Teijin Frontier Develops Highly Water-repellent Stretchable Fabric

TOKYO — August 30, 2018 — Teijin Frontier Co. Ltd., the Teijin Group’s fiber and products converting company, announced today that it has developed a new highly water-repellent fabric incorporating enhanced elastic properties. It plans to market the new product from the beginning of the 2019 spring/summer season.

The new fabric is designed primarily for trousers and outer-clothing applications requiring medium thickness materials. Teijin Frontier is targeting annual sales of 1 billion yen ($9 million) by the fiscal year ending March 2021.

Based on the company’s existing water repellent fabric, the new design incorporates a convex structure with horizontal surface tension which is smaller than waterdrops, allowing water to run off the surface smoothly.

The fabric achieves a grade four out of five in water-repellent rating initially, and a grade three rating after being washed 20 times. It is able to stretch by 10 percent, and maintains water-repellency when stretched thanks to its flexible structure; conventional water-repellent fabrics are unable to achieve similar levels of stretchablility because of the high density of their yarn arrays.

The demand for highly water-repellent apparel, including stretchable clothes such as trousers and outer-clothing applications, is growing in response to the increased frequency of heavy rain in Japan.

Posted August 30, 2018

Source Teijin Group

Pamela Sims Promoted To Motion Industries Vice President Of Marketing

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — August 30, 2018 — Motion Industries Inc., a leading distributor of maintenance, repair, and operation replacement parts and a wholly owned subsidiary of Genuine Parts Co., announced the promotion of Pamela Sims to vice president of Marketing, effective September 1, 2018.

A graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Sims joined Motion Industries in 2004, starting in market research. Her career quickly evolved, and she most recently served as the company’s director of marketing since 2013. During this time, she developed and implemented various marketing plans to position Motion Industries as a leading industrial distributor.

Sims has also developed outstanding relationships with the company’s top strategic supplier partners, working with them to implement Motion Industries’ extensive co-op advertising program.

Randy Breaux, Motion Industries Executive vice president of Marketing, Distribution, and Purchasing, said, “Pamela has done an excellent job for Motion Industries and is well-deserving of her expanded responsibilities. We look forward to her future contributions as she continues to develop and implement Motion’s comprehensive marketing plans.”

Posted August 30, 2018

Source Motion Industries

USTER® Ring Spinning Optimization System Now Offers Much More Than End-Break Detection

USTER, Switzerland — August 29, 2018 — USTER® SENTINEL is much more than an end-break detection system. It is a comprehensive solution for ring spinning optimization, with benefits in quality, productivity and efficiency. Data can now be integrated with the Total Testing Center through Uster TESTER 6, giving spinners an overview of quality through all process steps in the mill, for focused control of production management. Adding Uster ROVING STOP enhances the economic advantages still further, reducing waste by stopping the roving feed immediately an end-break is detected.

Uster Sentinel’s bobbin build-up report is the key to optimized yarn production. The system’s unmatched detection of end-breaks provides the basic platform, which is extended to total control of end-breaks when combined with Uster Roving Stop. The instant stop of roving feed at an end-break will reduce waste significantly and make raw material usage more cost-effective. Calculations show that 70-percent less pneumafil waste equates to a saving of nearly 1 percent in raw material, based on current spinning conditions. This obviously makes for a shorter investment payback.

Designed for top productivity

Using Uster Sentinel with Uster Roving Stop improves productivity and cuts down the risk of quality problems in ring spinning. Potential quality claims are avoided, since waste material and uncontrolled fiber — which could affect neighboring spindles and the entire machine — are greatly reduced by the Uster Roving Stop.

Overload on rollers is also prevented, ensuring higher productivity through reduced lapping. These benefits together can be expected to extend the service life of spinning components such as aprons, cots and cylinders by around 20 percent.

The design of Uster Roving Stop is striking. Its streamlined and uncluttered profile is geared to optimum machine performance. The unique compact shape leaves operators clear access, saving time and speeding up responses. And its smart design enables the Uster Roving Stop to implement a rapid and complete separation of the process, to avoid raw material waste.

Higher yield and fewer quality claims

The advantages of Uster Sentinel go far beyond end-break detection: it brings a completely new approach to quality, productivity and efficiency in ring spinning. Bobbin build-up information and end-break detection are the basic functions, but total optimization is the result. The intuitive reports on bobbin build-up include every parameter influencing end-breaks. Clear visuals point to exact reasons for breaks, making optimization easy. Mills benefit from improvements in ambient conditions, service life of mechanical components — and machine speed.

Machine performance is displayed in real-time, giving a fast overview of the most relevant production and laboratory data — as well as the machine’s energy consumption. The well-established expert system supports mills with clear guidance to profitable optimization.

Higher yield and fewer quality issues also result from reduced repair times. Badly-performing spindles are reliably identified and the Uster Sentinel guides machine operators quickly to spindle breaks, through clear and simple indications. Other issues which often impair the spinning process — such as idle, rogue and off-quality spindles, as well as spindle slip – are all monitored for fast response.

Profitability: the ultimate goal

Uster’s ring spinning optimization system maximizes profitability where it matters most. Uster Sentinel measures and controls the most expensive process in yarn manufacturing. It monitors the productivity of all spindles, as well as providing the required links and information to help the spinning mill optimize both machine performance and the entire process.

Connecting Uster Sentinel to the Total Testing Center of the Uster Tester 6 opens the way to extended analysis, based on centralized quality data from all spinning processes. This is the route to management of a spinning mill with quality in mind. Adding Uster Sentinel data to this creates the ultimate quality optimization package. This is a significant further development milestone, supporting spinners to achieve the ultimate goal of excellence in quality and profitability.

Posted August 29, 2018

Source Uster Technologies Ltd.

CSI Releases Spring/Summer 2020 Color Analysis

CHARLOTTE, N..C — August 29, 2018 — Color Solutions International, a member of the DyStar® Group, has issued its COLOR ANALYSIS report for Spring/Summer 2020.

The trend and color experts at CSI are delighted to bring you a fifth improved issue of the Color Analysis report. In this report, the experts at CSI expanded the use of their proprietary Relative Color Popularity process (RCP). RCP is a marriage of color validation with trend color forecasting. The RCP report has been organized into four categories to help validate your color selection.

In this issue, 54 ColorWall™ colors are featured along with additional color validation, color evolution, and direction by hue. “The Good Life Issue” looks further out for trends by using color data research, collected consumer insights and market analysis.”

“We discover how these cultural influences, based on the highlighted macro stories of Sustainability Innovation, Global Citizens, The Good Life, Out of the Box, can change or influence our lifestyle and our decisions,” said Heather Sandwall, CSI Color, and Trend Director. “We are able to look further out for trends that are affected by worldviews, mindset and cultural influences.”

Colorful, informative and inspirational, the semi-annual trend report is available in hard copy and as a digital download. This color forecast is essential for product designers, color managers and buyers working in textiles, apparel, accessories, decor, interiors, and cosmetics. COLOR ANALYSIS includes seasonal color palettes selected from a wide range of approximately 3,700 CSI ColorWall colors.

The CSI and DyStar team of experts work together and assist their customers in color development and communication as well as in the dyeing and quality inspection process to achieve the best possible results and sustainable fashion. CSI products are produced with high-quality, eco-friendly DyStar colorants.

Posted August 29, 2018

Source The DyStar Group

Stand Out By Presenting At WOW 2019 INDA Calls For Presentations For World Of Wipes® International Conference

CARY, N.C. — August 29, 2018 — INDA’s World of Wipes® (WOW) International Conference 2019 program committee is now accepting abstracts on innovative, engaging, inspiring, and informative product, market and technical topics at the 13th annual event.

Coming to the Atlanta Marriott Marquis Hotel on June 25-27, 2019, WOW will cover the latest consumer research, product innovation, and market applications for all wiping products and their components.

Presenting at WOW is a unique opportunity to raise the speaker’s and company’s visibility, receive industry recognition of their product or expertise, collaborate with leaders, gain potential partners and customers, and help shape the future of wipes.

The 12th annual WOW event in Chicago this June connected 440 participants from 22 countries representing the entire wipes supply chain to examine issues and advances in the growing multi-billion dollar wipes sector. WOW is targeted exclusively for wipes brand owners, converters, and their entire supply chain.

The WOW committee is currently developing a robust program with relevant content that targets such areas as preservatives, regulations, emerging science, packaging, e-commerce, new product developments and advances in medical wipes.

Experts are being sought in the areas of dry and wet wipes, end-use markets, substrate formation, raw materials and fibers, liquid ingredients, packaging, machinery and equipment, and market trends and data.

Professionals interested in presenting at WOW 2019 should submit a speaker’s photo, bio and a brief abstract summary of one or two paragraphs detailing the relationship of their talk to wipes or wipe manufacturing, to INDA Education Coordinator Deanna Lovell, dlovell@inda.org, by October 22.

Save the Date to Attend Training and WOW Conference

The learning opportunities will once again kick off with INDA’s WIPES Academy, the industry’s first and only comprehensive wipes training for the entire wipes supply chain, on June 24-25 prior to the conference start.  Rob Johnson, PE, Principal, Smith, Johnson & Associates, will conduct the training.

Participants will gain a strong foundation of fundamental wipes knowledge, covering the basics of wipes design, manufacturing and applications, market trends, and opportunities in new product areas. At least two years of basic nonwoven fabrics knowledge or completion of the INDA Elementary Nonwovens Training Course are the recommended prerequisites.

Highlights of WOW include exceptionally relevant program content and panel discussions, the presentation of the World of Wipes Innovation Award®, evening receptions, more than 50 tabletop displays, daily continental breakfasts, and scheduled networking coffee breaks.

Posted August 29, 2018

Source INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

BASF Strengthens Collaboration With Grolman In Europe

LUDWIGSHAFEN, Germany/NEUSS, Germany — August 24, 2018 —  BASF and Gustav Grolman GmbH & Co. KG strengthen their exclusive collaboration in Europe in the marketing of amine-based curing agents for the professional processing of epoxy resins. Grolman expands the marketing of the BASF specialty chemicals under the Baxxodur® brand to Italy, Spain and Portugal, specifically for use in epoxy resin based applications. Examples are thermosetting laminates, highly resistant floor coatings, corrosion protection varnish and composite materials. The products are used in the construction industry as well as in the automotive, marine, aerospace and industrial applications manufacturing.

With the extended regional partnership with BASF, Grolman, one of Europe’s largest distributors of specialty chemicals, further strengthens its strong position. Grolman has a diversified know-how in application technology. The high-quality curing agent components made by BASF supplement Grolman’s product portfolio of resins, accelerators, additives, flame retardants, pigments and special fillers for the thermosetting industry.

Under the brand name Baxxodur, BASF markets a diversified spectrum of amine-based curing components for the professional processing of epoxy resins. Since 2015, BASF and Grolman collaborate exclusively in the marketing of Baxxodur in Europe. Since then, Grolman has been marketing the BASF specialty chemicals in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Ireland, Great Britain, France, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark specifically for use in epoxy resin based applications.

Posted August 28, 2018

Source BASF

Naked Brand Group Limited Announces Term Sheet for $25 Million Strategic Investment from Sapinda Holding B.V.

SYDNEY — August 28, 2018 —  Naked Brand Group Ltd. has entered into a non-binding term sheet to receive a $25 million strategic investment from Sapinda Holding B.V., a European investment firm and owner of the globally recognized Italian luxury-lingerie firm La Perla.

If the investment contemplated by the term sheet is completed, it will provide unique operating synergies, investment capital that would support strategic acquisitions, as well as direct-to-consumer and eCommerce initiatives globally.

“We are pleased to announce the term sheet for a proposed $25 million strategic investment from Sapinda, owner of the globally recognized Italian luxury-lingerie firm La Perla, which we view as a validation of our operating model and strategy,” said Justin Davis Rice, CEO, Naked Brand Group. “If completed, this investment will provide us with additional capital to support our plans to complete accretive strategic acquisitions to better utilize our under-leveraged operating infrastructure. We have identified several attractive opportunities within the eCommerce and direct-to-consumer space that we believe have the potential to create notable shareholder value over the long term. I look forward to announcing new developments surrounding these strategic initiatives as appropriate,” concluded Davis Rice.

Established in 2009, Sapinda is a diversified global investment group focused on special situation investment opportunities across continental Europe, Africa, Middle-East and Asia.  In February 2018, Sapinda acquired 100 perecent of the shares of La Perla Global Management (UK) Ltd., the parent company of La Perla Group, a leading global luxury-fashion brand, rooted in lingerie. Founded in 1954 by Ada Masotti and now headquartered in London, La Perla is a global luxury-shopping brand employing more than 1,500 people in over 150 global locations, with flagship stores in all key metropolitan cities in America, Europe, the Middle-East and Asia and with over 140 million euros in FY2017 revenues.

“We have been looking at the luxury goods sector for a while and are delighted to have this opportunity to invest in Naked Brand Group,” said Lars Windhorst, co-founder and CEO of Sapinda. “Since the merger with Bendon, Justin and his team have a unique opportunity to continue to take the business forward. We expect to bring synergies across Naked and La Perla in terms of business intelligence through greater digitalization and shared knowledge across key product categories. We hope that our strategic investment, coupled with our expertise through La Perla, will help Naked to improve its global presence and enhance its position in the lingerie and swimwear industry,” concluded Windhorst.

About the Proposed Transaction

The proposed transaction contemplates an equity investment by Sapinda (or its affiliates or designees) in Naked through a private placement of up to 5,000,000 newly issued ordinary shares of the company for a price per share of $5.00. The Company will not issue to Sapinda New Shares representing in excess of 19.99 percent of the total issued ordinary shares of Naked. The issuance of the New Shares is expected to occur through a private placement exempted from registration with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

The non-binding term sheet provides for the company to file a registration statement with the SEC within 30 days of the closing of the investment for purposes of registering the New shares. It further provides that, subject to the limit of 19.99 percent of the total issued ordinary shares of Naked, the number of new shares issued to Sapinda will be increased to the extent the volume weighted average price per share is lower than $5.00 during the 90 days after effectiveness of the registration statement. In addition, so long as Sapinda owns at least 19 percent of the total issued ordinary shares of Naked, the non-binding term sheet provides for Sapinda to have the right to designate one member of Naked’s board of directors.

The execution of the non-binding term sheet for the investment does not constitute a commitment on the part of Sapinda to invest in the company. Such investment is contingent on the parties agreeing on the terms of a definitive agreement relating to the investment. There can be no assurance that the company will enter into a definitive agreement for the investment, and even if it does, there can be no assurance that any necessary approvals for the investment will be obtained and any conditions to the investment will be satisfied or waived. Accordingly, there is no assurance that the proposed investment will ever occur.

This notice is not an offer to sell securities or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such jurisdiction.

Posted August 28, 2018

Source Naked Brand Group Limited

12 ReTech’s Lexi-Luu Dancewear Is “Made In The USA” And Selling In Asia

CARSON CITY, Nev./HONG KONG — August 28, 2018 —  12 ReTech Corp. announced today that its Emotion Fashion Brands, Inc’s Lexi-Luu Dancewear is to be sold in Asia. A distribution contract was recently signed between Emotion Fashion Brands Inc. and Global Outlets Group Inc., a U.S.-based distributor who successfully brings American manufactured products and brands to countries such as Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, Macao, China and Vietnam.

This contract will allow Global Outlets to sell Lexi-Luu branded merchandise in its distribution territories for four years. Global Outlets Group plans to sell $1 million of Lexi Luu Dancewear in the first year, the minimum annual merchandise purchase guaranteed is $500,000, with any unpurchased amount between $500,000 and $1 million being added to the second year’s minimum guarantee. The contract specifies a higher minimum purchase guarantee each year with the fourth year’s minimum purchase guarantee set at $10,000,000.

Lexi-Luu Dancewear is one of the micro brands that 12 ReTech acquired on May 1, 2018, as part of its Emotion Fashion Brands acquisition. Emotion Fashion now operates in Salt Lake City and is ramping up its manufacturing operations to be able to meet domestic and international demand. Recently, Utah was ranked third by CNBC in its “America’s Top States for Business 2018” scorecard which is part of the reason for the move from California.

Hub Blanchett, Emotion Apparel’s CEO, commented: “I am very pleased that Lexi-Luu Dancewear will be available to parents in a larger part of the world. We have brightened the smiles of children in the USA for many years, and now the time to bring our dancewear to the rest of the world has arrived.”

Angelo Ponzetta, 12 ReTech’s CEO, previously stated: “Lexi-Luu is a timeless brand of kid’s dancewear that is well recognized in the “dance world”. That our products are ‘Made in the USA’ has been well received by families with young children in our primary geographic market. Hub’s team has worked closely with us and because of that, we are now ready, ahead of schedule, to grow our sales and extend our brand awareness into worldwide consumer markets.”

Hub concluded: “Many demographics on foreign lands want to experience the American lifestyle. In the 70’s, for example, famous apparel brands such as Levi’s, Lee and Wrangler were sought out in the rest of the world and became iconic symbols of American culture. We think that American culture is resurging again and Emotion Fashions is ready to meet that need in the worldwide markets. The new contract was brought to us by the 12 ReTech team who operates internationally. Their reach is one of many reasons why we joined up with them. We never would have seen this opportunity without 12ReTech.”

Ponzetta concluded,” We are working hard on our 12 Technology Suite and expect to be able to announce additional strategic partnership(s) in the near future to bring value to our prospective retailers.

Posted August 28, 2018

Source 12 ReTech Corporation

Tarkett To Acquire Lexmark

PARIS — August 27, 2018 —  Tarkett, a producer of flooring and sports surfaces solutions, has signed an agreement to acquire 100-percent of Lexmark Carpet Mills.

Lexmark produces high-quality carpet, primarily for the North American hospitality segment. Lexmark is a well-recognized brand among leading hospitality chains. In recent years, the company has extended its product range to address the residential market.

Headquartered in Dalton, Ga., Lexmark achieved around $120 million of sales in 2017, employs 460 people and operates one plant in the United States. Lexmark has demonstrated a strong and profitable growth model, particularly through the successful acquisition of Northwest Carpets in 2015, a manufacturer of broadloom carpet for hospitality and niche commercial applications.

“The acquisition of Lexmark will position Tarkett as one of the leaders in the hospitality segment for carpets in North America,” explained Glen Morrison, CEO, Tarkett. “We will be able to further strengthen Lexmark’s offering in this segment as they will have access to Tarkett’s broader product portfolio. We will also leverage Tarkett’s global presence to enhance Lexmark’s positioning with key accounts worldwide.”

“We are very excited to join Tarkett with whom we share the same vision and entrepreneurial values, as well as a strong commitment to servicing customers with solutions designed to meet a wide range of needs,” comments Paul Cleary, CEO of Lexmark. “Within the Tarkett group, we will be able to offer a larger choice of products to our customers and partners and provide an even stronger offering.”

While the acquisition will be immediately accretive to Group EBITDA margin, Tarkett has also identified sales and supply chain synergies with its North America carpet activities.

The transaction will be financed with an existing credit facility. After the acquisition, Tarkett expects its net consolidated debt leverage ratio to be around 2.5x EBITDA (proforma) at the end of the year.

The transaction is expected to be concluded before the end of this year, subject to regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions.

Posted August 28, 2018

Source: Tarkett

International Trade Lawyer David Stepp Joins Crowell & Moring In Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES — August 27, 2018 —  Crowell & Moring LLP is pleased to announce the addition of David R. Stepp as a partner in the firm’s International Trade Group in Los Angeles. With more than 30 years of experience, Stepp provides strategic counsel on global customs and international trade compliance. At Crowell & Moring, he will advise multinational companies and importers as they move goods across borders and establish subsidiaries around the world. He joins the firm from Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP.

Stepp’s arrival expands the presence of the firm’s recognized International Trade Group into California, further broadening the global practice’s reach to serve clients across the Pacific Rim.

“David’s global customs experience represents a wonderful addition to our International Trade Group,” said Philip T. Inglima, chair of Crowell & Moring. “Further building our highly-regarded trade practice is a firm priority, and David’s presence in California presents new opportunities for us. He has a well-earned reputation as a trusted advisor, and his experience will be a tremendous benefit to many of the firm’s clients.”

Stepp’s practice focuses on customs compliance and counseling, including tariff classification, valuation, country of origin marking, free trade agreements, Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) participation, and other international trade regulatory requirements. He also advises companies on their e-commerce strategies globally, conducts global customs and international trade audits, and counsels clients on improving, benchmarking, and coordinating compliance programs across borders. He also has experience in advising on trade remedies and coordinating government investigations, including FCPA matters. His clients span a range of industries, including retail, e-commerce, aerospace, motor vehicles, steel, food, agriculture, textile/apparel, footwear, electronics, cosmetics, and other consumer goods.

“Given the current trade wars and uncertainties of the global trade environment, clients are hungry for deft guidance to minimize tariffs, resolve supply chain disruptions, and secure market access,” said John Brew, chair of the firm’s International Trade Group. “David has a strong trade practice and skill set that meets all of these client needs, and is focused on the movement of goods and services in Asia. His practice meshes well with our existing trade group and expands our capabilities to provide counsel on emerging trade issues worldwide.”

Stepp has practiced in Los Angeles, Singapore, and Washington. He joined Bryan Cave as a partner in 2005, and he later served as managing partner of Bryan Cave’s Singapore office (2014-2017), coordinating regulatory issues for clients across Asia. While in Singapore, he led initiatives focused on strategic business and professional development in Southeast Asia. His previous experience includes working with a major U.S. customhouse broker where he advised the company’s importing clients on U.S. customs practices and procedures. He is admitted to practice before the U.S. Court of International Trade and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

“The firm is strongly committed to strengthening our litigation and regulatory capabilities in California, and David’s arrival provides further momentum in that effort,” said partner Jason C. Murray, the head of Crowell & Moring’s Los Angeles office and co-chair of the firm’s global Antitrust Group.

Stepp is active in the international trade and legal communities in California. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Northern California World Trade Center. He also taught the Los Angeles Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Association’s semi-annual course for ten years, preparing students to take the customs brokers licensing test. He previously served as chairman of the International Visitors Council of Los Angeles; president of the Global Legal Customs Association; and co-chair of the ABA Customs Law Committee.

“I am excited to join Crowell & Moring,” Stepp said. “The firm’s International Trade Group is well known and regarded, and I am pleased to help establish the group’s West Coast presence and help us open further avenues to support clients in the Asia-Pacific region. The firm’s full range of regulatory and litigation capabilities is a tremendous asset to my clients and my practice.”

Stepp received his J.D. from the University of Georgia and his A.B. from Duke University. He is a frequent author and speaker on global customs and international trade issues. He authored a guidebook on NAFTA procedures for a major U.S. electronics trade association and lectured in Asia, Europe, and the Americas on the scope and effect of many bilateral and multilateral free trade agreements.

Posted August 28, 2018

Source: Crowell & Moring LLP

Sponsors