Meet The Sponsors Of The 2018 Natural Fiber Extravaganza

Nashville, Tenn. — June 18, 2018 — Karl and Jan Heinrich are known across the country for their herd of beautiful, award winning suri alpacas and for being leaders in alpaca fleece processing. Their reputation for producing beautiful, unique items from alpaca fleece is such that they were approached by the Country Music Awards and asked to provide designer scarves to be included in a package of locally sourced gifts given to each CMA presenter at the 2018 ceremony.

The Heinrichs first learned about alpacas in August of 2002 when they saw a commercial featuring the livestock. In October, they attended the Southeastern Animal Fiber Fair to see alpacas first-hand and to learn more from individuals already in the business. In November, they purchased 4 female suri alpacas from 3 different farms. And Long Hollow Suri Alpacas was started.

Many aspects about the alpaca industry appealed to the Heinrichs. Alpacas are environmentally friendly and cruelty free. They wanted to raise livestock on their 5 acres but were looking for an alternative to traditional farming, which usually entails a one-way road trip for animals.

“Initially, I mainly thought they would be great help in keeping the front yard trimmed,” said Jan. “Soon, however, our passion for their fleece became our focus.”

“It is one thing to see a garment made from alpaca,” said Karl, “but when you touch it, it is incomparable. Whether cloth, yarn or knitware, huacaya and suri both provide a very unique sensation compared to other fibers.”

Their newfound passion for alpaca fleece became their life and in 2005, the Heinrichs became the owners of New Era Fiber, LLC. New Era Fiber specializes in processing huacaya and suri alpaca fleece into luxurious, eco-friendly yarn and garments. The soft and light feeling of their products is the result of their commitment to carefully managing every step of their manufacturing process to ensure product excellence while keeping the environment in mind.

At New Era Fiber, the Heinrichs process fleece not only from their alpacas but from alpacas throughout the U.S. They are now located on a 62-acre facility in Gallatin, TN.

Long Hollow Suri Alpacas/New Era Fiber are this year’s sponsor for the premiere natural fiber event of the year, the inaugural 2018 Alpaca Owners Association (AOA) Natural Fiber Extravaganza. The event is July 13-15 at the Wilson County Exposition Center in Lebanon, Tenn., and will feature:

  • Dozens of vendors selling a variety of items, many all natural and local
  • Alpaca Selfie Booth
  • Spinning Demonstrations
  • History of Spinning display
  • Hands-on Workshops
  • Knitting Classes
  • Knitting gathering area
  • Fleece, Fiber and Farm Seminars
  • Livestock Business Seminars
  • General Alpaca Seminars
  • Photo Contest Display
  • Student Design Competition Winners’ Display
  • National Fleece Show

(Free to the public Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.)

“The Natural Fiber Extravaganza is another step forward toward the expansion of the alpaca industry,” said Karl. “This event links alpaca fleece with the rest of the natural fiber world.”

“We are presenting ourselves to the third largest fashion economy in the country,” added Jan. “It is going to be a win/win situation for all involved.”

Be sure to say hello to Karl and Jan at the event! New Era Fiber will have available yarn, shawls, capes and scarves, including the designer scarf received by presenters at the 2018 CMA.

Posted June 19, 2018

Source:  Alpaca Owners Association (AOA)

CTC Global Names Gabriel Tashjian COO

IRVINE, Calif. — June 18, 2018 — Today, CTC Global announced that Gabriel Tashjian has been named as its COO. In this role, Tashjian will lead CTC Global’s manufacturing, supply chain management, quality assurance, environmental health and safety, and facilities management. He will report to J.D. Sitton, CTC Global’s CEO, and will serve as a member of CTC Global’s senior leadership team.

Tashjian joins CTC Global from General Electric, where he served as GE’s corporate Digital Transformation Leader for Customer Experience and before that as managing director of GE Industrial Solutions Global Panel Builder business, prior to its sale. J.D. Sitton stated: “Gabriel is an accomplished entrepreneur, disciplined and creative problem solver, and operating executive with a successful track record in start-up, growth-stage, and mature businesses around the world. His global perspective and emphasis on team-building will ensure that CTC Global’s supply chain and manufacturing capabilities keep pace with CTC Global’s rapidly growing, dynamic markets.” Sitton added: “CTC Global works with a number of world-class manufacturing partners to serve leading utility companies around the world. My colleagues and I are looking forward to working with Gabriel to expand and deepen these relationships in the months and years ahead.”

Tashjian’s 20 plus years of experience in the energy and technology sectors include multiple management roles with increasing responsibilities in a range of operations in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. Tashjian said: “Utility companies are discerning customers. I am impressed with CTC Global’s accomplishments and its reputation for quality and reliability. I am looking forward to working with the team to build on these and to grow its manufacturing capabilities and market presence.”

In a related move, Marv Sepe has been named senior vice president for CTC Global and General Manager for Jiangsu NARI CTC Composite Materials Ltd., CTC Global’s joint venture operation in Huaian, China. In this new role, Sepe is responsible for a number of external growth initiatives and for managing the growth and operation of the Chinese JV. Previously Sepe served as CTC’s COO. Over the course of 12 years he drove the development and scale-up of CTC’s manufacturing processes and led the effort to achieve ISO 9001-2015 at each of CTC Global’s manufacturing facilities. Sepe has also been a member of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s District Export Council for Southern California since 2010 and currently serves as its chairman. Sepe will continue to serve as a member of CTC Global’s senior leadership team.

CTC Global is the privately held developer, marketer, and manufacturer of the patented carbon fiber composite core used in the ACCC® conductor, the high performance, high voltage power line solution. CTC Global serves utility and industrial companies around the world and has provided cores used in nearly 600 projects totaling over 60,000 kilometers of power line conductors. CTC Global is headquartered in Irvine, California.

Posted June 19, 2018

Source:  CTC Global

The Finish Line, JD Sports Fashion Announce Completion Of Merger

INDIANAPOLIS — June 18, 2018 — The Finish Line Inc. and JD Sports Fashion Plc announced today that they have completed their merger. As a result of the merger, Finish Line has become an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of JD Sports, which is the leading European retailer of sports, fashion and outdoor brands, thereby creating a market-leading multi-channel, multi-branded retailer of sports fashion and footwear with expanded global scope.

“We are delighted to announce that we have today completed the acquisition of Finish Line,” said Peter Cowgill, executive chairman of JD Sports. “This marks a momentous step in JD Sports’ global expansion and represents an exciting opportunity to bring our market leading, multi-brand retail proposition to the world’s largest athleisure market, both online and in stores. Our team will now collaborate with the experienced Finish Line management team and the key global brands to bring best in class retail theatre and multi-channel consumer experience to the US.”

Sam Sato, CEO of Finish Line, added: “Today, with the closing of this merger with JD Sports, Finish Line opens an exciting new chapter. With a global footprint, together we will bring leading-edge innovation and service to our customers. Our shared vision and drive to provide a premium retail experience will further our impact as a leading, premium multi-channel retailer of sports, fashion and outdoor brands.”

Barnes & Thornburg LLP served as legal counsel to Finish Line. PJ SOLOMON served as lead financial advisor, Houlihan Lokey Capital, Inc. served as financial advisor and Faegre Baker Daniels LLP served as legal counsel to Finish Line’s Special Committee of the Board of Directors in connection with this transaction.

Barclays served as lead financial advisor to JD Sports and Hughes Hubbard & Reed LLC, Addleshaw Goddard LLC and Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP served as legal counsel to JD Sports. Barclays, HSBC Bank and PNC Bank, National Association provided financing to JD Sports for the transaction.

Posted June 19, 2018

Source: The Finish Line, Inc.

Varsity Brands, The Leader In Elevating Student Experiences In Sports, Spirit, And Achievement, To Be Acquired By Bain Capital Private Equity

DALLAS — June 19, 2018 — Varsity Brands, the market leader in team sports, school spirit and achievement recognition, today announced the signing of a definitive agreement to be acquired by Bain Capital Private Equity, a leading global private investment firm. Varsity Brands is being acquired from Charlesbank Capital Partners and funds managed and/or advised by Partners Group, which purchased the company in 2014. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Founded in 1974, Varsity Brands elevates the student experience through its three businesses: BSN Sports, the largest team sports equipment and apparel distributor in the United States; Varsity Spirit, a leader in cheerleading uniform innovation and educational camps, clinics and competitions; and Herff Jones, a leading provider of graduation and educational products and services. Each business promotes personal, school and community pride through its customizable products and programs to elementary and middle schools, high schools and colleges/universities, as well as professional and collegiate sports teams and corporations. Through its 9,000 dedicated employees and independent representatives, Varsity Brands reaches its individual and institutional customers each year via catalog, telesales, e-commerce sites and direct sales channels.

“This new partnership presents Varsity Brands with an exciting opportunity to continue to expand and improve our products and services while remaining steadfast to our commitment to improving student life and overall engagement,” said Adam Blumenfeld, Chief Executive Officer of Varsity Brands, who will continue to lead the business. “Bain Capital’s extensive consumer and technology experience and their commitment to our mission of empowering young people will help us accelerate our growth to a new level.”

Blumenfeld added, “We are grateful to Charlesbank and Partners Group for their support and guidance. They have played an integral role in helping Varsity Brands execute our growth strategy while serving as excellent partners in pursuit of our unique and powerful mission.”

“For over 50 years, Varsity Brands has served as an essential force for good as part of the academic and athletic student experience,” said Ryan Cotton, a managing director at Bain Capital Private Equity. “We are excited to partner with the company’s experienced, committed management team to amplify the company’s e-commerce operations and digital expansion, while accelerating its growth through complementary acquisitions and organic initiatives to become the go-to source for every school’s sport, spirit and achievement needs.”

Bain Capital Private Equity possesses deep experience in the consumer/retail sector, having made investments in a wide range of companies, including Canada Goose, TOMS Shoes, Blue Nile, BRP, Daymon Worldwide, Bright Horizons, Burlington Stores, and Sundial Brands.

“We were fortunate to partner with Adam and his outstanding management team and enjoyed working with them to execute on their growth strategy,” said Andrew Janower, a Managing Director at Charlesbank Capital Partners. “Together, we closed multiple strategic acquisitions, grew the sales force, achieved significant cost-savings and enhanced the customer experience. We are proud of what Varsity Brands has achieved and are confident that its success will continue as it pursues its next growth phase.”

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including requisite regulatory approvals, and is expected to close during the third quarter of 2018.

Jefferies LLC is serving as lead financial advisor to the sellers, and Goldman Sachs and Peter J Solomon are serving as co-advisors. Goodwin Procter and PwC are providing the sellers with legal and accounting advisory services, respectively. Kirkland & Ellis is serving as legal counsel, and PwC is acting as accounting advisor to Bain Capital Private Equity.

Posted June 19, 2018

Source: Varsity Brands

Bruno Magli To Open Concept Store In SoHo

NEW YORK CITY — June 19, 2018 — Bruno Magli, the iconic Italian luxury footwear brand, will open a 2,000 square-foot concept store in the chic SoHo shopping district of New York City on September 1, 2018, at 120 Wooster Street.

Located in a prime location just steps away from designer fashion destinations Chanel, Gucci, Tiffany & Co. and more, the boutique will showcase the latest styles of men’s and women’s footwear and watches, women’s handbags and men’s small leather goods, tailoring and socks. It will also feature a variety of programming that plays into Bruno Magli’s rich Italian tradition.

“Opening our concept store in SoHo is really about having a more direct relationship with our Bruno Magli consumer,” says Cory Baker, COO, Marquee Brands, which owns Bruno Magli. “Not only are we seeing Bruno Magli grow in awareness among a younger, sophisticated consumer through our social media outreach, but also our brand loyalists and new fans alike will appreciate experiencing the brand in a dynamic environment that will be part retail, part museum as well as social café. Italian luxury is about more than just a purchase. The experience and appreciation for the design and history that is put into each Magli shoe is why this brand continues to thrive since 1936.”

Posted June 19, 2018

Source: Bruno Magli

CMTC And Its California’s Manufacturing Network Expands Capabilities To Include Advanced Robotics And Automation (ARA) Consulting For California Manufacturers

TORRANCE, Calif. — June 19, 2018 — CMTC is pleased to announce the addition of Advanced Robotics and Automation (ARA) consulting to our portfolio of manufacturing services throughout our California’s Manufacturing Network. Raminder Sandhu has joined CMTC in the position of Advanced Robotics & Automation Practice Lead. Raminder brings over 30 years of experience in engineering, manufacturing automation and technical sales to CMTC. He has worked at a diverse range of organizations, from Silicon Valley startups to Fortune 50 companies. In addition to Raminder’s expertise, CMTC has developed relationships with key resource partners across the state from industry, economic development and academia to support the advanced robotics and automation needs of small and medium-sized businesses.

Gregg Profozich, Director Advanced Manufacturing Technologies at CMTC, states, “The addition of the ARA program to our advanced manufacturing technology line-up provides small and medium-sized manufacturers access to a network of technical experts with knowledge of robotics and automation in the manufacturing environment.” CMTC is developing a suite of services for four technology focus areas that are primed to have an impact on the manufacturing process. In addition to advanced robotics, we are focusing on SMART manufacturing, additive manufacturing and flexible hybrid electronics as the logical next steps in the continuous improvement cycle for manufacturers. CMTCs goal for 2018 is to deliver these services through our California’s Manufacturing Network of providers.

CMTC continues to leverage national and local partnerships to access technology research, manufacturing applications and workforce skills development through the use of partnerships with national and regional organizations such as; Manufacturing USA Institutes, national research labs, universities and community colleges, and economic development corporations.

Robotics and automation have steadily advanced since first introduced to factory floors in the early 1960s. With advances in sensing and machine learning, today’s robots are more intelligent, versatile, flexible, and steadily falling in cost. With collaborative robots (cobots), workers are able to safely interact with the machines that can now do repetitive, hazardous and ergonomically challenging tasks. The result is improved worker safety and reduced lost-time costs. Industrial robotics and automation has become a priority for manufacturers as tighter labor markets and competitive pressures drive change. Small and medium-sized manufacturers who previously couldn’t afford robotics and automation are increasingly finding positive ROI as the cost of automation falls and the ease of use rises. Teaming human workers with robots on the assembly line will fundamentally change how products are manufactured. Recent studies have shown that the use of robotics and automation is actually helping boost productivity rather than reduce jobs.

CMTC is one of fifty-one Centers across the nation in the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) National Network which is part of the U.S. Government’s effort to develop and deploy technology, management and technical expertise for SMMs focused on improving their productivity and global competitiveness.

Posted June 19, 2018

Source: CMTC

Bentley Park Named New APJeT® CEO

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — June 19, 2018 — Steven Chrust, Chairman of the Board of APJeT Inc. is pleased to announce the appointment of Bentley Park as APJeT’s new CEO. Park will replace John Emrich, who has been CEO of APJeT® since 2007. Although retiring, Emrich will remain on the company’s board of directors.

Park brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to APJeT at this important time in the company’s evolution from primarily a development company to commercialization. His experience in leadership roles at a number of companies as president and CEO, coupled with his knowledge in chemical engineering, will add great value to the company. His business background spans broad experience in both the textile and chemical industries, key areas of focus for APJeT.  Moreover, he has managed a midsize company increasing revenues from $80 million to $200 million, while significantly growing earnings. That company was successfully auctioned and sold.

Emrich took APJeT from a lab-based entity located in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and transitioned it to North Carolina State University in 2009, where he formed an Applications Development Team. That development team created the capability to stabilize atmospheric plasma in a very dense, high-powered form. To this day, we believe APJeT is the only company that has this capability.

The team took this breakthrough achievement and then created chemical blends allowing for plasma initiation of chemistry on fabrics for creating post finishing attributes. Finishes that can be applied with APJeT’s plasma technology include water and oil repellents, flame retardants and antimicrobial and other finishes, which are all currently applied using water technologies. Unlike the current wet technology, the APJeT process offers substantial cost savings and uses no water, minimizes chemical use and utility costs and is sustainable.

Despite the challenges of bringing a disruptive technology into commercialization, Emrich was able to bring the company to its current state of introducing a system for commercial operation. This equipment is showcased at APJeT’s corporate headquarters at 523 Davis Drive, Morrisville, N.C.

The hiring of Park concludes a succession plan dating back to 2017.

Posted June 19, 2018

Source: APJeT®

Ann Taylor Factory And LOFT Outlet To Launch E-Commerce Sites

NEW YORK CITY — June 19, 2018 — Ann Taylor Factory and LOFT Outlet will be launching e-commerce sites to give clients 24/7 access to modern workwear pieces and feminine, versatile clothing from their favorite outlet brands. The sites will feature exclusive merchandise with the Ann Taylor and LOFT aesthetic that our clients know and love. LOFT Outlet launched today at LOFTOutlet.com and Ann Taylor Factory’s website (AnnTaylorFactory.com) will launch on Tuesday, June 26.

“We are always looking for ways to meet our client where she is and where she wants to shop,” said Gary Muto, president and CEO ascena brands. “The new factory and outlet websites will enable us to enhance the shopping experience for our existing clients and introduce our brands to new clients.”

The e-commerce sites will offer the same products that Ann Taylor Factory and LOFT Outlet shoppers can find in-stores. From modern, versatile pieces to feminine prints and patterns, Ann Taylor Factory and LOFT Outlet merchandise are designed with their namesake brand’s aesthetic in mind, at a great price. For special online launch offers and updates, visit LOFTOutlet.com and AnnTaylor.com/factory.

“We are excited to offer even more ways for our clients to shop our exclusive styles at a compelling price,” said Christine Munnelly, senior vice president, GMM, Ann Taylor Factory and LOFT Outlet. “Whether a client shops our full-priced or outlet collections, in-store or online, we aim to deliver on her expectations for high-quality, feminine, versatile, modern clothing for a timeless wardrobe.”

Ann Taylor Factory opened its first store in 1993 and currently has 126 store locations in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. LOFT Outlet opened in 2008 and currently has 166 store locations in the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

Posted June 19, 2018

Source: ascena retail group, inc.

Comau Launches Mate — A Compact, Lightweight Wearable Exoskeleton Fit For Workers At Automatica 2018

MUNICH — June 19, 2018 — Comau recently unveiled MATE, its first innovative wearable exoskeleton at Automatica in Munich, the international trade fair for Automation and Mechatronics. MATE has been designed to improve work quality in an efficient and highly ergonomic manner by providing consistent and advanced movement assistance during repetitive as well as daily tasks.

The MATE Fit for Workers exoskeleton uses an advanced spring-based passive structure. MATE delivers lightweight, breathable and highly effective postural support without the need for batteries, motors or other failure-prone devices. It is also compact and ergonomically designed thanks to the partnership between Comau, ÖSSUR, a leading non-invasive orthopedics company and IUVO, a spin-off company of The BioRobotics Institute (Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna) specialized in wearable technologies. MATE is fully able to replicate any movement of the shoulder while adhering to the body like a “second skin”.

Tobias Daniel, vice president Robotics and Automation Products Global Sales & Marketing, commented, “We are particularly proud to have developed this innovative wearable technology. MATE has been designed in close collaboration with factory workers, thus responding directly to their specific needs. With our exoskeleton, they will be able to do the same tasks but with less fatigue. For Comau, this is also an extraordinary opportunity to reach a global market that, according to the IFR, grew more than 60 percent from 2015 to 2017 and is estimated to continue growing at a rate of 25 percent each year until 2020. We believe that the industrial sector will represent about one third of the exoskeleton’s applications.”

Reflecting Comau’s vision and commitment to innovative, open and easy-to-use technologies, MATE is an important part in the company’s HUMANufacturing Technology strategy, a concept in which people are protagonists within the smart factory together with cutting-edge, digital tools, enabling technologies and ‘intelligent’ industrial robotics within a networked production system. It is also the first of a series of wearable robotics that Comau is developing and commercializing in partnership with IUVO and Össur. A fundamental aspect of the collaboration is the joint desire to progress and evolve human-machine collaboration within diverse sectors, including biomedical, manufacturing and consumer. MATE was designed and developed at the Comau HUMANufacturing Innovation Center in Pontedera (Pisa), Italy.

At Comau’s booth (Stand 331 – Hall B5) from June 19-22, 2018, visitors can see MATE and the benefits of using it thanks to an application that shows the muscles when wearing an exoskeleton aided by sensors.

Features:

  • Designed in close collaboration with factory workers engaged in manual activities;
  • Naturally comfortable, breathable postural structure;
  • Compact structure fully follows the movements of the upper limb without resistance or misalignment; and
  • Passive spring-based mechanism —  no risk of battery or motor failure batteries because the system does not use them.

Benefits:

  • Reduction of shoulder muscle activity for some muscles of up to 50 percent;
  • Users can do the same tasks with less fatigue;
  • Consistent, ergonomically-assisted movement support increases the quality and precision of repetitive tasks; and
  • Users can improve their quality of work.

Posted June 19, 2018

Source: Comau

Georgia-Pacific Announces Agreement To Sell European Nonwovens Business To Glatfelter

ATLANTA — June 19, 2018 — Georgia-Pacific LLC announced today that it has reached an agreement to sell Georgia-Pacific Steinfurt GmbH, the company’s European nonwovens business, to Glatfelter, a global manufacturer of specialty papers and engineered products headquartered in York, Pa. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory clearances from competition authorities. The price is $185 million.

The proposed transaction includes Georgia-Pacific’s European nonwovens operations located in Steinfurt, Germany, along with sales offices located in France and Italy. The nonwovens operations in Steinfurt produces airlaid nonwoven material for commercial customers used to make table top, wiping, food pads, hygiene and related products. In the proposed transaction, current Georgia-Pacific Steinfurt GmbH employees, totaling approximately 220 people, will become employees of Glatfelter at the time the deal closes.

The transaction does not include Georgia-Pacific’s U.S.-based nonwovens business, including operations at Mt. Holly, N.C.; Green Bay, Wis., and the nonwovens R&D center in Memphis.

Doug Dowdell, president – nonwovens for Georgia-Pacific, said: “Georgia-Pacific nonwovens employees in Steinfurt have done a great job running a safe and productive operation, and have worked hard to make significant improvements to meet European customer needs. We believe this sale to Glatfelter, an established manufacturer with multiple European operations, is in the best interests of customers and Georgia-Pacific Steinfurt GmbH employees.”

Posted June 19, 2018

Source: Georgia-Pacific

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