Clo® Insulation’s Acclaimed Vivo Product Line Expands Its Footprint Beyond Outdoor Performance Wear

NORWICH, England — June 19, 2018 — Clo Insulation, the developers of highly breathable insulation for garments, is now garnering attention from popular lifestyle brands, expanding its reach beyond outdoor performance wear.

Clo Insulation is best known as the creators of Vivo, the most breathable insulation on the market. To date, Vivo is widely embraced by global outdoor garment brands, but now, moving beyond its traditional customer base, Clo Insulation is partnering with famed equestrian-based apparel maker Schockemöhle and urban streetwear giant Horsefeathers. While specific details are still under wraps, both clothiers will be implementing Vivo into their upcoming product lines within the next year.

“We believe our Vivo line of insulation is showing tremendous value to apparel designed for all lifestyles and activities,” said Toby Harvey, Head of Global Sales at Clo Insulation. “Sure, Vivo is ideal for outdoor garments, but as the breathability is proving unparalleled in design and performance, it’s becoming a much-needed element for all clothing, from equestrian apparel to skater culture to high fashion. After all, Vivo allows people of all walks of life to feel warmer and more comfortable, and thus live better.”

Vivo is an ultra-lightweight insulation designed with specialized apertures. The strategically placed holes trap warm air while also allowing moisture to move away from the body quickly. In fact, lab testing has proven Vivo can increase breathability by up to 30% without affecting thermal performance, which in turn enhances warmth and comfort. Today, apparel manufacturers can choose from three Vivo products:

  • Vivo Eco — made with 90-percent recycled fibers, its flexible yet stable structure provides excellent comfort.
  • Vivo Teknica — provides the perfect balance between breathability and warmth plus an edge in performance.
  • Vivo Veluti — delivers a luxury feel while also being super breathable and lightweight.

Despite the newfound success of Vivo outside of the outdoor industry, Clo Insulation is not straying from its roots. Iconic outdoor brands such as Bergans, Dynafit, and KJUS will also be featuring Vivo in new products launching in the coming year.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to see Vivo’s unrivaled breathability being the key factor for its implementation in clothing for everyone, everywhere,” said Harvey.

Vivo has won numerous textile innovation awards, including multiple ISPO Textrends Top 10 honors. Clo Insulation is slated to unveil more Vivo products and innovations throughout 2018 and 2019.

Posted June 19, 2018

Source: Clo Insulation

New Look, Direction At Ampacet: Innovation, Global Support And Sustainability

TARRYTOWN, N.Y. — June 18, 2018 — Ampacet Corp. — a global provider of polymer materials, services and solutions — has announced a refreshed focus on innovation, expansion, global support and sustainability with the unveiling of a new logo, tagline and website to underscore the new direction.  
“We believe that a company should always be moving forward. This means that periodically we must reassess and realign and shift our priorities,” said Yves Carette, Ampacet president and CEO. “We are rebalancing to focus on color, special effects and advanced functional additives. We’re moving into more regions and increasing our presence in existing ones and we’re adding markets, including appliances, automotive, healthcare, 3-D printing and aerospace.”
The directional change is reflected in the new logo, tagline and website. The logo is a refinement of the old one, so it’s a nod to the past, but the graphics are strong, dynamic and modern. The three dots in the logo represent the primary colors: red, yellow and blue. 
“Our tagline, ‘Plastics Reimagined,’ signifies the future, as plastics move into new applications and become more sustainable than ever. While a future without plastics right now would be unimaginable, there are so many more ways to use plastics to make our lives safer, healthier and more fun,” adds Carette.
Websites need to be refreshed, too, and the site will provide additional details and specifications on Ampacet’s products and services, participation in trade shows, speaking e2ngagements and the latest news. 
Changes at Ampacet also include support teams rebuilt from the ground up to support customers globally. Multidisciplinary sales and technical teams at the company’s 24 facilities worldwide are working in concert to handle customers’ toughest challenges.
Lastly, Ampacet has developed a sustainability policy for the company, suppliers and  employees. The company is taking an active role in promoting the circular economy in the plastics industry, and encouraging suppliers to do the same. Ampacet team members will be participating in local recycling programs and projects, as well.
Posted June 19, 2018
Source: Ampacet

J.Crew Group Inc. Names Johanna Uurasjarvi Chief Design Officer

NEW YORK CITY — June 18, 2018 — Global retailer, J.Crew Group Inc., announced today that it has named Johanna Uurasjarvi as chief design officer. She will be responsible for guiding the overall design direction for the J.Crew brand and report to Jim Brett, J.Crew Group, Inc. CEO. Uurasjarvi joins J.Crew from West Elm, where she was the Creative Director of the lifestyle and specialty home furnishing company. Prior to that she was the Creative Director of Anthropologie for a decade.

“Johanna brings more than 25 years of fashion and design experience with a unique understanding of how customers shop and live. She is a visionary with impeccable taste who will undoubtedly inspire our team, our partners, and our customers.” said Brett. “I am thrilled to work with Johanna again. We had a powerful and successful partnership at West Elm and Anthropologie, and to work with her again is an honor.”

At West Elm, she was the concept builder of its successful “New Modern” assortment, a lighter and brighter interpretation of classic Mid-Century Modern with layered textures and material innovation, incorporating the company’s signature interest in global artistry. She was known for consistently delivering imaginative collections and was an instrumental part of a team that helped the brand to reach $1 billion in revenue.

Prior to that, Uurasjarvi was the executive creative director of product design for Anthropologie, where she built the company’s first in-house design team. Her talent for juxtaposing clean lines with whimsical detail created the original aesthetic, still the foundational signature. In 2008, she developed the cult wholesale brand, Leifsdottir, which was carried by the brand as well as 200 additional doors, including Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale’s and Nordstrom stores, and in 2011 was picked as one of the most creative people of the year by Fast Company.

“I am thrilled to join the talented team at J. Crew and help to evolve this incredible iconic brand,” said Uurasjarvi. “I also look forward to working with Jim again. His vision, values and unique understanding of today’s consumer make him a special leader.”

Born and raised in Finland, Uurasjarvi graduated from Helsinki’s Aalto University in the field of Art and Design and worked internationally before joining Anthropologie in Philadelphia, PA. She then moved to Brooklyn, New York, with her husband, three children and dog, when she joined West Elm.

Posted June 18, 2018

Source: J.Crew Group Inc.

UNTUCKit Announces Drew Brees As New Investor 

NEW YORK CITY — June 18, 2018 — UNTUCKit, one of the fastest-growing retail brands in the United States, announced today its newest investor, Drew Brees, the quarterback of the New Orleans Saints and entrepreneur.

After meeting UNTUCKit Founder Chris Riccobono at the 2018 Super Bowl, Drew reached out directly to express his interest in working together. His passion for the UNTUCKit brand has created a new model for partnership that sits at the intersection of investment and brand ambassadorship.

“We’re excited to welcome Drew to the UNTUCKit family both as an investor and brand ambassador. Aside from being one of the most outstanding players in the NFL, he’s a great family man and extremely charitable—a perfect fit for UNTUCKit. When we initially met to discuss working together, his knowledge of the brand blew me away — he came prepared with 20 pages of notes and questions about our EBITDA. It was clear Drew wanted his involvement with the brand to be substantial, and his success over the years as an entrepreneur made him a great fit as an investor. Drew and his entire family encompass the UNTUCKit lifestyle, so bringing him in as a brand ambassador was a natural next step,” said UNTUCKit Founder Chris Riccobono.

“I’m so glad to be working with UNTUCKit, a brand that aligns so well with my lifestyle. I’ve loved the shirt from the moment I put it on, and after doing some research and seeing their incredible success, I knew this was a brand I wanted to be involved with. Its products fit so many aspects my life, whether I’m on a business trip, date night with my wife, or having play time with the kids, and each product has the ideal look, fit, and feel,” said Drew Brees.

As a part of the ongoing relationship, Drew will appear in UNTUCKit marketing campaigns in stores and across digital and print platforms. The debut campaign will launch on June 18th as an in-home catalogue featuring images of Drew and his entire family in San Diego.

The partnership with UNTUCKit is a continued step in Drew’s entrepreneurial work, which includes relationships with the Jimmy John’s sandwich franchise, Football ‘N” America, Walk-On’s Bistreaux & Bar and Waitr Food Delivery & Carryout. Drew and his wife Brittany also established their own philanthropic organization, the Brees Dream Foundation, in 2003 and have since contributed over $33 million to help improve the quality of life for cancer patients and provide care, education, and opportunities for children and families in need.

Posted June 18, 2018

Source: UNTUCKit

Milliken Specialty Interiors Celebrates Opening Of Permanent High Point Showroom With Showtime Industry Party And Best Showroom Award

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — June 18, 2018 — Global innovation company with textile, specialty chemical and floor covering manufacturing expertise, Milliken & Company’s Specialty Interiors business, celebrated the launch of its permanent High Point Showroom in high style: with a well-attended industry party and winning Best Showroom. Party invitees, which included clients, prospects, partners and industry influencers, were given a tour of the new space and an official welcome by the Milliken Specialty Interiors team.

The Milliken Showroom, which occupies a prime spot on the MSTT 4th floor, is modern, warm and inviting and showcases the full breadth of Milliken’s innovative interior textiles business, including products suitable for use in home, office and hospitality environments.  It features a clean design with abundant natural light and Milliken flooring and fabrics on nearly all soft surfaces. Based on consumer and industry demand, Milliken’s revolutionary new eco-elegant Breathe by Milliken™ collection, which combines all the protection and durability of a performance fabric with minimal chemistry and cleanable natural or polyester fibers made from recycled plastic bottles, is prominently displayed in the space. While the space highlights a wide range of new furniture pieces, many of the furnishings are vintage pieces from the Milliken archives, including several by Knoll and Coalesse, among others. All the furniture in the showroom is American-made, highlighting Milliken’s proud tradition of and support for American manufacturing.

The reviews for the new space have been very favorable, highlighted by the fact that it was voted Best Showroom by Showtime’s more than 600 buying attendees. The Best Showroom award is given based on popular vote and is open to all permanent showrooms located in the Market Square Textile Tower and Historic Market Square. The award is sponsored by International Textile Alliance, the producers of Showtime, and International Market Centers.

“We are very excited to share our Milliken story with our customers in such a beautifully designed space, and we are very honored to receive this prestigious Best Showroom award,” said Milliken Specialty Interiors Vice President Jennifer K. Harmon. “Investing is this permanent showroom allows us to better serve this strategic market, and we continue to work diligently to provide unique solutions and value-added product offerings.”

Posted June 18, 2018

Source: Milliken Specialty Interiors

Perry Ellis International Enters Into A $437 Million Transaction To Become A Private Company Through An Acquisition Led By George Feldenkreis

MIAMI — June 16, 2018 — Perry Ellis International today announced it has entered into a definitive merger agreement under which a newly formed entity controlled by George Feldenkreis, Perry Ellis’ founder and member of the company’s Board of Directors, will acquire all of the outstanding common shares of Perry Ellis not already beneficially owned by the Feldenkreis family for $27.50 per share in cash. Additionally, the company and George Feldenkreis have agreed to defer the next annual meeting for the election of directors while the merger agreement is pending.

The purchase price represents a premium of approximately 21.6 percent to Perry Ellis’ unaffected closing stock price on February 5, 2018, the last trading day prior to George Feldenkreis announcing his proposal to take the company private. The transaction is valued at approximately $437 million.

The transaction was unanimously approved by the Perry Ellis Board of Directors, acting on the unanimous recommendation of a Special Committee of independent directors that was granted full authority to conduct a comprehensive strategic review and evaluate and, if warranted, negotiate the Feldenkreis acquisition proposal.

“The Special Committee and its advisors conducted a disciplined and independent process to ensure the best outcome to maximize value for shareholders. We believe, upon the closing, that this transaction delivers an immediate cash premium and is in the best interest of all Perry Ellis shareholders,” said J. David Scheiner, non-executive chairman of the Perry Ellis Board of Directors and chair of the Special Committee.

“I believe this transaction will open an exciting new chapter for Perry Ellis, our customers and employees. The markets the Company competes in have undergone transformative changes and I believe that Perry Ellis’ ability to invest and innovate is limited by the short-term pressures of being a public company. The transaction delivers immediate value to shareholders amid an environment of unprecedented disruption and competition. I am confident that as a private company, Perry Ellis will be best positioned to make investments in digital innovation, artificial intelligence and marketing, that support our long term strategy to grow the Company’s powerful global lifestyle brands, while expanding into higher-margin businesses and channels of distribution, including international, direct-to-consumer and licensing,” said George Feldenkreis, founder and director of Perry Ellis.

“Since its founding, Perry Ellis has been a renowned influencer of fashion and a magnet for highly creative individuals and brands. The completion of this transaction will enable Perry Ellis to preserve the integrity of its infrastructure and business units across the United States and abroad. Our partners should benefit from our enhanced ability to make long term investments in brands, technology and innovation while continuing to remain focused on executing on our long term growth strategy. Perry Ellis intends to be at the forefront of the crucial digital transformation of the apparel industry from marketing to e-commerce, to applications of artificial intelligence,” said Oscar Feldenkreis, CEO of the company.

“Fortress is delighted to support the founding family of Perry Ellis in a transaction that positions the business for growth and success in the years to come,” said Josh Pack, managing partner of Fortress Investment Group.

Following completion of the transaction, Oscar Feldenkreis will continue to lead the company as CEO. George Feldenkreis, director and founder, will return to an active role in the management of the company. Perry Ellis will continue to be headquartered in Miami, Florida. Upon close, Perry Ellis will become a privately held company and Perry Ellis common shares will no longer be listed or traded on any public market.

The transaction will be financed through a Senior Secured Asset Backed Revolving Loan Facility underwritten by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., a $282 million multi-tranche term financing facility provided by Fortress Credit Advisors LLC and equity provided by the Feldenkreis family.

The transaction, which is expected to close in the second half of calendar year 2018, is subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions and approvals, including approval by Perry Ellis shareholders (including a majority of the shares owned by shareholders other than the Feldenkreis family or any officers or directors of the Company), receipt of regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.

PJ SOLOMON is serving as financial advisor to the Special Committee, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP and Akerman LLP are serving as the Special Committee’s legal counsel, and Innisfree M&A Incorporated is serving as the Company’s proxy solicitor. SCOPE Advisors LLC is serving as financial advisor to the group led by George Feldenkreis, and Olshan Frome Wolosky LLP and Proskauer Rose LLP are serving as legal advisor to the group led by George Feldenkreis. Stearns Weaver Miller Weissler Alhadeff & Sitterson is serving as legal counsel to Oscar Feldenkreis. Kirkland & Ellis LLP is serving as legal advisor to Fortress Credit Advisors LLC and its affiliates.

Posted June 18, 2018

Source: Perry Ellis International

UC Irvine International Programs Announces Two-Week Fashion Design Management Program

IRVINE, Calif.  — June 18, 2018 — Whether pursuing fashion design as a photojournalist, textile designer, writer or stylist, a cross-functional understanding of principles and hands-on experience with various elements of fashion management is an unparalleled advantage for aspiring professionals. University of California, Irvine Division of Continuing Education has introduced a custom designed program in Fashion Design Management, offering students a comprehensive program exploring the many facets of the specialty.

The full-time, two-week, non-credit program is offered on the UCI campus and offers both international and local students the opportunity to learn through applied coursework, group work, field trips, and classroom instruction. Designed for high school and university students (15+), the Fashion Design Management program encourages native English-speaking students and visitors from abroad to work together on the design, marketing, merchandising and visual arts elements of the profession.

“Fashion Design Management is a highly-desirable area of study for ambitious learners interested in exploring a wide range of skills within the field,” said Jeanne Kimura, program coordinator, Professional Custom Designed Programs. “Giving students an in-depth view of both the business and creative aspects of the fashion industry, the program culminates with a fashion show and certificate ceremony.”

Registration is currently open for the program running July 29-August 11. Applicants must be at least 15 years old, and in high school or university. Students will take a guided tour of the UCI campus, enjoy engaging group activities, and take site excursions for a deeper exploration of select areas of study.

Posted June 18, 2018

Source: The University of California, Irvine Division of Continuing Education (DCE)

European Association Of Automotive Suppliers (CLEPA) Honors Inteva’s Real-Time Scanning Process For Stitching Automotive Interiors

TROY, Mich.  — June 18, 2018 — Inteva Products LLC, a Tier One automotive supplier of engineered components and systems, received the top prize in the 2018 Innovation Awards presented by the European Association of Automotive Suppliers (CLEPA) at The Hague, the Netherlands, on June 13.

Inteva was recognized for its new real-time scanning process for the robotic stitching of automotive interiors. This innovative technology will be used on instrument panels for the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickup trucks.

The new process enables live scanning and immediate adjustments to the program path of robotic stitching equipment as a component is being stitched. This approach aligns leading-edge advances in the use of lasers in automotive manufacturing with Inteva’s unique robotic stitching technologies. The advancement reduces the average cycle time of a stitched surface by approximately 20 to 30 percent.

The 2018 CLEPA Innovation Awards, organized in cooperation with Deloitte, celebrate automotive excellence in the categories of Environment, Safety, Connectivity & Automation and Cooperation. Inteva was recognized in the “Cooperation” category with its customer General Motors.

“We are proud to receive this recognition,” said Inteva Products CEO and President Lon Offenbacher. “The real-time scanning innovation was a true collaborative effort between the talented women and men of Inteva and our customer General Motors, so we are especially honored to be recognized in the Cooperation category.”

Posted June 18, 2018

Source: Inteva Products LLC

ACIMIT: New Skill Sets Required For Industry 4.0

MILAN — June 18, 2018 — Once again, innovation has taken a front row seat at the general meeting of ACIMIT, the association that represents Italian textile machinery manufacturers. In presenting the latest figures for the sector for 2017, President Alessandro Zucchi reiterated the inevitability of the digitalization process regarding the entire textile industry. Partnerships between technology suppliers and textile manufacturers have become an essential component in providing solutions to the needs of fast-fashion and increasingly more significant e-commerce retail channels.

However, the digitalization of production processes requires a whole new set of skills, and consequently new training solutions. The declaration of intent launched by the trade association is essentially to strength the current link with educational institutions. “We need to consolidate the dialogue with schools, stated Zucchi, making sure that our needs are met in professional terms, created by the new digital context and the ensuing opportunities young people can seize upon in sectors such as textile machinery production, in which Italy plays a pre-eminent role in providing excellence worldwide.”

At the general meeting’s opening remarks, Professor Fortis, vice president of the Edison Foundation, illustrated Italy’s global leadership within the textile machinery industry, both in terms of exports and trade balance. The quality and distinction of Italian textile machinery has been reiterated by the latest figures provided by President Zucchi. In 2017, production rose by 8 percent, for a value of 2.4 billion euros, while exports grew by 7 percent (2 billion euros). Production benefited from a growing demand abroad for Italian machinery, as well as the crucial recovery of Italy’s domestic market, mainly due to the boost generated by the fiscal incentives for the digitalization process of the companies.

Posted June 18, 2018

Source: ACIMIT

Koch Membrane Systems PURON® MBR Product Selected For One Of The Largest MBR Projects In China

WILMINGTON, Mass. — June 18, 2018 — Koch Membrane Systems Inc. announced today its PURON® Membrane Bio-Reactor (MBR) modules have been selected for the Ji’nan Wastewater Treatment Plant I and Plant II Expansion Project. Each plant will have 100,000 m3/day treating capacity. The site is located in the Shandong province, which is China’s second-most populated province, with over 100 million people. This project continues the strong presence of Koch’s PURON® MBR in various municipal and industrial wastewater treatment projects in China, demonstrating exceptional performance and creating value to clients.

Strict new discharge requirements by the Chinese government are forcing municipalities to upgrade or build their wastewater treatment plants using new technologies. Puron MBR technology was selected for these two new plants for its reliable and consistent effluent quality, adherence to new discharge limits, and reduced footprint compared to conventional wastewater treatment technology.

These wastewater treatment plants will be built and operated by China Everbright Water Limited Co. Ltd, a company principally engaged in construction and operation of integrated environmental water services. The project is expected to be commissioned by the end of 2018.

“We have had good experience with Koch Membrane Systems Puron MBR technology in the 55,000 m3/day Beijing Daxing Tiantanghe Waste Water Treatment Project,” said Wang Huailin, president of Jiangsu Kaimi Membrane Technology Co. Ltd, who will design, build and supply the membrane system for these plants. “Since the 2016 Beijing plant startup, the Puron membranes have been used in an underground construction model to provide a pollution-free installation. We have been impressed with the low fouling and low operating costs from the Puron product, due to its unique single header and central aeration design features and the process expertise Koch brings to the table.”

“Koch has developed advanced membrane solutions for the municipal and industrial market segments,” said Manny Singh, president of Koch Membrane Systems. “Unique features of our Puron product help the market treat wastewater to meet strict discharge and reuse targets with a low cost of ownership. We are excited that Everbright Water Group recognized the benefits of our Puron product in their existing plant and selected us for their flagship new projects.”

Posted June 18, 2018

Source: Koch Membrane Systems Inc. (KMS)

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