ANDRITZ Nexline Wetlace Running At Full Capacity At Dalian Ruiguang Nonwoven Group, China

GRAZ, Austria — October 9, 2018 — The ANDRITZ neXline wetlace producing wipes at Dalian Ruiguang Nonwoven Group in China has successfully achieved full capacity of 15,000 metric tons per year.

Andritz has delivered a complete neXline wetlace line to Dalian Ruiguang that integrates stock preparation, wet forming, hydroentanglement, and drying. Thanks to the flexibility of the line, the customer is able to produce the full range of wipes applications, including industrial composite wipes.

The highly flexible Andritz Wetlace™ technology, combining wet forming and hydroentanglement, is especially suited for the production of flushable wipes that are dispersible, 100-percent biodegradable, and without any chemical binders. This fulfills the highest environmental standards for the end products and enables production of certified nonwovens quality according to the latest EDANA/INDA guidelines for flushable wipes.

Successful performance by the Andritz neXline wetlace sets a new benchmark in Asia and underlines Andritz’s position as one of the global market leaders for the supply of complete nonwovens lines, key components, and services.

Dalian Ruiguang Nonwoven Group is one of the leading Chinese producers of nonwovens, supplying its products mainly to international customers. “The flushable wipes produced on the neXline wetlace line are excellent and fulfill the highest environmental standards. Our customers are more than satisfied,” said Gu Yuanming, president of Dalian Ruiguang.

Posted October 9, 2018

Source: Andritz

Klopman Creates A Degree Award On Environmental Sustainability And Circular Economy In The Textile Sector

FROSINONE, Italy — October 8, 2018 — Klopman, a European manufacturer of fabrics for workwear, has launched, in collaboration with the CRUI (Conference of Italian university rectors) and with the Department of Chemical Sciences and Materials Technologies of the CNR (Council National Research), the first edition of a degree award for the best thesis on “Environmental sustainability and/or circular economy in the textile sector” within the Engineering and Chemistry departments of the Italian universities.

A panel made up of company managers and members designated by CRUI and CNR will assign the award to the best project in terms of validity, feasibility and replicability.

Klopman will offer the winner a six-month paid internship, inclusive of room and board, with a value of around 15,000 euros and the opportunity to see their project realized. Theses must have been produced during the period between January 1, 2018 and July 26, 2019, the deadline for entering the award, and the works must be sent to the email address hr@klopman.com. The call is open to all Italian universities and addressed to all graduates and undergraduates of the specified courses who are interested in pursuing a career in the textile industry with a leading company in the sector and with a strong and long-standing presence in global markets.

The degree award is only the latest advance in Klopman’s drive to enhance sustainability in all its forms. In fact, the initiative follows other social responsibility projects collected in the CSR document which the company presents each year to all its stakeholders. Besides meeting the most rigorous worldwide environmental standards, the company boasts among its range of products, fabrics made with organic or fair trade cotton or with fiber derived from the pulp of trees or from recycled plastic bottles. Fabrics as good as those produced by traditional raw materials but with the guarantee of significant environmental benefits. Furthermore, Klopman has just started work on a new cogeneration plant which will allow the recovery and reuse of almost all the thermal energy produced in the combustion process, with a reduction of 4500 tons a year of CO2 and 60-percent less dust.

“Klopman is extremely mindful of its impact on the environment, committed to innovation and sensitive to the needs of the younger generation, and the award is a very important initiative for us because it perfectly puts together these characteristics of our company,” said Alfonso Marra, CEO of Klopman. “The old model of linear economy based on consumption and waste is no longer sustainable from both an environmental and an economic point of view and the conversion to a circular economy model calls all companies, especially those in the textile sector, to a strong commitment in terms of innovation and planning. As a leader in its field, Klopman is setting out the path and we hope that our example will be followed by a growing number of actors.”

Posted October 9, 2018

Source: Klopman

Bally Ribbon Mills To Display High Performance 3-D Woven Composites At CAMX 2018

BALLY, Pa. — October 5, 2018 — Bally Ribbon Mills (BRM) — a designer, developer, and manufacturer of highly specialized engineered woven fabrics — announces that it will showcase its high-quality, high-performance products at CAMX 2018, taking place October 15-18, 2018, in Dallas, Texas. BRM experts will be on hand in booth S49 to discuss the company’s 3-D woven joints, thermal protection systems (TPS), and other 3-D structures.

BRM uses 3-D continuous weaving to creating new joint structures and improving existing joints. Delivering the optimal blend of strength, durability, and structural integrity, BRM’s 3-D woven joints are available in “Pi – π,” double “T,” “H,” and other complex net shapes. 3-D woven joints from BRM lower weight and cost without sacrificing integrity and performance. Because of the nature of the 3-D weave, strength and support is translated in all 3 dimensions, thus enabling the join to reinforce the strength along the load paths of the sub-structures being joined together. These 3-D woven shapes for joining can be tailored to suit the architecture of the structure itself, as well as the sub-components being joined.

3-D woven composites by BRM are particularly successful in aviation heat shield applications such as thermal protection systems. These systems are mission-critical components, particularly in space exploration vehicles, and 3-D woven composites reduce weight and cost while maintaining excellent performance in TPS systems. The ability to vary yarn types, density, thickness, and width, as well as resin type, allows BRM to create fully customizable TPS to fit each specific mission or application’s needs.

Along with TPS systems, 3-D woven components also function well as engine parts in aircraft. Replacing traditional titanium engine components with 3-D woven carbon fiber composites serves to reduce weight and therefore lifetime cost, all while meeting the rigorous demands of manufacturing and use.

Posted October 9, 2018

Source: Bally Ribbon Mills

Thrace Group Commits And Invests In The “EU Strategy For Plastics In A Circular Economy”

ATHENS — October 8, 2018 — Fully aligned with the European strategy for plastics and the transition to a more circular economy, Thrace Group turns today’s challenges into opportunities ensuring sustainable competitive advantages in the packaging and technical fabrics sectors it operates in, by:

Using more recycled materials
In response to the European Union’s call for voluntary pledges for the uptake of recycled plastics, Thrace Group submitted a pledge to substitute more than 8,500 tons of virgin raw material with recycled by 2025.

This pledge is Thrace Group’s contribution to the Commission’s objective to significantly increase the quantity of plastic waste that will be converted into new products by the year 2025.

Designing & manufacturing products that facilitate recycling
Totally aligned with the “European Strategy for Plastics in a Circular Economy” that demands all plastic packaging placed on the market to be recyclable or reusable by 2030, Thrace Group already produces and distributes recyclable products.

Investing in Reinventing Plastics
Taking responsibility for its prominent role in the global plastics value chain, Thrace Group responds to the Commission’s call: “Let’s reinvent plastics! It’s time to change the way we design, produce, use and dispose of them”

Within this context Thrace Group is increasing its investments in the research, design and manufacturing for light weight, recyclable packaging solutions and innovative technical fabrics.

Posted October 9, 2018

Source: Thrace Group

Motion Industries Acquires Hydraulic Supply Company

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — October 8, 2018 — Motion Industries Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Genuine Parts Co., announced that it has acquired Hydraulic Supply Company (HSC). Execution of the transaction was completed on October 1, 2018.

Jim Inglis, HSC CEO, said: “I’m grateful to see our company able to continue growing as a division of Motion Industries — a great cultural fit and shared values. I’m extremely thankful for all that the Hydraulic Supply Company team members have done for me, my family and for each other over the last 71 years. I know that under Motion Industries leadership it’s going to continue to be a fun and exciting future.”

HSC President John Serra added: “When we began to explore selling HSC, culture was always at the very top of our concerns. Spending time with Motion’s executive team quickly resolved those concerns. Coupling that with Motion’s vision to see HSC operate as a vertical business unit within Motion’s existing footprint, assured both Jim Inglis and me that we didn’t need to look any further.”

Founded in 1947, HSC is a full service distributor, offering customers a wide selection from over 8,000 hydraulic, pneumatic, and industrial products. Its team of experienced technicians provide a wide variety of services including hydraulic repair, hose assembly and kitting, tube bending and flaring, and manual valve assembly. In addition, HSC has a strong reputation in the market for being a solutions provider for customers in a wide range of industries, from agriculture to mining to transportation.

“We are pleased to welcome HSC to the Motion team,” said Kevin Storer, executive vice president, U.S. Operations and President of Motion Mexico. “The addition of HSC further expands our reach and commitment to Motion’s customers in the fluid conveyance channel.”

Tony Cefalu, Motion Industries’ senior vice president, Conveyance Solutions Group, Shops and Service Centers, said: “Hydraulic Supply Company’s culture, team and geographic coverage are a wonderful fit for Motion Industries. We are excited to work with John Serra to grow and expand the footprint of the company that Jim Inglis and his father built. HSC will operate as a vertical division within Motion’s Conveyance Solutions Group.”

Headquartered near Miami, HSC serves customers throughout and beyond its 30 location footprint, mainly in the Southeast U.S. HSC also conducts international sales through its office in Monterrey, Mexico.

Posted October 8, 2018

Source: Motion Industries

Delta Apparel Subsidiary DTG2Go Acquires SSI Digital Print Services

GREENVILLE, S.C. — October 8, 2018 — Delta Apparel Inc. — a provider of basic and branded apparel, headwear and related accessories — today announced that DTG2Go LLC, its wholly-owned subsidiary, has acquired substantially all of the assets of Silk Screen Ink, Ltd. d/b/a SSI Digital Print Services, a provider of digital print services, for $12 million. The acquisition is expected to increase the company’s fiscal 2019 revenue by approximately $15 million and be immediately accretive to diluted earnings per share.  The Company will provide additional details regarding the transaction on its fourth quarter and fiscal year 2018 earnings conference call, which is scheduled for Thursday, November 15, 2018.

Deborah H. Merrill, Delta Apparel’s CFO, and president, Delta Group, commented: “We look forward to the opportunities the acquisition of SSI Digital Print Services provides our company, including increasing our digital print capacity and enhancing our strategic footprint so that we now service over 90 percent of the U.S. population with 1 to 2 day shipping.”

Merrill further stated: “Our vertically-integrated platform utilizing Delta Apparel’s broad range of blank garments provides customers with a seamless supply chain for on-demand, digitally printed garments fulfilled directly to their consumers. This level of customer offering and consumer reach is unmatched in the digital print space. We believe the on-demand market is in a rapid growth stage and we are committed to being the leading digital print and fulfillment service provider in this evolving industry.”

“We have known the leadership team of DTG2Go for a long time and have always admired the innovative business model they operate,” said Jay Butterfield, owner of SSI Digital Print Services. “I am pleased that the SSI team is now a part of DTG2Go, and believe the transaction provides great synergies for the company, our customers and our employees.”

Posted October 8, 2018

Source: Delta Apparel

Knoll Names Christopher M. Baldwin COO And President Of Knoll Office

EAST GREENVILLE, Pa. — October 8, 2018 — Knoll Inc., a constellation of design driven brands for the workplace and home, announced today its appointment of Christopher M. Baldwin as COO and president of Knoll Office. Effective today, Baldwin is responsible for sales, marketing and manufacturing operations for the broad range of Knoll workplace lines and services. He reports to Andrew Cogan, Knoll chairman and CEO.

Commenting on the appointment of Baldwin, Cogan said: “Chris is exceptionally well suited to head our workplace business and brings with him a depth of experience we view as critical for this leadership role. His career has spanned operational, commercial and strategic roles at global design-driven manufacturing businesses where working closely with dealer partners and the architectural and design community has been key to success. As our industry evolves, we’re confident that Chris is the right leader to position Knoll for continued success.”

He added: “Today, Knoll is a constellation of brands with a diversified product portfolio that addresses the holistic needs of the contemporary workplace. Chris joins us at a unique time when our workplace business is growing and there are opportunities to accelerate growth and drive improved levels of profitability. In his new role, Chris is committed to driving results in our core office business and investing in our future to best serve clients, dealer partners and the architectural and design community.”

Baldwin most recently served as the president—Kitchen and Bath Americas for Kohler Co., where he led strategies to outperform global and regional competitors for this multi-billion dollar business. Previously, he held a series of positions within Kohler, including president, Global Faucets and general manager, Kallista. Before joining Kohler in 2005, Baldwin held sales, product management and sales management positions with Siemens and Eaton.

Baldwin said: “I am excited to join such a passionate, design-driven organization dedicated to serving customers and committed to operational excellence. Knoll and its dealer partners set the standard for creating flexible, inspiring work environments, serving a diverse customer mix across the commercial, education, healthcare and government sectors. I am proud and humbled to join this successful team.”

Baldwin holds an M.B.A. from the J. L. Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University and a B.S. in chemical engineering from Purdue University.

Posted October 8, 2018

Source: Knoll Inc.

Introducing WeKno® Real-Time Diaper Knowledge™ — Instant Alerts On Your Mobile Phone When Your Baby’s Diaper Is Wet Or Soiled

MIAMI — October 8, 2018 — Nappy Telematics Inc. introduces WeKno® with Real-Time Diaper Knowledge™.  The world’s first way for parent to know — in real time — if their baby’s diaper is wet or soiled and needs to be changed — directly on their mobile phone.

Features include:

  • Ability to check a diaper remotely while an infant is in a crib, stroller, car seat or just playing from our mobile App.
  • Ability to set and receive real-time alerts, audible and/or vibratory on your phone to ensure proper changes to reduce irritation and diaper rash — as soon as diaper is wet or soiled.
  • The WeKno Reader can be set to vibrate and/or ring in case your phone is not nearby.

WeKno consists of disposable, flexible, moisture sensing stickers that are placed on the outside of any diaper — cloth or disposable at the time of changing. The WeKno Reader connects to a mobile phone via Bluetooth from the WeKno App and is placed within 1 meter of a diaper. From the App check a diaper remotely with the push of a button or set up auto alerts, audible or vibratory, directly to your phone when a diaper needs to be changed.

Diaper rash also called: irritant diaper dermatitis effects 3 million baby’s in the United States and an estimated 10 million baby’s worldwide every year. The undisputed method to reducing chaffing, delicate skin irritation and diaper rash is changing a wet or soiled diaper as soon as possible.

WeKno is the worlds first real-time tool to help parents reduce their infants diaper rash and skin irritation caused by the acid in urine and feces. Using its Real-Time Wetness Indicator™ disposable stickers, WeKno Reader and mobile phone app to provide diaper wetness and soiled instant alerts to Apple and Android devices.

Nappy Telematics, the developer of the WeKno, is a Miami based technology startup focused on the novel use of sensors to solve everyday problems. Its current work includes WeKno and WeKno Senior® a revolutionary incontinent management solution for senior living locations and healthcare facilities.

Posted October 8, 2018

Source: Nappy Telematics

Canada’s Leading Manufacturer Of Tactical And Sports Gear Announces Expansion To The United States

TORONTO — October 8, 2018 — Only three months after announcing its expansion to the European market with successful results, Canada’s leading manufacturer of tactical and sports products The Requirements Group (TRG) is starting its operations in the United States of America effective immediately.

With its two flagship brands Shadow Elite and Shadow Strategic, TRG will be able to serve both the agency and civilian markets. Having its own factory allows TRG to source and manufacture products the way they are meant to be. Having the ability to regulate strict quality control is what the company prides itself on. Reducing production costs by not outsourcing to third-party factories passes on the savings of premium products to the clients, as well as allowing the company to handle large-scale agency and government contracts.

“The main reason why our brands are so popular with both the professional and consumer end users is because every piece is engineered and tested by veteran and active tactical police and military operators,” says Glen Turpin, retired police officer, tactical expert and co-founder of The Requirements Group (TRG). “Above all, since we are a law enforcement and military veteran owned and operated company, we give a lot back to other veterans.”

Recently, TRG designed a specific style of pants for amputees. TRG has been working with veteran support groups to provide these products to those that can benefit from them. Also, the company is in works of developing an entire philanthropy division to support more injured veterans and active teams in the field.

“The TRG guys have stood on the front lines for years, fighting for our freedom and liberty, protecting our communities the same way those using our products today are. We know the requirements and rigorous demands our men and women in uniform face, so we want to make sure that the last thing they have to worry about is the quality, comfort and safety of the operational gear they are wearing,” says Jake Myers, veteran U.S. Army Combat Veteran and operations manager of TRG in the United States. “We don’t tell them what they should wear; we listen to them and design the gear to meet their requirements. We are one of them. We don’t operate the way other corporations do. Our approach is to treat our customers the way we wanted to be treated while we were active. We are here to provide solutions for them, not just get the sale. When they call our office, they know they will be speaking with one of us. That is the most essential way to get to know your clients and build a relationship with them. Whether our end user is a soldier, a cop, an outdoor enthusiast, active in airsoft community or an athlete, they are an individual and our job is to listen to them, not treat them like a number. They wear our gear, they are part of our family.”

Recently the tactical and sports apparel market has been flooded with low-grade, unreliable products as a result of many manufacturers turning to factories with no experience in tactical products. This move has neglected the end user’s comfort and safety. The Requirements Group (TRG) has been a company trying to turn around the market and deliver to the tactical professionals and outdoors consumers premium products which have been designed and tested by active and veteran tactical police, military and SAR (search & rescue) operators. All the requirements of the products are based on real-life experience of tactical and special forces operators.

Posted October 8, 2018

Source: The Requirements Group (TRG)

Home Textiles Manufacturer Trident Group Expands Its U.S. Operations With Four Key Executive Hires

NEW YORK CITY — October 8, 2018 — Trident, a manufacturer of home textiles, is pleased to announce and welcome four new senior level staff members to its New York team. These new executives, working in tandem with the brand’s established team in India gives Trident the ability to further its expansion and growth in the North American market.

Trident’s U.S. division is now comprised of three senior level sales and marketing executives, three senior level designers and an operations and logistics specialist. The following personnel have joined the Trident team this month:

  • Luis Hernandez, vice president of Sales and Marketing, brings more than 30 years of experience in the home fashions industry to Trident, previously working for companies such as Loftex, Richloom and Cone Mills. Highly relational and strategic, Hernandez has an excellent handle on the market and consumer insights. His experience is expected to have major impact on Trident’s sales team overall, with his ability to effortlessly integrate into sales organizations.
  • Jennifer Polikoff, vice president of Bedding Design has an outstanding design and product background of over 20 years in both luxury and moderate home textiles. Polikoff has a unique perspective and insight to offer Trident’s retail partners. With an exceptionally strong background in trend analysis and interpretation, Polikoff is highly respected for her creative talents and ability to transform trends into commercially successful product lines. Polikoff previously worked for companies such as Victoria Classics, Kohl’s, Target and Nostalgia Home Fashions.
  • Carla Grosso, vice president of Bath Design offers an excellent background in bath and fashion bedding, with experience designing as both a manufacturer and a retailer. She has a successful history with retailers in all channels of distribution and is a proven leader and team builder. With Grosso’s technical knowledge in all areas of textiles, with an emphasis in terry cloth, she will make a huge asset to the Trident team. She previously worked for companies including, Createx, Sunvim and Macy’s Merchandising Group.
  • Jhony Pamnani, director of Operations, was hired to fulfill a key new role for Trident as they take the next step in domestic replenishment and e-commerce fulfillment by beginning to warehouse inventory in the US in Q4. Pamnani is experienced in overseeing logistics, imports, demand and supply planning, replenishment, EDI and OMS teams. In addition, he’s well versed in the unique relationship between 3PLs, Retailers, and manufacturers. Trident anticipates him being a critical player as they unroll carton replenishment, pick and pack, and e-commerce initiatives.

“The addition of these four key members marks a defining moment in the continuing evolution of the Trident Group. Since opening up the U.S. office nearly four years ago, we have been continuously evaluating and improving our approach to serve the U.S. market,” said Jeffrey Kambak, CEO of U.S. Operations for the Trident Group. “It’s a complicated task to build a structure to serve an industry that is changing as rapidly as the retail landscape is, but Trident continuously proves that it can take on the challenge.”

Posted October 8, 2018

Source: Trident Group

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