ASB Sports Acquisition Inc. Announces Three Add-on Acquisitions

MIAMI — September 28, 2018 — Trivest Partners today announced that its affiliate, Athletic Supply/Barcelona Sporting Goods has partnered with Williams’ Sporting Goods (WSG), Cardinal’s Sports Center, and Team Sports Inc. (TSO). These acquisitions will serve to broaden the company’s product lines, build density in existing markets, deepen relationships with key vendors, grow the company’s sales coverage network, and expand into the attractive Midwest geographic region. The key executives of each partner company are joining Athletic Supply’s management team and will retain meaningful ownership in the combined business. Most importantly, Athletic Supply remains well positioned to continue to deliver on its #1 priority — delivering outstanding customer service.

WSG, founded in 1945 and headquartered in Paris, Texas, is a provider of apparel and sports equipment to schools, little leagues, and other sports organizations in Northeast Texas and Southeastern Oklahoma. The partnership closed in May 2018. Cardinal’s Sports Center is a 70+ year old supplier of athletic equipment and apparel and market leader in West Texas and beyond. Based in Lubbock, Texas, Cardinal’s also maintains a state-of-the-art screen printing and embroidery operation. The Cardinal’s partnership closed in August 2018. TSO is a leading customer service-focused provider of athletic apparel, uniforms, equipment, and footwear to the Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky, and Indiana markets. Founded in 1980 and headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, TSO will serve as the platform for Athletic Supply’s continued growth in the Midwest. The TSO partnership closed in September 2018.

Athletic Supply is now one of the leading value-added distributors of sporting goods equipment in the country. With a team of over 80 sales professionals and a loyal customer base of more than 3,500 accounts across seven states, the company is positioned to build on its reputation of providing a broad array of products from nearly every brand in the marketplace with unmatched, local customer service. As a relationship driven organization, Athletic Supply will continue to partner with Sports Inc., the largest team and outdoor buying group in the country.

Posted September 28, 2018

Source:  Trivest Partners

JCPenney Announces Departure Of CFO

PLANO, Texas — September 27, 2018 — J. C. Penney Co. Inc. today announced that Jeffrey Davis has informed the company that he is resigning from his position as executive vice president and CFO effective Oct. 1 to pursue another opportunity. Jerry Murray, senior vice president of finance, will assume the position of interim chief financial officer, reporting directly to the Office of the CEO.

“On behalf of our board and leadership team, I want to thank Jeff for his service to JCPenney,” said Ronald W. Tysoe, chairman of the JCPenney board. “His leadership has been instrumental as both the Company’s chief financial officer and as a member of the Office of the CEO. We wish him much success in his future endeavors, and we thank Jerry for stepping in to assume this leadership role.”

Murray joined the company in Feb. 2016 after serving as chief financial officer for Valassis, a multimedia marketing firm. As interim CFO, he will report into the Office of the CEO members Therace Risch, chief information and digital officer, and Mike Robbins, executive vice president of private brands and supply chain. The company will commence a formal search for Davis’ successor, reviewing both internal and external candidates.

“I am grateful for my time with the company, leading some of the most talented teams in retail during a time of transition. I have every confidence that JCPenney has the experience and determination to persevere and strengthen its position as one of America’s leading retailers,” said Davis.

Posted September 28, 2018

Source:  J. C. Penney Co.

CORDURA® Brand Launches New Website With Fabric Sourcing Experience In Mind

WICHITA, Kan. — September 25, 2018 — INVISTA’s CORDURA® brand announces the launch of its redesigned website, which features several new interactive tools designed to make sourcing Cordura fabrics easier than ever before. A fabric technology explorer allows users to search for Cordura fabrics to meet their specific needs, and a mill locator helps identify relevant fabric suppliers and sources for fabric samples.

“One of our biggest goals for the design of the new website was to create a seamless and intuitive user experience that promotes both inspiration and education for our value chain partners and prospective customers about how to integrate head-to-toe Cordura fabrics into their offerings.” said Mallory Faust, digital marketing manager at Cordura brand. “The development of these tools was heavily influenced by conversations with our customers about what inspires their fabric sourcing decisions.”

In addition to the fabric technology explorer and mill locator, the new site also offers focus pages with technical fabric information curated to help educate designers of military/tactical equipment, workwear, footwear, bags/packs, motorcycle gear, and active/outdoor apparel about relevant Cordura fabric options by end-use.

“As we continue to evolve our brand, we want to ensure that innovation through collaboration remains at the forefront of our mission. The redesign of our website helps us better connect to our brand customer and mill audience, making working with our technologies easier than ever before,” said Cindy McNaull, global Cordura brand and marketing director. “In addition to better servicing our supply chain partners, we are excited to launch our new blog that embodies the Live Durable™ ethos for a broader, consumer-based audience.”

The blog features the latest product reviews, seasonal trend gear guides, and key customer spotlights.

To explore the new Cordura brand website, visit www.cordura.com.

Posted September 27, 2018

Source: INVISTA’s CORDURA® brand

West Paw To Host National Manufacturing Day Event

BOZEMAN, Mont. — September 27, 2018 — In celebration of Manufacturing Day, U.S.-manufacturer, West Paw will open its doors on October 5 to students, parents and community members. As part of an ongoing effort from the manufacturing community, this event is designed to change people’s perceptions about today’s manufacturing environment and draw attention to the outstanding opportunities that a career in manufacturing can provide. Planned activities include school group tours and open houses.

Manufacturing Day is an annual national event executed at the local level supported by thousands of manufacturers as they host students, teachers, parents, job seekers and other local community members at open houses, plant tours and presentations designed to showcase modern manufacturing technology and careers.

For over 22 years, West Paw has been a proud manufacturer of dog toys, beds, leashes and collars. West Paw is excited to showcase our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility to the members of our community as well as be a part of this important national event.

“There is an increasing demand for highly skilled professionals in the manufacturing sector who can design, program and operate technology,” said Spencer Williams, CEO and president of West Paw. “The average age of a manufacturing employee is 56, and between now and 2020 there will be an unprecedented shortage of skilled workers who will need to be replaced.”

Posted September 27, 2018

Source: West Paw

Vystar Introduces Vytex Cloud Plush Collection of All-Natural Latex Pillows: Love It For Life

WORCESTER, Mass. — September 27, 2018 — Vystar® Corp. today launched a new era of pillow indulgence with the Vytex® Cloud Super-soft Plush Collection of 100-percent all natural latex pillows in four sizes and two levels of support.

“You’re going to love the new Vytex Cloud pillows for life,” stated Steve Rotman, CEO of Vystar. “You’ll sleep better on the heavenly delight of super- and ultra-soft eco-friendly latex whose light, natural breathability and resilience provide cool, supportive comfort for years. A better sleep means more energy for life.”

While pillow experts recommend replacing your pillows every year due to loss of resilience and contamination from sweat, bacteria, and dust mites that other pillow materials harbor, Vytex latex foam is naturally anti-microbial and odor free, and repels dust mites. Because Vytex latex is deproteinized to remove allergy and odor causing proteins and impurities, it is virtually allergy free and naturally whiter. Vystar’s patented technology gives the Vytex Cloud pillows a stronger latex bond that means Vytex foam stays springier over the long-term. You can enjoy Vytex Cloud pillows for years and appreciate that they are completely biodegradable at the end of useful life.

Consumers have their choice of super soft 45 density or ultra-soft 55 density for the ultimate personal comfort. Vytex Cloud Pillows have an organic cotton zip-close cover for natural airflow. Vytex Collection Cloud Pillows are now available on Amazon.com in choice of  Super Soft  and Medium firmness in Standard, Queen, King, and Body sizes.

Vytex is vastly different from traditional latex. Rubber sap that is tapped from the tree contains less than 40 percent actual rubber content, with the rest comprised of impurities (proteins, carotenoids, etc.) and waste product from the tree. Vystar’s multi-patented process removes virtually all the allergenic latex proteins and other waste to create a stronger, purer, naturally fresh smelling foam with the added advantage of years of buoyant, 90-percent-more resilient latex. Vytex has natural anti-microbial properties without the dangerous off-gassing and relatively short usable life of petrochemical laden memory foams and polyurethane foams.

Posted September 27, 2018

Source: Vystar® Corp.

Universal Laser Systems Expands Its Materials Database With SABIC, Solvay And Porex Materials

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — September 27, 2018 — Universal Laser Systems (ULS) announces the addition of SABIC, Solvay and Porex Corp. materials to its materials database, the most extensive repository of laser material processing parameters for materials in the range of 10 watts to 500 watts.

The SABIC, Solvay and Porex materials new to the ULS materials database were specifically added for laser processing with the ULTRA and XLS platforms, suited for high accuracy and precision laser cutting, laser ablation and laser surface modification.

The materials include:

  • SABIC Lexan™ 9600 FR Sheet;
  • SABIC Lexan™ FR25A Film;
  • Solvay KetaSpire® KT-820 PEEK; and
  • POREX® Microporous PTFE 7751,

Laser processing notes, describing the results of the laser-material interaction for these materials, are also available in the Materials Library on the ULS website to help potential customers explore the advantages of deploying laser technology within their manufacturing, research and development, and prototyping activities.

Posted September 27, 2018

Source: Universal Laser Systems

Trevira Presents High-End Contract Textiles For Healthcare Environments At Building Healthcare In Dubai

BOBINGEN, Germany — September 27, 2018 — Trevira GmbH, Germany, is again participating as an exhibitor at this year’s Building Healthcare show in Dubai, from October 2-4. The manufacturer of high-value polyester fibers will present a large variety of fabrics made by 12 partners from inherently flame retardant Trevira fibers and yarns.

Modern furnishing concepts for healthcare environments are making increasing demands in terms of quality, functionality, coloring and hygiene. Perfectly matched materials and color concepts in the interior not only help to provide good orientation for the residents, but also create more attractive spaces. In addition, the use of appropriate textiles such as curtains, drapes, blinds and sliding panels, fabric-covered dividing panels, upholstery and bedding textiles, can improve the room acoustics, protect your privacy and let the room appear in a pleasant light. In healthcare environments where hygiene and cleanliness are of particular importance, antimicrobial textiles may be used.

Trevira CS® and Trevira CS Bioactive® create a safe, attractive and comfortable environment in hospitals, clinics, spas, care homes and all other sectors in the contract sector.

Trevira CS Bioactive contract textiles combine flame retardant and antimicrobial functions, which makes them the ideal material for use in healthcare facilities. They inhibit the growth of bacteria, prevent the formation of odors in/on the fiber and keep the textiles fresh for a longer time. The permanent flame retardant and bioactive properties of their fibers is integrated at molecular level, meaning that they remain unaffected by repeated washing, abrasion and ageing. This gives them an advantage over textiles with only a supplementary surface finish.

Trevira CS and Trevira CS Bioactive fabrics for the healthcare sector presented at the show stand come from these suppliers: Delius, Dina Vanelli, Fidivi Tessitura Vergnano, Gebrüder Munzert, JAB, Mattes & Ammann, Pugi, Rubelli, Rudolf Breuer Mechanische Weberei, Schmitz Textiles/drapilux, Subrenat, Verotex.

Trevira CS and Trevira CS Bioactive fabrics meet the requirements of the relevant international fire safety standards and can be certified according to the IMO regulations for the maritime sector. All Trevira fibers and yarns carry the Oekotex Standard 100 certificate. They are manufactured in accordance with the highest standards for sustainable products. A broad variety of collections with thousands of designs are available in Trevira CS worldwide.

Posted September 27, 2018

Source: Trevira GmbH

Avgol Collaborates With Local College For Successful Antimicrobial Trials

TEL-AVIV, Israel — September 27, 2018 — Avgol, a global manufacturer of high-performance nonwoven fabric solutions, has collaborated with the Biotechnology Center of Excellence at Alamance Community College (ACC), N.C., to run efficacy trials utilizing its pioneering antimicrobial solution, beneFIT™ Control.

Biotechnology degree students at ACC undertook hundreds of tests of fabric samples to which Avgol’s beneFIT Control technology had been applied, to demonstrate the solution’s antimicrobial efficacy. In one particular test, ten different fabric samples were used, exposed to two different bacterial strains — E.coli and Staphylococcus — as part of the range of standard and newly developed evaluations performed by Avgol and its partners to confirm antimicrobial efficacy in disposable applications. When checked after 24 hours of incubation there was a significant reduction of bacterial growth due to direct exposure to the samples infused with Avgol’s antimicrobial solution.

beneFIT Control has been developed to aid in contamination, discomfort and odor by controlling the microbial activity within hygiene applications, including diapers, adult incontinence and feminine care products. It is part of the beneFIT family of functional skin wellness technologies, a new range of chemistries and processes developed by Avgol to deliver superior performance and comfort to consumers.

Michelle Sabaoun, department head – Biotechnology at Alamance Community College, said: “Partnering with industry-leader Avgol has been absolutely invaluable to our biotechnology program and our students. Running the trials provides a real-world application of the skills students have mastered throughout their degree courses and gives graduates of our program a competitive advantage upon entering the workforce.

“The fact that Avgol, as a global leader in nonwoven textiles, bypassed a number of major research universities closer to its North Carolina facilities and chose to partner with ACC speaks volumes about the quality of our Biotechnology program. It is the longest-running two-year Biotechnology degree program in the USA and is widely recognized for its 700+ hours of hands-on laboratory training, as well as the quality of its graduates. We thank Avgol for the wonderful opportunity and look forward to our partnership continuing into the future.”

Nick Carter, director – Market Business Intelligence and Intellectual Property at Avgol, said: “Significant financial losses are encountered globally through infection, contamination and spoilage caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and moulds.

“As proven in the trials run by ACC, beneFIT Control is an adaptable solution to this problem, providing a swift, effective response ideal for the short duration of use that hygiene products typically have. We look forward to continuing our work to create ever more effective solutions as we develop further generations of beneFIT Control in the future.”

Posted September 27, 2018

Source: Avgol Nonwovens™

DuPont Industrial Biosciences Introduces PREFERENZ® Line For Liquid Laundry Detergents

WILMINGTON, Del. — September 27, 2018 — With the recent release of DuPont™ PREFERENZ® P 300, DuPont Industrial Biosciences (DuPont) takes its enzyme portfolio, including multiple Preferenz products as well as EFFECTENZ® and REVITALENZ®, to the next level. DuPont’s cutting-edge enzymes help detergent manufacturers in diverse markets around the world provide the performance needed to stay clean in a messy modern world.

DuPont delivers enzymes that offer superior ability to remove tough stains for consumers with a wide range of cleaning challenges. The company’s renewable, biodegradable enzymes can avoid harsher cleaning agents while maintaining superior performance, making sustainability as easy as doing the laundry.

DuPont will be showcasing the capabilities of its full enzyme portfolio to customers at several upcoming conferences, including Cleaning Products US 2018 (Oct. 1-3), SEPAWA Congress (Oct. 10-12), AOCS Fabric and Home Care World Conference (Oct. 28-31) and 11th China International Cleanser Ingredients, Machinery and Packaging Materials Expo (Nov. 20-22).

“DuPont Industrial Biosciences brings tremendous value to the cleaning industry, delivering solutions to the challenges facing current and future consumers. We have enzyme expertise to cleave the stain, bio-polymer expertise to transport the stain and preservative expertise to manage microbial challenges, all under one roof,” said Simon Herriott, vice president and global business director for bioactives at DuPont. “Our full Preferenz line is just one example of that collaboration, delivering robust, stable solutions that address our customers’ needs in the laundry space.”

From formulation to transportation, to retail to its final destination – the washing machine – DuPont’s recently launched Preferenz P 300 survives the challenges throughout the “Journey of the Detergent.” By the time the detergent ends up in the home of the consumer and in the actual washing machine, this intrinsically stable enzyme is still active and will deliver a consistent cleaning performance. It does that without the need for a full stability system, meaning that there is potential for significant cost savings for detergent formulators.

Preferenz P 300 can help customers reduce their use of stabilizers, cut costs and improve sustainability, all without compromising on performance. A key strength of Preferenz P 300 is its robustness. Structurally stable, this protease delivers reliable cleaning performance where it matters most to consumers — in the washing machine. Preferenz P 300 has Cleangredients approval making it a market ready ingredient that can be used to formulate products targeted for EPA Safer Choice approval and eco-labeling in the U.S.

Preferenz P 300 rounds out DuPont Preferenz line, which also includes Preferenz S 210 with Cleangredients approval and Preferenz L 100. Preferenz S 210 is designed to deliver high-level cleaning performance and boost effectiveness in removing a wide range of food-based starch stains in all wash conditions you can think of. Preferenz L 100 is highly effective in removing fatty food soils including both those from animals and plants. Preferenz L 100 can help close the performance gaps when wash conditions are not ideal for the surfactant system in the detergent.

Home & Personal Care resides under DuPont Industrial Biosciences — one of the businesses within DowDuPont’s Specialty Products Division — which creates innovative bio-based solutions to make industrial processes more effective and sustainable. DuPont enzymes enable sustainability progress across a wide range of home and personal care products, especially in the laundry and cleaning sectors.

Posted September 27, 2018

Source: DuPont Industrial Biosciences

OMNOVA Acquires Leading Supplier In European Coating Resins

BEACHWOOD, Ohio — September 26, 2018 — OMNOVA Solutions Inc. announced today that it has acquired Resiquímica, S.A., a Portugal-based producer of resins and binders for the coatings and building and construction industries. Resiquímica’s aqueous polymer emulsions and solvent-borne alkyd and acrylic resins are key elements used in a wide variety of residential and industrial coatings. Additionally, unsaturated polyester resins from Resiquímica are targeted at demanding applications in marine, food storage tanks, and more.  Geographic markets served by Resiquímica include Portugal, Spain, France, and North Africa.

“This is another important milestone in Omnova’s path to becoming a premier global specialty solutions company. The acquisition of Resiquímica expands our technology and product offerings in the coatings and construction industries, strengthens our position in the EMEA region and enhances production flexibility and capabilities for our specialty business,” said Anne P. Noonan, president and CEO of Omnova Solutions. “We welcome the Resiquímica team to the Omnova family. The combined businesses are synergistic and will help accelerate growth.”

Posted September 26, 2018

Source: OMNOVA Solutions Inc.

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