Materials Sciences Corp. Expanding Its Greenville County Operations

COLUMBIA, S.C. — August 16, 2018 —  Materials Sciences Corp. (MSC), a technology-driven designer and advanced manufacturer of composite materials and structures for government and industry, has formally announced plans to expand its presence in Greenville County with the addition of a second facility. The company’s $2.7 million capital investment is projected to create 23 new jobs over the next five years.

Headquartered in Horsham, Pa., MSC was established in 1970 as an engineering services organization, providing research, design, analysis, testing and prototyping of composite materials. The company has nearly 50 employees, including 30 engineers, in existing operations in Alabama, Pennsylvania and South Carolina and is globally-recognized for its development of specialty algorithms that simulate and predict composite performance. MSC’s proprietary technologies allow it to develop custom composite materials for clients in the commercial, defense, energy and recreation sectors.

The company’s new, 32,000-square-foot facility will be located at 101 Pelham Davis Circle in Greenville, S.C. and will complement continuing operations at MSC’s existing facility, which is situated at the South Carolina Technology and Aviation Center in Greenville, S.C. The new facility will allow for increased research and development opportunities, as well as the manufacturing and commercialization of advanced composites for use in commercial applications. Hiring for the new positions is expected to begin in the fall of 2018, and interested applicants can visit the company’s website for more information.

“Our mission is to continuously develop, test, improve and manufacture advanced materials that can be transferred into applications of high value,” said Tom Cassin, president and CEO, Materials Sciences Corp. “We have been very pleased with our operations in Greenville County and South Carolina and look forward to continuing to grow and contribute to the success of the Palmetto State.”

“We’re proud to celebrate anytime a company decides to strengthen its commitment to our state and its people,” said South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster. “This is a milestone for Materials Sciences Corporation and Greenville County, and I’m excited to see such a strong partnership continue to thrive moving forward.”

“Companies like Materials Sciences Corporation find success in South Carolina thanks to the pro-business environment we’ve worked hard to cultivate,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt. “I congratulate both Materials Sciences Corporation and Greenville County on this wonderful announcement and look forward to seeing the Upstate manufacturing community continue to grow.”

“Materials Sciences Corporation is a versatile and respected advanced manufacturing company specializing in materials development, product design and specialty manufacturing,” said Greenville County Council Chairman H.G. “Butch” Kirven Jr. “The company established a facility here in 2013 and found everything it needed to succeed. County council is very proud that they are adding a second facility in Greenville County, and we wish them great success.”

FAST FACTS

  • Materials Sciences Corporation is adding a second facility in Greenville County.
  • $2.7 million investment to create 23 new jobs.
  • Materials Sciences is a leading designer and advanced manufacturer of composite materials and structures for government and industry.
  • Located at 101 Pelham Davis Circle, Greenville, S.C., the new facility will allow for increased research and development capabilities and provide space for the manufacturing and commercialization of advanced composites.

Posted August 28, 2018

Source: South Carolina Office of the Governor Henry McMaster

Americo Acquires Strategic Assets Of U.S. Cocoa Mat

ACWORTH, Ga. — August 27, 2018 — Americo is pleased to announce the acquisition of the strategic assets of U.S. Cocoa Mat (USCOA), a century old manufacturer of personalized Cocoa fiber door mats sold into the retail market.

“As a longtime customer, Americo’s PromoMatting Division is familiar with the quality product manufactured by USCOA.” stated PromoMatting President David Rones. “We are excited to continue the legacy of the DeCoir product line as we enter into the hardware market with USCOA’s experience in this arena.”

Del Hawkins, vice president of Sales for U.S. Cocoa Mat and a 22 year veteran of the company, has worked with customers across all lines of trade including hardware, mass merchandise, warehouse clubs, Internet resellers, and specialty retail stores.

“U.S. Cocoa Mat has been a great company to work for as we prided ourselves on quality and service,” Hawkins said. “Our reputation has always been providing the highest quality Cocoa Mat in the industry.”

Hawkins has since joined Americo’s Matting Division and will be heading up its newly created Hardware/Retail business segment.

“Coming from a company with considerable legacy, I am very excited to be joining Americo, a company with their own remarkable heritage, who embraces the same values of quality, integrity, partnership and family,” Hawkins added “I look forward to working with Americo’s large array of matting products to expand the offering to USCOA’s existing customer base.”

Continuing its strategy of delivering exceptional products to clients in over 70 countries worldwide, Chief Executive Officer of Americo Manufacturing Company, Lenny Shutzberg, reflected on the significance of their most recent asset purchase: “We are looking forward to the expansion of our customer base and the expertise of Del Hawkins who has been highly regarded within the hardware and retail industries for a very long time. This strategic asset acquisition allows Americo to expand its product line and market penetration, combining the best of both companies, in offering our clients the broadest range of floor mats in the industry. Americo has the working capital to invest in the future and plans on deploying those resources in making more strategic acquisitions in the future.”

Posted August 28, 2018

Source: Americo

Shaw Launches Sound Advisor™: Company Innovates With Acoustics Testing, Research And Education

DALTON, Ga. — August 28, 2018 — Shaw Industries Group Inc. has introduced an innovative, patent-pending tool to showcase the impact ceiling and floor construction, as well as flooring and underlayment selection, have on room acoustics. Known as Sound Advisor, the web-based tool helps users make more informed design and interior product selection decisions.

The tool can be accessed via the following branded sites with additional sites under development:

  • Patcraft — https://patcraft.soundadvisor.com/;
  • Philadelphia Commercial — https://philadelphia.soundadvisor.com/;
  • Shaw Contract — https://shawcontract.soundadvisor.com/; and
  • Shaw Floors – Multifamily — https://multifamily.soundadvisor.com/.

Shaw has also developed an hour-long continuing education unit (CEU) that qualifies for one credit from IDCEC as well as AIA. The CEU is also available via sales representatives from all Shaw brands, and Shaw will present a GBCI-approved session at this year’s Greenbuild conference.

Research shows that the constant sounds of everyday life — the hum of an appliance, co-workers talking, music in the background — have a powerful impact on people’s wellbeing. Too much noise can lead to stress, fatigue, lack of focus, anxiety and lengthier healing times. From student apartments and hotels to offices and hospitals, sound can make or break the effectiveness of a building.

The human health impact can have a negative business including loss in productivity or decreased revenue as a result of apartment turnover or fewer hotel night stays.

Building certifications now take acoustics into account when evaluating a space’s impact on human health and the environment. The U.S. Green Building Council LEED v4 includes a focus on airborne sound and in-room sound for commercial buildings, schools and healthcare facilities. The International WELL Building Institute has set benchmarks for the numerous ways a building and its systems can support human health and wellness, including sound abatement.

Even without such certifications, owners, managers, housing directors and contractors recognize the value in noise abatement when creating a superior, competitive building.

“Floor covering and other products are labeled with an impact insulation class (IIC) rating; however, IIC ratings on a product are not enough. They don’t tell the whole story,” noted Jay Henry, director of innovation at Shaw Industries.

“Recognizing this gap in the marketplace, we’ve conducted extensive testing to provide an estimated IIC rating based on specific floor and ceiling construction, paired with flooring types and installation methods where underlayment is and isn’t used. This testing produced not only an IIC number but a sound file that allows a user to actually hear the difference,” Henry added.

Shaw’s efforts stand to bring more science-based decision-making to building design, room design and product selection. The company’s research-centric approach will shape how its teams advise designers and facility managers through product selection and how Shaw develops innovative products in the future.

Posted August 28, 2018

Source: Shaw Industries Group, Inc.

Global Young Voices And RadiciGroup For Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

BERGAMO, Italy — August 28, 2018 — A new project aiming at raising awareness on the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals among young people (below the age of 30): this is the ongoing initiative promoted by Global Young Voices (GYV) and supported by RadiciGroup.

These weeks are crucial for the contest launched by Global Young Voices among projects, foundations, non-profit organizations or start-ups (already founded or in the process of being launched) run by young people who aim, through their work, to make one or more of the SDGs a reality. The winner will receive 1,000 euros to be used to finance his or her initiative.

All the submissions were screened and 21 projects have been selected by GYV and RadiciGroup.

Now it’s up to you! The competition ultimate judge is GYV’s audience!

Global Young Voices considers Facebook as its most successful platform, attracting more than 63,000 followers. Therefore, the application receiving the largest number of likes (or any other positive emoticons) on Global Young Voices’ Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/globalyoungvoices/) will win the competition.

Voting will be possible up until 30 September 2018.

Posted August 28, 2018

Source: RadiciGroup

Mara Hoffman, Sustainable Fashion Advocate, Selects TENCEL™ Luxe And TENCEL™ x REFIBRA™ For Beautifully Responsible Collections

NEW YORK CITY — August 28, 2018 — Designer Mara Hoffman has been consciously and progressively increasing the sustainability profile of her apparel designs for the past several years, especially with her selections of more sustainable fibers and fabrics. Her company is one of he first to use TENCEL™ Luxe branded Lyocell filament yarns, and will introduce these botanic fibers in the Spring 2018 RTW collection as well as in designs for Fall 2018.  Derived from renewable wood sources in a closed loop production process, Tencel Luxe results in fabrics that are incredibly soft and colorful with elegant drape. In addition, Mara Hoffman is able to use this fabric as a cruelty-free replacement for silk.

Incorporating more recycled raw materials is another way Hoffman reduces her carbon footprint and the impact her products have on the environment. She will also feature fabrics made with Tencel Lyocell with  REFIBRA™ technology, some of the most sustainable fibers in the world, for the Fall 2018 collection. Tencel x Refibra is the only commercially available fiber made from a combination of cotton scraps and renewable wood and produced using the environmental award-winning closed-loop production process. Tencel x Refibra fibers go beyond improving the sustainability profile of fabrics, while instilling many other highly desirable benefits such as softness, strength, and beautiful finishing.

“Clothing places an intense burden on the environment,” says Hoffman. “Through intentional fabric selection and design choices, we create collections that look and feel good and that have a significantly lower impact on our planet. Our customers are starting to understand our sustainability efforts, to learn about them, and to look for them in other brands too.”

Tencel x Refibra also embraces the concept of circular economy for the apparel industry. Tencel Lyocell eco filaments are derived from certified, sustainable wood sources — natural forests and sustainably managed plantations. The closed loop production process is extremely resource efficient and environmentally responsible. These special fibers are compostable and biodegradable in both soil and seawater. In addition, Lenzing is a long-time, vocal advocate for raising awareness of sustainability within the textile industry.

“When apparel brands incorporate fibers like Tencel Luxe and TTencel x Refibra, they help move the industry in a more sustainable direction,” said Tricia Carey, director Global Business Development in Denim, Lenzing AG. “Mara Hoffman’s collections define her as a conscientious, thoughtful visionary who helps her customers make responsible choices that also answer every requirement for style, comfort, and personal expression.”

Posted August 28, 2018

Source: The Lenzing Group

480 International Exhibitors Ready For Cinte Techtextil 2018

HONG KONG — August 27, 2018 — Cinte Techtextil China opens its doors next week, with around 480 exhibitors from 22 countries and regions preparing for another successful showcase of the world’s leading textile innovations. Leading international and domestic brands will feature in halls N1 – N3 at Shanghai New International Expo Centre from September 4-6, making Cinte Techtextil the ideal place to make connections and gain insight into Chinese and Asian market trends.

The technical textile industry in the Asia region, and China in particular, has been growing steadily and is predicted to continue doing so. China’s total output of technical textiles and nonwoven products is estimated to account for 30 percent of global production by 2020, and double that of 2013. This high potential for growth, achieved through investments worth billions of dollars, has drawn attention from European exhibitors, who are set to travel to the region for Cinte Techtextil.

This year’s European Zone will feature around 30 exhibitors from countries including Austria, France, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK, while further exhibitors can be found in national pavilions from Belgium, Germany and Italy. In addition to this, the Czech Republic will present its debut pavilion, showcasing exhibitors with solutions for technical yarn, fabric processing and nonwoven fabrics.

In addition to this, exhibitors from 12 more countries and regions will present their latest innovations to the market. These include domestic and international exhibitors from China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Korea, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and the US.

Belt and Road: a success story for Buildtech

Following higher regulations and quality standards that aim to exceed Western levels, demand is high in China for production machinery. What’s more, with the national nonwovens market displaying particularly fast growth, Cinte Techtextil has attracted some of the world’s leading nonwoven and weaving machinery brands.

The fair will showcase leading global exhibitors across 12 application areas. Two areas to watch out for include Buildtech and Mobiltech, which are both performing well in Asia and specifically in China. The Belt and Road initiative brings Buildtech a great deal of benefits through China’s enormous investments in global infrastructure. Adding to this, China’s automobile production has been increasing 3 percent year-on-year, with particularly high growth seen in new-energy vehicles, SUVs and commercial vehicles. China has become the world’s largest auto producer, and this has been boosting progress in the Mobiltech category.

Cinte Techtextil fringe program a hub of industry insight

A comprehensive fringe programme will keep Cinte Techtextil fairgoers up to date with industry news, with standout events including the 7th China International Nonwovens Conference. Focusing on the global nonwovens industry, topic highlights include the latest innovations in China’s nonwovens industry, an insight into the North American nonwovens market, future trends in the global hygiene product market, and more. The conference will also discuss innovations and developments in filter materials and the wipe industry.

The first day of the fringe programme will see a panel discussion in hall N1, moderated by the Taiwan Technical Textiles Association (TTTA), with confirmed panellists including DuPont, IBENA Textilwerke and SGS-CSTC Standards Technical Services. The panel will focus on current trends, developments and standards in the protective textile industry.

Other fringe programme events will include seminars and product presentations led by industry leaders on the latest global technologies and market trends, and an Innovation Showcase Area in a variety of application categories.

Cinte Techtextil China is organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd; the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT; and the China Nonwovens & Industrial Textiles Association (CNITA).

Posted August 28, 2018

Source: Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd.

SETEX, Halo Announce Strategic Alliance

MENGERSKIRCHEN, Germany— August 27, 2018 — SETEX Schermuly textile computer GmbH — a designer, manufacturer and implementer of automation solutions for the textile dyeing and finishing market — and the company Halo — ERP-provider and specialist for customized solutions from fiber to product — announce they have entered into a strategical partnership.

The strategic alliance allows the teams from SETEX and Halo to put into practice a comprehensive solution for processing and finishing of textiles via integration of Inteos and OrgaTEX components.

Clients, namely the vertical manufacturers with knitting or weaving departments, will be pleased of the benefits of the range of Inteos modules, deeply integrated into the OrgaTEX platform and working out of the box.

“Both SETEX and Halo contribute a rich source of information and technology to the new OrgaTEX-inteos package, which goes far beyond providing just a software solution“ said Oliver Schermuly, SETEX. “Thanks to our SETEX locations around the world, the newly formed project management and excellent relationships with textile machine manufacturers, this collaboration allows us to provide, commission and support the new solution locally worldwide.”

The combination of Halo´s longstanding experience as provider of customized MES- and ERP-solutions and SETEX´s position as a market leader for textile automation solutions, ensures a maximum in competence for fully integrated textile manufacturing solutions. As a result, Industry 4.0 will become a reality at your company”, states Marcus Ott of Halo.

The new OrgaTEX-inteos solution enables SETEX to react adequate and flexible to different customer needs, and to offer one-stop complete solutions that meet the most specific individual requirements.

Posted August 27, 2018

Source: SETEX Schermuly textile computer GmbH

SGL Carbon And Large Aerospace Customer Expand Business For High-Performance Insulation Thrust Reverser Engine Cowling Blankets

WIESBADEN, Germany— August 27, 2018 — SGL Carbon and a large American customer from the aerospace industry have expanded their business for the thrust reverser engine cowling blankets. The airline decided to refurbish their thrust reverser insulation for a complete model series, now they are being replaced by SGL Carbon’s High Performance Insulation blankets. The contract comprises 350 blankets and will be completed by November 2018. SGL Carbon has been honored with the contract because of the ability to deliver higher quantities with superior quality in the shortest timeframe. The parts are manufactured in SGL Carbon’s facility in Arkadelphia, Ark.

Dr. Andreas Erber, head of the segment Aerospace at SGL Carbon, said: “I’m very proud of our Arkadelphia team and the achievements in close partnership with our customer. In a very short time we managed to deliver the increased rates by working out plans for manpower, materials, equipment and product flow to support incremental capacity increase. Since the inception of the project on-time delivery has been 100 percent.”

The Parts Manufacturing Approval (PMA) of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for High Performance Insulation blankets was achieved in 2009. SGL Carbon produces at its Arkadelphia site high performance insulation components for the aerospace and defense industry. Based on a profound material and process knowledge SGL serves the entire aerospace market with smart insulation solutions.

Posted August 27, 2018

Source: SGL CARBON SE

SAURER: Sales Revenue Grows 14 Percent In The First Half Of 2018

SHANGHAI/WATTWIL,Switzerland — August 27, 2018 — Jenny Lu, CFO, said:

“Following a highly successful 2017, which saw the definition of Saurer’s new corporate strategy, the group is entering a phase of organisational consolidation and slowing growth rates.

“Building on the exceptional growth seen in the previous financial year, we continue on our upward trajectory. Sales revenue has increased by 14 percent to 4,627 million renminbi and the group has achieved profits before tax of 564 million renminbi (+23.8 percent) with a profit margin of 12.2 percent.

“The strong financials are reflective of our new strategy. It positions us as an innovative solutions provider with a customer-centric focus that continues to yield strong results across key markets.

“China, for instance, delivered excellent growth of 55 percent. The new production facility in Urumqi, Xinjiang Province, has supplied the first ten spinning machines, helping to meet the high level of demand. The group also inaugurated an original parts warehouse in the province. Being strategically positioned in this region, which is on the corridor connecting China to adjacent countries as part of the One Belt, One Road initiative, allows us to serve customers not just in the immediate vicinity but also in neighbouring markets.”

Saurer Group half-year overview

Net profit has increased to 409.8 million renminbi (+29.1 percent YoY) of which 363.1 million renminbi are attributable to equity holders in the company (+30.3 percent YoY). Earnings per share have dropped by 16.2 percent due to the additionally issued shares for last year’s listing on the Shanghai Stock Exchange.

Changes in cash and cash equivalents are mainly a consequence of the steadily increasing sales volume. This led to an increase in cash paid for goods and services as well as an increase in accounts receivable as advances from customers decrease. Additionally Saurer paid dividends to minority shareholders during the reporting period.

Two Chinese entities registered in Changzhou have been dormant without any activities since their establishment. The de-registration of these entities has led to the decrease of minority interest by 4.2 billion renminbi.

In line with Saurer’s strategy, the group has implemented a number of changes at organisational level. This includes the alignment of the organisational and legal structures. This way, Saurer’s regional centres are strengthened so that the group can serve its customers better in their own locations.

Returning to its roots, the group established the Saurer Technology Centre (STC) in its traditional home of Arbon, Switzerland. Two new business units, Sensors and Automation, will form a part of the STC. Working closely together with other departments in the group, Saurer’s R&D team will be a key driving force as the group develops innovations characteristic of Industry 4.0. Delivering on its strategy of innovation, the group has increased investment in R&D by +23 percent.

Saurer Spinning Solutions grew by 11 percent, the main drivers being pre-spinning and rotor spinning. As part of the group’s strategy to become a one-stop provider of the full bale-to-yarn product line, the pre-spinning segment was integrated into Spinning Solutions in January 2018. This product line experienced a substantial increase in demand, growing by 92 percent, an indication that Saurer is reaping rewards from this move. As a specialist in the manufacture of rotor spinning machines, the group continues to strengthen its position with regard to this technology, which has grown 26 percent.

At ITM Istanbul in April, Saurer launched the Zinser 72XL — this versatile ring and compact spinning machine is the world’s longest, with the ability to process nearly all fibre types and blends into a wide range of yarns, from fine to coarse. Customers can produce a large range of products, including fancy yarns, core yarns, dual-core yarns and technical yarns, on this machine. The feedback received by customers and visitors during the exhibition is very encouraging, with the group having received a sizeable number of orders.

The Saurer Technologies Segment experienced growth of 31 percent as demand for glass twisting machines continues to surge. The entrenchment of electro-mobility is a major contributor to the boom in demand for glass fibre. This material is also used in the manufacture of LCD screens and power circuit boards. Our customers in Asia, particularly in China, are working at full capacity to fulfil orders.

Regional overview

Saurer further established itself across six focus markets in Asia, winning a number of important orders during the first half of the year. Its strong presence at major industry events in Bangladesh, India, Indonesia and Vietnam no doubt played a role here. Vietnam (+145 percent) and Bangladesh (+109 percent), were the best performing countries in the first half of 2018. Uzbekistan, which has been one of Saurer’s major markets over the past five years, has been able to retain its high sales volumes. Some customer projects were newly categorised under the China region, resulting in a decline for the region ‘Asia (excl. China/India)’.

China and Turkey experienced substantial growth rates for the first half of 2018, +55 percent and +13 percent respectively year-on-year.

Taking advantage of favourable economic conditions in the US and Germany, the group has grown +73 percent and +52 percent respectively in these markets.

India is still facing challenging market circumstances. Factors such as the new Goods and Services Tax, embedded duties, demonetisation and high domestic cotton prices continue to have a substantial impact on a number of market players in this economy.

Market development

Despite rising geopolitical uncertainties in various parts of the world and rising raw material prices, the global textile market is growing, with above-average growth rates expected to continue in China.

Posted August 27, 2018

Source: Saurer Group

Team From Porcher Industries Competes In The Sachem’s Head Coastal Classic, Experiencing The Benefits Of Its EasySail® Fabric For Spinnakers

BADINIERES, France — August 27, 2018 — This weekend, several staff members from Porcher Industries competed in the inaugural Sachem’s Head Coastal Classic, a 15‑20 mile coastal race off Guilford, Conn. Racing as part of the Corinthian crew aboard the Melges 32 Fantastica, the Porcher Industries team was able to enjoy and experience the benefits of the textiles leaders EasySail® fabric in the boat’s asymmetric spinnaker.

The A2 asymmetric spinnaker, made by North Sails, features the EasySail 40g white fabric. Comparative tests confirm the high quality of the EasySail fabrics, which offer outstanding dimensional stability, especially after ageing; and excellent water repellency at twice the market standard. The fabric, which comes in a variety of weights and colors, covers a wide range of requirements, making it a great choice for both regattas and cruising.

“North Sails is, and always has been, open to finding the best material solutions for our clients,” said Tom Davis of North Sails. “Some key attributes we look for in a spinnaker sail cloth are: as low weight as possible to be effective in light winds; strong enough to be tear resistant; a small amount of elasticity is desirable; the fabric must repel water effectively; and it should be able to withstand the elements, retaining its quality for as long as possible. This combination of requirements can be a challenge to balance. With changing technologies and materials, North Sails is committed to continual testing and evaluation of options to ensure our clients get the best value from their sail purchases. It’s great to have feedback from crews trying a variety of fabrics in real-world race scenarios.”

The EasySail fabric is manufactured in France by Porcher Industries, and is immediately available in the United States through BGF Industries Inc, part of the French Group. Two weights are currently offered (40g and 70g) in seven colors (blue, red, white, yellow, green, grey and black).

Porcher Sport, is committed to the provision of high performance lightweight fabrics to aerial and nautical sports such as paragliding, sky diving, kitesurfing, ballooning, and yacht racing. The company has manufactured over 20 million kilometers of fabric over the past 20 years, always with a focus on quality and safety, which in turn provides users with confidence and peace of mind whilst enjoying their sports.

Posted August 27, 2018

Source: Porcher Industries

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