to raise business and shareholder values, and at the same time give part of profits back to our shareholders.”

Posted November 1, 2018

Source: Hyosung Corp.

Unifi Announces New Stock Repurchase Program

GREENSBORO, N.C. — October 31, 2018 — Unifi Inc. today announced that the board of directors had approved a new stock repurchase program under which the company is authorized to repurchase up to $50 million of the company’s common stock. Stock repurchases will be made from time-to-time in the open market at prevailing market prices, through private transactions or block trades. The timing and amount of repurchases will depend on market conditions, stock price, applicable legal requirements and other factors. This stock repurchase program is discretionary and has no expiration date. The board of directors also terminated the company’s prior stock repurchase program, which was approved by the board in April 2014.

Posted November 1, 2018

Source: Unifi Inc.

Christel Aarts Interview On Lace Trends

OBERTSHAUSEN, Germany — November 1, 2018 — As the world shifts, so does lace – but where are they going to? The fashion expert, Christel Aarts, provides some of the answers.

Since its early beginnings in the 15th century, lace has been used to embellish, seduce and beguile. At that time, the fabric between the embroidered areas was removed, leaving behind only the white embroidery. Over the years, these delicate fabrics have changed many times. Now more than ever, it is worth taking a new look at lace. Modern yarns, high-tech machines and optimized finishing processes are offering completely new design possibilities, thus opening up the potential for new applications and business fields. This sector is on the move – from lingerie to sportswear, from the shelves in women’s boutiques to the collections in menswear shops, from creating traditional decorative effects to making a functional fashion statement. Something that was once just an idea has now become a reality. KWP’s editor, Ulrike Schlenker, spoke recently to the innovations consultant, Christel Aarts, when they discussed where this journey is leading.

Ulrike Schlenker: Digitization is bringing about change in all areas of our social life, for example, communication via social media. Are there any mega trends that are having an influence on both our clothing but particularly on lace?

Cristel Aarts: In the past, fashion trends were set by designers and industry gatekeepers, such as buyers in the large retail chains and magazine editors. Digitisation and social media have re-distributed power in the industry towards the average consumer and social media influencers. The average consumer has instant access to every trend, can view catwalks in real-time from their couch, and purchase an outfit that a blogger posts directly from their phone. The industry is aware of this re-distribution of power, and access to the end consumer has become vital. As end consumers, we like to think that accessing all this information allows us to express ourselves in a more individualistic manner. However, I believe the reverse is true. Social media steer us towards the same imagery, fashion trends are more global rather than local, and we see more and more hypes.

Digitization has allowed for visualisation of the product. For clothing to be noticed, there are aspects such as colour/contrast and prints that have more visual impact on a screen. Lace, with its patterns, colours and textures, also has a strong visual impact, and is therefore perfectly suited to visualisation on the Internet.

Reducing the cost of lace, thanks to new technology, has allowed customers with different budgets to embrace lace products, and continuous innovation will allow for lace to become a more mainstream product, which can be adapted to different product categories.

Schlenker: Speaking of product categories: athleisure, swimtimates, the pyjama dress… everyone talks of a genre mix. Nevertheless, lace details only appeared sporadically in the pure sportswear collections presented at this year’s OutDoor exhibition in Friedrichshafen and ISPO in Munich. What level of performance does lace need to have in order to find its way into sportswear?

Aarts: In recent years, we have seen a huge shift in the acceptance of lace in outerwear. While in the past, lace was mainly limited to couture, lingerie, bridal and nightwear, we have seen a revolution in the way lace is accepted as the main material in outerwear, as well as the acceptance of lingerie/nightwear style garments as outerwear garments. No doubt, this is influencing its acceptance in sportswear.

However, for lace to become a breakthrough product in performance sportswear we would have to re-think the concept of lace. That would mean looking at how lace products could add additional value comparatively to the current materials available for sportswear, what properties the material should have, and finally how it should look. In particular, functional properties, which optimise the thermal physiology and comfort against the skin, should be considered. The freedom you have in lace design could be used, for example, to support movement through an optimal combination of stretch and compressive structures, allow for breathability and, in the near future, incorporate wearable electronics that monitor performance. From a design perspective, you might want to consider moving away from the typical floral execution towards a more graphic, logo-inspired execution.

Schlenker: Is there a way to make lace attractive for men’s clothing, for example by using graphic designs?

Aarts: Lace is generally associated with fragile, refined, seductive and sensual characteristics, words that do not evoke a typical masculine association. However, if we look at long-term trends, we see that gender roles are becoming less defined and more overlapping. This will have an impact on how we dress and what we find acceptable. For women in the West, a more masculine, tougher dress code has long been accepted. For men, we have seen in the last 20 years a huge change in the acceptance of skincare and beauty products, as well as a general focus on appearance and the way men style themselves. As a result, a more feminine dress code for men is slowly becoming more acceptable. Formal dressing, such as wedding suits and shirts, might be a first thought, but the biggest opportunity could potentially lie in sportswear, if we can really re-think the concept of lace and change the way lace performs, feels on the skin, and looks visually.

Schlenker: About the topic “re-think the concept of lace”: what would you as an innovations consultant want from a machine manufacturer?

Aarts: From a design perspective I would like maximum flexibility and adaptability to different yarns, textures and patterning techniques, whilst of course maintaining technical standards and cost targets. From an innovation perspective, I would love to see machinery that is flexible, can deal with small quantities or even allow for custom-made designs, where the focus is on sustainability and quality rather than cost.

Posted November 1, 2018

Source:  KARL MAYER Textilmaschinenfabrik GmbH

HeiQ And Patagonia Expand Their Partnership With HeiQ Fresh Tech

ZÜRICH, Switzerland/VENTURA, Calif. — November 1, 2018 — HeiQ and sustainable outdoor clothing brand Patagonia have expanded their 2017 partnership to include HeiQ Fresh Tech odor control technology, with best-in-class performances.

Recent consumer research shows that 72 percent of shoppers are interested in odor control technology in activewear. As we are social animals, humans want to be close to others without having to worry about bad smell on our apparel from ourselves or our surroundings.

To expand on the Patagonia/HeiQ partnership, and as part of the R&D partnership launched in 2017, Patagonia will begin using HeiQ Fresh Tech odor control in its Fall 2019 collection.

“While we were happy with our previous odor control solution, we were able to develop a better solution as part of our R&D Partnership with HeiQ. We are always looking to improve quality of our products, and HeiQ Fresh Tech will help us meet our consumers demands.” said Matt Dwyer, director of material innovation and development at Patagonia. “We are excited to continue to expand our partnership with HeiQ to develop sustainable textile finishes.”

HeiQ Fresh Tech is a family of highly versatile and effective odor-preventing and odor-absorbing textile technologies that continue to be effective even after prolonged use and frequent washings. This product family is comprised of technologies that either prevent odor from emerging, absorb odor from the surroundings, or take both into action.

“We are confident our HeiQ Fresh Tech solution will be a great addition to the Patagonia product line, and will create the highest value possible for the consumer,” said Carlo Centonze, HeiQ CEO. He added, “The Patagonia and HeiQ partnership is based on our shared vision that technology can perfect our every-day textile products.”

Posted November 1, 2018

Source:  HeiQ Materials AG

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