High-Quality Towels Manufacturer Loftex Sets New Standard In Sustainability Utilizing CertainT

NEW YORK CITY — April 2, 2019 — Loftex, a manufacturer of high-quality towels, today announced that the first retail introduction of their bath towels including recycled PET (rPET) source-verified by the CertainT® platform are now available at US retail this month. The CertainT tagging and tracing platform is provided by Applied DNA Sciences Inc., a leader in PCR-based DNA manufacturing for product authenticity and traceability. Loftex introduced the eco-friendly towel, partially comprised of recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) materials as part of their commitment to sustainability both in their factory and their product.

What started with e-commerce venues, now will hit retail floors across the country in the second calendar quarter of 2019. Loftex markets and sells bath and beach towels with CertainT source verification for rPET through an exclusive licensing agreement with Applied DNA. Additional products utilizing CertainT source-verification for rPET will continue to be introduced in towels and other home products this year.

The Loftex cotton-polyester blend terry towels feature polyester derived from 100-percent post-consumer recycled polyester, rPET. The recycled polyester fibers are blended with cotton so the towel has the best of both fibers. The blend provides superior absorbency, dries quickly in the dryer and on the towel rod, is resistant to odor and mildew, and stays soft wash after wash. By using Applied DNA’s CertainT platform, the recycled nature of the rPET component of the towel can be verified by detecting an indelible molecular tag, thus ensuring rPET authenticity and origin in the finished product.

Charles Gaenslen, CEO of Loftex Home, said: “Loftex consistently strives to find better, more efficient and more intelligent ways to do things. Our new towels embody this mission, and the use of Applied DNA’s CertainT platform reinforces our commitment to use the most technologically advanced methods to ensure our products are true to their sustainable claims.”

Dr. James A. Hayward, CEO of Applied DNA, said: “We are committed to differentiating leading companies, like Loftex, by giving their customers a premier authentication system reinforced by CertainT.”

Posted April 2, 2019

Source: Applied DNA Sciences

Ericsson And Comau Show 5G Digital Twin At Hannover Messe

HANNOVER, Germany— April 2, 2019 — Ericsson and Comau show the Digital Twin enabled by the 5G connectivity to the Hannover Messe. This innovation project, which is currently being tested, represents a further step in the long-lasting partnership between Ericsson and Comau aimed at developing new use cases and solutions for Industry 4.0 and Smart Manufacturing, thanks to the potential offered by the fifth-generation mobile technology.

Comau and Ericsson show the digitized version of an assembly line in an automotive plant. Using special glasses for Virtual Reality applications, visitors are immersed in the line and can “move” within it, monitoring the key parameters of the processes and of the machines, such as vibrations, temperature, pressures and absorptions. A Virtual Reality digital dashboard, which can be used with a standard tablet, will identify situations that could create slowdowns or interruptions in the process by providing instructions to tackle the problem effectively.

The features of 5G connectivity allow to collect a stable, continuous and massive flow of data in real-time that is vital for automation processes. Thanks to 5G low latency, the Digital Twin shows information related to the real robot in the form of visual outputs, which make it possible to understand how the robot activity will evolve in the cell. Not only: from the data analysis it is possible to foresee faults and malfunctions and identify which component must be repaired or replaced, suggesting which actions to take to operate effectively. 5G becomes the enabling technology for every analytics and digital intelligence remote activity on all assets of the production system.

The pilot project presented in Hannover is the result of continuous development, combined with the commitment to research and innovation, by Comau and Ericsson, to enable the digital transformation process in manufacturing.

“Comau’s new digitally interconnected equipment delivers real-time production data where and when it is needed, helping reduce downtime while improving overall quality. Digitized analytics provide customers with a wealth of information regarding production flows and throughput – information that is made available locally and remotely. 5G is an enabling driver for the digital transformation within the Industry 4.0 environment, specifically for low latency, bandwidth and plug & play connectivity of factory equipment. The demo showcased with Ericsson shows how a digital twin can work in a production line”, points our Maurizio Cremonini, Comau Head of Marketing and Digital Initiatives Platform.

Magnus Frodigh, Head of Research, Ericsson, says: “Bandwidth and low latency, main features of the new 5G technology, are the crucial factors that will allow to accelerate the digitization and automation processes, enabling cutting-edge use cases in Smart Manufacturing and Industry 4.0. The demo we are presenting with Comau shows how 5G deployment in the industrial environment will allow to increase productivity, reducing costs.”

The Digital Twin will be demonstrated at Hannover Messe April 1-5 in the Ericsson booth, Hall 8.

Posted April 2, 2019

Source: Ericsson / Comau

New Hot Swap Program From Kamber Reduces Machine Downtime For Textile Manufacturers 

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — March 29, 2019 — Kamber Narrow Fabric Machinery LLC — a global trader and specialist in preowned weaving, braiding and knitting machinery — has announced a new Hot Swap program for manufacturers.

The program offers manufacturers the opportunity to have their narrow fabric needle looms completely refurbished with a full one-year warranty and with zero minutes of downtime with their current machines. Based on the auto industry’s car loaner program which is when a car dealer provides a customer with a temporary car while their own car is being repaired, Kamber will custom build a machine per the customer’s specs and then swap it with the machine needing refurbishment. Each machine needing refurbishment can be rebuilt to the customer’s same or new specs.

The Hot Swap program was developed with today’s tight labor market in mind, to help manufacturers’ employees focus on production and not on equipment repairs and rebuilding. Kamber uses OEM parts, which is crucial for machine performance. With no machine interruption and a like-new, cost-efficient machine, Hot Swap is an optimal program for production managers seeking to eliminate machine downtime and increase productivity.

Visit Kamber Narrow Machinery’s website www.kambernet.com for a quick video showing the entire rebuilding process.

Posted April 2, 2019

Source: Kamber Narrow Fabric Machinery LLC

Fireboy-Xintex Launches Complete Pre-Engineered Fire Detection & Suppression System 

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — April 2, 2019 — Fireboy-Xintex has launched its first pre-engineered, FM approved Fire Detection and Suppression MAE Series (A-C or A-B-C rated) system, which is perfect for use in land-based clean applications such as server rooms, laboratories, electric control rooms, and manufacturing and storage facilities.

The FM approved pre-engineered system replaces traditional engineered systems, resulting in a typically lower cost than conventional systems. The MAE Series System is contained within one convenient release panel with an LED display. The clean agent cylinder size is based on the volume of the room, up to 1,800 cubic feet. All necessary components are included in the kit; no engineering or piping calculations are required. Additional components and system options are available upon request, including extra smoke detectors and strobes, among others.

The MAE Series features the 3M™ Novec™ 1230 Fire Protection Fluid and a unique patent-pending safety pin supervision system. Fireboy-Xintex’s ability to competitively quote this easy-to-order system promptly allows for faster lead times, and single-person installation allows the MAE Series System to be implemented quickly upon arrival.

Fireboy-Xintex has recently scheduled several installation and training classes. Visit Fireboy-Xintex’s exhibition at the following upcoming NAFED shows: Las Vegas (March 7–8), Atlantic City (April 11–12), and New Orleans (May 9–10). Fireboy-Xintex will also be attending the NFPA Conference and Expo in San Antonio in June.

About Fireboy-Xintex: Fireboy-Xintex is a Darley-owned company that supplies a variety of reliable fire detection, fire suppression, and gas detection systems for marine and land-based applications.

Posted April 2, 2019

Source: Fireboy-Xintex

Aurora Specialty Textiles Group Wins 2019 Sustainable Business Recognition Award From SGIA, The Specialty Graphic Imaging Association

YORKVILLE, Ill. — April 1, 2019 — Aurora Specialty Textiles Group has won SGIA’s 2019 Sustainable Business Recognition award, which spotlights leaders in the global printing industry that have implemented programs that reduce that company’s environmental impact and protect and improve employee safety.

The award was announced Monday, March 25, 2019, by SGIA. From that date to Earth Day 2019, April 22, 2019, SGIA will conduct a social media campaign that highlights the winners as global leaders in the development and implementation of sustainable business practices.

In 2018, Aurora implemented the first full year of a massive manufacturing overhaul that involved investing over $1 million in new equipment and software designed to significantly reduce Aurora’s environmental impact. The program also involved spending millions more retrofitting and redesigning the new plant with sustainability upgrades. This included integrating state-of-the-art sustainability measures throughout the company’s facilities, operations and manufacturing processes, and retraining of employees at all levels.

Aurora’s accomplishments in this area “are a testament to the dedication required to accomplish goals directed at becoming a sustainable business,” said Michael E. Compton, chair of the advisory council, Sustainability, Safety, Health and Personnel at SGIA. “The Sustainable Business Award recognizes the achievements involved with improving business efficiency and reducing the environmental impact.”

Aurora’s investments in next-generation sustainability technologies are consistent with their overall philosophy. “We apply the same innovative approach and commitment to the products that we make and the customers we serve as we do to sustainability,” said Mark Shaneyfelt, director of sales and marketing for Printable Textiles at Aurora. “We pride ourselves in being progressive in all phases of our business.”

SGIA is the trade association for professionals in the industrial, graphic, garment, textile, electronics, packaging and commercial printing industries looking to grow their businesses through the incorporation of the latest printing technologies.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by SGIA for the commitment Aurora has made to reduce our environmental impact while improving our business efficiency,” said Marcia Ayala, vice president at Aurora. “We have been dedicated to adopting processes and technologies that are both state-of-the-art and sustainable. We embraced the challenge and are committed to continuing to find new, innovative ways to both improve our business and promote global sustainability.

Metrics related to Aurora’s sustainability are available on the Aurora website and will also be shared by SGIA over the course of their Earth Day social media campaign. A quick summary of Aurora’s sustainability story is listed below.

Aurora’s new state-of-the-art, North American manufacturing operation is strategically equipped with next-generation bleaching, finishing, fabric skewing and coating technologies. With its next-gen capabilities, convenient location and streamlined operations,  Aurora is ideally poised to help their customers meet and surpass market demand for their products.

A few highlights from Aurora’s Sustainability Project:

  • 2018 Aurora was the first year of full implementation of our comprehensive sustainability program and the result is a profitable, next-generation textile manufacturing operation that serves as a global model for the textile and printing industries for sustainably responsible manufacturing.
  • Implementation of Aurora’s  sustainability program involved investing over $1 million in new equipment, moving from Aurora’s former plant in Aurora, Ill., to a new manufacturing facility in nearby Yorkville, Ill., and spending millions more retrofitting and redesigning the new plant with sustainability upgrades.
  • The program also involved integrating state-of-the-art sustainability measures throughout the company’s facilities, operations and manufacturing processes and retraining of employees at all levels.
  • Aurora’s sustainability program is based on an ongoing  commitment to developing and executing a comprehensive Environmental Management System (EMS) that involves the participation of employees at all levels of the organization and a commitment to maintaining ISO.14001:2015 certification, a comprehensive globally-accepted standard and framework.
  • Aurora continues to set goals to further enhance our sustainability program. Aurora’s 2019 EMS goals include reducing landfill waste, reducing energy consumption and improving waste water processing.
  • Along the journey, the energy efficiency improvements helped shape improvements to employee health and safety. The natural gas and electricity components of Aurora’s plant were designed to significantly reduce Aurora’s manufacturing carbon footprint:
    • In the plant Aurora changed all lighting to LED lighting, which is energy-efficient, long-lasting and reduces landfill waste. This includes 75+ exterior lights and 500+ interior lights.
    • Annual water usage is currently 50-percent less than the amount of water used annually 4 years ago.
    • Aurora has realized a 50 percent-reduction in natural gas consumption and 10-percent reduction in electric consumption versus 4 years ago.
    • That reduction in natural gas and electricity consumption represents an annual reduction of 4,134 metric tons of carbon dioxide. That is the equivalent of 465,178 gallons of gasoline per year or 4,523,015 pounds of coal burned.

Posted April 1, 2019

Source: Aurora Specialty Textiles Group

PVH Corp. To Create 575 Jobs, Invest $77.6 Million In Fulton County, Ga.

ATLANTA — March 28, 2019 — Governor Brian P. Kemp today announced that global apparel company PVH Corp. will create 575 jobs and invest $77.6 million in a new distribution and warehouse facility in Palmetto, Ga.

“We are excited that PVH Corp. chose to locate their new distribution and warehouse facility in Georgia,” said Governor Kemp. “By creating 575 jobs and investing $77.6 million in the Palmetto community, PVH Corp.’s positive impact will be felt statewide and bring even more business to our booming Savannah port.”

With a history going back over 135 years, PVH has excelled at growing brands and businesses with rich American heritages, becoming one of the largest apparel companies in the world. PVH owns the iconic CALVIN KLEIN, TOMMY HILFIGER, Van Heusen, IZOD, ARROW, Speedo*, Warner’s, Olga and Geoffrey Beene brands, as well as the digital-centric True & Co. intimates brand, and markets a variety of goods under these and other nationally and internationally known owned and licensed brands.

“We are proud to be partnering with the State of Georgia to expand our footprint here, and we look forward to welcoming hundreds of new PVH associates to our company, where we are guided by our core values — individuality, partnership, passion, integrity and accountability. PVH is an organization where every individual is valued,” said Kevin Urban, Executive Vice President of Logistic Services at PVH. “PVH strives to make positive impacts in the places we do business, and our greatest opportunity to do that comes from the passion and integrity of our associates.”

With more than 38,000 associates operating across 40 countries, PVH will continue to strengthen its relationships with the Georgia Ports Authority and expand the distribution network in Georgia. The port of Savannah will remain the top point of entry and is well positioned to support the future import volume growth as a result of the new facility.

“We are thrilled to welcome PVH Corp. to Fulton County and are ready to staff their new center with the state’s most qualified workforce,” said Fulton County Commission Chairman Robb Pitts. “This is a great win not only for the city of Palmetto, but for all of our communities.”

“Our city’s employment opportunities took a giant leap with this deal,” said Palmetto Mayor J. Clark Boddie. “We are excited for our current residents that will be able to expand their careers here, and look forward to welcoming new members to our wonderful community as a result of this win.”

“PVH’s decision to invest in Fulton County and expand their presence in Georgia reflects the ongoing strength of our business community,” said Hala Moddelmog, president and CEO of the Metro Atlanta Chamber. “Our region’s logistics infrastructure and skilled workforce are among the many assets that make metro Atlanta such an attractive choice for global brands like PVH.”

PVH also operates a distribution center in McDonough that will continue to operate.

Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) Project Manager Hank Evans represented the Global Commerce Division in partnership with the Development Authority of Fulton County, Metro Atlanta Chamber and Georgia Power.

“Congratulations to everyone involved in this competitive project,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “The collective goal amongst our economic development partners is to create jobs and investment opportunities in Georgia, and to be able to announce that one of the largest global apparel companies chose Palmetto is a win for the entire state.”

Posted April 1, 2019

Source: Georgia Office of the Governor, Brian P. Kemp

Gildan Announces Board Of Directors Leadership Succession Plan

MONTREAL — April 1, 2019 — Gildan Activewear Inc. today announced that its board of directors has approved the appointment of Donald C. Berg as chairman of the board effective May 2, 2019, contingent upon his re-election to the board at the company’s annual shareholder meeting to be held that day.

Berg will succeed William D. Anderson, who is retiring as chairman, but who is seeking re-election to the board to support a seamless transition at the company. Anderson has been serving as chairman of the board since February 2012 and as a director since 2006.

Berg, 63, has been serving as a director since 2015 and has served on all three of the board’s committees during his tenure, including as chairman of the Compensation and Human Resources Committee. He has significant public company board experience, including serving on the board of directors of Meredith Corp., a publicly-held media and marketing company, where he is also chair of the Audit and Finance Committee. He was recently appointed to the board of Beam Suntory International, the world’s third largest premium spirits company.

Posted April 1, 2019

Source: Gildan Activewear Inc.

Industry Veteran Stephen Nigro Joins The Kornit Digital Team As A Strategic Advisor To The Company And Board Of Directors

ROSH-HA`AYIN, Israel — April 01, 2019 — Kornit Digital Ltd., a company that develops, designs and markets innovative digital printing solutions for the global printed textile industry, today announced it has appointed Stephen Nigro as a strategic advisor to the Company and Board of Directors. The Company plans to subsequently nominate Mr. Nigro for election to the Board at Kornit’s anticipated August 2019 Annual Shareholder Meeting.

Stephen Nigro is an industry veteran who has spent over 37 years at HP working in a variety of capacities, most recently as President of 3D Printing, overseeing the global build out and execution of that business segment. Prior to that, Mr. Nigro was Senior Vice President of Imaging and Printing, leading all of HP’s printing businesses including HP Inkjet, HP LaserJet and HP Graphics.

Other senior leadership positions at HP that were held in the past by Mr. Nigro, included Senior Vice President of Inkjet and Graphics business, Senior Vice President of Retail and Web Solutions, Senior Vice President of Graphics and Imaging, and Senior Vice President of Technology Platforms.

Most notably, Mr. Nigro led the creation of the graphics arts business, 3D business and expansion of HP’s global inkjet business.

Mr. Nigro holds a Masters in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University and a Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering from UC Santa Barbara.

Kornit Digital’s Chief Executive Officer, Ronen Samuel, commented, “We are pleased to welcome Stephen Nigro as an advisor to the Company and as a prospective member of our Board of Directors. He is a veteran in the printing industry, has a proven track record and has been instrumental, in building and scaling new businesses. In keeping with Kornit’s objectives, Stephen too, has witnessed, led and supported transformations from analogue to digital printing.  His appointment further strengthens our team and enhances the collective knowledge we are able to leverage from our diverse set of executives, advisors and Board members.”

Mr. Nigro commented, “I am excited to partner with the Kornit team and am thoroughly impressed by Kornit’s technology, existing footprint and plans to further scale the business. Kornit possesses the technology and resources to drive the transition to digital, and it is evident that the Company is positioned to disrupt the end markets it serves. That transition parallels digital transitions that I have seen throughout my career. My previous experience will therefore help to drive the execution of Kornit’s growth plans. I am furthermore pleased to be able to partner with such a talented team.”

Stephen Nigro’s engagement commences on April 2, 2019.

Posted April 1, 2019

Source: Kornit Digital Ltd.

Tailored Brands Appoints Dinesh Lathi As President And CEO And Theo Killion As Chairman Of The Board

FREMONT, Calif. — March 28, 2019 — Tailored Brands, Inc. today announced that Dinesh Lathi has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer and Theo Killion has been appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors, both effective immediately.

Mr. Lathi has served as Chairman of Tailored Brands since March 2017, Executive Chairman since August 2018, and has been a member of the Tailored Brands board of directors since March 2016. Mr. Killion has served as Lead Independent Director since August 2018 and joined the Company’s board of directors in June 2017.

“Following a robust and thorough search process, the board is pleased to appoint Dinesh as President and CEO of Tailored Brands,” said Mr. Killion. “Dinesh has demonstrated a deep commitment to building and leading a customer-obsessed company that empowers our talented employees with technology, data, and the creative resources needed to exceed customer expectations and position Tailored Brands for long-term sustainable growth.”

“After spending extensive time with our employees in the communities we serve across all of our operations, and getting a better understanding of how we can rapidly evolve our business to meet our customers’ needs and wants, I am excited to assume the role of President and CEO,” said Mr. Lathi. “Our goal is to be the trusted partner to our customers who want to look and feel their best for moments that matter. To deliver on this promise, we are aligned around three core growth strategies: personalized products and services, seamless and inspiring experiences in and across every channel, and brands that stand for more than just price. I look forward to sharing an update on our progress during our first quarter results conference call in June.”

“We are pleased to appoint Theo as Chairman,” said Tailored Brands’ Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Chairperson Irene Chang Britt. “During his tenure as CEO of Zale Corporation, Theo led a turnaround effort, which included growing shareholder value by $850 million and delivering 14 quarters of positive comparable store sales. Theo’s extensive merchandising and retail experience provides a strong complement to Dinesh’s deep e-commerce and digital background, and this combination will prove invaluable as we set Tailored Brands on a course for growth.”

“I am honored to be appointed to the role of Chairman. I have tremendous confidence in our board, our executive leadership team and our ability to deliver value to our shareholders,” said Mr. Killion.

Mr. Lathi was elected to the Tailored Brands Board of Directors in March 2016 and was appointed Non-Executive Chairman in March 2017 and Executive Chairman in August 2018. He is also a member of the Five Below, Inc. Board of Directors. Mr. Lathi was the Chief Executive Officer of One Kings Lane, Inc. from April 2014 until June 2016. Prior to One Kings Lane, Mr. Lathi spent seven years in various senior executive roles at eBay, Inc and eight years in investment banking and private equity.

Mr. Killion has served on the Tailored Brands Board of Directors since June 2017, as Compensation Committee Chair and as a member of the Nominating and Governance Committee. Since August 2018, he has served as Lead Independent Director. Mr. Killion also serves on the board of Claire’s Stores, Inc. and non-profit A Better Chance. He previously served on the boards of Express Inc. where he was a member of the Compensation Committee and Nominating and Governance Committee, and Libbey, Inc. where he served on the Audit Committee and Compensation Committee. Mr. Killion was the Chief Executive Officer of Zale Corporation from 2010 to 2014 and has over 40 years of experience in operating roles at such iconic retailers as Tommy Hilfiger, Limited Brands, The Home Shopping Network and Macy’s.

Posted April 1, 2019

Source: Tailored Brands, Inc.

Albany International Announces Appointment Of Stephen M. Nolan As Chief Financial Officer

ROCHESTER, N.H. — March 29, 2019 — Albany International Corp. announced today that its Board of Directors has appointed Stephen M. Nolan as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer to succeed John Cozzolino, effective April 1, 2019.

Mr. Nolan has over 16 years of experience in operational and strategic finance, most recently serving as CFO for Esterline, where he co-led the recently completed sale of Esterline to TransDigm Group Incorporated.

Mr. Nolan had served as CFO of Esterline since February 2018. Prior to this role, he was the Chief Financial Officer for Vista Outdoor, Inc., a publicly traded manufacturer of outdoor sports and recreation products, and worked on the formation and spin-off of Vista Outdoor from its aerospace and defense parent company Alliant Techsystems (ATK) in 2015, as well as the related merger between ATK and Orbital Sciences to create Orbital ATK. Prior to that time, Mr. Nolan worked in a number of strategic and operational management roles within ATK, including Senior Vice President for Strategy and Business Development and several business unit leadership positions. Earlier in his career, Mr. Nolan served for five years in corporate development and strategy roles at Raytheon Company and five years as a strategy consultant at McKinsey & Company.

Mr. Nolan (age 49) began his career in engineering, designing freeway traffic management systems. He has a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Trinity College, the University of Dublin, a master’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and an MBA from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Olivier Jarrault, Albany’s President and CEO, said, “I am very pleased to welcome Stephen Nolan as our new CFO and Treasurer. Stephen brings extensive experience within the aerospace and defense sector, and an impressive track record of strategic execution – most recently with the successful sale of Esterline to TransDigm – as well as a history of success serving in senior financial and business management roles in a number of global manufacturing environments. I am confident that his expertise in financial and strategic planning, combined with his results-oriented business leadership skills, will be of significant value to me and the senior management team as we all strive to achieve Albany’s objectives.

“As a valued member of the Company’s senior management team for many years, and CFO and Treasurer since 2011, John Cozzolino has played a critical leadership role in managing the Company’s capital structure and access to capital, overseeing investor and analyst communications, and negotiating and facilitating the transformative strategic transactions that helped bring Albany to where it is today. On behalf of the Company and the Board, I thank him for his significant contributions and wish him all future success in his post-Albany career.”

Mr. Nolan said, “I am privileged to have the opportunity to join Albany as CFO and Treasurer. I look forward to reaching out to our investors, analysts and banking partners, my new co-workers, the entire Albany organization, and the Board over the coming days to introduce myself and establish a relationship with each of you. I am pleased to be able to join with Olivier and the other members of his management team to continue, and to further expand, the efforts already underway to deliver greater value to our customers and increased returns to our shareholders.”

Posted April 1, 2019

Source: Albany International Corp.

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