Germany-based Oerlikon Neumag introduced the BCF S8 at the recent DOMOTEX 2019 carpet and floor coverings exhibition. The company reports the bulk continuous filament spinning technology can simultaneously spin up to 700 filaments per yarn end and produce fine titers of up to 2.5 denier per filament at speeds of up to 3,700 meters per minute based on winding speed. This results in throughputs of up to 15 percent more than previous technologies. The company also reports energy savings of up to 5 percent per kilogram of yarn are achievable. Oerlikon Neumag’s previous-generation technology, the S+ BCF system produced up to 400 filaments per yarn end. The BCF S8 also features a new human-machine interface-based control system for intelligent control and monitoring.
“We have succeeded in achieving a new level of greater productivity and even broader product diversity,” said Martin Rademacher, vice president, sales. “These allow our clientèle to better cater to changing market requirements and achieve a competitive edge in tough market conditions.”
Pfannenberg USA, Lancaster, N.Y., has introduced the PKS Series Air to Air Heat Exchangers. Featuring the Pfannanberg Kinetic System™ cooling technology, the heat exchangers are designed for cooling electrical enclosures to protect electronics when closed-loop cooling is required — sealing out dust, gas and humidity. The heat exchangers are available in 5 configurations — 22, 45, 64, 150 and 180 Watts per °C.
“The PKS Series Air to Air Heat Exchanger consumes approximately 1/3 of the power compared to a traditional Industrial AC unit,” said James Wong, product manager. It is also compact in size offering best-in-class Cooling Capacity Per Density (CCPC™).”
Roy Whitby was named technical sales manager for Mt. Pocono, Pa.-based Monadock Non-wovens LLC.
Pihl
Mark Pihl, president and COO, Web Industries, Marlborough, Mass., has been promoted to CEO effective January 1, 2019. Pihl succeeds outgoing CEO Donald Romine.
Gastonia, N.C.-based Beverly Knits Inc. has named Jason Defilippis manager of product development and design. The company also named Kenny Golden president, and Jackie Tweedy plant manager of Altus Finishing, a division of Beverly Knits.
Pritchett
Colleen Pritchett has joined Hexcel Corp., Stamford, Conn., as president – Aerospace, Americas.
Fabrice Barthélemy was named CEO and chairman of the Management Board for Paris-based Tarkett.
The Netherlands-based Tanatex Chemicals has announced the following appointments: Jørgen Vendel, CEO; Calvin Qiu, CFO; and Paul Oude Lenferink, CTO.
Nike Inc. has named G. Scott Uzzell president and CEO of Converse Inc., Boston.
CEO Mike Thaman has announced his retirement from Toledo, Ohio-based Owens Corning. He will remain with the company as executive chairman. Thaman will be replaced by current president and COO Brian D. Chambers effective April 18, 2019.
Kohmuench
Eriez, Erie, Pa., has promoted Jaisen Kohmuench to the newly-created position of senior director of Asia-Pacific Operations and Strategy.
Dodgeville, Wis.-based Lands’ End Inc. has appointed Chieh Tsai to the new position of chief product officer.
Albert P. “Al” Carey was appointed non-executive chairman of the Board of Directors at Greensboro, N.C.-based Unifi Inc.
Rochester, N.H.-based Albany International Corp. has named Rick Sharpe senior vice president of Global Customers and Marketing for Albany Engineered Composites.
Austria-based Lenzing has appointed Florian Heubrander vice president of global business management textiles.
The Boston-based Cashmere and Camel Hair Manufacturers Institute (CCMI) has announced new staff. Fabio Garzena was named president replacing Karl Spilhaus, who will continue to counsel the institute as president emeritus. Dave Trumbull was named USA representative and will manage the institute’s U.S. affairs from Boston. Kenneth Shimizu will continue his role as Japan representative, managing the institute’s Asia activities from Tokyo.
Ruppe
Columbia Sportswear Co., Portland, Ore., has appointed Peter Ruppe vice president of Footwear for the Columbia brand. Ruppe reports to Columbia Brand President Joe Boyle.
Greensboro, N.C.-based VF Corp. has named Laurel Krueger vice president, general counsel, of the newly created, independent company Kontoor Brands.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue has appointed Charles Sheppard, vice president of Global Sourcing and Distribution at Superior Group of Companies Inc., to serve on the Cotton Board for a three-year term.
Damro
Nate Damro has joined St. Paul, Minn-based Safe Reflections Inc. as vice president of Business Development.
Effective June 1, 2019, Rico Randegger will be responsible for the Business Group After Sales at Switzerland-based Rieter Group.
Jessica Hoopfer has joined Israel-based MySize Inc. as director of U.S. sales.
The Atlanta-based Americas Apparel Producers’ Network named Tony Anzovino, Haggar Clothing Corp., AAPN president for a second term; and Ed Gribbin, Gribbin Strategic LLC, vice president for a one-year term. The following people were named to AAPN’s Board of Directors for a three-year term: Jill Coleman, Alvanon; Aaron Glatman, r-pac International Corp.; Aaron Ledet, VF Corp.; and Hebe Schecter, Kaltex America. Ron Roach, Contempora Fabrics, began his second year in a three-year term on the board.
Jason Mills’ 1920-12 raschel knit fabric has found a niche in the golf simulator screen market.
By Rachael S. Davis, Executive Editor
Milltown, N.J-based Jason Mills LLC is a manufacturer of nylon and polyester tricot and raschel knits as well as spacer mesh fabrics with a focus on industrial fabrics, specialty textiles and technical textiles. The company has more than 100 established stock keeping units, and frequently engineers and develops materials for specific customer needs.
Jason Mills offers one particular fabric in the recreational category — the 1920-12 — for the indoor golf simulator screen market. According to Michael Lavroff, president, this market has grown exponentially over the past three to five years as the use of the screens has expanded from public recreational facilities and sporting goods places to hotels and homes in a golf fanatic’s basement or garage.
There’s a lot of high-definition imagery and software involved with the simulator technology. Images are projected onto the fabric screen, and software calculates the distance of the ball and where it lands on the virtual fairway. The demands on the fabric used for the screen are significant — it needs to hold the image, drop the ball and not ricochet it back at the golfer, and also maintain its strength so the screen doesn’t break or tear as it takes repeated hits from the golf ball.
The market first emerged some eight to 10 years ago, and no one in the industry really knew what type of fabric would work best. Thoughts were that the screen should be firm because firmness equated with strength. However, firmer fabrics were loud when the ball hit and “the ball was coming back at the golfer like it had hit a trampoline,” Lavroff said. Companies also had trouble meeting the flame resistant (FR) requirements. Jason Mills’ solution at that time was a product named 1925-12 — a 12-gauge raschel knit made using a heavy 1,000 denier polyester yarn.
But as technology advanced in the simulator market with higher definition imagery and improved ball-tracking mechanisms, higher demands were placed on the fabric. Jason Mills, anticipating that the market would soon require a different fabric, created its 1920-12 style. The fabric currently is not branded, but the company is debating naming the product “Iron Impact.” Designed as an ultrastrong, single-layer application that can be used without a rear impact screen. the fabric carries same weight and safety features as the company’s original 1925-12 fabric, but is tightly knit using more needles per inch of fabric and a finer denier yarn. This construction compresses more yarn into the same area to give a really nice tight fabric that is a great receptor for high definition imagery, but still maintains the necessary strength, according to Lavroff. The fabric is dyed white, and treated with a FR finish that passes the NFPA 701 large scale testing requirements.
Jason Mills’ 1920-12 raschel knit fabric
One significant differentiator that sets Jason Mills apart from the competition in this market is the ability to offer wider-width products. “All of our fabrics for the golf screen end use are a minimum of 120 inches wide” Lavroff said. “Most of our competitors can only go 60 inches wide and then the fabric has to be seamed together. Our wider width fabric avoids the need for a seam across the center of the finished screen.”
The company also has several other products in development for the screen market. One is a spacer mesh with a tricot knit face and back. The cushioning between the two layers deadens the sound and adds extra protection. The second new style is a 28-gauge raschel product that Lavroff thinks may be the most successful material for the market yet.
Each golf simulator company has its own set of requirements and there is not a one-size-fits-all product for the market. “This industry is so vast, and the magic fabric for one company, is not the product another guy is looking for,” said Lavroff. “But that points to an industry that is growing, and the key here is to become the company that can provide the product lines that most end users are looking for. We want to be the company to come to.”
For more information about Jason Mills’ 1920-12 raschel knit fabric, please contact info@jasonmills.com
BOLOGNA, Italy/MONTERREY, Mexico — February 19, 2019 —Bio-on, listed on the AIM segment of the Italian Stock Market – Borsa Italiana and operating in the sector of high quality bioplastic, and Innova Imagen, a company of the Himes Group, with operations in the textile sector in Mexico and the United States with particular attention to eco-sustainable innovation, announce to have signed an exclusive agreement to design the realization of the first plant in Mexico for the production of 100% natural and biodegradable bioplastic, obtained from agro-industrial residues and by-products.
The agreement grants to Innova Imagen the exclusive right to realize on the field the development of the investment and evaluate the business initiative regarding the use of the Bio-on technologies in Mexico for a period of 18 months. To Bio-on this is an agreement worth half a million euros, the first of its kind in Central-North American region and confirms the success of the business model based on the licensing of one of the most innovative technologies in the world in the sector of biopolymers.
The collaborative initiative will begin in the next weeks with the use of different feedstock largely available in Mexico, including wastes from the agave processing, in order to implement an engineering project of an industrial plant for the production of PHA bioplastics with different possible scenarios which combine different raw materials to be valorized and numerous market segments to be satisfied.
“The technology developed and demonstrated at industrial level by Bio-On is promising in the face of the global problem of contamination by plastics and its consequences on human health,” declared Rogelio Himes, co-founder and CSO of Innova Imagen. “And the possible development of PHAs applications for textile and fashion industry particularly attracted our interest, because they have the potential to replace synthetic fibers such as polyester, one of the largest sources of pollution of our oceans caused by microfiber shredding when the clothes are washed and become in contact with our ecosystems and remain for centuries just as many of the existing plastics.”
The tasks related to the engineering and business plan will be implemented by both teams while the ENG (Engineering) e RAF (Recovery And Fermentation) Bio-on units will work in the development and improvements of synergies and interconnections between the future PHA plant and other production sites available in the geographical area to be identified. The market approach will be elaborated taking into account three important and increasingly evident drivers, also in the central and north American markets: the constantly and strongly rising consumers’ demand for eco-sustainable products, the brand-owners’ commercial strategies and the emerging worldwide regulations that ban the traditional plastics and push toward bio-based and biodegradable materials.
“The PHA revolution is already a reality,” underlined Marco Astorri, president and CEO of Bio-on – and those who really want implement radically green technologies and shift towards a really sustainable production systems have no more excuses. Himes Group, particularly sensible about the environment protection and concerned by bad human habits in plastic consumption, made the right choice and Bio-on team really looks forward to starting this new collaboration in Latin America in order to satisfy the fast-growing market of PHA bioplastics.”
All bioplastics developed by Bio-on (PHAs or polyhydroxyalkanoates and PHBs or polyhydroxybutyrate) are obtained from renewable plant and lipid sources without any competition with food supply chains. In most cases, they guarantee the same thermo-mechanical properties of conventional plastics with the advantage of being completely eco-sustainable and 100% naturally biodegradable in natural way. In addition, they offer application possibilities, even completely unpublished, in sectors where traditional plastics are not used.
Erie, Pa.— February 19, 2019 — The Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration (SME) and American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical and Petroleum Engineers (AIME) has selected Eriez® Senior Director of Asia-Pacific Operations and Strategy Jaisen Kohmuench as the 2018 recipient of the Frank F. Aplan Award. The award will be presented at a banquet on February 27, 2019 in Denver, Colorado, during the SME 2019 Annual Conference and Expo and Colorado Mining Association (CMA) 121st National Western Conference.
Established in 1989, the Frank F. Aplan Award recognizes engineering or scientific contributions that further the understanding of the technology of coal and/or minerals engineering. According to SME Executive Director David L. Kanagy, Kohmuench was selected as the 2018 recipient of this prestigious award based, in part, on his exceptional contributions to applied research, engineering development and commercial deployment of advanced flotation technologies.
Kohmuench attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree of science, a master’s degree of science and a doctorate in mining and minerals engineering. He also holds a Professional Engineers Certification. During his career, Kohmuench has been the recipient of numerous awards, written scores of technical papers and made dozens of professional presentations at various domestic and international conferences.
For more information about the Frank F. Aplan Award and to view a list of past winners, please visit http://erieznews.com/nr470.
Eriez is recognized as world authority in separation technologies. The company’s magnetic lift and separation, metal detection, fluid recycling, flotation, materials feeding, screening, conveying and controlling equipment have application in the process, metalworking, packaging, plastics, rubber, recycling, food, mining, aggregate and textile industries. Eriez manufactures and markets these products through 12 international subsidiaries located on six continents.
PARSIPPANY, N.J. — February 19, 2019 — AdvanSix announced today that it has filed antidumping duty petitions covering imports of acetone with the International Trade Commission (ITC) and U.S. Department of Commerce. AdvanSix filed the petitions along with other domestic producers of acetone including Olin Corporation and Altivia Petrochemicals LLC.
The petitions allege that dumped acetone imports into the United States from Belgium, Korea, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, and Spain have caused material injury to the domestic industry. The ITC will commence a preliminary investigation, which if upheld will proceed to the U.S. Department of Commerce to investigate and determine the antidumping duty rates of these imports.
The Company expects the investigation process to be completed over the next 12 to 14 months. “ no quote Today’s petition filing represents the first step in a process to restore fair competition and reflects our commitment to protecting the domestic acetone industry and its employees,” said Erin Kane, president and CEO of AdvanSix.
AdvanSix is a manufacturer of Nylon 6, a polymer resin which is a synthetic material used by our customers to produce engineered plastics, fibers, filaments and films that, in turn, are used in such end-products as automotive and electronic components, carpets, sports apparel, fishing nets and food and industrial packaging. As a result of AdvanSix’s backward integration and the configuration of our manufacturing facilities, AdvanSix also sell caprolactam, ammonium sulfate fertilizer, acetone and other intermediate chemicals, all of which are produced as part of our Nylon 6 integrated manufacturing chain.
AdvanSix produces acetone at its facility in Frankford, Pa., with annual capacity of 680 million pounds.
INDIANAPOLIS — February 19, 2019 — MADE IN AMERICA 2019, the first-ever exposition and celebratory event solely focusing on U.S. manufacturing and products made in the USA, will take place at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, October 3-6, 2019. With more than 800 exhibitors and 10,000 attendees expected, this four-day event will bring together the largest-ever network of industrial professionals, keynote speakers and conscious consumers for one common goal: raising awareness for the economic, environmental and community impact of American manufacturing.
“American-made machines and products are the backbone of America’s strength,” said President and CEO Don Buckner Sr. “We take great pride in our ability to deliver above and beyond with the goods we produce. While everyone has a part of their own industry’s circle, we seldom find the opportunity to celebrate that unique craftsmanship in one place together.”
For this monumental event, more than 450,000 square feet of the Indiana Convention Center has been reserved to showcase American-made machines and products by 800 U.S. manufacturers. While all exhibitors will share a commonality in their U.S.-based productions, the variety of represented product categories and industries will be incredibly vast, ranging from aerospace and automobiles to apparel and textiles. This event will truly be the most comprehensive representation of American manufacturing and production ever in its purest form.
The Made in America Kickoff Show will take place on Thursday, October 3, 2019. This night will include live performances by top-selling American billboard artists and keynote speakers. Friday, October 4, will feature the past, present and future of American manufacturing, with speeches by industry leaders and a celebration honoring U.S. military veterans who helped lay the foundation for American manufacturing. The closing evening event on Saturday, October 5, will be the first annual “Made in America Awards” to honor the American manufacturing tradition and to recognize the accomplishments of American production heroes, the heart and soul of homegrown manufacturing.
To learn more about exhibiting your American-made machines or products at this historic event or to join the movement to keep America on track to be the #1 manufacturer in the world, please visit MadeInAmerica.com
MADE IN AMERICA 2019 will be the rallying point of people, businesses and organizations from all areas of manufacturing to interact and share the latest innovations and advances in manufacturing, research, product innovation and service delivery. The inaugural event, taking place October 3-6, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, will bring together the largest-ever network of industrial professionals, offering a slate of cutting-edge educational sessions, keynote addresses and panel discussions featuring specialists from key segments of the manufacturing community. For more information visit MadeInAmerica.com.
SHISHI, China — February 19, 2019 — KBS Fashion Group Ltd., a fully-integrated casual menswear company in China, announced today that it has executed a non-binding Letter of Intent to acquire Tribe Wearables (Tribe), a private smart clothing technology company, located in Komotini, Greece.
According to the LOI, KBS will first acquire 20% of equity interests in Tribe based on the valuation of $5,000,000 pre money by issuing certain amount of shares KBS common stock to the shareholders of Tribe. The board of directors of Tribe will have at least one member nominated by KBS once the acquisition is completed. KBS is also entitled to acquire additional equity interests in Tribe by placing certain order of Tribe products at the required price and amount under the LOI. In addition, KBS will have the right of first refusal on participating in Tribe’s future capital raise.
Keyan Yan, CEO of the company commented, “We are very excited to invest in Tribe, one of the most innovative smart clothing technology companies internationally. We conceive that this investment will enhance and expand significantly our clients network and products offering. The smart clothing market is expected to surpass the 2 trillion US dollars in size in 2019 and KBS is well positioned to capture a part of this market in the wider region. We believe KBS will be the preferred manufacturer and exclusive distributor of Tribe products in mainland China and Taiwan.”
“With the acquisition of Tribe, the management team of KBS continues the implementation of its plan for entering the dynamic market of AI, wearable and smart technology for capturing the ever increasing demand for these products in the wider region and internationally. We look forward to welcoming Tribe to be a part of KBS and expect the first stage of acquisition to be completed within the next six months.”Concluded by Mr Keyan Yan.
The transaction remains subject to completion of due diligence reviews, customary definitive documentation and approval by the respective KBS and Tribe boards of directors. As a result, there is no assurance that the transaction will be eventually consummated.
FORT MYERS, Fla. — February 19, 2019 — Chico’s FAS Inc. announced today that Kim Roy, most recently Group President of Ralph Lauren Corp., has been appointed to the company’s Board of Directors as a new independent director. With Roy’s addition, the company’s Board now comprises nine directors, eight of whom are independent and five of whom are women. Roy will serve on the Audit Committee.
Roy has more than 30 years of experience leading iconic American brands at Ralph Lauren Corporation, Ann Taylor Inc. and Liz Claiborne Inc. across wholesale, retail and digital channels. Most recently, as Ralph Lauren Group President, North American Wholesale, Roy was responsible for Polo, Lauren and Chaps apparel brands for men, women and children as well as home categories. Over her 13 years with the company, she also served as Group President Lauren Brands and President of Lauren. Prior to Ralph Lauren Corp., Roy was President of Ann Taylor, Inc. and Group President, Liz Claiborne Earlier in her career, Kim held various merchandising responsibilities at Associated Merchandising Corporation, and Abraham & Straus. Roy previously served as a member of the Board of Directors of Weight Watchers International, Inc. and served on its audit committee.
“As a senior executive and director, Kim has developed a strong track record with premier retail and consumer companies, and we are pleased to welcome her to the Chico’s FAS Board,” said David F. Walker, chair of the company’s Board. “We believe Kim’s knowledge in brand strategy, merchandising, retail business operations, multi-channel marketing and international brand development will help inform our own strategies and growth opportunities in these areas.”
Shelley Broader, CEO and president of the company, said, “I am looking forward to Kim’s counsel and contributions as our newest independent director as we work to build on our strong brand foundation and enhance the growth and operating effectiveness of the company.”
Roy said, “I have long admired the loyalty that women have to the brands within the Chico’s FAS portfolio. I am excited to join the company’s Board and look forward to working with my new director colleagues, as well as Shelley and the management team, to enhance the connections our brands have with our customers and drive shareholder value.”
Roy received her bachelor of science degree in business from Skidmore College and serves on its Board of Trustees.
