Apparel Textile Sourcing Canada Show To Unveil Futuristic Clothing

TORONTO — June 12, 2018 —  Canada is leading the way in breakthrough technologies in the rapidly-growing apparel and textile industry, with many innovations set to be unveiled to the public at the upcoming Apparel Textile Sourcing Canada (ATSC) show, August 20-22, 2018, in Toronto.

Among the latest advances to be showcased is a line of futuristic clothing — featuring seamlessly-integrated technology — that is designed to both diagnose and treat health conditions. Members of the media were given a sneak peek of some of these technologies at a preview event at the Textile Museum of Canada in Toronto on Tuesday, including soon-to-be released products by local textile computing company Myant that promise to change the face of both fashion and healthcare.

Some of these innovations include stylish undergarments that act as an ECG monitor 24-7, alerting users to potential heart rhythm issues, as well as apparel that provides users with remote physiotherapy, meaning patients can receive professional rehabilitation therapy — including heat, electric stimulation and compression treatment — remotely from the comfort of their home.

The new offerings will be among a wide range of features at ATSC, including 600 local and international exhibits, three full days of seminars, panels and sessions by industry, government and fashion leaders, business matchmaking services, and fashion runway events. The show provides the thousands of expected attendees with unprecedented networking and business opportunities with international suppliers on Canadian turf.

“ATSC will display the latest trends and unique offerings in apparel and textile from more than 20 countries, including Canada, China, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, the U.S., the U.K., Turkey, Switzerland, Spain, Nepal and, for the first time, the Ukraine,” said Jason Prescott, CEO of JP Communications, ATSC producer and North America’s leading publisher of B2B global trade platforms TopTenWholesale.com and Manufacturer.com.

The show will double in size from 2017 to include additional categories such as accessories, giftware, home electronics, footwear, luggage and housewares and general merchandise as part of the popular China Brand Show, coming to Canada for the first time as part of the event. Ten premier brands from China will also unveil their trending, high-quality collections as they look to collaborate with reputable Canadian retailers.

In a good will gesture, ATSC has teamed up with leading Chinese clothing manufacturer Changshu Garment Town to donate at least 500 pieces of winter outwear to Brands for Canada — a national organization that provides new, donated clothing, personal care and houseware items at no cost to Canadians living in poverty — during the show.

ATSC will follow the Toronto show with its first business matchmaking event in Montreal on August 24. For the first time, the Montreal community will have the opportunity to network and connect with top apparel and textile manufacturers from across the globe eager to do business with the local industry, right on their home turf.

Show managers have also announced their involvement in the first China Import EXPO, which takes place November 5-10 in Shanghai. “This event provides an unprecedented opportunity for Canadians to introduce their brands into the Chinese market,” Prescott explained.

ATSC is supported by many international governments and associations, headed by the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Textile and Apparel (CCCT) and the Bangladesh High Commission on behalf of the Export Promotion Bureau and the Bangladesh Garment and Manufacturers Export Association.

Posted June 12, 2018

Source: JP Communications

Americhem Announces Expanded Solution Dyeing Capabilities Through Acquisition Of Prescient Color

CUYAHOGA FALLS, Ohio — June 12, 2018 —  Americhem Inc. announced expanded solution dyeing capabilities through its acquisition of Prescient Color Ltd. Solution dyeing has always been in the Americhem portfolio, but with this additional technology, capabilities, and skillset, Americhem is able to provide an expanded expertise in this area.

Americhem Inc. is a provider of color and functional masterbatches for solution dyeing of fibers with more than 20 years of experience in providing custom solutions. Adding another successful masterbatch manufacturer who specializes in the solution dyeing of fibers was a natural fit for the Americhem brand. “Joining the Prescient team with Americhem only elevates us both as a unified company providing only the best to our customers. We promise Performance, Solutions, and Trust; and that is what our customers receive,” commented Matthew Hellstern, CEO, Americhem.

With combined decades of experience, Americhem and Prescient together provide masterbatch solutions that add value to solution dyed fibers, both during manufacturing and end use. By combining these two companies, Americhem and Prescient will now offer an expanded solutions portfolio on a global level.

Posted June 12, 2018

Source: Americhem Inc.

Bally Ribbon Mills High Performance Webbing Ideal For Recreational Applications

BALLY, Pa. — June 11, 2018 — Bally Ribbon Mills (BRM) has announced that its high-quality, high-performance webbing is ideal to meet the demands of recreational applications, including the commercial and sport markets.

BRM manufactures webbing that is ideal for use in a range of recreational applications. These applications include: bindia.g tape, chin straps, harnesses, packs, climbing webs, pet leashes, and parachute and balloon setups.

Specializing in supplying engineered woven narrow fabrics, BRM can meet a wide range of requirements and specifications for recreational use including high strength, limited elongation, thickness, flammability, weight, and special colors. Woven tapes and webbing in nylon, polyester, polypropylene, Kevlar®, Nomex®, Spectra®, and other specialty fibers are available in multiple configurations including light-weight binding to medium and specialty heavy webbing. BRM strives to meet the requirements of each customer’s application with superior production, design, and service.

With personal attention to all requirements, BRM assures quality and excellent customer service through total quality management and statistical process control and can meet requirements competitively and efficiently in everything from production items to R&D programs.

Posted June 11, 2018

Source: Bally Ribbon Mills (BRM)

Interface Debuts Visual Code and Drawn Lines at NeoCon, Declares All Products Carbon Neutral with Launch of Carbon Neutral Floors

CHICAGO — June 11, 2018 — Interface®, a worldwide modular flooring company and global leader in sustainability, today unveiled a new carpet tile collection and LVT product, Visual Code™ and Drawn Lines™, respectively, at the global commercial design show, NeoCon. The company also announces that 100 percent of Interface products sold will be third-party verified as carbon neutral with the introduction of Carbon Neutral Floors™. A global expansion of the Americas’ Cool Carpet™ program to now include all carpet and LVT products, this initiative will better help customers meet their sustainability goals, at no additional cost.

The new products are currently on display at NeoCon in the company’s Chicago Merchandise Mart showroom #10-136 and the adjacent Interface Chicago showroom at 345 North Wells St.

Visual Code, a carpet tile collection, and Drawn Lines, luxury vinyl tile (LVT), pull inspiration from technology and nature. Whether displayed on their own or paired together, the products offer a colorful, engaging environment for a range of spaces such as corporate offices, healthcare, multi-family living and education.

“Our product designs stimulate creativity and inspiration in everyday spaces, while taking positive steps toward a healthier planet,” said Lisa King, vice president of product innovation and insights. “Visual Code and Drawn Lines reconnect people through biophilic attributes and recall influence of the maker movement in hand-crafted design details. Both collections effortlessly enhance any space though the products’ modular capabilities and complementary designs that effortlessly deliver uncomplicated, cutting-edge flooring to meet a variety of customer needs.”

The Featured Products
 Visual Code is designed by David Oakey, product designer exclusive to Interface, and marries the worlds of high-tech and high-touch. The collection pulls inspiration from images of glitch graphics and simple textures, which recall traditional woven fabrics and rugs, and is accentuated by a palette comprised of grays and pops of bright, bold colors.

The global collection seamlessly pairs with a range of Interface offerings, such as the newly released LVT collection, Drawn Lines, for an integrated flooring system of hard and soft without the need for transition strips. It boldly sets a new course for design in corporate offices, education and multi-family living spaces by stylistically spanning hand-crafted materials and technological influence.

Drawn Lines, the latest global LVT product from Interface, is designed by Kari Pei, Interface’s lead product designer, and offers a distinct pattern inspired by fractals found in nature. The collection uses nature’s geometric patterns as a muse to guide layered filament-fine marks in varying weights and rhythms to create a prismatic geometry in an array of scales.

Pei designed Drawn Lines using a never-ending pattern, enhanced by a base of smoky brights, cool and warm neutrals. The geo-woven pattern is accented by threads of metallic, which add shimmer and depth.

Carbon Neutral Floors
Interface announces from NeoCon that all products will now be third-party verified as carbon neutral across the entire lifecycle of the product. All products sold, both LVT and carpet tile, will now fall under the company’s Carbon Neutral Floors program. The company is now offering its Carbon Neutral Floors program standard to every customer at no extra cost to help them meet their own carbon goals, while also allowing them to reduce the emissions impact of their projects or spaces. Interface estimates it will offset 400,000 metric tons of carbon emissions in 2018 as part of the program, equivalent to the carbon absorbed annually by nearly half a million acres of forest.

In keeping with its more than 20-year commitment to sustainability, Interface has taken a holistic approach to carbon neutrality, looking beyond carbon emissions from manufacturing to consider and calculate emissions across the entire product lifecycle. This begins with raw materials and continues through manufacturing, transportation, maintenance and ultimately end-of-life product takeback and recycling through ReEntry™ and other disposal methods. Interface has already reduced the carbon footprint of its products to the lowest levels in the industry based on publicly available third-party verified Environmental Product Declarations. Therefore, it is economically viable — and more importantly, environmentally responsible — to achieve carbon neutrality through the supply chain of the products and the purchase of carbon offsets. To learn more about the program, visit the Interface website.

Posted June 11, 2018

Source: Interface

Automotive Seating Supplier Adient Announces Leadership Transition Plan

PLYMOUTH, Mich. — June 11, 2018 — Adient Plc, a global leader in automotive seating, today announced its Board of Directors has appointed Frederick A. Henderson interim CEO, and John M. Barth, Adient’s current lead director, interim chairman of Adient’s Board.

Henderson was most recently CEO of SunCoke and, prior to that, served as president and CEO of General Motors. He has 26 years of automotive experience including direct involvement in China and Asia Pacific and 20 years of general management and operating experience, eight of which were as a CEO. He has served on the Adient Board since the company was established as a public entity in 2016. Henderson will remain a Board member but will relinquish his position on the governance committee.

Henderson succeeds R. Bruce McDonald, who is stepping down from his role as chairman and CEO effective immediately, and will remain as an advisor to the CEO until September 30, 2018.

The Adient Board of Directors has commenced a comprehensive search process to identify a new CEO.  That process will be coordinated on behalf of the board by directors Barb J. Samardzich, Peter H. Carlin and Raymond L. Conner.

“Bruce McDonald made significant contributions during the formation of Adient plc to ensure a successful spin-off,” said Barth. “Bruce and the Board agree that now is the right time for a new leader with a fresh perspective to drive value in the next phase of Adient’s life as a public company. Fritz brings the right leadership skills and operational experience to step in and immediately accelerate our transformation, providing the time to conduct an expeditious and thoughtful search for a new CEO.”

Henderson said: “While our market position remains strong and our China joint ventures continue to perform at high levels, we recognize that we are not executing at the levels we are capable of in our consolidated Seat Structures and Mechanisms and Seating segments, and that shortfall has been reflected in our financial results and valuation. My immediate focus is on better operational execution to drive meaningful improvements in profitability and free cash flow. We know what needs to be done and we will be approaching the work ahead of us with urgency.”

McDonald has served as the company’s chairman and CEO since its separation from Johnson Controls in 2016.

Posted June 11, 2018

Source: Adient

Zeus Acquires MWC Technologies

ORANGEBURG, S.C. — June 11, 2018 — Zeus Industrial Products Inc., a polymer extrusion manufacturer and material science innovator, today announced that it has acquired MWC Technologies LLC (MWC). This adds to the capabilities that Zeus has been developing for the past five decades.

MWC, a manufacturer of medical device components based in Chattanooga, Tenn., possesses innovative technologies that support Zeus’ growth strategy. This acquisition will allow for the global commercialization of the many cutting-edge, solution-driven products in MWC’s portfolio.

“Since I founded the company in 1966, Zeus has been focused on continuing to grow and innovate,” said Frank P. Tourville Sr., founder and Chairman of the Board, Zeus Industrial Products. “This acquisition supports those goals. We are confident that our acquisition of MWC  will provide value to our customers today and into the future.”

“The acquisition of MWC will expand our capabilities and product portfolio to address the rising demand for advanced precision extrusions,” said John Winarchick, CEO, Zeus Industrial Products Inc. “Our combined expertise will enhance our ability to better serve customers around the globe.”

“We are excited to be joining the Zeus team!,” said Eric Avans, Quality Manager, MWC Technologies.  “Zeus’s long term commitment to industry leading quality, customer service and innovation aligns well with MWC’s culture.  Our combined technologies will enable new to the market solutions for our customers.”

Posted June 11, 2018

Source: Zeus Industrial Products

Patrick Industries Completes Acquisition Of Marine Accessories Corp. And Announces Expansion Of Credit Facility

ELKHART, Ind. — June 11, 2018 — Patrick Industries Inc. announced today that it has completed the acquisition of Marine Accessories Corp. (MAC) and has expanded the size of its credit facility.

MAC is a manufacturer, distributor and aftermarket supplier of custom tower and canvas products and other related accessories to OEMs, dealers, retailers and distributors, as well as direct to consumers within the marine market. MAC is headquartered in Maryville, Tenn., and has eight manufacturing and distribution facilities located primarily in the United States. MAC’s trailing 12-months revenue through May 2018 was approximately $50 million and the company expects the acquisition to be immediately accretive to net income per share.

“MAC’s innovative marine products, and design, engineering, manufacturing, and aftermarket expertise provide us with an excellent opportunity to further penetrate the marine market and leverage our existing capabilities within our marine platform,” said Todd Cleveland, chairman and CEO, Patrick.

“We are excited to partner with the MAC team and its high quality brand platform which is a seamless fit within our entrepreneurial, brand-based model,” said Andy Nemeth, president, Patrick. “MAC’s industry reputation for product quality, customized style and innovation, and consistently reliable just-in-time delivery has been instrumental in expanding its customer base within the recreational boating market. This acquisition is aligned with our strategic initiatives and capital allocation strategy and we look forward to working with the MAC team to help further drive value, growth and synergy realization. Consistent with previous acquisitions, we will support MAC with a financial and operational foundation that will allow it to capitalize on its core competencies while preserving the entrepreneurial spirit that has been so important to its success.”

Rick Reyenger, CEO, MAC, said: “We are very pleased to partner with Patrick and strengthen our presence in the marine industry as we continue to expand our footprint across multiple markets. The combination of Patrick’s strategic and capital resources with MAC’s energy, vision and foundation will help to further leverage our opportunities to bring innovative solutions to our customers.”

The acquisition of MAC includes the acquisition of accounts receivable, inventory, prepaid expenses, and machinery and equipment, and was funded under the company’s newly expanded credit facility. Patrick will continue to operate MAC on a stand-alone basis under its brand names in its existing facilities.

Credit Facility Expansion

On June 5, 2018, the company amended and restated its credit agreement to expand its senior secured credit facility to $900 million (the “2018 Credit Facility”) from $500 million.  The 2018 Credit Facility is comprised of an $800 million revolving credit facility and a $100 million term loan with pricing, maturity, and material provisions remaining unchanged.

“The increased credit facility positions us with capacity and a strong financing foundation to continue to support the company’s long-term strategic initiatives and disciplined capital allocation strategy. We look forward to our continued partnership with our bank group as we execute on our strategic plan, with the ultimate goal of providing exceptional products and service to our customer base and driving shareholder value,” stated Nemeth.

Posted June 11, 2018

Source: Patrick Industries

Faurecia And FAW Group Partner To Develop Innovative Cockpit Of The Future And Sustainable Mobility Solutions

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — June 11, 2018 — Faurecia today signed a strategic partnership framework agreement with one of the leading Chinese automobile manufacturer, FAW Group, to develop cockpit of the future technologies and sustainable mobility solutions.

Within this strategic cooperation, several fields have been defined:

  • Develop Cockpit of the Future solutions and services for a personalized and intelligent user experience in particular for the Hongqi (Red Flag) luxury FAW brand. In addition, the two groups will cooperate on the industrial design and perceived quality for this brand.
  • Develop connected, versatile and predictive seat solutions for different use cases and driving mode scenario.
  • Provide zero emission and air quality technologies for commercial and passenger vehicles in the fields of battery pack and fuel cell systems and lightweight composite solutions.

Patrick Koller, CEO, Faurecia declared: “We are very honored to have signed this strategic partnership with FAW, a leading OEM with a strong desire to disrupt the Chinese automotive industry. Faurecia is uniquely positioned to provide smart, predictive and connected technologies for a unique user experience. This collaboration will continue to reinforce our intimacy and collaboration with Chinese OEMs”.

FAW Group is a leading global manufacturer of quality passenger cars, trucks, and buses. Established in 1953, the company is one of China’s largest automotive groups. In 2017, annual sales exceed three million units.

Posted June 11, 2018

Source: Faurecia

ModCloth Says It Louder

NEW YORK CITY — June 11, 2018 — ModCloth — the colorful lifestyle brand known for making vintage style modern, timeless and accessible to all through its celebration of unique, personal style — is spreading its mantra “you do you.” This summer, ModCloth will launch “Say It Louder,” the brand’s bold, new campaign series that spotlights modern female icons who are making a statement and forging their individual path. Since day one, ModCloth has championed self-expression and inclusivity and now, the brand will turn the volume up full blast. On June 11th, the Say It Louder campaign launches across all ModCloth channels including a powerful video, a new “magalog,” social storytelling, and digital media. The ModCloth universe will deepen to become a soulful hub celebrating inspiring women as they’ve been inspired by others before them. They speak to their passions, inspirations and what they hope to inspire in others.

The campaign kicks off with four extraordinary ModCloth muses: the iconic rapper Lizzo and country star Cam, with emerging icons, singer/songwriter Victory Boyd and musician Kacy Hill. The women were chosen for the campaign for the broader statements that they make. Each musician has passion and tells their bigger story in the online videos and printed magalog from Cam’s support of equal rights, Kacy’s rejection of societal stereotypes, Victory’s overcoming the struggle to be unapologetically herself and Lizzo’s fight for body inclusivity and opening the magalog with her bold quote “No matter how big or small you are, you can be sexy and wear whatever the *#@! you want.”

The campaign is peppered with the women fiercely expressing their own voice and celebrating their individuality. The magalog excites the readers with passionate interviews from the artists. In an industry dominated by men, Cam sets the bar high as she explains she is “one of the few and rare female country musicians (barely) allowed on to the country radio charts these days.” Shining with positivity, Cam candidly explains that she always wears a shade of yellow to radiate a bright energy. Kacy talks about how she is inspired by strong women, including her grandmother, who she calls the matriarch of her family and says, “There is a very specific power that women have and, when they can tap into it, it’s pretty magical.”

A professional singer since age 4 and recently signed by Jay-Z, Victory Boyd exudes calm confidence and drives home the overall message that layers back to the ModCloth ethos, “Don’t worry about trying to be accepted or desired by other people, because you might be surprised how many people love you just how you are.”

“These women are our muses, people we admire and look up to because they’re living life their own way,” said Lizz Wasserman, vice president, Fashion & Concept. “They are independently spirited, making a difference, and inspiring others with their message. We support people expressing their personal style and finding their unique voice. Each of these women are doing so fiercely, proudly, beautifully.”

Say It Louder is step one in ModCloth’s overall brand revamp. With the launch of the video and magalog, consumers will get their first glimpse of the new logo that playfully nods to the brand’s original look and feel. This launch marks the largest spend Modcloth has invested in digital advertising, with the goal to push content out to all the Modcloth consumers. The site is ramping up its plus-sized offerings and the retailer will be announcing unique in-store roll-out concepts across the country, including the recent opening of their San Francisco FitShop.

Posted June 11, 2018

Source: ModCloth

Sequential Brands Group Names Karen Castellano President Of Fashion Division

NEW YORK CITY — June 11, 2018 — Sequential Brands Group Inc. today announced Karen Castellano as president of Fashion reporting directly to CEO Karen Murray. Castellano will oversee the company’s brands in its fashion division, which includes Jessica Simpson, Joe’s, William Rast, and Ellen Tracy.

“I’m excited to welcome Karen Castellano to Sequential and have her as part of our executive team,” said Karen Murray, CEO, Sequential Brands Group. “Karen has a proven track record of building fashion brands, a deep understanding of the licensing business and solid retail and wholesale relationships. She is a true asset and I’m thrilled she’s joining us.”

Castellano joins Sequential from G-III Apparel Group, where she was president of Tommy Hilfiger Women’s Denim and Sportswear division and oversaw the design, sales, merchandising and marketing of the brand. Prior to that, she served as executive vice president of NYDJ Apparel, where she was responsible for leading the sales, retail planning, wholesale planning and merchandising. Under Castellano’s leadership, she transitioned NYDJ from a denim brand into a full lifestyle collection and expanded its international footprint.

Previously, Castellano served as CEO of TR Designs Inc. where she managed and strategically led all aspects of the Tracy Reese and Plenty by Tracy Reese lines, designed by legendary American CFDA designer Tracy Reese, worldwide. In 2007, she was recruited by the CEO of Burberry to serve as Vice President of Burberry’s Menswear and Childrenswear wholesale business. In 1989, Ms. Castellano joined Liz Claiborne, where she spent almost 20 years serving in various roles including President of Claiborne Sportwear & Mens Mid-Tier Brands. She began her career at Bloomingdales, working in their executive buyer training program, and is a graduate of State University of New York at Binghamton.

Posted June 11, 2018

Source: Sequential Brands Group

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