BATON ROUGE — May 30, 2019 — Today, Governor John Bel Edwards, joined by Port of Greater Baton Rouge and Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC) officials, committed State of Louisiana capital outlay funds to complete a $20 million rail project that will enhance the transfer of corn, grain, soybeans and other commodities from Louisiana farmers to export vessels at the Port of Greater Baton Rouge in West Baton Rouge Parish.

Located in Port Allen, the Port of Greater Baton Rouge is overseeing nearly $60 million in rail infrastructure projects that will expand commodity shipments for current and future tenants. In 2018, Union Pacific Railroad completed a $12 million interchange track project expanding potential delivery from 45 railcars to as many as 110 railcars on one train.

The funding commitment by Governor Edwards and the Louisiana Legislature will complete a second critical project bringing four rail tracks deeper into port property to serve the Louis Dreyfus Company Port Allen Elevator facility, one of the largest grain elevators on the Mississippi River. LDC’s site, with approximately 80 employees, ships agricultural commodities overseas at a volume of about 5 million to 6 million metric tons per year. The new $20 million rail project will speed delivery, shipment and volume of the commodities, especially at times of high and low stages on the Mississippi River.

“We are pleased to commit the additional state funds needed to facilitate the shipment of critical commodities from Louisiana farmers and other sources through the Port of Greater Baton Rouge,” Governor Edwards said. “These rail enhancements will mean better business and more profitable operations for our farmers, for the port and for major tenants like LDC. All of that boosts our Capital Region and state economy. Measured by tonnage, the Port of Greater Baton Rouge is one of three Louisiana ports among the Top 10 in the U.S. Our investment in port and maritime infrastructure assures Louisiana of retaining and even expanding our leadership in international commerce.”

High river stages at the port interfere with barge offloading. They require companies like LDC to transfer commodities to the elevator facility with additional equipment at a slower pace. Having the option to deliver commodities via unit trains of 110 or more railcars will benefit agricultural producers and the customers who receive their goods.

“This is a tremendous economic development project that has been in the works for many years,” said Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M. “The expanded rail capacity will increase the volume and transfer of goods at a rapid rate. It will also allow for uninterrupted delivery of grain, wood pellets and other commodities when the river levels are too high or too low for normal commerce by barge or ship.”

“Because of Louisiana’s challenging weather, which includes excessive rainfall or moisture during harvest, higher-quality soybeans from the Midwest are needed to blend with ours to make a marketable product,” said St. Landry Parish farmer Carlos Polotzola. “From a logistics standpoint, when the river is too high or too low, the rail system is vital to getting beans to the ports in South Louisiana.”

Operating as the major grain logistics tenant at the Port of Greater Baton Rouge since 2011, LDC has completed over $200 million in capital spending improvements at its Port Allen Elevator facilities.

“We are pleased with the rail announcement and the State of Louisiana’s commitment to economic growth in the area,” said Adrian Isman, North America Region CEO for Louis Dreyfus Company. “It is our plan to continue to invest and grow in the region, and the rail line will help support this objective.”

For the Louis Dreyfus Company rail access project, port officials are pursuing a project permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Pending approval of permits, construction is expected to begin later this year and potentially be completed in 2020.

“This project is the culmination of a lot of hard work and strong financial investment from our tenants and private sector stakeholders,” said Executive Director Jay Hardman of the Port of Greater Baton Rouge. “The funding commitment by Governor Edwards and our Legislature will enable us to complete a much-needed project that will serve the port and its tenants for years to come. Once completed, it will enable the port to remain a competitive player in the exportation of grains and oilseeds into the world marketplace.”

“The Port of Greater Baton Rouge is a landmark that has been a valued economic engine for West Baton Rouge Parish since 1956,” said Parish President Riley Berthelot. “This commitment from the state on the proposed new rail project should keep them in a competitive position for years to come.”

Beyond the rail access project, the Port of Greater Baton Rouge will begin a third major rail project in the near future. A rail logistics facility, known as a chambering yard, will be built along the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway and expedite rail service to the LDC’s grain elevators, expedite rail delivery of wood pellets to Drax Biomass, enhance rail operations throughout the port, and make the port more attractive for prospective new tenants. LDC and Drax Biomass will pledge proceeds from expanded shipments as a match for state and port funding of the future chambering yard.

“West Baton Rouge Parish is fortunate to have a port of such caliber in our backyard, and one that has continually proven to be an unwavering economic development partner,” said Executive Director Jamie Hanks of the West Baton Rouge Chamber of Commerce. “This commendable announcement will continue to grow the Port of Greater Baton Rouge’s capabilities, benefitting our parish and region.”

“The region’s port complex is a critical part of driving the Baton Rouge area’s economy, and investments in expanding its rail infrastructure will drive future growth,” said President and CEO Adam Knapp of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber.

May 31, 2019

Source: Office of the Governor of Louisiana

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — May 31, 2019 — Responding to the popularity of the sustainable and elegant performance fabrics in its Breathe by Milliken™ collection, Milliken Specialty Interiors will introduce a range of new fabrics, including a jacquard pattern and cotton-linen blends, at Showtime, which runs from June 2-5 in High Point, N.C.

“Our new Breathe by Milliken fabrics were designed and curated to focus on the convergence of several trends: growing interest in varied textures to add depth to interiors, continued demand for natural and environmentally-friendly materials and a need for durability and cleanability to make homes more livable,” said Dana Claire Larson, director of design and development, Milliken Specialty Interiors.

The additions include the brand’s first patterned natural fiber fabric, Athena, a cotton-linen jacquard textile with a medium-scale geometric design suitable for large and small pieces.  Athena will be available in several colors.

Among the other new fabrics are Aura, which offers subtle texture, and Bohemian, which offers even more surface interest. Both are cotton-linen blends available in six soothing and nature-inspired colors. Milliken will also preview several fabrics to be fully launched at the November Showtime event.

“The true beauty of Breathe by Milliken fabrics is that consumers can have both cleanability and elegance, as well as durability and softness,” continued Larson. “By setting the standard for luxurious performance, Breathe fabrics offer consumers the long-lasting protection and peace of mind they need paired with the aesthetics they desire.”

To learn more about fabrics in the Breathe by Milliken collection, please visit Milliken on the fourth floor of the Market Square Textile Tower in High Point, or visit www.breathebymilliken.com

May 31, 2019

Source:  Milliken Specialty Interiors, A Business In Milliken’s Performance & Protective Textiles Division

HIGH POINT, N.C. — May 31, 2019 — American Silk Mills is introducing Brussels® Stria at Showtime Market in High Point, N.C., which takes place June 2-5. Combining a textured and nuanced look with the rich, luxurious hand and soft shimmer of its iconic velvet, Brussels Stria adds a modern feel to any room.  Brussels® Stria will be available in ten stock colors, and cut orders will be fulfilled within 48 hours.

Brussels, American Silk Mills’ iconic and trademarked luxury velvet, has defined the industry’s standard for high-end luxury velvet since its introduction in 1994.  Over the years, American Silk Mills has sold more than 2.4 million yards of Brussels velvet to more than 1,100 different customers. Starting this year, American Silk Mills is partnering with a state-of-the-art mill in India for the exclusive development and production of Brussels velvet.

“As a result of the collaborative efforts of American Silk Mills and our new mill partner, Brussels velvet is now better than ever,” said David Corbin, CEO of American Silk Mills.  “We’ve taken the quality, safety and durability of Brussels to the next level, and have raised the bar for high-end luxury velvet.  The improvements we’ve made demonstrate our commitment to developing textiles that look beautiful and exceed our customers’ expectations for quality and performance.”

Improvements to Brussels include the following:

• Increased the weight per square yard by more than 50 percent compared to previous Brussels, resulting in an even more luxurious hand.
• With more than twice as many double rubs compared to previous Brussels, the fabric can be specified for any end use, including high-durability end uses such as residential, hospitality and contract.
• With 100-percent vertical manufacturing and increased production capacities, lead times are significantly improved for full-piece Brussels orders.

All Brussels fabrics exceed the requirements for the most critical flammability tests (CAL Technical Bulletin 117-2013; NPFA 260; UFAC), eliminating any safety concerns that prohibit sales into any U.S. state.

American Silk Mills will also announce a substantial price reduction on Brussels, to be effective June 2, 2019.

“The new pricing will reflect the greater efficiencies and quality delivered by our exclusive mill partner, and we’re excited to offer our customers better quality luxury velvet at better prices,” added Corbin.

May 31, 2019

Source: American Silk Mills

WASHINGTON — May 31, 2019 — The National Retail Federation issued the following statement from Senior Vice President for Government Relations David French in response to the Trump administration’s plans to impose a 5 percent tariff on all Mexican imports starting June 10.

“The growing tariff bill paid by U.S. businesses and consumers is adding up and will raise the cost of living for American families. Forcing Americans to pay more for produce, electronics, auto parts and clothes isn’t the answer to the nation’s immigration challenges, and this certainly won’t help move USMCA forward.”

In 2017, U.S. retailers imported $128 billion in goods from Mexico.

May 31, 2019

Source:  The National Retail Federation (NRF)

WASHINGTON — May 31, 2019 — Kim Glas, president & CEO of the National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), issued the following statement today in response to the administration’s decision under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to assess penalty duties on Mexico as an attempt to address the growing immigration dispute on the U.S. southern border. The proposed 5-percent increase would begin on June 10 and incrementally increase to 25 percent, if the dispute is not resolved.

The magnitude of the trading relationship with Mexico is significant for the U.S. textile industry, representing $12.2 billion in two-way textile and apparel trade in 2018. The U.S. textile industry alone exported $4.7 billion in yarn and fabrics to Mexico last year and had a net export surplus of $3.8 billion.

As a result, Mexico is the single largest market for U.S.-made textile exports.

“We are very concerned about the impact these proposed tariffs would have on a critical and integrated supply chain for the U.S. and Mexico textile and apparel industries. Under the NAFTA agreement, the U.S. has benefited as a result of strong rules of origin that require the use of regional yarns and fabrics. As a result, the U.S. industry has made significant investment — $22.8 billion from 2006 to 2017 — to help grow the manufacturing of fiber, yarns, and fabrics in the United States. NCTO supports the passage of the pending U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) because it is a critical trade agreement that will strengthen the industry’s supply chain representing approximately $20 billion in three-way trade,” Glas said.

“Adding tariffs to Mexican apparel imports, which largely contain U.S. textile inputs, would significantly disrupt this industry and jeopardize jobs on both sides of the border,” Glas said. “And as a result, it will accelerate substantially the immigration issues the administration’s is seeking to address.”

“In addition, this tariff increase would give a significant competitive advantage to China, which already accounts for about 38% of apparel and textile imports to the U.S.” Glas added. “In fact, if this increase goes forward it will drive business back to China at a time when the administration is trying to crack down on intellectual property abuses and make systemic trade reforms that have undermined U.S. manufacturing industries for decades. This proposal is extremely concerning to U.S. textile manufacturers and we will do all we can to amplify these concerns with the administration and members of Congress.”

Mexico and Canada together are the U.S. textile industry’s two largest export markets worldwide. In 2018, the U.S. ran a combined $3.8 billion surplus in textiles and apparel with those two North American Free Trade Agreement trading partners.

NCTO is a Washington-based trade association that represents domestic textile manufacturers, including artificial and synthetic filament and fiber producers.

• U.S. employment in the textile supply chain was 594,147 in 2018.
• The value of shipments for U.S. textiles and apparel was $76.8 billion in 2018.
• U.S. exports of fiber, textiles and apparel were $30.1 billion in 2018.
• Capital expenditures for textile and apparel production totaled $2.0 billion in 2017, the last year for which data is available.

May 31, 2019

Source:  The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO)