Standard Textile Acquires Luxury Italian-Based Global Hospitality Business Including The Mascioni Hotel Collection Brand

CINCINNATI — November 5, 2018 — Standard Textile Co. Inc. announced today it has reached an agreement to acquire the global hospitality business of Mascioni S.p.A., Italy, including the Mascioni Hotel Collection brand. The Mascioni Hotel Collection brand markets bed, bath, table and spa products to luxury hotel properties worldwide. The acquisition of the Mascioni global hospitality business advances Standard Textile’s strategy of expanding its leadership position in the hospitality market globally and positions the company for future growth.

Gary Heiman, president and CEO of Standard Textile said: “We are pleased to acquire the Mascioni hospitality business. The Mascioni Hotel Collection brand embodies the notable craftsmanship and innovative artistry of Mascioni, one of Italy’s leading textile design and finishing manufacturers. The Mascioni Hotel Collection broadens our brand portfolio to satisfy the characteristics and values of today’s luxury hotel customer.”

Francesco Russo, CDO of Mascioni said: “Since Mascioni’s founding in 1957, the company has gained a strong worldwide reputation for creating luxury quality linens. We believe Standard Textile’s strong distribution network in North America and globally will accelerate the growth of the Mascioni hospitality business and the Mascioni Hotel Collection brand.”

Standard Textile indicated there will be a design and supply agreement with Mascioni to provide the company an opportunity to manufacture products through Mascioni in Italy along with Standard Textile’s global manufacturing infrastructure.

“This partnership and complete control of our entire supply chain allows us to innovate at each stage of the process, ensuring consistency in superior quality and service,” Heiman said. “The Mascioni Hotel Collection offers luxury properties the distinguished products desired by guests, supported by a robust global manufacturing and distribution network.”

Heiman noted the Mascioni Hotel Collection will continue to operate as an independent brand with headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio. The transaction is expected to close in November 2018.

Standard Textile entered the hospitality market with products exclusively engineered to address the needs and desires of hoteliers, from limited to full-service, boutique, lifestyle and luxury. The company supplies linen to many of the world’s largest, most recognizable hotel brands.

Standard Textile has also executed a license agreement with Mascioni that provides Standard Textile the exclusive right to manufacture, market, and sell Mascioni branded products in the U.S. consumer market.

Posted November 5, 2018

Source: Standard Textile Co. Inc.

Dempsey Uniform And Linen Supply’s Pro-Environment Practices Certified For Three More Years

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — November 2, 2018 — Dempsey Uniform and Linen Supply, headquartered in Jessup, Pa., and serving the mid-Atlantic and Northeastern parts of the United States, has been recertified Clean Green, reflecting the company’s dedication to standards for operational efficiency and sustainability. The certification quantifies linen, uniform and facility services’ environmentally friendly performance by confirming an operation launders within TRSA-designated water and energy use thresholds; and verifies use of best management practices (BMPs) in line with the ASTM International environmental laundering standard.

Dempsey Uniform and Linen Supply’s customers can be assured its reusable healthcare textiles are washed, dried and finished with processes that maximize sustainability and reduce greenhouse emissions. Clean Green certified operations demonstrate significant commitment to conservation and green operations through these BMPs:

  • Recovering heat from drained hot water and heat dispersed from the process of warming water;
  • Recapturing drained water from rinses for reuse;
  • Using environmentally friendly detergents;
  • Removing solids and liquids from wastewater;
  • Solar energy and energy-efficient lighting;
  • Recycling programs;
  • Re-routing trucks to save vehicle fuel; and
  • Spill prevention plans.

Dempsey Uniform and Linen Supply earned Clean Green certification initially in 2015. The designation is valid for three years at a time. TRSA inspects laundry facilities seeking certification and approves documentation of their water and energy use and BMP deployment through production reports they submit to auditors during the inspections. TRSA’s certification management protocol includes auditor training by the association’s inspection program administrator.

Clean Green aligns with the ASTM International standard, Guide for Sustainable Laundry Practices, which recognizes key criteria for the certification as universal indicators of maximum sustainability in commercial laundry work. ASTM’s review of TRSA BMPs verified these as the most effective and practical techniques for a laundry to achieve green objectives.

TRSA members prompted development of the standard, which was vetted in the sustainability subcommittee of the ASTM Committee on Textiles. Top technical experts, scientists and environmental professionals from outside the linen, uniform and facility services industry reviewed the BMPs. ASTM is the global leader in developing and delivering voluntary consensus standards unparalleled in building consumer confidence in product and service quality.

“I applaud Dempsey Uniform and Linen Supply for their ongoing sustainability efforts and maintaining the highest standards in their production and delivery operations,” said Joseph Ricci, TRSA president and CEO. “Meeting all the criteria for certification is not easy, but the company is committed to industry-leading processes and technologies.”

Posted November 2, 2018

Source: TRSA

Cherokee Global Brands Appoints Evan Hengel To Board Of Directors

SHERMAN OAKS, Calif. — November 1, 2018 — Cherokee Global Brands a global brand marketing platform that manages a growing portfolio of fashion and lifestyle brands, today announced that it has appointed Evan Hengel to the company’s Board of Directors. Hengel will serve as a director of the company effective immediately.

“Evan is an inspirational leader and the perfect addition to our Board of Directors,” commented Henry Stupp, CEO of Cherokee Global Brands. “Having worked with him and the Berkeley Research Group on our debt refinancing with Gordon Brothers, I have witnessed firsthand his extensive operational experience, as well as his financial and industry acumen. We look forward to working closely with Evan and with the rest of the Board to scale our brands, enhance productivity and grow profitably.”

Hengel brings more than 11 years of experience navigating complex financial, operational, and M&A processes. He has led engagements that have resulted in numerous honors, professional awards, and recognition. Hengel holds a Bachelor of Science with Honors from the University of Kansas.

“I’m honored to join Cherokee Global Brands’ Board of Directors,” commented Hengel. “Having worked with the company this past year, I believe that the senior leadership team has a compelling vision for the future of its brand portfolio, and I look forward to helping guide that strategic direction.”

Posted November 2, 2018

Source: Cherokee Inc.

ABEO Footwear Announces Brian Dillman As Senior Vice President Of ABEO Global Business Development

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. — November 2, 2018 — ABEO biomechanical footwear, a comfort footwear brand, has announced the hire of Brian Dillman as senior vice president of Global Business Development. In his new role, Dillman will develop and execute new sales initiatives for the continued growth of ABEO globally.

Dillman brings over 25 years of experience in premium consumer products and sporting goods with a focus on international sales, distribution, and marketing strategy and execution. He has held executive level positions at high-profile companies including Wilson Sporting Goods, Power Plate fitness equipment, Cérvelo Cycles, and Peter Millar apparel. Most recently he was President of Rodd & Gunn North America, a premium men’s apparel company from New Zealand.

“I was hooked the first time I experienced the ABEO Footwear brand and knew it was something special,” began Dillman. “It is incredibly exciting to be part of this movement and work together with the fantastic ABEO team. Our goal is to spread the message around the globe that wearing ABEO footwear and orthotics can change your life for the better.”

“We are excited to welcome Brian Dillman to ABEO footwear, and know his contributions will continue to drive the success of the brand,” said Andrew Feshbach, CEO, ABEO footwear. “With an expanded focus on international initiatives, and awareness through event marketing at walks, conventions, and sporting events across the country, his extensive industry knowledge will help expand our global presence effectively.”

Designed to increase mobility for better overall health and wellness, ABEO footwear is comprised of two innovative footwear collections: B.I.O.system® featuring built-in orthotics, and P.R.O.system featuring interchangeable 3D3 orthotics.

Posted November 2, 2018

Source: ABEO® biomechanical footwear™

True Religion Appoints Chelsea A. Grayson As Interim CEO

LOS ANGELES — November 2, 2018 — True Religion announced today that the board of directors has appointed board member Chelsea A. Grayson as its interim CEO, following John Ermatinger’s decision to retire as CEO of the company. Grayson will step down as chair of the Audit Committee but will continue to serve on True Religion’s board of directors.

“As a board member for the past year, Chelsea has been instrumental in helping True Religion evolve the brand,” said Gene Davis, chair of the True Religion board. “We are fortunate to have someone of Chelsea’s caliber and experience step up to lead the company as we continue to innovate our products and customer experience. In addition, we would also like to recognize and thank John for his incredible leadership and dedication to the brand.”

Grayson said: “As a Los Angeles native, I am honored to have been chosen to lead an iconic brand like Los Angeles-based True Religion. I look forward to continuing the momentum started with recent initiatives like adding Bella Hadid as a millennial face of the brand and our partnership with global sports juggernaut, Manchester United.”

While Grayson serves as interim CEO, the True Religion board intends to conduct a process to identify a permanent CEO.

Before joining the board of directors of True Religion last year, Grayson was the CEO and a board member of American Apparel. She also sits on the board of directors of Delta Dental of California (where she is a member of the Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee), and the advisory board of Marca Global.

Posted November 2, 2018

Source: True Religion

PTDA Foundation Honors Motion Industries’ Ellen Holladay With Wendy B. McDonald Award

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — November 2, 2018 — Motion Industries Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Genuine Parts Co., is pleased to announce that Motion Industries’ Ellen Holladay, senior vice president and chief information officer, was named recipient of the 2018 PTDA Foundation’s Wendy B. McDonald Award.

“To encourage more women to enter the power transmission/motion control distribution industry, the Wendy B. McDonald Award celebrates the women who not only excel at what they do but also bring innovation to their companies and the industry. We are thrilled to recognize Ms. Holladay’s work as a trailblazing woman in this male-dominated field,” noted Ann Arnott, executive director, PTDA Foundation.

Holladay joined Motion Industries in 1990 as Manager of Systems Planning, and has since led the development of Motion’s highly refined supply chain capabilities. This includes a comprehensive integration platform designed to address the complex requirements associated with business-to-business transactions among North America’s leading manufacturers and suppliers. In addition to CIO responsibilities, Holladay leads the eBusiness and Operational Excellence groups within Motion.

Each year, the PTDA Foundation recognizes a woman who has established herself as an integral contributor to her company’s success and someone who has brought positive change to the power transmission/motion control industry. Holladay was recognized at the PTDA Annual Industry Summit meeting October 17-20, in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

The award’s origination

Wendy B. McDonald was one of the power transmission and motion control industry’s true pioneers. Known as “Mrs. Mac,” she served over 60 years as a leader in her family-owned international industrial distribution company and former PTDA member, BC Bearings Engineers Ltd. — now a Motion Industries company. McDonald left many legacies through her long career in the industry as a trailblazing woman business owner. Her charm and grace were legendary, but so were her philanthropy and commitment to give back to the industry and the communities that led to her success. Mrs. Mac’s son, Scott MacPherson, Motion Industries senior vice president, Sales,  followed his mother’s footsteps into the industry.

In honor of Mrs.McDonald, the PTDA Foundation established the Wendy B. McDonald Award, which is presented at the discretion of the PTDA Foundation Board of Trustees during the PTDA Industry Summit.

Nominees must be female and employed by a PTDA member company within the calendar year for which the nomination is being made. There are no criteria with respect to title, position in the company, or years of experience. However, nominees must exemplify leadership and integrity in all business relationships.

This is Holladay’s second industry award in 2018: Earlier this year, she was presented the Bearing Specialists Association’s (BSA) Lifetime Achievement Award.

About the PTDA Foundation

The PTDA Foundation, whose work is funded solely by donations, was founded in 1982 to enhance knowledge, education, professionalism and productivity within the power transmission/motion control (PT/MC) industry. The Foundation is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) corporation; contributions are tax deductible to the full amount allowed by law.

Posted November 2, 2018

Source: Motion Industries

Katherine Dos Santos Joins RDG Global As Creative Director

NEW YORK CITY — November 2, 2018 — RDG Global has appointed Katherine Dos Santos creative director of its newly launched contemporary division. Dos Santos was most recently senior vice president, Design, and creative director Womenswear at Xcel Brands, where she headed up design and creative direction for Isaac Mizrahi brands.

Under Dos Santos’ direction, Isaac Mizrahi brands more than quadrupled in business, growing from $40 million to $175 million. She’s expected to apply her 20 years of knitwear and womenswear technical expertise, as well as her artistic point of view, and strong business acumen to developing and growing the RDG Global contemporary business. Dos Santos is charged with leading the division to success by integrating better fabrics, ethical production practices, a vast wealth of sourcing knowledge, and — of course — relevant design.

“Katherine has worked her way up in the industry by honing in on what the contemporary customer wants and needs. Everything she touches turns to gold. She’s got everything it takes to execute the RDG Global contemporary vision: technical knowledge, an elevated design sensibility, a strong record of delivering consecutive sales growth for decades, as well as the abilities to lead and build a well-balanced team, build partnerships, and respond to trends in a nimble and wearable way,” said CEO Richard Gossett.

A native New Yorker, Dos Santos has been immersed in the world of fashion since she was a student. A graduate of FIT, she developed a passion for knitwear while completing an art and knitwear specialization during a study abroad in Italy. Her industry tenure includes knitwear design roles at Magaschoni, Adrienne Vittadini, and Ann Taylor.

Said Dos Santos: “I think the reason I have been successful in my career is because I am able to combine creativity with a strong business acumen. It is that combination of design with an analytical approach that has guided me throughout my career and what I hope to bring to RDG Global.”

Posted November 2, 2018

Source: RDG Global

EFI Reports Record Third Quarter Revenue For 2018

FREMONT, Calif. — October 29, 2018 — Electronics For Imaging Inc. today announced its results for the third quarter of 2018.

For the three months ended September 30, 2018, the Company reported record third quarter revenue of $257.1 million, up 4 percent compared to third quarter 2017 revenue of $248.4 million. GAAP net income was $1.9 million compared to GAAP net income of $3.5 million for the same period in 2017 or $0.04 per diluted share compared to $0.07 per diluted share for the same period in 2017. Non-GAAP net income was $22.6 million, down 11 percent compared to non-GAAP net income of $25.4 million for the same period in 2017 or $0.50 per diluted share, down 7 percent compared to $0.54 per diluted share for the same period in 2017. Cash flow from operating activities was $12.9 million compared to $3.4 million during the same period in 2017.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company reported revenue of $758.1 million, up 5 percent year-over-year compared to $724.1 million for the same period in 2017. GAAP net income was $2.1 million or $0.05 per diluted share, compared to $11.0 million or $0.23 per diluted share for the same period in 2017. Non-GAAP net income was $62.4 million or $1.38 per diluted share, compared to non-GAAP net income of $76.7 million or $1.63 per diluted share for the same period in 2017. Cash flow from operating activities for the nine months ended September30,2018 was $50.2 million compared to $42.4 million during the same period in 2017.

“EFI’s reputation for developing innovative, industry-leading technology was a key factor in my decision to join the company,” said Bill Muir, CEO of EFI. “The Nozomi platform and its early success in transforming corrugated packaging from analog to digital is just one example of how EFI is accelerating the digital transformation of industries where colorful images matter. I am excited to partner with the talented and passionate team at EFI to fully realize the significant opportunities in front of us and provide increasing value to our customers and shareholders.”

Posted November 2, 2018

Source: Electronics For Imaging, Inc. (EFI)

Transformative Gift To NC State Names The Wilson College Of Textiles

RALEIGH, N.C. — November 2, 2018 — North Carolina State University announced today that it has received a $28 million gift from the family of alumnus Frederick “Fred” Eugene Wilson Jr. and the Wilson family. The gift funds an endowment to support and name NC State’s College of Textiles. Effective immediately the college will be known as the Wilson College of Textiles.

The gift is part of the Think and Do the Extraordinary Campaign — a $1.6 billion fundraising effort. It is the largest gift ever made to the college in its 119-year history and makes the Wilson College of Textiles only the second named school at NC State.

The gift to the Wilson College of Textiles will have a significant and long-term impact by connecting students with new opportunities; allowing for investment in award-winning faculty and life-saving research, and enhancing campus facilities used by students, faculty and industry partners.

“This is a historic day for NC State and a truly transformational gift for the College of Textiles,” said NC State Chancellor Randy Woodson. “We are tremendously grateful to Fred Wilson and the Wilson family. Their amazing generosity means that the Wilson College of Textiles will continue to be a vital, vibrant leader in education, discovery and practical application of innovation for years to come.

“Textiles has been an important part of our university’s story, and North Carolina’s economy, for more than a century. As the industry has changed, NC State has been able to change along with it — to purposefully adapt, to innovate and to keep pushing forward. Our faculty has built expertise in a wide range of textile applications and specialties. The Wilson family’s gift will empower us to prepare students for success in a resurgent textile industry, inspire investment through key partnerships and initiatives, and make a real difference for our state and beyond.”

Fred Wilson graduated from the College of Textiles in 1961 with a degree in textile chemistry. He is chairman of the board of directors of Piedmont Chemical Industries Inc., a family-owned and operated chemical manufacturer headquartered in High Point, N.C. The business was founded by his father in 1938 to support the local textile industry and, in addition to other products, manufactures a wide array of textile chemicals to address the wet processing of fiber, yarn and fabric.

The Wilson family has a history of philanthropic support and community involvement and strong ties to the College of Textiles. Wilson’s son, Frederick “Rick” Eugene Wilson III ‘87, and his daughter, Elizabeth “Cres” Wilson Calabrese ‘89, both graduated with degrees in textile chemistry. Fred Wilson’s grandson, Frederick “Rede” Wilson IV ‘16, earned his degree in polymer and color chemistry.

For Fred Wilson, this gift demonstrates his commitment to a college that, much like the textiles industry, has persevered and evolved despite the economic downturns of the late 20th century. As manufacturing jobs were shipped overseas in search of cheaper labor and mills shut their doors, long-standing textile, chemical and retail industry relationships served the college well and allowed NC State to invest in textiles as other universities shuttered their programs.

With insight from key industry partners, in part via the North Carolina Textile Foundation, the college targeted the kinds of education and research that would define the now resurgent field of textiles. Leadership recruited and retained world-class faculty with expertise in chemistry, design, engineering, management and technology – particularly faculty with expertise in emerging areas such as environmentally responsible textile and fiber chemistry, digital printing and composites.

Today, the Wilson College of Textiles is unique, diverse and interdisciplinary. It is also the only remaining textiles college in the United States.

“When we were talking to the Chancellor about the college and about it being the only college of textiles remaining in the U.S., a lightbulb really went off. Somebody’s got to draw a line in the sand. We’ve got to remember what got us here and recognize where we can go in the future. I’m happy that we could be the ones to do that,” said Fred Wilson.

For David Hinks, dean of the Wilson College of Textiles, this gift connects the textile manufacturing tradition within North Carolina with future economic and societal impact by shaping the future of the textiles industry.

“Wilson College of Textiles will secure its global reputation as the premier academic, research and service-intensive college that catalyzes advancement of the innovative and resurgent U.S. textiles industry by recruiting and retaining the very best talent to lead, educate, discover, serve and innovate for decades and centuries to come.”

Posted November 2, 2018

Source: NC State, College of Textiles

Large Gift to NC State’s Textile School Will Help Mold Next Generation Of U.S. Textile Leaders And Innovators

WASHINGTON  — November 2, 2018 — Thanks to a $28 million gift from alumnus Frederick “Fred” Eugene Wilson Jr. and his family, NC State’s College of Textiles henceforth will be known as the Wilson College of Textiles. A world leader in textile research, the Wilson College of Textiles is the only standalone textile college in the United States.

“Thank you so very much to the Wilson family. This gift is significant for the U.S. textile industry,” said National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) Chairman Marty Moran, CEO of Buhler Quality Yarns Corp. and a holder of a degree in textile management from NC State.

“As a fellow alumnus I’m proud and grateful to the Wilson family for giving back so selflessly to help others.  As the CEO of a textile company and as chairman of the largest Washington, D.C.-based trade association representing U.S. textiles, I’m excited because this gift will help mold the next generation of leaders and innovators,” Moran added as he noted more than fifty companies participated in the Wilson College of Textiles career fair on September 26.

“The Wilson family’s donation will benefit not just North Carolinians, but the entire U.S. textile supply chain,” stressed Moran, as he explained NCTO and its member companies often work closely with Wilson College of Textiles faculty and students on everything from solving technical problems to innovating and manufacturing the fibers, yarns and fabrics of tomorrow.

NCTO President and CEO Auggie Tantillo said, “On behalf of NCTO’s entire membership, I want to express appreciation to the Wilson family for their very generous gift. Further, we are grateful to the Wilson College of Textiles for their continued dedication and invaluable contribution to the U.S. textile industry.”

Posted November 2, 2018

Source: National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO)

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