Techtextil North America/Texprocess Americas 2018: A Hit For Visitors & Exhibitors

BornemanBy Jim Borneman, Editor In Chief

The combined Techtextil North America/Texprocess Americas 2018 held recently in Atlanta and organized by Messe Frankfurt North America was a very positive experience for visitors and exhibitors alike. With many recognizable textile executives in attendance, the show offered serious networking in addition to the largest-ever exhibit floor space for the event.

With exhibitors from an unofficial count of 32 countries, the international presence was palpable. Country pavilions were prevalent as were well known domestic representatives cutting across technologies and suppliers to the industry. The international pavilions were well staffed and offered great information.

Notably, the show floor highlighted the growing realm of digital printing. In some cases, digital printing machinery manufacturers aligned with apparel manufacturing suppliers on the Texprocess side of the hall illustrating how their technology integrates into the apparel manufacturing process. Industry stalwarts like Zimmer were located on the Techtextil side of the exhibition showcasing digital printing machinery as well as coating technologies.

The shows spoke volumes about the health and vibrancy of the U.S. industry today. This was the 15th edition of Techtextil North America and fourth edition of Texprocess Americas, and it is interesting to see how the show has changed over the years from its roots as a relatively small show held at the Cobb Galleria just north of Atlanta to today’s expanded presence at Atlanta’s main congress center. And yes, there still is room to grow.
One attending executive who hadn’t attended in the recent past, said, “Where did all the sewing machines come from?” — a testament to the growing size of Texprocess Americas and its impressive representation of suppliers to the sewn products industry.

The executives that stopped by the Textile World/Textiles Panamericanos booth generally were positive about the show and the state of the industry. There was a steady flow of guests to all booths, and engaging conversations were taking place across the show floor.

Momentum is building for the very busy show calendar in the first half of 2019. Techtextil North America will be held in Raleigh, N.C., in February — a little earlier than usual. The IDEA show, hosted by the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry (INDA) will be held in Miami at the end of March; INPRINT USA moves to Louisville, Ky., in early April; Techtextil/Texprocess will be held in Frankfurt in mid-May; and then the industry’s largest trade show event — ITMA 2019 — takes place in Barcelona mid-June. That is quite a lineup, not to mention the various annual association meetings and conferences. Keeping the schedule straight will be challenging to say the least. It will be a demanding time for exhibitors and attendees alike, but what a showcase with the promise of something on display for everyone.

In 2018, Techtextil/Texprocess has done a positive job in providing a welcoming showcase presenting the depth and breadth of the textile industry — “Norma Rae” was noticeably absent.

May/June 2018

Gore Featuring 5G And Aerospace & Defense Test Solutions At IMS 2018

PHILADELPHIA — June 12, 2018 —  W. L. Gore & Associates continues to enhance the company’s microwave/RF solutions to operate at higher frequencies while performing reliably over time. Gore will be featuring several 5G and aerospace & defense testing insights and products at IMS 2018, June 12-14, at the Philadelphia Convention Center, Philadelphia, Booth #1537.

5G testing has become increasingly complex, with higher frequency test components above 6 GHz and more ports to address. Multiple functions are integrated into a component and frequent calibration is required. At the same time, tests need to deliver highly accurate measurements for faster throughput, less calibration and downtime, and reduced overall costs.  To address these demanding requirements, Gore has introduced GORE® PHASEFLEX® Microwave/RF Test Assemblies, Type 0N — the smallest, lightest, most internally ruggedized assembly on the market today for modular, multi-port, and multi-site test applications.

Gore’s product specialist Chris Cox said, “Test assemblies for 5G applications are important. The need for smaller and lighter assemblies will be crucial, as well as their durability and flexibility. Knowing you can trust them will be even more significant for 5G.”

In the area of defense and aerospace, Gore will be featuring its GORE® PHASEFLEX® Microwave/RF Test Assemblies and their airframe assemblies, GORE-FLIGHT™ Microwave Assemblies, 6 Series. The airframe assemblies are lightweight cable solutions that deliver the lowest insertion loss before and after installation, ensuring reliable performance for the life of an aircraft system. The robust construction reduces total costs by withstanding the challenges of installation, reducing costly production delays, field service frequency, and the need for purchasing replacement assemblies.

The testing of aircraft systems is a critical part. “You can’t trust the performance if you can’t trust the test,” Gore aerospace application engineer Chris Ericksen stated.

In addition to the above, Gore will be highlighting the company’s “60 Years of Improving Lives” with a special display featuring Converse shoes with GORE-TEX® Technology, FDA-approved GORE CARDIOFORM Septal Occluder, and Elixir® Strings for guitars.

Posted June 12, 2018

Source: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.

Innovative Japanese Mattress Brand Introduces The Airweave Advanced

NEW YORK CITY— June 12, 2018 —  Airweave, a leading bedding brand in Japan, has announced the launch of its latest mattress model to the U.S. market, the Airweave Mattress Advanced. The experience is designed to satisfy a wider range of customers’ needs while still offering Airweave’s signature support and breathability which is scientifically proven to provide a deeper, more restorative sleep compared to traditional foam mattresses.

Airweave was founded on the need for a mattress that could provide proper support and spinal alignment that traditional mattress materials could not satisfy. From this need, the proprietary airfiber® material was created — a highly resilient interwoven resin fiber with free airflow for unparalleled support and temperature control. Through world-class scientific research and consumer feedback, Airweave has made technical advancements to its airfiber material and the design of each product over the course of ten years. Airweave continues to disrupt the industry with the Airweave Mattress Advanced.

Benefits of the Airweave Advanced

Personalize Your Comfort: The Advanced comes with three airfiber blocks: two regular firmness, and one DUAL MODE. Airweave’s DUAL MODE technology allows users to select their firmness level simply by flipping to the regular or firm side. Use the optional pillow top layer for added softness. The components are secured with an inner and outer cover.

Easier To Move, Easier To Clean: Carry and clean with ease thanks to the Advanced’s lightweight and modular design. A great feature for frequent movers and a nod to the traditional Japanese futon which is designed to be easily stored when not in use.

Longer Lasting & Sustainable: Enjoy Airweave for a lifetime by easily replacing parts rather than having to buy (or throw out) your entire mattress. A win for customer’s wallet and the environment.

A Better Mattress In A Box: Airweave’s unique airfiber material cannot be compressed like the typical bed in a box. But by dividing the mattress into customizable parts, we now can offer a better sleep experience AND fast & easy shipping. Assemble within minutes, and it’s ready to sleep on. No wait time for the mattress to fully expand and no off-gassing perio

Posted June 12, 2018

Source: Airweave

Kraig Biocraft Laboratories Deploys New Spider Silk DNA Synthesis Methodology

ANN ARBOR, Mich.  — June 12, 2018 —  Kraig Biocraft Laboratories Inc. announced today that the company has completed more than 2,500 microinjections using the recently announced new spider silk DNA synthesis methodology. This new method allows for faster creation of larger and more complex spider silk proteins. Larger and more complex proteins are believed to produce improved silk strength, toughness, and elasticity. These improved recombinant spider silk fibers will allow the company to target an expanded set of end market applications.

To support this expanded research and development capability, the company added two laboratory staff for increased testing throughput. The additional lab staff members have been trained and have conducted the majority of the microinjection effort.

By implementing this new validated protocol and completing these initial microinjections, the company is looking forward to creating new transgenics, at Kraig Labs’ U.S. R&D headquarters, with an abridged development cycle and enhanced materials performance. The transgenics created using the new protocols are expected to be transitioned into Prodigy Textiles’, the company’s recently announced Vietnamese subsidiary, commercial production process.

“Thanks to our lab and production teams’ considerable collaborative effort, this new methodology has already demonstrated the potential to significantly reduce our development timelines. To see it put into practice so quickly and to have already completed the first 2,500 test microinjections is very impressive,” said Jon Rice, COO. “I look forward to seeing this capability enable the next generation of recombinant spider silk fibers.”

Posted June 12, 2018

Source: Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, Inc.

Avante Textil Selects Aptos Retail Technology For Point Of Sale And Customer Relationship Management

ATLANTA — June 12, 2018 —  Aptos Inc. today announced Avante Textil has selected the Aptos Store solution for point of sale and Aptos CRM to support its customer engagement strategies and retail operations excellence throughout Mexico.

As one of Mexico’s largest textile manufacturers with more than 200 stores, Avante Textil aims to provide its clients with exceptional yarn, fabric and elastics products and high-quality garments at a fair price. In addition to manufacturing fabrics and raw materials, Avante operates eight clothing brands: Action Gear, Altesse, Baby Optima, Licencias, Optima, Puppy & Co., Skiny and Tops & Bottoms.

To support continued growth and exceptional customer service, Avante Textil will replace its current point of sale system to leverage Aptos’ industry-leading point of sale and retail-specific CRM solutions across its store footprint.

With Aptos Store, Avante Textil will enable its associates to offer a broader and more personalized array of promotions along with exemplary service by providing easy access to all the information required to satisfy the expectations of today’s shopper, from product information to customer loyalty and purchase history.

Avante Textil will be able to process transactions more efficiently and on its customers’ terms, while helping drive increased sales. Data will be reconciled automatically into Avante Textil’s ERP system.

Avante Textil will also deploy Aptos CRM, seamlessly integrated to Aptos Store, to offer shoppers personalized experiences. With Aptos CRM, Avante Textil will benefit from a holistic view of customers, with powerful management tools that will help drive visits and sales, and enhance loyalty.

“At Avante Textil, we are focused on customer satisfaction, while creating opportunities for the growth of our business and colleagues,” said Alberto Kalach, general manager of Avante Textil. “Our selection of Aptos’ industry-leading retail technology aligns with our mission as we advance our customer engagement and retail operations excellence while expanding our market leadership and retail footprint. We are excited about the benefits that Aptos Store and Aptos CRM will bring to our customers, associates and overall business.”

“Avante Textil is a visionary company that is closely aligned with Aptos based on its pioneering spirit and our similarities in culture,” said Noel Goggin, Aptos CEO and culture leader. “We are proud to partner with this fast-growing brand that is dedicated to constant innovation, customer satisfaction and a deep commitment to the highest-quality products. We look forward to supporting Avante Textil’s dedication to dress people throughout Mexico and around the world.”

Posted June 12, 2018

Source: Aptos, Inc.

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

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