DALTON, Ga. — October 18, 2018 — Shaw Industries Group Inc. (Shaw) was recognized as a winner of the 2018 North American Candidate Experience (CandE) Awards. Out of the two hundred companies participating, Shaw ranked No. 33 of the 65 winners selected and was the only flooring manufacturer to receive this award.

The Talent Board recognized Shaw for its dedication to honest recruiting, a thoughtful application process and transparency with candidates. Award-winning companies were chosen based on their job candidates’ satisfaction survey scores through the recruitment research program. Responses were collected from over 130,000 job candidates, focusing on four key factors: overall recruitment experience, likelihood candidates would reapply to the organization, if they would refer others to the company and their potential business relationship status with the organization after their experience. Analysis of these responses resulted in a final CandE score for each participating organization.

An impactful candidate experience is part of Shaw’s talent strategy. The company is committed to a tailored and focused candidate engagement effort, knowing that Shaw’s success is greatly tied to its people and company culture. Participating in the Talent Board’s candidate research program allows Shaw’s talent acquisition leaders to learn which of its efforts and values resonate with candidates and how they can continually innovate the recruitment process. This commitment to recruiting has placed Shaw among top companies such as AT&T, Johnson & Johnson and Hilton Worldwide recognized for their superior candidate experience.

“Understanding that great people are at the heart of our business encourages us to take pride in fostering a culture that continues to attract and retain the best talent,” stated Mike Fromm, Shaw’s’ chief human resources officer. “We seek to have an engaging, professional and authentic recruitment experience with our candidates, leaving them with a memorable opinion of Shaw and allowing us to consistently recruit top associates.”

Shaw recruits on a global basis, offering jobs ranging from sales to engineering and more. Interested applicants can apply at shawinc.jobs .

Posted October 18, 2018

Source: Shaw Industries Group

HONG KONG — October 18, 2018 — The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) recently developed an intelligent fabric defect detection system, called WiseEye, which leverages advanced technologies including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Deep Learning in the process of quality control (QC) in textile industry. The system effectively minimizes the chance of producing substandard fabric by 90%, thus substantially reducing loss and wastage in the production. It helps to save manpower as well as enhance the automation management in the textile manufacturing.

Supported by AI-based machine-vision technology, the novel WiseEye can be installed in a weaving machine to help fabric manufacturers to detect defects instantly in the production process. Through the automatic inspection system, the production line manager can easily detect the defects, thus helping them to identify the cause of the problems and fix them immediately.

“WiseEye” is developed by the Textile and Apparel Artificial Intelligence (TAAI) Research Team, which is spearheaded by Prof Calvin Wong, Cheng Yik Hung Professor in Fashion of Institute of Textiles and Clothing, PolyU.

Textile manufacturers currently rely on human efforts to randomly inspect the fabric by naked eyes. Due to human factors such as negligence or physical fatigue, defect detection by human labour is usually inconsistent and unreliable. Textile manufacturers also attempted to use some other fabric inspection systems, but those systems were not able to meet the industry needs. Ensuring quality in the fabric production becomes a great challenge to the industry.

Prof Calvin Wong said, “WiseEye is a unique AI-based inspection system that satisfies the requirements of textile manufacturers. It is an integrated system with a number of components that perform different functions in the inspection process. The system is embedded with a high-power LED light bar and a high-resolution charge-coupled device camera which is driven by an electronic motor and is mounted on a rail to capture images of the whole width of woven fabric during the weaving process. The captured images are pre-processed and fed into the AI-based machine vision algorithm to detect fabric defects. Real-time information gathered throughout the detection process will be sent to the computer system, and analytical statistics and alert can be generated and displayed as and when needed.”

The research team has applied Big Data and Deep Learning technologies in WiseEye. By inputting data of thousands yards of fabrics into the system, the team has trained “WiseEye” to detect about 40 common fabric defects with exceptionally high accuracy resolution of up to 0.1 mm/pixel.

“In view of the numerous fabric structures that give great variations in fabric texture and defect types, automatic fabric defect detection has been a challenging and unaccomplished mission in the past two decades. Our innovative introduction of AI, Big Data and Deep Learning technologies into WiseEye not only is a technological breakthrough that meets the industry needs; but also marks a significant milestone in the quality control automation for the traditional textile industry,” added Prof Wong.

WiseEye has been put on trial for over six months in a real-life manufacturing environment. Results show that the system is able to reduce 90% of the loss and wastage in fabric manufacturing process when compared with traditional human visual inspection. That means the system helps cut down production cost while enhancing production efficiency at the same time.

At the moment, WiseEye can be applied to most types of fabrics with different weaving structures and solid colors. The research team plans to further train and extend the system to detect defects in fabrics with more challenging patterns, such as complicated strip and check patterns. The ultimate target is to cover all common kinds of fabric in five years’ time.

Prof Wong and the TAAI research team have been conducting fundamental and applied research on AI, computer vision and machine learning, specifically for the fashion and textile industry since 2012. The team has earlier introduced the first-of-its-kind FashionAI Dataset which integrates fashion and machine learning for systematic analysis of fashion images through the use of AI. The Dataset helps advance the fashion industry and develop a new mode for fashion retail.

Areas covered by their other projects include intelligent textile material and apparel quality inspection, large-scale fabric swatch and fashion image searching and fashion sales forecasting. The team has also collaborated with various local and international companies in a number of research projects and published research articles in world-leading journals, including IEEE Transactions on Neural Networks and Learning Systems, IEEE Transactions on Cybernetics, and IEEE Transactions on Image Processing. Some of the articles are ranked by Essential Science Indicators as the top 1% of the most cited articles in related fields.

Posted October 18, 2018

Source: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU)

BOULDER, Colo. — October 17, 2018 —  Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), the nonprofit trade association for the outdoor industry, released the Outdoor University education schedule for Outdoor Retailer Winter Market. Outdoor University session topics include a recap of the 2018 midterm elections; how social movements, change and innovation take hold and succeed; just what the state offices of outdoor recreation provide; and sustainable business innovation.

“In 2017, the outdoor recreation economy and our industry demonstrated our $887 billion economic force that creates healthy economies and healthy communities. As we remain in the national spotlight for our values and our economic power, it is vital that our community stays plugged in to the issues and trends affecting us all,” said Amy Roberts, OIA’s executive director. “I hope all Outdoor Retailer Winter Market attendees will come to our free Outdoor University education sessions to engage, discuss and connect with fellow outdoorists.”

Key Outdoor University sessions include the following:

OIA Industry Breakfast

Retail Isn’t Dead: Optimism in the Age of E-Commerce

Day 1, November 8, 7:00 – 8:45 a.m., Mile High Ballroom, Colorado Convention Center

Kick off Outdoor Retailer Winter Market with free breakfast and a bird’s-eye view of consumer sentiment. Enjoy the current retail landscape keynote presentation from Leslie Ghize of the TOBE Report. A brain trust of original thinkers studying new avenues of interest to the consumer, the TOBE Report is developing and evolving topics to inspire strategies and infuse creativity in the retail world. Ghize will give insight into the future of the outdoor retail industry with an exploration of applicable inventive concepts and clever customer engagement.

OIA Industry Lunches

Day 1-3, 12:00 – 1:30 p.m., Colorado Convention Center – Room 301

Day 1, Thursday, November 8

Election 2018: The Aftermath

We know that elections matter and the outcomes can completely change the trajectory of our industry and our nation. Join OIA Political Director Alex Boian and experts from across the political spectrum for lunch as they break down the results of the 2018 midterm elections and what they mean for the outdoor industry. Did America vote the outdoors? And are we in for more of the same, or did change come at the ballot box?

Day 2, Friday, November 9

How Change Happens: Why Some Social Movements Succeed While Others Don’t

Movements matter, today as much as ever. Why do certain movements succeed while others don’t? Social change expert and “How Change Happens” author Leslie Crutchfield explores some of the most dramatic social and environmental changes of the 21st century. From LGBT marriage equality and tobacco control to gun rights expansion and more, she shows why some campaigns soar while others fizzle. Leslie will reveal why pressing environmental problems like acid rain could be solved in North America, but climate action is getting stuck. And she looks in-depth at the role of business in movements, highlighting how companies can have real impact on – and also be impacted by – the major movements of our time.

Day 3, Saturday, November 10

Just What Are the State Offices of Outdoor Recreation?

There are now 11 state offices or commissions of outdoor recreation around the country, and more are in the works. But what are these offices? How do they differ from other state agencies? And what do they seek to accomplish? Join OIA’s State and Local Policy Director David Weinstein, current directors of these offices and the industry experts who helped create them in a discussion about this emerging trend at the state level, why these offices help their states and where the next office might be created.

Posted October 17, 2018

Source: Outdoor Industry Association  

COLUMBIA, S.C.  — October 17, 2018 — Huvis Indorama Advanced Materials, a 50-50 joint venture between Indorama Ventures Public Co. Ltd. and South Korea-based Huvis Corp., is launching new manufacturing operations at Auriga Polymers Inc.’s campus in Spartanburg County. The $48 million investment is projected to create 50 new jobs.

The new, state-of-the-art operations will manufacture low melting fiber (LMF) with an annual capacity of 60,000 tons. LMF is commonly used as a binder fiber in core-sheath constructions for use in automotive and industrial composites. The initial volumes of LMF will be sold in the United States with the potential to expand into neighboring regions over time.

Auriga Polymers, Inc. currently employs more than 450 production associates, engineers and scientists at its Spartanburg County campus and, through this joint venture, the facility will be adding 50 new positions. Hiring for the new positions will begin this month, and interested applicants can contact Recruiter@AurigaPolymersInc.com for more information.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development has approved job development credits related to the project.

“After celebrating more than 50 years of manufacturing in Spartanburg County, it is exciting to see the creation of 50 new jobs in Spartanburg as a result of this substantial new investment,” said Auriga Polymers Vice President of Operations Mark Holden. “Both joint venture partners are appreciative of the pro-business environment in South Carolina and look forward to a strong future with this community.”

“We’re proud to congratulate Huvis Indorama Advanced Materials on this latest investment in Spartanburg County,” Governor Henry McMaster said. “Today’s announcement is a testament to Auriga’s commitment to our state and its people, and I look forward to watching them continue to thrive here for a long time to come.”

“We continue to see manufacturers making investments across the state,”  said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt. “Today’s announcement by Huvis Indorama Advanced Materials further strengthens South Carolina’s robust manufacturing sector and brings jobs that will have an ongoing positive impact in Spartanburg County.”

“We are extremely pleased that Huvis Indorama Advanced Materials is launching this new manufacturing operation in Spartanburg County,” said David Britt, Spartanburg County Economic Development Committee chairman and Economic Futures Group board member. “The decision to locate this venture on Auriga Polymers Inc.’s Spartanburg campus represents our commitment to our existing industries. Spartanburg County will benefit from this expansion now and in the future.”

FAST FACTS

• Huvis Indorama Advanced Materials is launching operations in Spartanburg County.
• $48 million investment to create 50 new jobs.
• Indorama Ventures Public Co. Ltd. and Huvis Corp. are partnering for a new joint venture to produce low melting fiber at the existing Auriga Polymers Inc. campus.
• The new, state-of-the-art operations will produce an annual capacity of 60,000 tons.

Posted October 17, 2018

Source: South Carolina Office of the Governor

PITTSBURGH — October 17, 2018 — According to the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), fatalities caused by falls from elevation continue to be a leading cause of death for construction employees. So for industries that are inherently dangerous and require men and women to work at heights, the demand for comfortable and technology-driven fall protection equipment and services has never been greater. To provide workers at height with new options to help protect them at work, global safety equipment manufacturer MSA Safety today announced the introduction of a broad new line of innovative fall protection harnesses called the V-Series. The company plans to showcase elements of this new line at the upcoming National Safety Congress (NSC) Expo in Houston, Texas, October 22-24.

The V-Series line of fall protection equipment is named after MSA’s iconic V-Gard® hard hat, which is used by millions of workers across the globe. Comprised of self-retracting lanyards and three harnesses with varying price points and comfort levels, the V-Series harness line, when used in conjunction with MSA’s suite of fall protection equipment, offers one of the highest levels of fall protection available today. It also means MSA can offer customers a full portfolio of work-at-height solutions, ranging from permanent engineered systems to personal protective equipment (PPE).

Among the fall protection harnesses MSA plans to showcase at the NSC is a premium offering called the V-FLEX™ Harness. Designed to provide exceptional wearer comfort, the V-FLEX Harness features a full-body, racing-style design, making it ideal for long hours on the job or extended shifts. A patent-pending RaceFLEX™ connection reduces the feeling of restriction and need for repetitive harness adjustment to improve worker mobility. With additional features including contoured, breathable shoulder padding and horizontal leg straps, the V-FLEX harness is designed to keep workers comfortable all day, every day.

“Harnesses are a critical piece of personal protective equipment for fall protection,” said Jennifer McGurrin, General Manager of Global Fall and Industrial Head Protection at MSA. “When wearing a harness all day, workers want to be as comfortable as possible. MSA is launching this new line of harnesses designed around comfort to increase worker compliance and improve satisfaction.  The range of harnesses allows workers to choose the features and price point that best meet their needs.”

Creating a Safer Workplace with Software as a Service

Also making its Expo debut will be Safety io — MSA’s first subsidiary focused entirely on leveraging MSA’s market-leading gas detection technology with industry-leading innovation in cloud-based software. Safety io uses wireless technology and cloud-based computing to enable a broad range of “connected” safety activities. With MSA gas detection products serving as enablers, Safety io delivers the ability to remotely monitor gas level readings in the workplace, track the safety of associates, monitor instrument maintenance status and, in the event of an emergency, notify workers of the need to evacuate with the push of a button.

“In many respects, Safety io challenges safety-minded organizations to expect more from their gas detection systems and programs,” said Gustavo Lopez, general manager for Safety io. “The services we offer are designed to enable worksite managers to make informed decisions, reinforce best practices and pursue a safety-first, injury-free workplace.”

Software platforms currently available from Safety io — which are available as subscription-based services — include Fleet Manager and Live Monitor. Fleet Manager allows organizations to proactively track and monitor the calibration of their gas detection equipment and make standard operating procedures more efficient. Live Monitor enables the remote tracking and monitoring of all workers performing difficult and hazardous job functions in real time fashion.

Customers, safety experts and the public can explore these and other new product solutions and latest technological advancements from MSA, and speak with the company’s team of safety specialists, at this year’s NSC Congress and Expo at booth number 2234 from October 22-24.

Posted October 17, 2018

Source: MSA Safety Inc.