Petri Helsky Appointed President & CEO Of Nonwovens Manufacturer Suominen

HELSINKI — December 19, 2018 — Suominen’s Board of Directors has appointed Petri Helsky as the new president and CEO of Suominen Corp. Before joining Suominen, Helsky was the CEO of Metsä Tissue Corp. until September 2018. He starts as the president and CEO of Suominen on January 7, 2019.

“Suominen has great growth opportunities ahead and the Board of Directors believes that Petri Helsky’s personal capabilities and fitting professional background make him an excellent choice to guide Suominen to profitable growth,” said Jan Johansson, chair of Board of Directors.

“Suominen is a globally leading company in the nonwovens industry and I see lots of potential in the company. In the past few years, Suominen has built its capabilities decisively and expectations for success are high. This is an exciting challenge and I am very happy to join Suominen,” said Helsky.

Helsky (born 1966) is Master of Science in Economics and in Engineering. Prior to working as the CEO of Metsä Tissue, Helsky was the president of Pulp & Paper segment and president of the Asia-Pacific Region and member of Management Board in Kemira Oyj. He has extensive experience from international management positions. Helsky is also member of Board of Directors of Exel Composites Plc.

Posted December 19, 2018

Source: Suominen Corporation

Spinnova’s Pilot Factory Line Successfully Completed

VAAJAKOSKI, Finland  — December 19, 2018 — The sustainable fiber company Spinnova has successfully completed building its new pilot factory line in Jyväskylä, Finland. The pilot is an important step on Spinnova’s journey towards large volume commercial production of the world’s most sustainable fiber in the future.

The industrial scale line was built over this fall, and the project was completed last week, on schedule in only 3.5 months. Ramping up the line will take the first quarter of 2019. The maximum capacity of the pilot line is 100-400 tons per year.

Scaling its fiber technology innovation to a large industrial pilot scale is a major milestone for the company, founded four years ago.

 “I couldn’t be prouder of our team and contractors for successfully carrying out this massive project so fast,” said Spinnova’s CEO Janne Poranen. “This is a greenfield factory in every way imaginable, and yet with a genius idea, careful planning and meticulous implementation, everything has gone as planned.”

The unique fiber spinning technology concept is invented by Spinnova. Spinnova’s trusted suppliers in the implementation were mostly local forces; engineering partner Elomatic and installation partner Betamet. The pilot factory was loan financed by Business Finland and OP Bank (European Investment Bank’s Innofin loan).

Spinnova is now looking for committed commercial partners to run product development trials during next year, when there will be enough fibre for testing on real fabrics, creating prototype products.

Once Spinnova has proof of concept in the pilot factory, the technology will be multipliable and licensable.

“This fully correlates with our vision of scaling the sustainable fiber production into big commercial volumes in the future for maximum environmental impact,” said Poranen.

The technology now piloted is suitable not only for the wood-based fibre production, but also to the other potential bio-based raw materials Spinnova is considering. Spinnova’s raw material commitment is to only use FSC-certified wood or waste streams, processed with 0% harmful chemicals.

Posted December 19, 2018

Source: Spinnova Communications

Motion Industries Names Randall (Randy) P. Breaux As New President

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — December 19, 2018 — Motion Industries Inc. — a distributor of maintenance, repair, and operation replacement parts and a wholly owned subsidiary of Genuine Parts Co. — announced the promotion of Randall (Randy) P. Breaux to president on December 12, 2018.

“Randy has an impressive history, having served in numerous management roles during his career,” said Paul Donahue, Genuine Parts Co. president and CEO. “His extensive experience in both industrial manufacturing and distribution, which includes his sales, marketing, and corporate background, make him an excellent choice to lead Motion Industries. We feel confident that we will continue to see great things from our talented and experienced Motion team under Randy’s leadership.”

Breaux was most recently executive vice president of Marketing, Distribution, and Purchasing for Motion Industries, and has nearly four decades of experience in the industrial manufacturing and distribution markets. At Motion Industries, he has played a key role in setting corporate direction, strategic acquisitions, growing supplier relationships, advancing marketing activities and most recently overseeing corporate operations. He joined Motion Industries in May 2011 following 21 years with ABB/Baldor Electric Co., a leading manufacturer of industrial electric motors, drives, and mechanical power transmission components, based in Fort Smith, Ark.

Breaux joined Baldor in 1989, and held various sales and marketing positions in the company. Just prior to joining Motion, Baldor was acquired by ABB. At that time, he was promoted to vice president of Integration by ABB, tasked with bringing the Baldor and ABB electric motor businesses together in North America. He served as Baldor’s vice president of Marketing from 2001-2011, played a key role in Baldor’s acquisition of Dodge and Reliance

Electric from Rockwell Automation in 2007, and served as an officer of the company for over 11 years.

Posted December 19, 2018

Source: Motion Industries

Boll & Branch Leads The World In The Consumption Of Organic Fair Trade Cotton

SUMMIT, N.J. — December 19, 2018 — Direct-to-consumer startups are all trying to make a mark, but Boll & Branch is truly being celebrated for changing the world. In just five years, the luxury bedding brand has emerged as the world’s largest consumer of Organic Fair Trade Certified™ cotton, ranked number one in the 2018 Textile Exchange Preferred Fiber and Materials Benchmark. The socially and environmentally conscious startup has used millions of pounds of raw organic cotton to make its luxury bedding products, and further holds itself to rigorous Fair Trade practices. The brand’s commitment is not only shaping the industry, it’s resonating with consumers, who have propelled the startup to exceed a $100 million run rate in less than five years.

“Before selling a single product, we spent a year and a half ensuring we built out a transparent and ethical supply chain,” said Boll & Branch CEO and Co-Founder Scott Tannen. “From the very beginning, we made the conscious choice to use only 100% organic cotton and worked very hard to ensure Fair Trade — meaning safer working conditions, no child labor, and fair treatment and pay for all of our workers. I am humbled and proud to be recognized amongst brands I admire, such as Patagonia and Nike.”

By setting the benchmark and encouraging others in the industry, Boll & Branch is committed to helping the Earth and humanity by leading the industry in the use of not only organic, but Fair Trade cotton. The luxury brand is steadfast in its commitment to its farmers, who earn premiums that can be allocated as cash, used for a collective social investment, or both. In a region of the world where the inhumane treatment of workers, unsafe work environments, forced/bonded laborers and unfair wages have become hallmarks of the conventional cotton supply chain, Boll & Branch supports the livelihoods of thousands of textile workers by mandating fair wages and business practices.

Standard farming practices have made cotton farming one of the most dangerous crops in the world. Cotton accounts for 2.4 percent of the world’s cultivated land, but uses 6 percent of the world’s pesticides, more than any other single major crop. And, according to the World Health Organization, up to 20,000 deaths each year are caused by pesticide poisoning in developed countries, as chemicals from pesticides used to protect cotton fields seep into run-off water — poisoning rivers, lakes and waterways.

“With the disastrous effects of climate change becoming more and more prevalent, it’s more important than ever to be conscious of our impact on the planet,” Tannen said. “We are meticulous in regard to our production process, ensuring we are doing right by the world, every step of the way.”

Boll & Branch has built its brand and staked its reputation in part on the elimination of harmful toxins from its products and from its entire manufacturing process. The company is careful to make sure its cotton is grown in ways that develop healthier soil and protect natural resources by being watered with rain and fertilized with manure, and by using marigolds as pest deterrents. This creates a safer alternative for farmers, factory workers and the environment as a whole — not to mention the end product, which is free of pesticides, insecticides and GMOs.

Posted December 19, 2018

Source: Boll & Branch

Stein Mart Selects James B. Brown As Chief Financial Officer

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — December 17, 2018 — Stein Mart Inc. today announced the appointment of James B. Brown as executive vice president and CFO effective December 17.

Brown joins Stein Mart from Adrianna Papell Group, where he was CFO. He previously held CFO positions at Gordmans Stores and Hancock Fabrics and was senior vice president, Finance with Fred’s Inc. Brown will have responsibility for Stein Mart’s finance, internal audit, investor relations and asset protection areas.

“James’ strong financial and retail industry background, including off-price experience, makes him a great addition to our team,” said D. Hunt Hawkins, CEO. “His leadership and strategic insight will complement our efforts and build on the progress we have already made to strengthen our financial position.”

Brown succeeds Gregory W. Kleffner, whose pending retirement was announced in October. To ensure a smooth transition of responsibilities, Kleffner will remain with the company through the end of the fiscal year and then serve in an advisory capacity.

Posted December 18, 2018

Source: Stein Mart, Inc.

Siren Announces Publication Of Foundational Data For Novel Approach To Skin Temperature Monitoring In Journal Of Medical Internet Research (JMIR)

SAN FRANCISCO — December 17, 2018 — Siren — the health technology company that developed Neurofabric™, a machine-washable, machine and dryable smart textile with built-in sensors — today announced publication of a foundational paper supporting its approach in Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR), the leading peer-reviewed journal for digital medicine, and health & healthcare in the Internet age. In the paper, a team of international researchers led by Ran Ma, co-founder and CEO, and Alexander M Reyzelman, DPM; Samuel Merritt University, detail the role of Siren’s Diabetic Sock and Foot Monitoring System in maintaining continuous, wireless skin temperature monitoring for users at-home, demonstrating the potential for the reduction of foot ulceration for diabetic patients.

“Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) result in considerable cost to the healthcare system when immediate ulcers, social services, home care, and subsequent ulcers are taken into consideration,” said Alexander M Reyzelman, DPM; Samuel Merritt University and lead author on the paper. “The cost per ulcer is over $33,000 per year and the cost per leg amputation is more than $100,000 per year. Over 100,000 legs are lost to diabetes each year. In diabetic foot complications such as foot ulcers, elevated temperatures in regions of the foot have been shown to be a precursor for ulceration.”

The JMIR publication details Siren’s pilot study of its Diabetic Sock and Foot Monitoring System to assess how comfortable their sensor-embedded socks were for daily use, and whether observed temperatures correlated with clinical observations.

In the study, patients wore the socks at home for a median of 7 hours, reporting that they felt just like their normal, everyday socks. Their stated willingness to wear the socks every day underscores the socks’ suitability for home use, suggesting that Neurofabric can seamlessly integrate into the life of the wearer.

“Several tools have been developed to measure plantar temperatures and the progression of foot ulcers, but they only measure temperature once a day which can lead to false-positives, or are only available for in-clinic use and not at home,” said Ran Ma, co-founder and CEO of Siren. “Now, for the first time, we highlight the striking connection between our Neurofabric’s powerful ability to capture data at home, every single second. The data is incredibly meaningful — it’s the largest amount of patient data that physicians have had wireless access to in real-time. This solidifies the potential for Neurofabric to change the trajectory of diabetic foot ulcerations and the many complications that can occur from it — including sepsis, and lower limb amputations.”

Patients also reported that Siren’s mobile app was easy to use and navigate. Through the mobile app, wearers can view the current temperature as measured at six points on the user’s foot. While the app was not set up to generate alerts in this study, users can receive a notification on their phone when a temperature increase is detected between contralateral positions.

“Digital health is a vast and burgeoning field and spans several aspects of health management — Neurofabric can facilitate the management of chronic conditions at home, including the effective and timely management of DFUs,” said Henk Jan Scholten, co-founder and COO of Siren. “The JMIR publication sheds light on both the ability of these Neurofabrics to improve quality of life for diabetes patients, and Siren’s first use-case to empowering people to take their health into their own hands.”

Siren is initiating a large-scale patient study in 2019.

Posted December 18, 2018

Source: Siren

FleishmanHillard Launches Tech Trends 2019 Report — Smart Fabrics And E-textiles Mention

ST. LOUIS — December 18, 2018 — FleishmanHillard today released “Tech Trends 2019: The Fads. The Fears. The Future.” a new report offering insights and predictions for the technology industry. The report features an analysis of 1 billion tech-focused consumer conversations on Twitter between 2017 and 2018, along with insights from more than 25 technology thought leaders from around the world.

“Technology changes at a rapid pace and what once consumers barely even imagined, today they barely even notice,” said Sophie Scott, global managing director of FleishmanHillard’s Technology practice. “By examining the conversations that have taken place and the technology on the horizon, we’ve been able to make predictions about tech in 2019 to help brands understand consumer expectations and plan for the future.”

The report includes the following 2019 predictions:

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) will get detailed. Brands that use AI to engage in detailed and explanatory conversations — seeking to place AI in real-life contexts — will be next year’s big winners. Discussions on conversational AI increased 54 percent in Twitter topic volume from 2017 to 2018.
  • Tech for good. FleishmanHillard’s Authentic Insights report conducted by TRUE Global Intelligence revealed that more than 80 percent of consumers rate data security and protection as very important — ahead of only healthcare and education in the UK and healthcare and freedom of speech in the U.S. Against all this, responsible data protection measures will continue to be a major trend.
  • Augmented analytics will go mainstream. AI’s potential to enhance human intelligence rather than replace it is central — consumers will want to understand both what augmented analytics means by itself, and what it means against technology’s other big trends.
  • Blockchain will find new opportunities. Moving beyond cryptocurrencies, Blockchain could expand, supporting developments like smart cities and digital transformation. Discussion volume share increased 52 percent between 2017 and 2018 — and the opportunity for deeper, more forward-looking conversation is growing.
  • Edge computing will come to the fore. Edge computing streamlines the flow of traffic from IoT devices and provides real-time local data analysis. Look for 5G to spur on the continued hype and interest in edge computing in 2019.
  • Immersive reality will transform new sectors. Virtual, augmented and mixed realities will join to create new experiences for consumers and will creep even further into areas like retail, manufacturing and healthcare.
  • Smart fabrics and e-textiles will rise in popularity. Expect smart fabrics and exoskeletons to hit runways and warehouse aisles alike, challenging what the term ‘wearable’ really means.

The data for FleishmanHillard’s “Tech Trends 2019: The Fads. The Fears. The Future.” report includes qualitative and quantitative data. A social conversation analysis was conducted around Gartner’s 2018 and 2019 trends to test true traction of emerging technology. These findings were then augmented by market-leading brand executives to forecast the direction of 2019. The report reflects global, English-language conversations. All data falls within the public domain and was aggregated to ensure that personally identifiable elements were removed from the analysis and methodology.

Posted December 18, 2018

Source: FleishmanHillard

Computer Aided Technology Partners With MADE St. Louis

BUFFALO GROVE, Ill. — December 18, 2018 — Computer Aided Technology (CATI) has partnered with MADE, a new community workspace based in St. Louis, Mo. MADE launched its new maker space on November 15, 2018, with a ribbon cutting ceremony. More than 700 makers, artists, designers, and entrepreneurs of the greater St. Louis area were present to see the new technology available to them. The MADE mission is to cultivate local creativity, foster curiosity, and support diversity in creative practice. The MADE community, with all levels of experience ranging from experts to novice users, believes that creation is a way of life and we are each driven by a basic need to shape the world around us.

Computer Aided Technology is MADE’s exclusive provider of Stratasys FDM 3D Printers and Roland Benchtop CNC Milling machines, placing a Stratasys F Series 3D Printer and a Roland Benchtop CNC Machine onsite. In addition to the rapid prototyping equipment provided by CATI, MADE houses a plethora of capabilities and tools including (but not limited to):

  • Woodworking – Saws, lathes, routers, etc.;
  • Metals and Machining – CNC mills, lathes, sheet metal bending break, TIG and MIG welding;
  • Finishing – Sand blasting, powder coating, and paint spraying;
  • Plastics Manufacturing – Vacuum forming, injection molding; and
  • Textile Production – Silk screening, sewing, quilting.

Director of Operations Vince Schell said: “The staff and members at MADE are buzzing with excitement for the new equipment offered by CATI. The Roland MDX-50 and Stratasys F170 are essential prototyping tools to get a project going fast. We are thrilled to offer high end technologies to our members. As our new partnership between MADE and CATI grows we plan to continue to offer the best technologies to our growing community.”

CATI personnel will be engaged in teaching classes for MADE on 3D printing and other manufacturing processes as well as helping entrepreneurs with the creation and development of their projects.

Posted December 18, 2018

Source: Computer Aided Technology (CATI)

Stäubli To Present At Dhaka Int’l Textile & Garment Machinery Exhibition

PFÄFFIKON, Switzerland — December 18, 2018 — Stäubli invites textile industrials to visit the booth of its agent, Spintex Technology Ltd., and discover machinery and system solutions for optimizing workflows in weaving mills that seek to capture benefits like time savings and increased overall efficiency.

A range of Stäubli products is displayed, offering weavers and knitters solutions that are perfectly adapted to their specific needs and requirements: from automation of weaving preparation to ultra-reliable shedding solutions for frame and Jacquard weaving to a revolutionary device that drastically shortens the sock-knitting process.

Stäubli solutions for automated weaving preparation boost weavers’ flexibility and productivity

With its renowned SAFIR automatic drawing-in machines — especially the SAFIR S40 and SAFIR S60 — Stäubli offers unique solutions for weavers seeking to improve their weaving preparation process and their production of denim, linen, and shirting fabrics. These machines support just-in-time processing and boost the production of premium-quality fabrics. They are highly flexible in use and can be easily adapted to future applications. All SAFIR models feature AWC technology, including optical double-end detection as standard. Among the many advantageous features to be discovered are optional colour or S/Z-repeat sorting and management for perfectly prepared warps.

Visitors will also see the TOPMATIC 201 PC automatic warp tying machine. This is Stäubli’s tying solution for fine-to-standard yarns in the yarn range from 0.8 to 500 tex. The machine features double-end detection and works reliably even with flat warps without a lease. In addition to flexibility, weavers profit from the long service life.

Mills processing sectional warps will be excited to learn about the recently launched BEAMPRO warp reading-in machine for an improved sizing process. It makes manual reading in a thing of the past. Stäubli’s know-how in yarn handling promises decisive benefits to textile mills, from significant time savings to increased quality.

SX and LX Jacquard machines for ultra-reliability and top-quality fabrics

With an optimized housing and high-performance lifting mechanism, these machines operate reliably even under the most demanding conditions in the mill. The maximum number of hooks for Jacquard designs is 25,600 – or 51,200 hooks by combining two machines. Adaptable to all types of machines, whether air jet, rapier, or water jet, the SX Jacquard machine produces excellent results in the form of terry cloth, decorative materials, or silk fabrics as well as textiles for tapestries, apparel, or seat covers.

The Stäubli range of shedding systems for frame weaving answers every need

Stäubli’s broad product portfolio includes solutions for frame weaving with air-jet, water-jet, rapier, and projectile weaving machines. A recent addition is the new, highly robust 1692 cam motion, available with up to 8 lifting units, operating at a pitch of 12mm. With it, weavers can easily produce high-quality fabrics as the machine assures gentle warp treatment. Its automatic and fully integrated levelling device prevents overstretching of the warp and eliminates start-up marks. The interchangeable cams give mills maximum flexibility as the same cams can be used for creating both a warp and a weft effect.

Stäubli has the ideal solution for water-jet weaving: the S3061 model of the S3000/S3200 electronic rotary dobby series. It features the famous Stäubli concept of selection of heald frames by locking for secure frame selection and continuous weaving. The dobby is compatible with all the major brands of weaving machines, and customers can choose the machine that best matches their requirements. The dobbies feature the new maintenance-free de82 harness motion and quick-link systems for heald frames. The shedding system adapts to the weaving parameters of the weaving machine and is highly economical to operate.

Automation solutions for knitting – drastically shortening the production process

The recently launched D4S toe-linking device is becoming indispensable in more and more knitting mills. This ingenious device sews the toe closed while the sock-knitting machine simultaneously produces the next sock. The precise operation of the device ensures perfect linking quality. Thus, the D4S answers several key challenges in knitting: minimizing idle time, delivering higher-quality and higher-volume output, and reducing waste material, the increasing price of which eats into profit margins. Installing the D4S device on a sock-knitting machine promises a quick return on investment for the mill. In addition to more efficient production, the mill will also benefit from enhanced operator convenience and expanded functionality, especially thanks to the independent 2900SL electronic controller.

Stäubli supports its customers even years after purchase

Stäubli is committed to helping customers realise the maximum benefits from their machinery for the long term. Stäubli offers training, technical support, and spare parts even many years after the sale.

Posted December 18, 2018

Source: Stäubli

Braiding Machines — A New Line Of Business For Mayer & Cie.

ALBSTADT, Germany — December 18, 2018 — Mayer & Cie. (MCT) has since December had a new line of business. From January 2019, the company is manufacturing braiding machines in addition to circular knitting machines at its Albstadt works. Mayer Braidtech, a wholly owned Mayer & Cie. subsidiary, is responsible for sales and service of the new machines, manufactured for the past 40 years by US-based affiliate Mayer Industries. With Mayer Industries due to cease operations in the medium term, Mayer & Cie. has decided to integrate and take forward this successful line of business at its Albstadt location.

Good reasons for braiding machines

“We see this step as an opportunity to come much closer to our target of sensible diversification,” says Marcus Mayer, managing director at Mayer & Cie. and in charge of technical development. “As a manufacturer of circular knitting machines we are subject to the vagaries of the textile machinery market, which experience has shown to be liable to strong fluctuations. A sector-unrelated product such as braiding machines will make us a good deal more — and healthily — independent.”

It was apparent right now, how important diversification is, Benjamin Mayer, Mayer & Cie.’s co-managing director, noted. He is responsible for sales. After a fast and furious start to 2018 demand for circular knitting machines had tailed off in the second half. That was mainly due to turbulence in international trade policy, he said, in the wake of which uncertainty had spread widely in many important circular knitting markets. Order books for braiding machines, in contrast, are full for months ahead because other laws apply to the hydraulic hoses used in, for example, automobile manufacturing and aviation. That is also true of tubes that drive pumps on the seabed in offshore operations. Braiding machine manufacturing capacities are currently fully booked until the beginning of 2020.

Although circular knitting and braiding machines are only distant relations, there are many synergy effects between the two lines of business. “That was a powerful argument for integration,” says Benjamin Mayer. “Our new investment stays within limits because we can make many braiding machine parts with our existing machine tools and production machinery. Assembly employees can not only assemble circular knitting machines, shipping employees can not only ship circular knitting machines.” Mayer & Cie. also anticipates a positive effect in the key sector of research and development, but with the stated aim of establishing a separate research department as soon as possible.

Series manufactured in Albstadt from January

In January 2019, Braidtech is embarking on series production in Albstadt-Tailfingen. Preparations for this milestone took nearly 12 months. Premises needed to be provided, the production line prepared, procurement organized and, not least, the team lined up. At the moment, it consists of 12 employees who do production-related work in, say, assembly, quality assurance and logistics. They are currently working flat out on the prototype of their first braiding machine, an MR 15 24 Carrier. Patrick Moser, head of the new Mayer Braidtech business unit, explains that “the model as such is tried and established, but for us here, in new conditions, it is an ‘original’.”

The plan for the first half of 2019 provides for the shipment of two double deck systems, each consisting of two MR15 24 Carriers, per month. Preparations are also be made for series production of the second model in a range consisting of six products.

Distribution structures are well established. Mayer Braidtech has handled world sales of braiding machines for years. “Our business,” Moser says, “is project business, so the largest sales markets can vary from year to year, but for some time we have had many orders from Italy and China.”

Interim production support from the United States

As overall demand still exceeds production capacity in Albstadt-Tailfingen, Mayer & Cie. affiliate Mayer Industries will continue to manufacture braiding machines in the year ahead. Mayer Industries, based in Orangeburg, S.C., has made a name for itself in this field over the past 40 years and its systems are considered to be premium products. Founded in 1970, Mayer Industries originally manufactured circular knitting machines, but when orders stopped coming in during the 1970s crisis the owners, the Mayer family, acquired patents for braiding machines, thereby laying the foundations for a new, distinct line of business. When Mayer Industries ceases business operations, probably at the end of 2019, this line of business will continue to provide its services, but at a different location.

Posted December 18, 2018

Source: Mayer & Cie. (MCT)

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