A New Day For Textile: Kornit Digital Plants Its Digitally-Printed Flag In Englewood, N.J.

ENGLEWOOD, N.J. — October 4, 2018 — “Thank you for seeing the future, and deciding to go digital,” said Shai Terem, president of Kornit Digital North America. “Thank you for choosing Kornit, thank you for sticking with us through many challenges, and thank you for joining us in the grand opening of our new headquarters.”

With these words on October 3, Kornit Digital ushered in a new era, opening its doors to customers, partners, and employees from around the world at the company’s new North American headquarters and Experience Center in Englewood, N.J.

“This momentous occasion represents a significant investment in the North American market and will facilitate long-term opportunities to showcase and demonstrate our complete line of digital textile printing systems, consumables, and accessories to customers, partners, and innovators considering adding such technology to their print strategies.”

According to Terem, this expansive new facility is the manifestation of Kornit’s customer obsession, a commitment to scaling up to meet the needs of today’s on-demand world while partnering with customers, growing with them, and ensuring their success and growth.

Kornit’s executive leadership joined us to inaugurate our new showroom, where every currently-available system is running and ready to demo. CEO Ronen Samuel led with a presentation on Kornit’s long-term vision for transforming the decorated textiles industry in the e-commerce economy, followed by executive vice president of Global Business Gilad Yron and several Kornit partners and customers.

Attendees were then given in-depth presentations on Kornit’s solutions for digital direct-to-garment printing, roll-to-roll textile print, and sustainable consumables, in addition to insights from our customer service and success teams.

Posted October 4, 2018

Source: Kornit Digital

New Global Survey Highlights Unprecedented Skills Crisis In Fashion Industry — 62 Percent Of Respondents Struggling To Fill Skilled Roles Creating ‘War For Talent’ Across Supply Chain

NEW YORK CITY — October 4, 2018 — Global fashion innovation company Alvanon has partnered with 13 leading apparel organizations* to survey professionals throughout the fashion industry on the skills gaps, learning and talent development needs within the apparel sector. The results are revealed in “The State of Skills in the Apparel Industry 2018” special report, that represents the views of 642 executives, HR leaders, industry practitioners and employees across the international supply chain.

According to the survey report, one of the biggest issues facing brands and vendors is hiring people with the right skills, with 62 percent of respondents saying they are struggling to fill certain positions. The data further shows that respondents are largely unhappy with the training being provided, and 30 percent are actively dissatisfied.

Some businesses are likening hiring to a battle, with Sarah McConnell Hays, sourcing manager at childrenswear retailer Carter’s saying: “We are in a war for talent.” The report states that the imperatives for business now include figuring out how to engage employees and provide professional development, or risk losing them.

“As the apparel industry begins to recognize and implement digitalization as a way of delivering on speed, customization and transparency, it is revealing gaps in the specialized skills set of its workforce,” explained Janice Wang, CEO of Alvanon. “Our survey findings conclude that failure to respond to skill shortages will result in the generalisation of poor market practices and adversely impact business performance across the supply chain.”

She added, “Improving the apparel industry by upping its skills is, ultimately, a collective responsibility shared between all players in the value chain and the individual professionals themselves. This survey clearly shows where we need to start and that we need to start immediately.”

The survey is part of Alvanon’s ongoing efforts to address the training and development needs of the apparel industry worldwide. This report aims to highlight labor force challenges faced by the industry and prompt readers to question their own company’s state of affairs in terms of training and strategy or lack of it. The 642 respondents comprised one-third of workers from North America, one-third Asia Pacific, one-fourth Central & South America, the rest from Europe and others.

Posted October 4, 2018

Source: Alvanon

Accelerating The Use Of Thermoplastics In Composites With Van de Wiele

KORTRIJK, Belgium — October 4, 2018 — Van de Wiele was a key technology partner in the 7.8 million euro 3D Lighttrans project that led to the introduction of complex and cost-effective new 3D textile reinforcements for thermoplastic composites.

The global market for thermoplastic composites is expected to grow to an estimated $16.4 billion by 2021 according to industry analyst Lucintel. This is in response to the growing demand for lightweight and environmentally-friendly materials, particularly from the aerospace and automotive industries.

European research projects such as 3D-Lighttrans, involving 18 partners from across Europe, are playing a crucial role in implementing this transformation by overcoming the processing difficulties and inherently high costs associated with the production of thermoplastic composites in the past.

The project involved 3D modelling and simulation of all materials, processes and end products, along with a completely new manufacturing chain – from fibers to the finished part.

P-D Glasseiden GmbH, based in Oschatz, Germany, developed new hybrid yarns from glass reinforcement fibers and thermoplastic matrix filaments, which are mixed with air (commingling). The developments have increased the homogeneity of the blend and significantly reduced fiber damage in the blending and subsequent weaving processes.

Vandewiele VSi42

Central to the project was the transformation of a Van de Wiele VTR weaving machine at TU Dresden’s Institute of Textile Machinery and High Performance Material Technology (ITM), into a VSi42 Versatile Smart Innovator weaving machine.

The machine is ideally suited for the production of multi-ply fabrics, spacer fabrics, pleated fabrics and fabrics for multi-skin sheets. The 3D fiber architecture reduces preforming costs and increases the performance of the components.

The further developments of the machine included the design of a specific fabric take-off for the 3D-formed fabric, adaptations of the basic platform to allow the assembly of a back-up system, and redesign of the beam stand and dual take-up system. Special software was developed to activate the backward movement, together with a new configuration of the warp beam tension control.

In addition, a portion of the warp yarns were fed to the loom by a Van de Wiele Jacquard, in order to benefit from its individual yarn selection capability, while the bulk could be controlled by heddle frames.

ITM researcher Adil Mountasir received the coveted Théophile Legrand Foundation Award for his development work on spacer fabrics as part of the 3D Lighttrans project.

The final composite parts were then bonded by a fast and efficient thermoforming process, requiring no resin infusion or injection as the thermoplastic matrix was already incorporated into the yarn.

Two 3D Lighttrans demonstrator parts were manufactured — a tailgate for the Fiat 500L and a spare wheel well for Bentley — and the project won the JEC Composites Innovation Award.

“The development of net shape woven fabrics continues to be the focus of international research,” said Dr Gerald Hoffmann, Head of R&D at Fabric Manufacturing Technology at ITM. “This includes the development of simulation-supported process chains from the CAD design to the component, the development of weaving technology and the adaptation of robot-supported preforming.

“The use of lightweight materials should lead to considerable savings in fuel consumption, which will bring both financial benefits for consumers and reduced carbon dioxide emissions,” concluded Dr Hoffmann. “Such fully automated production now reduces production time and costs and leads to more competitive products in the EU.”

Posted October 4, 2018

Source: NV Michel Van de Wiele

Gore Exhibiting Proven & Trusted Technical Solutions For Military And Defense Applications At AUSA 2018

ELKTON, Md.  — October 3, 2018 — W. L. Gore & Associates Inc. (Gore) will be showcasing high-performance GORE® Cables and Materials and next-gen GORE® Military Fabrics at the 2018 AUSA (Association of US Army) Annual Meeting & Exposition in Washington on October 8-10, Booth 3115. The military has trusted and relied on Gore’s technical solutions for decades because they ensure combat readiness and operational success every time on the battlefield and in the air.

Robust Cables and Materials for Vehicles & Aircraft

Gore will present its extensive selection of GORE Cables and Materials for military land systems and aircraft applications. Solutions that will be on display include high-speed data cables, high power distribution cables, high-frequency microwave/RF assemblies, and excellent EMI shielding materials. All of Gore’s robust cables and cable assemblies are available in a variety of compact, highly flexible, and routable designs. Thoroughly tested and qualified to the most rigorous military specifications, they are proven to perform continuously and reliably in the toughest environments.

Also exhibited will be GORE™ SKYFLEX™ Aerospace Materials that have been proven to solve many sealing and surface protection challenges in helicopters such as the Apache, Black Hawk, Chinook, and Seahawk. Specified by leading military aircraft OEMs, these lightweight, non-curing tapes and gaskets simplify aircraft assembly, increase throughput, and reduce life-cycle costs.

Durable, Broad Chem-Bio Protection That Improves Mission Effectiveness

Gore will also feature the CPCSU-2 system as part of Gore’s Chemical and Biological Protective Combat Style Uniform family. At the heart of CPCSU-2 is the GORE CHEMPAK® Undergarment with Stretch Technology, which delivers protection against a broad range of threats in liquid, vapor and aerosol form. A non-CB protective outer garment completes the CPCSU-2. This chemical and biological system offers durable protection, improved mobility, and enhanced operational effectiveness.

For more information about GORE Cables and Materials and GORE Military Fabrics, visit Gore at the 2018 AUSA Annual Meeting in Washington, October 8-10, in Booth 3115.

Posted October 3, 2018

Source: W. L. Gore & Associates

JCPenney Welcomes Jill Soltau As CEO

PLANO, Texas — October 2, 2018 — The J. C. Penney Co. Inc. Board of Directors today announced the appointment of Jill Soltau as CEO and a member of the Board of Directors, effective October 15, 2018. Soltau is a 30-year retail veteran who most recently served as president and CEO of JOANN Stores, the nation’s largest fabric and crafts retailer, after serving as president of Shopko Stores.

“Jill stood out from the start among an incredibly strong slate of candidates,” said Paul J. Brown, JCPenney board director and chairman of the search committee. “As we looked for the right person to lead this iconic company, we wanted someone with rich apparel and merchandising experience and found Jill to be an ideal fit. Not only is she an established CEO and former chief merchant, her depth of experience in product development, marketing, e-commerce and store operations have been an important basis for the turnaround work she spearheaded at prior companies.”

Soltau most recently served as CEO of JOANN Stores, a specialty retailer that offers fabrics and crafting supplies in over 850 stores in 49 states. A highly accomplished retail merchant and former general merchandise manager, she was brought to JOANN Stores to reinvigorate the brand and bolster its market position through a consumer-centric approach that offers compelling assortments, helpful advice and memorable experiences to be digitally shared with others. Under her leadership, the company has undergone a revitalization of branding, expanded digital and omnichannel capabilities and forged strategic partnerships to build meaningful relationships with its customers.

Before JOANN Stores, Soltau spent eight years at Shopko, most recently as president after serving as executive vice president and chief merchandising officer. She joined Shopko Stores in 2007 earning various executive positions of increasing responsibility to include senior vice president and general merchandise manager over apparel and accessories. Prior to her tenure at Shopko, Soltau held several senior level positions in merchandising, planning and private brand management at Sears and Kohl’s, after starting her career with Carson Pirie Scott, which was later acquired by Saks Inc.

“JCPenney is a quintessential American brand with a strong and loyal customer base, and I couldn’t be prouder to lead such an iconic retailer,” said Soltau. “I am highly passionate about the customer and I spent my entire career focused on the needs of a value-based consumer by researching, understanding and meeting her expectations for style, quality and inspiration. Every position I’ve held has prepared me for this role, and I couldn’t be more excited to meet the talented and hard-working JCPenney teams and get to work.”

“I am delighted to welcome Jill to the JCPenney family. She is a strategic, customer-focused leader with a demonstrated track record of enhancing profitability and delivering results. Jill has the talent and passion to revitalize the business and position the Company for growth,” said Ronald W. Tysoe, chairman of the board. “Additionally, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to Therace Risch, executive vice president, chief information and digital officer, and Mike Robbins, executive vice president of private brands and supply chain, for graciously serving in the Office of the CEO. Their loyalty and service will continue to be a valuable asset as they resume their respective leadership functions within the company.”

Posted October 3, 2018

Source: J.C. Penney Co. Inc.

Genomatica Completes $90 Million Financing To Drive Technologies For More Sustainable Everyday Products Including A New Process To Make 100-Percent Biobased Nylon 6

SAN DIEGO — October 3, 2018 — Genomatica announced it issued $90 million in its latest equity offering, strengthening its balance sheet to fully execute on its business plan and fuel new growth opportunities. Participants include new lead investor Casdin Capital, returning investor Viking Global Investors, which continues as Genomatica’s largest shareholder, and organism engineering partner Ginkgo Bioworks. Genomatica also announced it is expanding its relationship with Ginkgo to accelerate biotechnology innovations for widely-used chemicals.

Biotechnology innovations delivering at commercial scale
Genomatica’s commercial technologies impact everyday plastics and personal care products, and new technologies under development target textiles and fibers. “Biotechnology promises to enable the chemical industry in remarkable ways. That said, only businesses with strong fundamentals and commercial products will be successful,” said Eli Casdin, chief investment officer of Casdin Capital. “Genomatica is one of the few companies with that profile and fresh capital now enables them to grow that position substantially.”

The company has delivered two commercial processes. The first, for biobased 1,4-butanediol (BDO) is an ingredient in the production of millions of biodegradable, compostable plastic bags, coffee capsules and food packaging. Genomatica’s GENO BDO™ process has made tens of thousands of tons of biobased BDO at Novamont’s $110 million production plant since late 2016. The second process, for biobased Brontide™ butylene glycol, is being used to make a range of more natural cosmetic and personal care products.

Genomatica is advancing a new process to make 100-percent biobased nylon-6 for clothing and carpets, to help move toward a more sustainable and circular textile economy. Genomatica’s partners include Aquafil and the EFFECTIVE consortium, a dozen firms including brands such as H&M, Carvico, Vaude, and Balsan.

Driving more innovation with Ginkgo
To further accelerate the pace of Genomatica’s innovations, Genomatica and Ginkgo Bioworks have strengthened their technology collaboration, which began in 2016. Ginkgo will now provide expanded access to their foundry capabilities and services, while increasing its equity stake in Genomatica. As a result, Genomatica is better positioned to expand its product lines and grow its impact on making everyday products more sustainable.

“Genomatica has delivered high-volume bio-based chemicals to market at costs competitive with petrochemical production, not just once but multiple times,” said Jason Kelly, CEO of Ginkgo Bioworks. “We’re doubling down on renewable chemicals through our close relationship with Genomatica — and we’re honored to continue to partner with the best in the market.”

Posted October 3, 2018

Source: Genomatica

Mimaki USA Announces The TS55-1800 Dye-Sublimation Transfer Inkjet Printer

SUWANEE, Ga. — October 3, 2018 — Mimaki USA today announced the release of the new TS55-1800, a 76.3-inch, dye-sublimation transfer inkjet printer. The new model offers high-end features, such as low running costs, industry-leading productivity and unattended continuous printing.

“With the release of the TS55-1800, Mimaki has made exceptional digital textile printing features available to both the mid-level and high-end markets. Now, customers are able to effortlessly scale their operation with a cost-effective sublimation printer that meets the high quality and short turnaround demands of the ever-evolving textile and apparel industry” said Ryosuke Nakayama, textile & apparel product manager at Mimaki USA.

The TS55-1800 prints with the new Sb610 inks at a maximum output of 1,506 square feet per hour (140 sqm/h). These inks hold the coveted ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX® certification, meeting specific requirements with regard to sustainability, safety and compliance. Additionally, two new optional units, a mini jumbo roll and 10 kilogram (kg) ink supply, were introduced on TS55-1800.

The mini jumbo roll is a feeding unit to load the 64-inch Mimaki Vision Jet-X transfer paper, supplied by Neenah Coldenhove, with a length of about 8,202 feet. This unit is an ideal way to ensure high-volume, unattended printing for longer production runs. It also decreases the running paper costs per square foot in comparison to the normal plotter rolls.

The ink supply unit holds a 10 kg ink tank of a single color. The larger quantity tank allows for a continuous operation. Compared to the conventional two liter ink pack, it significantly reduces the ink unit price per quantity.

The TS55-1800 is equipped with several of Mimaki’s Core Technologies to deliver an exceptional printing experience. The Mimaki Advanced Pass System (MAPS) provides greater productivity and print quality by eliminating visible banding. The Nozzle Check Unit (NCU) automatically monitors the performance of the printhead and detects clogged nozzles. The Nozzle Recovery System (NRS) allows the operator to substitute unproductive nozzles to avoid poor image quality or service calls. Together, the NCU and NRS enable uninterrupted printing even if nozzle errors do occur.

Posted October 3, 2018

Source: Mimaki USA

Kornit Digital Reports Highly Successful Market Adoption Of Its HD Technology, Globally Launches New Storm HD6

ROSH HA’AYIN, Israel — October 3, 2018 — Kornit Digital has announced the worldwide commercial availability of the new Kornit Storm HD6 direct-to-garment printing system. The company began global shipments of the new systems on October 1, 2018.

The HD advantage

Kornit’s HD systems, now comprising the Kornit Avalanche HD6, Kornit Avalanche HDK and Kornit Storm HD6, enable new levels of print quality, well suitable for the fashion and retail markets. Kornit’s NeoPigment™ Rapid ink, specifically developed for Kornit’s HD technology, offers an improved hand feel, as well as increased opacity and saturation of white ink. The print quality is further enhanced by ColorGATE’s Professional RIP solution, adding advanced color management and screening capabilities, improved white base creation and pre-defined color libraries for ultimate color matching.

Jim George, CEO of Kornit’s long-term customer Trevco, called its HD investment a no-brainer: “In 2006, we decided to enter direct-to-garment printing and bought our first Kornit. Since then, we’ve expanded to 10 Kornit Avalanche 1000 systems. In February, we beta-tested the HD platform and were amazed at the increase in quality, especially within the red and green color spectrum.” George adds that the HD technology also dramatically improved their design resolution and hugely reduced ink usage by approximately 30 percent. “We immediately realized we had to apply this technology across our entire fleet”, George stresses. “The HD platform finally allows us to have ad hoc ‘screen print quality’ design reproduction — a massive benefit to us, our customers and our licensors.”

Digital benefits match current short-run trends

Kornit’s HD print engine, combined with the NeoPigment Rapid ink, also leads to significant reductions in ink consumption and cost per print. The new cost per print levels make the new HD systems an attractive choice for screen printers and digital printers for print runs between one and 500 copies. The Kornit Avalanche HD6 was launched in the first quarter of 2018. Since its commercial release, no less than 150 Avalanche HD systems and upgrades were ordered worldwide, including multi-million orders by several customers.

The proven track record of its heavy-duty, highly industrial Avalanche platform, brings Kornit to integrate the HD technology into the Storm platform which represents the mid-productivity segment of the company’s industrial direct-to-garment printing product range. The Kornit Storm HD6 includes six color channels (CMYK, Red, Green) plus white, for a wider gamut and improved spot color matching. Users can easily reproduce the true colors of licensed sports teams and accurately match corporate logos. The Kornit Storm HD6 will reduce the ink consumption by approximately 30 percent compared to the current Kornit Storm Hexa — meaning higher print quality at a lower cost per print.

Event showcases – SGIA sneak preview

The Kornit Storm HD6 was presented at Fespa Berlin as a preview, and Kornit has now confirmed that systems have become globally available through its global distribution network as of October 1, 2018. Demonstrations of the system are planned at SGIA (booth 1815). Many previous versions of the Kornit Storm Hexa are field upgradeable to the new HD versions so also existing users can benefit from the advantages of the NeoPigment Rapid ink.

Omer Kulka, Kornit Digital’s vice president of Marketing and Product Strategy, commented: “Our HD technology continues to be a success story as the reduced cost per print and the screen-like look and feel meet a market demand that is growing significantly. Introducing this technology to our mid-range product opens up new opportunities for Kornit users.”

Kornit’s state of the art NeoPigment meets the highest environmental regulations, including Oeko-Tex Standard 100 Class I, suitable for babies and small children, as well as GOTS V5 pre-approval. Suitable for printing on multiple fabric types, its versatility is unmatched. NeoPigment prints have an excellent hand feel, a wide gamut of bright and intense colors, as well as long-term durability and wash-fastness.

Press attending the SGIA show, can schedule a dedicated demo and meeting at booth 1815.

Posted October 3, 2018

Source: Kornit Digital Ltd.

ITMA Asia + CITME 2018 Exhibitor Preview: Shima Seiki Mfg

WAKAYAMA, Japan — October 3, 2018 — Flat knitting innovator Shima Seiki Mfg. Ltd. will show its current technology — and future ambitions — in Shanghai this October at the ITMA Asia + CITME 2018 exhibition.

Recent consumer trends such as increased online shopping activity have changed supply chain requirements in China, with growing interest in on-demand production both in terms of time-compression and mass-customization. The combination of Shima Seiki’s pioneering WHOLEGARMENT® knitting technology that allows a garment to be produced in its entirety without the need for linking or sewing afterward, along with the SDS-ONE APEX3 3D design system yields revolutionary game-changing flexibility in the knit supply chain to support such trends.

Taking center stage therefore at ITMA Asia will be the company’s SDS-ONE APEX3 3D design system. At the core of Shima Seiki’s “Total Fashion System” concept, ultra-realistic simulation capability on APEX3 allows virtual sampling to minimize the impact that the sample-making process has on current manufacturing in terms of time and cost. With this new manufacturing model, the production cycle can be shortened to such an extent that on-demand production is possible without being limited to seasonal cycles. This allows the product planning stage to be extended to allow more accurate analysis of consumer demand. Moreover, virtual samples can be used at the retail level to gauge consumer acceptance of upcoming products, data for which can be used for forecasting demand. Such feedback can be used to adjust production and optimize inventory in order to prevent leftover stock that would otherwise go to waste. If stock runs out mid-season, on-demand production

capability of Wholegarment knitting can furthermore replenish inventory to prevent lost opportunity. In such a way, the Total Fashion System maximizes profit while achieving zero inventory loss, zero leftover stock, zero lost sales opportunity and most importantly zero waste through smart, speedy and sustainable production. Further details will be revealed through Shima Seiki’s main demonstration to be held at its ITMA Asia booth.

Representing the production aspect of the Total Fashion System at ITMA Asia are four computerized flat knitting machines, each with distinct solutions to current and future needs of the Chinese and Asian markets. Wholegarment knitting technology will be represented by three machines, each with its own unique capabilities. Featuring Shima Seiki’s original SlideNeedle™ on four needle beds as well as the patented spring-type sinker system, MACH2XS offers great flexibility for knitting beautiful and sophisticated, high-quality Wholegarment products in all needles, with a seemingly endless variety of knit patterns at very high speed and efficiency. MACH2XS is shown in 15L at ITMA Asia. MACH2S is a versatile V-bed machine that supports production ranging from conventional shaped knitting in all needles to Wholegarment knitting using every other needle. At ITMA Asia MACH2S is shown in 8G for coarse gauge applications. The SWG061N2 compact Wholegarment knitting machine is capable of producing a wide variety of knit accessory items for fashion as well as technical textile applications. The “Mini” Wholegarment machine will be producing novel 3D shoes in 15G at ITMA Asia. For more conventional solutions, Shima Seiki’s SVR series resets the industry benchmark for shaped knitting, with the SVR123SP featuring a special loop presser bed that can produce hybrid inlay fabrics with both knit and weave characteristics. Demand for such unique fabrics are very high across a wide range of applications, from fashion apparel to sports and medical applications, as well as wearable technology and technical textiles. At ITMA Asia SVR123SP will be displayed in 14G and will feature the i-Plating™ option for expanded capability in inverse plating technique whereby complex jacquard-like patterns can be knit in plain jersey stitch.

Posted October 3, 2018

Source: Shima Seiki

Sattler Hires Christina Loyzelle As Human Resources Manager

HUDSON, N.C. — October 2, 2018 — Sattler is pleased to announce the addition of Christina Loyzelle as Human Resources Manager. Christina comes to Sattler with over 19 years of experience in Human Resources Management and Organizational Development, of which more than 13 years is experience in manufacturing.

Christina holds a degree from Appalachian State University, and is a native of Caldwell County, N.C., where Outdura is located.

Posted October 3, 2018

Source: Sattler Corp.

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