NIKE Names G. Scott Uzzell President And CEO Of Converse

BOSTON — December 21, 2018 — NIKE Inc. announced today that effective January 22, 2019, G. Scott Uzzell will become president and CEO of Converse Inc. Uzzell comes to Converse from The Coca-Cola Co. where he most recently served as president, Venturing & Emerging Brands Group (VEB).

Uzzell joins Converse at an exciting time as the brand sets the stage to move into new spaces by reconnecting to its heritage in sport.

“Scott’s unique blend of experience driving both strategic business growth and strong brand development is well-suited to help unlock the full potential of the Converse Brand and lead its next phase of growth globally,” said Michael Spillane, president, Categories and Product, NIKE Inc.

As head of Coca-Cola’s VEB Group, Uzzell led the identification and development of a portfolio of high-growth brands for The Coca-Cola Co., including Honest Tea, ZICO Coconut Water, Fairlife Milk and Suja Juice, contributing to new revenue streams for the company.

Uzzell began his career within sales and marketing for companies such as Procter & Gamble, Coca-Cola and Nabisco, before returning to Coca-Cola in 2000 in the Strategy & Planning division. Since then, he has held a number of leadership positions across its business including McDonald’s U.S. Division, Global New Business Development, Global Marketing, ZICO and VEB.

In addition, Uzzell serves on the boards of State Bank and Trust Co.; Fairlife LLC; and Suja Juice Co. Uzzell is also a member of the Florida A&M University Foundation Board as well as a member of the Executive Leadership Council (ELC).

Uzzell will report directly to Michael Spillane, president, Categories and Product, NIKE Inc. Uzzell replaces Davide Grasso who has decided to retire at the end of this calendar year.

Posted December 24, 2018

Source: NIKE

Durst, Koenig & Bauer Enter JV For Digital Printing Production Lines

BRIXEN, Italy — December 21, 2018 — Durst, a manufacturer of advanced digital printing and production technologies, has entered into a 50/50 joint venture (JV) with printing press manufacturer Koenig & Bauer for the joint development and marketing of single-pass digital printing systems for folding carton and cartonboard corrugated industry.

As technology leader in inkjet printing, Durst bundles this expertise with the market presence and excellent mechanical engineering of the Koenig & Bauer Group, which, with more than 5,700 employees, is one of the world’s major suppliers of packaging and banknote printing.

In future, fully automated production lines will be developed in the joint venture and distributed worldwide. The digital transformation is also in the packaging industry, as the ever-changing requirements can no longer be met with conventional production technologies. Unlike in the graphics industry, an inkjet press alone is not enough, but there is a need to integrate different peripheral systems into a fully automatic production line. The new partner company will be based in Germany and will also manage the service and ink business in close cooperation with the global network of both companies.

“Durst and Koenig & Bauer is really a ‘perfect match’ because combining our strengths will drive digitalization in the packaging industry,” said Christoph Gamper, CEO of Durst Group. “Both companies are similar in their culture and strategic direction, and both are technology leaders in their fields. With the partnership, we are even more strongly positioning ourselves as a high-end systems supplier to the industry.”

Claus Bolza-Schünemann, CEO of Koenig & Bauer AG, said: “We look forward to the joint innovations and further development of future-oriented digital printing solutions for folding carton and corrugated board printing, which offer our customers added value. For folding carton printing, the modular concept of the VariJET enables the combination of digital inkjet printing with off-set printing and inline finishing options. Durst is the ideal partner for these goals because of its existing know-how and experience with inkjet and its high-quality solutions.”

Posted December 21, 2018

Source: Durst

SPGPrints Ready To Showcase “All You Need In Printing” On One Of The Largest Booths Of ITMA Barcelona 2019

BOXMEER, The Netherlands — December 20, 2018 — With the year 2019 — the year of ITMA Barcelona — coming closer, it’s more than time for a sneak preview of what to expect at the SPGPrints ITMA booth. At ITMA 2019, SPGPrints will showcase the latest innovations in both conventional and digital textile printing for the fashion and the home-furnishing industry. But don’t take our word for it, come to see for yourself at ITMA June 20-26, 2019, in Barcelona.

Looking for either a conventional or digital textile printing system, SPGPrints is your go-to all you need in printing partner that can help you find all the essentials you need. At one of the largest booths of ITMA Barcelona 2019, you’ll be able to see the latest conventional and digital printing solutions as well as get the opportunity to visit the brand new rotary screen and digital ink technology center to assist you in finding the right equipment for your printing process.

In terms of conventional printing systems, SPGPrints will take the opportunity at ITMA Barcelona 2019 to showcase its latest generation of laser engraving equipment and the nine color PegasusEVO rotary screen printer.

On top of that, we wouldn’t be SPGPrints if we would not perform live demonstrations of our digital textile printing solutions at our booth. At ITMA Barcelona, you get the chance to witness a live demo of our PIKE single-pass digital textile printing machine but in a different format than we did ever before. Of course, our multi-pass digital textile printing machine, the JAVELIN, will be on showcase too.

SPGPrints would like to welcome both their loyal customers as well as newly interested people to their 1500m2 stand at ITMA Barcelona to see for themselves how SPGPrints can be their all you need in printing partner while enjoying a typical Spanish happy hour. See you in Barcelona.

Posted December 21, 2018

Source: SPGPrints

Mimaki Announces Digitally Printed Design Collaborations To Be Showcased At Heimtextil 2019

AMSTERDAM — December 21, 2018 — Mimaki Europe, a manufacturer of inkjet printers and cutting systems, today announces its collaboration with more than 10 inspirational world-leading designers for Heimtextil 2019 — to be held January 8-11, 2019, in Frankfurt, Germany. Mimaki will present on Stand J81, Hall 3.0. Under the theme of ‘The Fusion of Innovation and Design’ and celebrating digital print within all elements of art, interior design and fashion, Mimaki commissioned work from designers including Sigrid Calon and Claire Vos (Studio Roderick Vos), will be showcased throughout the Mimaki booth and used to demonstrate the power of digital print to increase the creative process.

Seeing printed applications on a diverse range of textiles, fabrics and interior materials, visitors will learn how they too can use advanced Mimaki technology to drive design innovation and profitability. From designers including Anousjka Röben displaying shoes; creative studio Deux d’Amsterdam showing a unique kimono designed specifically for Mimaki and Heimtextil, all designs were digitally printed by Textiles & More (T&M). The Mimaki stand will showcase a printer for almost every type of textile application, with additional digitally printed textiles applied to design classics in the ‘Pode’ range from Leolux, and feature walls utilising photography from Arjan Benning also being displayed.

“Heimtextil is always a really good show for us. For 2019, we’re excited to share the results of our collaboration with these amazing designers and to demonstrate what’s possible with our comprehensive range of printers,” said Mark Sollman, Mimaki Application manager EMEA.

“From entry-level printers to production workhorses, each Mimaki system delivers premium quality print and profit-enhancing productivity. What’s more, using our wide range of inks, a huge variety of substrate applications now becomes available too. So, whether you’re a designer seeking to push the creative boundaries of textile printing, or a brand looking to increase your productivity and lower your environmental footprint, a visit to the Mimaki stand is a must,” continued Sollman.

Heimtextil visitors will experience Mimaki’s broad portfolio of printing solutions, split into three distinct areas including interior design, fashion and art. In the art section, the UCJV150-160 inkjet printer with environmentally-friendly UV-curable inks, will be used to produce wallpaper. Textiles will be printed in both the interior design and fashion areas, with the ultra-productive TS55-1800 sublimation transfer inkjet printer focusing on upholstery. Using a belt-conveying solution, the TX300P-1800B entry-level direct-to-textile system will also be printing onto stretchable fabrics used in fashion.

Claire Vos, introduced by Textiles & More (T&M) and a graduate of Design Academy Eindhoven, studied her craft in Italy, Switzerland and Indonesia before settling in the Netherlands. With a contemporary graphical industrial flavour to her work, many of Vos’s products are produced using Mimaki printers for Textiles & More. Her work, shown under the theme of ‘The Dressing Room’, will be shown at Heimtextil through Mimaki-printed upholstery including chairs and cushions.

Bringing vivid colour and fine graphical elements into her work, Sigrid Calon is a visual artist. At Heimtextil, the detail and vibrancy of Calon’s art will be brought to life by a 2×2 metre artwork utilising Mimaki’s latest printhead technology delivering smooth gradations and sharp and precise details. Examples of Calon’s work will also be shown in various materials, produced by Mimaki advanced print technologies including UV and 3D printing.

“Quite simply, fabric diversity means that designers no longer have to compromise,” states Sollman, “Whether it’s for the fast paced and ever-changing high-street marker or for more bespoke pieces, substrate availability is paramount for all fashion today.”

Danna Drion, senior marketing manager EMEA, Mimaki Europe, concluded: “We’re absolutely delighted to be showcasing this collection of talent at Heimtextil — it perfectly demonstrates what can be achieved when you mix design excellence with high quality digital printing from Mimaki technology. Of course, we will also show the business case that supports these projects too — profit generating print solutions that enable innovation and business growth.”

Posted December 21, 2018

Source: Mimaki

Celebrating The Legacy Of Harvey S. Firestone On The 150th Anniversary Of His Birth

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — December 20, 2018 — December 20 marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of Harvey S. Firestone. This milestone coincides with the 30th anniversary of when Bridgestone merged with Firestone, a union that cemented Bridgestone’s position as the world’s largest tire and rubber company. Best known as the founder of Firestone Tire and Rubber Co., Harvey Firestone was a fourth-generation farmer who advanced to the forefront of early 20th century industrialism, with notable contributions across mobility, motorsports, retail service, agriculture and infrastructure.

Firestone is considered one of the key American thought leaders of his time and counted many others including Henry Ford, Thomas Edison and John Burroughs as close friends. From early life on his family’s farm in Columbiana, Ohio, to becoming the founder of one of the largest tire brands in the world, Firestone remained rooted in delivering innovative products, providing exceptional customer service and maintaining a positive working environment for his employees — ideals that Bridgestone continues globally to strive for today.

Posted December 20, 2018

Source: Bridgestone Americas, Inc.

Auria Solutions Shanghai Co. Ltd. Breaks Ground For New Facility In Wuhan, China To Produce Automotive Carpet For Multiple Manufacturers

WUHAN, China — December 20, 2018 — Today, Auria Solutions Shanghai Co. Ltd., held a ground breaking ceremony at the sight of its newest location in Wuhan, China. Auria Solutions Shanghai Co. Ltd. is a joint venture between global tier-one automotive supplier Auria Solutions Ltd. and Shanghai Car Carpet Plant Co., Ltd., a Shanghai Shenda company.

Once completed, the new plant will create approximately 100 new jobs in the region. The 22,500 square meter facility will produce automotive carpeting for Chevrolet and Buick models produced and sold in China. The company is among the largest producers of vehicle flooring systems, acoustical components and fiber-based decorative trim components for the Chinese automotive market.

“The new Auria Solutions Wuhan facility delivers on our on-going commitment to support our customers’ needs through strategic growth and investment in the region and around the world,” said Shenda Chairman Yao Minghua. “We look forward to delivering the world class quality and delivery our customers have come to expect from Auria.”

In addition to carpet manufacturing, the new facility also will have in-house product and material testing & validation capability.

Construction of the new facility will begin in early 2019 and series production is scheduled to start in the plant by the end of the same year.

Auria Solutions is a global supplier of automotive acoustical, thermal, aerodynamic and fiber-based products. Formed in 2017 as a joint venture between Shanghai Shenda and IAC Group, Auria is built on a 100-year transportation industry heritage. The company, with financial headquarters in Coleshill, England, and operational headquarters in Southfield, Mich., Shanghai, China, and Dusseldorf, Germany, operates 28 manufacturing and 10 technical facilities in 11 countries and employs nearly 7,000 people worldwide.

Posted December 20, 2018

Source: Auria

Hannover Fairs Mexico Has Announced The Launch Of DOMOTEX Mexico 2019 As Part Of Expo CIHAC

MEXICO — December 20, 2018 — The trade show for floor coverings expands its network to Mexico. Scheduled for October 15-19, 2019, at the Centro Citibanamex in Mexico City, this trade show is the next step in Deutsche Messe’s globalization of the DOMOTEX brand. As a result of an agreement between the two global trade show organizers, Deutsche Messe and UBM, the event will premiere at Expo CIHAC, Latin America’s leading trade show for the construction industry.

DOMOTEX Mexico will be focused on the Mexican market and the needs of the floor covering and construction industry’s buyers — including constructors, distributors, manufactures and designers. The trade show features product displays across carpets, soft and hard surfaces like LVT and Wood Flooring as well as flooring technology. Through 2020, demand for flooring and carpets in Mexico is projected to advance 3.4 percent per annum to 385 million square meters, accelerating from the pace of the 2010-2015 period. Flooring and carpet production in Mexico is forecast to rise 3.4 percent per year through 2020, reaching 360 million square meters. Domestic producers will benefit from increasing domestic demand.

For more than 30 years, DOMOTEX has supported exhibitors from the carpet and floor covering industry in presenting and selling their products in the world’s most promising markets. Every year in January, DOMOTEX starts the trade’s business year in Hannover, which serves as an international business hub for the flooring sector. With the claim “DOMOTEX – The World of Flooring”, exhibitors and visitors from all over the world come together during four days of business to exchange the latest trends and lifestyles, as well as countless opportunities to take orders. As a dynamic international brand owned by the Deutsche Messe group of companies based in Hannover, Germany, DOMOTEX is embodied by a trio of international trade shows, each with its own distinctive focus, exhibitor structure and visitor makeup: DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR, DOMOTEX Turkey and DOMOTEX USA. Exhibitors can now benefit from the strength of this international network and become part of DOMOTEX Mexico @ Expo CIHAC.

Posted December 20, 2018

Source: Hannover Fairs Mexico

Indorama Ventures To Acquire Invista’s HVA Polymer Asset  In Germany

BANGKOK, Thailand — December 20, 2018 — Indorama Ventures Public Co. Ltd. (IVL), a global chemical producer, announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire INVISTA Resins & Fibers GmbH, which owns a high value-added PET manufacturing facility located in Gersthofen, Germany. The Gersthofen site has a combined capacity of 282,000 metric tons per year, and employs approximately 140 employees.

The transaction is expected to be completed in the 1st quarter 2019, subject to regulatory approvals.

Invista Gersthofen is a strong strategic fit with IVL and is aligned with its strategy to grow and support customer’s needs with differentiated solutions in both packaging and in industrial fibers. IVL will own the intellectual property rights of POLYSHIELD® PET and OXYCLEAR® Barrier PET, Invista’s barrier technology, in all markets globally. POLYSHIELD PET and OXYCLEAR Barrier PET brands are well-anchored in oxygen barrier packaging for example for ketchup. Together with IVL’s HVA polymer business in America’s, Gersthofen will open new opportunities in several new markets and attractive segments.

PET packaging with an oxygen barrier is mainly used by the food and beverage industry to protect oxygen-sensitive products, such as juice, wine, beer, dairy as well as ketchup, sauces and other condiments throughout their entire shelf life. Demand for barrier resins is expected to grow at a strong pace, driven by the improved shelf life of packaged food products, the increasing health and hygiene concerns and the emergence of new recyclable PET applications over traditional materials such as glass and aluminum cans. Currently, IVL has a leading market share in the North America oxygen barrier PET market.

Commenting on the acquisition, Aloke Lohia, group CEO of Indorama Ventures said: “This is very exciting development for IVL. With our strong foundation in the PET market and IVL’s geographic reach, we see vast opportunities to grow the POLYSHIELD PET and OXYCLEAR Barrier PET brands to their full potential, and reach existing and new customers around the world.

We are already capitalizing on the opportunities in the U.S. market, one of the largest barrier resins markets in the world — through our existing OXYCLEAR Barrier PET license in America’s. This strategic acquisition will evolve IVL to the next level of success by taking advantage of opportunities in global markets. With this acquisition, we reinforce our commitment to deliver the highest value to our customers and create sustainable long-term value for our shareholders.”

Posted December 20, 2018

Source: IVL

Cut-Tex® PRO: Cut Resistant Fabrics For Product Designers Worldwide

KARESBOROUGH, England — December 17, 2018 — Cut resistant fabrics have been developed following thousands of injuries suffered by individuals in industry, homeland security, and extreme sports. Now, England-based PPSS Group is urging product designers to think innovatively about the potential applications of its technical textile Cut-Tex® PRO.

Since its inception, cut resistant fabric Cut-Tex PRO has been effectively used in slash resistant clothing for law enforcement, security, and prisons and corrections personnel, as well as bite resistant clothing for healthcare professionals. Earlier this year, following extensive research and collaboration, the company launched its range of cut resistant clothing for the glass and metal industry: CutPRO®.

Most recent enquiries, however, have been received from entrepreneurs looking to use the fabric for applications outside cut resistant clothing. CEO Robert Kaiser commented: “Since the beginning, we have been approached by individuals looking to use Cut-Tex PRO for theft-proof beach bags, travel cases, storage protection, and even animal welfare. Whilst we cannot guarantee effectiveness in all applications without thorough testing, we have been delighted to work with so many innovative thinkers eager to use Cut-Tex PRO as a solution for their product.

“The key benefits of our fabric are its versatility and all-round performance. Not only does Cut-Tex PRO offer EN388:2016 Level E cut resistance (ANSI Level 5), unlike alternatives, its protective properties are enhanced by the highest levels of tear and puncture resistance, decreasing the risk of sharp objects penetrating the fabric. It is also washable, lightweight and kind to skin, offering unlimited possibilities for developing new or existing products.

At pH 6.6, Cut-Tex PRO has a pH value similar to that of water (usually between 6.5 and 8.5). This makes it an extremely low risk skin irritation fabric. Used in clothing for homeland security, workers in manufacturing, and healthcare professionals, it will maintain the skin’s natural balance whilst providing outstanding protection from cuts, slashes, and even human bites.

“We are keen to partner with anyone who shares our excitement for the future of cut resistant fabric, and hope that new and innovative applications will help us to advance the performance and capabilities of Cut-Tex PRO over the coming years.”

The company has recently launched its new website at www.cut-tex.com, with full technical specification and test results available.

Posted December 20, 2018

Source: PPSS Group

TCS Forms Partnership With Brabham Automotive

HAVANT, England — December 20, 2018 — Advanced composites solutions provider TCS and Brabham Automotive are pleased to announce a strategic partnership in advanced material and process development for current and future vehicle builds.

Building on a remarkable 70-year racing pedigree, Sir Jack Brabham’s son David Brabham announced Brabham’s return to manufacturing in May of this year with the global launch of Brabham Automotive’s first product, the stunning BT62.

Crafted from lightweight carbon fibre and weighing only 972kg, the BT62’s exterior surface and aggressive aerodynamic package combine to strike the optimal balance between function and form. TCS will utilise its current market leading material technology and processing, including prepregs, advanced resins and adhesive systems, whilst further developing bespoke lighter, stiffer structural and cosmetic material solutions. The partnership will give Brabham clients much greater design choice and optimum technology, whilst holding firm to the “true drivers car” DNA.

Andy Pointon, managing director of TCS, stated: “TCS is proud to be associated with the Brabham name which truly represents the best in world class motor racing history — a name every car enthusiast holds dear. Working alongside Brabham today we see great strategic alignment between our companies both in terms of direction, values, drive, and a desire to bring the absolute best in performance to the market. The current and future vehicle builds will be ground breaking for sure, and TCS will work closely with Brabham to increasingly elevate the client choice and experience. An exciting 2019 ahead.”

Director of Brabham Automotive, Christian Reynolds, commented: “This announcement symbolises the Brabham ethos of collaboration. Our partnership with TCS will allow us to engineer to the highest standards of vehicle engineering. This strategic relationship will deliver true innovation on the vehicle aesthetic through bespoke carbon designs for our customers. We are able to present the perfect balance of vehicle functionality and form on the Brabham BT62. Our goal has always been to harmonize technical and aesthetic design, allowing us to present and showcase uncompromised quality and our partnership with TCS will provide the perfect platform for us to continue to deliver on this goal.”

Further announcements will be made in early 2019 regarding the specific design directions coming out of the partnership.

Posted December 20, 2018

Source: Total Composites Solutions (TCS) Ltd

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