MADE IN AMERICA 2019: The First-Ever Event Of Its Kind To Champion U.S. Manufacturing And Made In The USA Products

INDIANAPOLIS — February 19, 2019 — MADE IN AMERICA 2019, the first-ever exposition and celebratory event solely focusing on U.S. manufacturing and products made in the USA, will take place at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, October 3-6, 2019. With more than 800 exhibitors and 10,000 attendees expected, this four-day event will bring together the largest-ever network of industrial professionals, keynote speakers and conscious consumers for one common goal: raising awareness for the economic, environmental and community impact of American manufacturing.

“American-made machines and products are the backbone of America’s strength,” said President and CEO Don Buckner Sr. “We take great pride in our ability to deliver above and beyond with the goods we produce. While everyone has a part of their own industry’s circle, we seldom find the opportunity to celebrate that unique craftsmanship in one place together.”

For this monumental event, more than 450,000 square feet of the Indiana Convention Center has been reserved to showcase American-made machines and products by 800 U.S. manufacturers. While all exhibitors will share a commonality in their U.S.-based productions, the variety of represented product categories and industries will be incredibly vast, ranging from aerospace and automobiles to apparel and textiles. This event will truly be the most comprehensive representation of American manufacturing and production ever in its purest form.

The Made in America Kickoff Show will take place on Thursday, October 3, 2019. This night will include live performances by top-selling American billboard artists and keynote speakers. Friday, October 4, will feature the past, present and future of American manufacturing, with speeches by industry leaders and a celebration honoring U.S. military veterans who helped lay the foundation for American manufacturing. The closing evening event on Saturday, October 5, will be the first annual “Made in America Awards” to honor the American manufacturing tradition and to recognize the accomplishments of American production heroes, the heart and soul of homegrown manufacturing.

To learn more about exhibiting your American-made machines or products at this historic event or to join the movement to keep America on track to be the #1 manufacturer in the world, please visit MadeInAmerica.com

MADE IN AMERICA 2019 will be the rallying point of people, businesses and organizations from all areas of manufacturing to interact and share the latest innovations and advances in manufacturing, research, product innovation and service delivery. The inaugural event, taking place October 3-6, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, will bring together the largest-ever network of industrial professionals, offering a slate of cutting-edge educational sessions, keynote addresses and panel discussions featuring specialists from key segments of the manufacturing community. For more information visit MadeInAmerica.com.

Posted February 19, 2019

Source: Made in America

KBS Fashion Group Announces Letter Of Intent To Acquire Tribe Wearables, A Private Smart Clothing Technology Company Located In Greece

SHISHI, China — February 19, 2019 — KBS Fashion Group Ltd., a fully-integrated casual menswear company in China, announced today that it has executed a non-binding Letter of Intent  to acquire Tribe Wearables (Tribe), a private smart clothing technology company, located in Komotini, Greece.

According to the LOI, KBS will first acquire 20% of equity interests in Tribe based on the valuation of $5,000,000 pre money by issuing certain amount of shares KBS common stock to the shareholders of Tribe. The board of directors of Tribe will have at least one member nominated by KBS once the acquisition is completed. KBS is also entitled to acquire additional equity interests in Tribe by placing certain order of Tribe products at the required price and amount under the LOI. In addition, KBS will have the right of first refusal on participating in Tribe’s future capital raise.

Keyan Yan, CEO of the company commented, “We are very excited to invest in Tribe, one of the most innovative smart clothing technology companies internationally. We conceive that this investment will enhance and expand significantly our clients network and products offering. The smart clothing market is expected to surpass the 2 trillion US dollars in size in 2019 and KBS is well positioned to capture a part of this market in the wider region. We believe KBS will be the preferred manufacturer and exclusive distributor of Tribe products in mainland China and Taiwan.”

“With the acquisition of Tribe, the management team of KBS continues the implementation of its plan for entering the dynamic market of AI, wearable and smart technology for capturing the ever increasing demand for these products in the wider region and internationally. We look forward to welcoming Tribe to be a part of KBS and expect the first stage of acquisition to be completed within the next six months.”Concluded by Mr Keyan Yan.

The transaction remains subject to completion of due diligence reviews, customary definitive documentation and approval by the respective KBS and Tribe boards of directors. As a result, there is no assurance that the transaction will be eventually consummated.

Posted February 19, 2019

Source: KBS Fashion Group

Chico’s FAS Announces Appointment Of Kim Roy To Board Of Directors

FORT MYERS, Fla. — February 19, 2019 — Chico’s FAS Inc. announced today that Kim Roy, most recently Group President of Ralph Lauren Corp., has been appointed to the company’s Board of Directors as a new independent director. With Roy’s addition, the company’s Board now comprises nine directors, eight of whom are independent and five of whom are women. Roy will serve on the Audit Committee.

Roy has more than 30 years of experience leading iconic American brands at Ralph Lauren Corporation, Ann Taylor Inc. and Liz Claiborne Inc. across wholesale, retail and digital channels. Most recently, as Ralph Lauren Group President, North American Wholesale, Roy was responsible for Polo, Lauren and Chaps apparel brands for men, women and children as well as home categories. Over her 13 years with the company, she also served as Group President Lauren Brands and President of Lauren. Prior to Ralph Lauren Corp., Roy was President of Ann Taylor, Inc. and Group President, Liz Claiborne Earlier in her career, Kim held various merchandising responsibilities at Associated Merchandising Corporation, and Abraham & Straus. Roy previously served as a member of the Board of Directors of Weight Watchers International, Inc. and served on its audit committee.

“As a senior executive and director, Kim has developed a strong track record with premier retail and consumer companies, and we are pleased to welcome her to the Chico’s FAS Board,” said David F. Walker, chair of the company’s Board. “We believe Kim’s knowledge in brand strategy, merchandising, retail business operations, multi-channel marketing and international brand development will help inform our own strategies and growth opportunities in these areas.”

Shelley Broader, CEO and president of the company, said, “I am looking forward to Kim’s counsel and contributions as our newest independent director as we work to build on our strong brand foundation and enhance the growth and operating effectiveness of the company.”

Roy said, “I have long admired the loyalty that women have to the brands within the Chico’s FAS portfolio. I am excited to join the company’s Board and look forward to working with my new director colleagues, as well as Shelley and the management team, to enhance the connections our brands have with our customers and drive shareholder value.”

Roy received her bachelor of science degree in business from Skidmore College and serves on its Board of Trustees.

Posted February 19, 2019

Source: Chico’s FAS Inc.

The Shade Store Launches The Sunbrella Solar Collection

PORT CHESTER, N.Y. — February 19, 2019 — The Shade Store, a resource for premium custom window treatments, announced the launch of an exclusive collection of solar fabrics by Sunbrella. The Sunbrella Solar Collection is a new line of solar shades which offers UV protection, fade prevention and glare reduction. It has been created with high-performance Sunbrella fabrics that are stain resistant and easy to clean, making them practical for any room or space.

“This new collection by Sunbrella will be of interest to homeowners and designers alike,” said Ian Gibbs, chief creative officer of The Shade Store. “Created with tactile materials to give the shade a highly textured look, the high-performance Sunbrella materials add softness and warmth to a sleek and modern shade. The Sunbrella Solar Collection continues to merge high-end performance with the lifestyle needs of our customers.”

The collection of high-performance fabrics will be available in a range of versatile neutrals, including white, oatmeal, ash, grey and slate. Solar shades offer different levels of opacity and light filtering, ranging from 1 percent to 10 percent allowing users to further customize the level of privacy and UV protection. Each color option can be paired with a choice of six decorative brackets and nine bottom bar colors for the perfect modern look.

The shades will be offered with The Shade Store’s state-of-the-art motorization capabilities. Available with powerful yet quiet motors, both battery and plug-in options, shades can be controlled by both smartphone and smart home systems.

With the neutral palette and a range of transparencies, the collection maximizes versatility in both commercial and residential settings alike. The Sunbrella Solar Collection is the third collaboration with The Shade Store. It joins the Ventana Collection, a line of heavyweight linens and sheers for drapery and Romans, and the iconic patterns of Pendleton by Sunbrella.

“We are excited to partner with The Shade Store on this new collection. We are able to expand the Sunbrella offering from Roman shades and drapery to include the popular solar shade category,” says Allen Gant III, Director of Window Market for Sunbrella. “Combining our expertise with The Shade Store, we were able to merge durability, performance and style into a sleek and modern solar shade that’s ideal for both residential and commercial spaces.”

Sunbrella Solars for The Shade Store will be offered at all 65+ of The Shade Store showrooms nationwide and online at www.theshadestore.com/sunbrella-solars, where consumers and designers can choose free swatches to plan for their custom window treatments, with rendering services and design experts available to help. Every order from The Shade Store is hand-crafted in the USA and ships free in 10 days or less. The Shade Store also offers a network of measure and install professionals around the country to help make the custom window treatment process truly simple.

Posted February 19, 2019

Source: The Shade Store

Loepfe Makes New Development In Yarn Contamination Clearing

WETZIKON, Switzerland — February 19, 2019 — The contamination of cotton with man-made fibers is still a common concern for spinning mills. Especially white or transparent polypropylene fibers from bale packaging can affect the quality of the spun yarn. If the polypropylene contaminations are not removed properly during production, the spun yarn can cause costly complaints. Contamination clearing improves the yarn quality considerably. But if it is done too strictly, the production efficiency can be adversely affected and the amount of waste increases. To optimize yarn clearing even further, Loepfe developed the new adjustment tool P-Matrix for its YarnMaster ZENIT+, which increases the clearing efficiency substantially. Extensive tests in a spinning mill in India showed impressive results.

Extensive tests at SLP Spinning Mills, India

SLP Spinning Mills Private Ltd., based in Guntur Dis-trict, India, produces high quality cotton yarns for local and export markets. The company, which has been founded in 2006, employs some 500 staff. The total capacity of 47,520 spindles is used to produce mainly combed compact cotton yarn in the range of Ne 40 to Ne 80. SLP has a totally integrated production and is continuously aiming to improve the facilities with innovative solutions. Modern technology is utilized to reach highest customer satisfaction. Contamination of the raw cotton with white and transparent polypropylene fibers is a major concern for yarn quality. Polypropylene contamination, which usually originate from bale packaging, may cause many problems in subsequent processes along the production, i.e. broken needles in knitting applications, thread breakage in weaving, and visible defects in the final product after dyeing are among those.

To improve yarn clearing, SLP and Loepfe conducted extensive tests with the new P-Matrix tool, which can be used for adjusting Loepfe’s yarn clearer YarnMaster ZENIT+. “We use yarn clearer from Loepfe for many years now, and have always been satisfied with the results”, said Desu Suryaprakasa Rao, managing director at SLP. The goal of the tests has been a more precise adjustment of the yarn clearer guaranteeing best possible quality, while maintaining overall process efficiency.

Taking full control

The test runs for the new adjustment tool P-Matrix have been done as follows: In the first step, a cotton bale, where the polypropylene has been segregated manually, has been used to spin Ne 60 combed yarn. The subsequent winding has been done on a Saurer Autoconer 6. The yarn clearer eliminated 20 synthetic foreign matter faults on a length of 100 km. The clearing efficiency was above 80 percent, and there haven’t been any complaints from the customer. As SLP is always trying to improve methods further, B. Venkanna, general manager of the spinning mill has been curious to use the new P-Matrix tool.

In the second step, the customer utilized the innovative P-Matrix to enhance the control over the clearing process. By entering the P settings the P-Matrix shows a clearing curve considering the most common factors to reach optimal and efficient clearing results. The operator can easily adjust settings to the individual needs by increasing or lowering the clearing curve, in order to receive optimum results. Other factors, like hairiness, neppiness, and yarn tension have to be taken into account. The settings can be exactly adjusted to meet the requirements of the actual spun yarn. The tests have been repeated as in the first step. Due to the precise adjustment with the P-Matrix the yarn clearer eliminated 42 foreign matter faults / 100 km, corresponding to an clearing efficiency of 95 percent.

Rewarding results

The YarnMaster ZENIT+ combines different sensor principles in one single device. This enables the customer to effectively control the yarn quality. The P-sensor used for the synthetic foreign matter de-tection is based on the triboelectric effect (see box: Functionality: P-Sensor). The sensor is sensitive to different materials, and is therefore able to distinguish between cotton and synthetic foreign matter, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyamide (nylon) etc. The unique sensor principle in combination with the new P-Matrix improves the synthetic foreign fiber clearing substantially. The P-Matrix facilitates the perfect adjustment of the clearing. The result is not only an effective clearing of synthetic contaminations, but at the same time an optimized overall production efficiency with less waste. The set of parameters can be stored separately for all different types of yarn and desired qualities. The so-defined yarn quality can be reproduced easily just by loading the parameters back into the ZENIT+. Costly complaints from customers are minimized, and the bottom line is a highly profitable operation of the spinning mill.

Functionality: P-Sensor 
All materials become electrically charged, when they come in frictional contact with another material. This effect, which is also referred to as triboelectric effect, is well known in everyday life: Rubber soles on carpet, woollen pullover on hair, or plastic on catskin – most static electricity originates from the triboelectric effect. In the YarnMaster ZENIT+ the yarn passes an electrode and exchanges electrons. A second electrode measures the resulting electrical charge and converts it into a voltage signal. As the effect is strongly depending on the material, the sensor can detect all synthetic foreign matters, regardless of the yarn thickness. The P-Matrix visualizes the sensor signals and enables an intuitive adjustment of the sensitivity.

Posted February 19, 2019

Source: Loepfe Brothers Ltd.

Roman Haefeli Named SSM AG New Head Of Sales

HORGEN, Switzerland — February 19, 2019 — Increasing customer demands require increasing sales service responsibilities. To strengthen the worldwide team and to achieve complete customer satisfaction, SSM Schärer Schweiter Mettler AG is pleased to announce the appointment of Roman Haefeli as head of Sales.

As of January 1, 2019 Roman Haefeli has started as Head of Sales and member of the management board of SSM Horgen. Haefeli holds a degree in mechanical engineering from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) and many years of experience in research, development, operations and sales.

SSM welcomes Roman Haefeli and wishes him a good start and a lot of success and fulfillment in his new function

Posted February 19, 2019

Source: SSM Schärer Schweiter Mettler AG

Scan And Screen — Turning A Physical Material Into A Digital Texture

LOS ANGELES — February 19, 2019 — X-Rite Inc. and its subsidiary, Pantone LLC, announces that it has entered into a collaboration with Luxion, the makers of 3D rendering and animation solution KeyShot. X-Rite and Luxion enter into a new partnership to collaborate on the use of X-Rite’s Total Appearance Capture (TAC) scanning technology with Luxion’s KeyShot rendering solution.

Starting Tuesday, February 19, through Wednesday, February 20, X-Rite and KeyShot will be displaying their collaborative solution at the Product Innovation Apparel Conference at the LA Grand Hotel in Los Angeles. In addition, on April 18, X-Rite and KeyShot will host a webinar, showcasing how KeyShot users can create physically accurate material representations for the highest quality 3D visuals and imagery.

The ability to produce soft product imagery in CG at the highest level of fidelity has historically been something of a challenge. One obstacle in the way of achieving true CG realism has been the inability to accurately measure and capture every detail across the multitude of materials used in any particular product design lifestyle. However, firms are now realizing the beneficial savings in time and costs achieved with a library of accurate, digital assets. These assets can follow a product from the initial design to its end-marketing.

The partnership between X-Rite and Luxion marks the start of an exciting collaborative development; using X-Rite’s advanced scanning technology with Luxion’s KeyShot real-time rendering application — the technologies can produce the most accurate material visualization possible.

Henrik Wann Jensen, chief scientist and co-founder of Luxion:

“A primary differentiator and key feature of KeyShot is the ability to create high-quality visuals using scientifically accurate materials.”

“Along with the vast material capabilities in KeyShot, this collaboration with X-Rite will allow users to accurately and consistently represent the complex material properties of their scanned textures for an endless number of materials, providing even greater realism in communicating their product visuals.”

Dr. Francis Lamy, executive vice president and chief technology officer, X-Rite and Pantone:

“This collaboration will allow X-Rite and KeyShot to take a giant leap forward to allow users to visualize their creations using physically correct digital materials, providing a new level of realism that results in even more immersive experience in product virtualization, media content, and marketing collateral.”

To catch this collaboration in action, KeyShot users can also see demonstrations of the TAC7™ at the PI Apparel conference, Los Angeles where visitors will see a physical material placed into the X-rite scanner and rendered in real-time by KeyShot.

Posted February 19, 2019

Source: X-Rite, Inc.

You Can Wear The Pantone Color Of The Year With Mountain Khakis® Spring 2019 Apparel

JACKSON HOLE, Wyo. — February 19, 2019 — Mountain Khakis®, an outdoor apparel outfitter for men and women, was pleasantly assured when Pantone released their color of the year for 2019. “We were thrilled when Pantone released their 2019 color of the year: Living Coral, which closely resembles MK’s Spring 2019 color, Melon, available in several men’s and women’s styles and accessories. We work diligently on trend research seasons in advance and hope the industry carries through with the forecasted trends; in this case it did,” said Noah Robertson, director of Product Development at Mountain Khakis. “Both are ‘vibrant’ but ‘mellow’ glowing hues, with a perfect hint of warmth to brighten up the end of winter.”

“We were inspired by the rich hues we see early in the morning at sunrise, and the colorful Alpenglow we get to experience at sunset here in the Tetons. We wanted to bring this feeling to life in our Spring collection,” said Robertson. “Our interpretation of Living Coral is fun and playful, this bold color adds a nice pop. Look out for Melon in both men’s and women’s for Spring 2019!”

Posted February 19, 2019

Source: Mountain Khakis

IDEA®2019 Exhibitor Preview: Web Industries

MARLBOROUGH, Mass. — February 19, 2019 — Web Industries Inc.’s Personal & Home Care business unit will highlight its large-format spooling and multi-color printing services for manufacturers of adult incontinence, diaper and feminine hygiene products at IDEA 2019, March 25-29, Miami, Fla. At the show, Web Industries will occupy Booth #534.

“Web’s offerings at the IDEA show embody the theme of ‘Go Big, Go Colorful, Go Fast,’” says Adrienne Green, director of sales, Personal & Home Care, Web Industries, Inc. “Our large-format spools improve the efficiency of manufacturing lines by reducing the need for frequent splices, changeovers, and material handling. Meanwhile, our 8-color printing capability adds an extra dimension of vibrancy and quality to personal care products.”

More Efficient Manufacturing

Web Industries’ slitting, spooling and printing technologies are designed to meet the needs of personal and home care product producers. Its next generation large-format spooling technology enables precise slitting of flexible materials in widths up to 12 inches. The materials are wound onto spools measuring up to 50 inches wide and 60 inches in OD. Web’s spooling technology and expertise allow materials to be wound in exactly the right pattern and tension for the specific application. The end result for manufacturers is big cost savings resulting from fewer splices, less downtime and longer manufacturing runs.

The company’s 8-color flexographic presses produce vibrant colors, crisp images and a host of different patterns on flexible materials. They can print on virtually any nonwoven substrate, including many tissues and films.

Show attendees are invited to visit Web’s exhibit and consult with Web experts on the advantages of large-format spooling and multi-color printing. They can also view firsthand a massive sample spool of flexible materials measuring up to 5 feet in diameter.

Posted February 19, 2019

Source: Web Industries

Axiom Materials To Be Acquired By Kordsa, Merging International Suppliers Of Industrial Materials

SANTA ANA, Calif. — February 18, 2019 — Axiom Materials Inc., a global supplier of advanced composites development and manufacturing, announced today that it has entered into an agreement to be acquired by Kordsa. Kordsa, a worldwide supplier of reinforcement technologies, is a subsidiary of Sabanci Holding, a multinational industrial and financial conglomerate. The acquisition is subject to standard regulatory approvals and other customary conditions.

Kordsa is currently a supplier and technical partner of Axiom Materials in the field of textile reinforcement technologies. Following the close of the transaction, Axiom Materials will continue to operate under its existing trade name and business partnerships.

“Merging business interests with Kordsa is an ideal strategic move for our company, as it will combine Axiom’s innovation in advanced composite technologies with Kordsa’s scientific expertise and operational excellence,” said Dr. Johnny Lincoln, founder and president of Axiom Materials. “Working together will help us continue to scale the business, and push the boundaries of advanced composite material technologies.”

“The acquisition of Axiom Materials is an important next step in our growth strategy as we pursue advanced composite technologies for aerospace as well as next-generation industrial and transportation applications,” said Ali Caliskan, CEO of Kordsa.

In 2016 Axiom Materials formed a strategic business partnership and recapitalization with Sorenson Capital, a private equity firm with more than $1 billion in capital under management. Sorenson will exit its position at the time of the Kordsa acquisition.

“This is an important milestone for Johnny and the team at Axiom Materials, and we congratulate them on this outstanding achievement,” said LeGrand Lewis, managing director at Sorenson Capital. “We are pleased to have played a part in Axiom’s evolution and impressive growth.”

Harris Williams served as the exclusive financial advisor and Honigman served as legal counsel to Axiom Materials and Sorenson Capital.

Posted February 18, 2019

Source: Axiom Materials

Sponsors