2018 State Of The U.S. Technical Textiles Industry

Sheltercanopy
The Ultra-Lightweight Camouflage Screen (ULCAS) is an advanced multispectral camouflage net that provides signature protection for military vehicles and other objects while in static positions. Copyright Saab AB, Hans Berggren

Part II of a two-part feature on the outlook for the technical textiles market.

By Steve Warner, Contributing Editor

In the last issue of Textile World, Part 1 of “2018 State Of The U.S. Technical Textiles Industry,” looked at economic and trade factors impacting the sector. Part 2 focuses on specific segments of the industry including automotive, military and law enforcement applications for technical textiles.

Automotive/Light Vehicle Market

The largest user of technical textiles is the vehicle manufacturing industry. After a decade of steady, impressive growth, North America experienced a small contraction in the number of passenger vehicles made in 2017. About 17.25 million cars and light trucks were sold, a decline of 1.8 percent from 2016. The United States made 11.56 million or 67 percent of these vehicles. Canada produced 2.3 million, and Mexico accounted for another 3.4 million.

The average amount of material going into a vehicle is 28 square yards (yd2), which means about 323.7 million yd2 went into domestic-made vehicles in 2017.

There are five primary applications for textiles in vehicles — passenger restraint systems such as airbags and seatbelts, headliners and seating, trunk liners, flooring, and tires — plus smaller applications like hoses and acoustic/vibration insulation. The major interior vehicle applications are in seating and flooring.

The domestic vehicle production base has been moving from Detroit over the past decade, in part because Asian and European automakers have developed manufacturing operations in the southern United States. The automotive industry tends to operate with a cluster supplier base — meaning prime parts suppliers are located nearby. The recent announcement of a new $1.6 billion Toyota/Mazda manufacturing plant in Alabama, plus expansions of the Volvo plant in South Carolina and the Daimler plant in Alabama, spells good news for the domestic automotive textile industry. Further, Stamford, Conn.-based Hexcel Corp., Tokyo-based Toray Industries Inc. and Tokyo-based Teijin Ltd. recently have announced more than $2 billion in carbon-fiber related production expansions in the United States, targeted mostly for the automotive industry.

If there is a possible breakout new market segment for smart textiles, it is in vehicles. Heating and cooling seat technology already is in use. Now, assembly manufacturers are exploring seating material that can detect an occupant’s size and weight to provide a more comfortable ride and prevent driver fatigue. Potential applications may soon also include interior materials that change color, allowing driver customization.

Airbags

The airbag sector unfortunately is best known right now for recalls. However, recalls aside, the sector has experienced phenomenal growth over the past 20 years, which is expected to continue. Its fate, too, is not necessarily tied to the number of vehicles manufactured. There is an increasing number of airbags placed in each vehicle; and developing nations with a growing appetite for vehicles, including India and Brazil, are demanding mandatory airbag safety requirements.

The development of driverless cars will present unique new opportunities too, because present designs are intended only for forward-facing occupants.

Thus, airbags are estimated to be the fastest growing market segment in automotive textiles at 8.1 percent. The most common fabric used is nylon 6,6. Because of the heat generated by a quickly inflated bag, silicone-coated fabrics are used for airbags that encounter a vehicle occupant’s face.

The three major U.S. airbag manufacturers are:

  • ZF TRW Automotive Holdings Corp.;
  • Autoliv Inc.; and
  • Joyson Safety Systems (JSS).

Industry consolidation continued for the airbag industry in 2017. JSS purchased the assets of bankrupt Takata Corp. for $1.6 billion, instantly vaulting the U.S.-headquartered company into the number two spot on the global list of airbag suppliers behind Autoliv.

While the number of airbag suppliers is shrinking, plant capacity and global locations of the remaining manufacturers increases. Toray Advanced Textile recently announced its first foray into North America, building a new plant in Mexico to make nylon fiber and fabric for airbags to supply the growing U.S. and Mexican automotive manufacturing industry.

TTShelter
Alaska Structures, Anchorage, Alaska, manufactures military shelter systems including tactical operations centers.

Military/Law Enforcement

For military applications, there are three critical criteria — concealment, mobility and operating in extreme weather conditions.

The key point to be made about the military’s technical textile needs is that sequestering all aspects of the military’s competitive warfighting edge have eroded, and that money now will be spent to fix shortcomings. After more than a decade of fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan, the U.S. military now is switching back to building a force that can deter both established — Russia — and emerging military powers — China.

The Budget Control Act (BCA) of 2011 dramatically reduced funding for the Department of Defense (DoD) for the last 6 years. The BCA contains a threat that binds the spending limits/caps and, if spending exceeds budget, sequestration takes place with the draconian result of automatic cuts across the DoD budget.

However, things are about to change. The Trump administration and Congress has dramatically increased military spending in the fiscal year 19 and fiscal year 20 budgets, jumping from $594.9 billion actual in fiscal year 17 to $686 billion in the new fiscal year 19 budget. Further, in his State of the Union address this year, President Trump called on Congress to end sequestering. The passage of much higher military budgets for fiscal year 19 and fiscal year 20 has circumvented sequestering restrictions but it is still law for fiscal year 20 and fiscal year 21.

Although sequestration’s threatened cuts have been somewhat mitigated by Overseas Contingency Operations funding and short-term budget agreements such as in 2013 and 2015, appropriations have been unpredictable and inconsistent. The five-year decline of military contracts because of BCA has resulted in about a 50-percent drop in the industry for needs such as shelters, ballistic vests, ammunition pouches and other products made from technical textiles. With only sporadic contracts, it has been difficult for military contractors to maintain a trained and ready workforce. The military branches have, in turn, been forced to stretch out the shelf life of products which are increasingly needed to be replaced, resulting in what the DoD has called strategic atrophy.

It is too soon to tell though how much this new higher budget will impact the industry for specific products such as shelters and personal equipment. Most of the increases will go to big ticket items like planes, missile defense systems and ships. The technical textiles industry, however, should see a significant bump through the peripheral support items such as aircraft shelters. Plus, the budget calls for an increase in the troop level by 25,000 which should increase the need for more personal protection equipment and shelters, among other items.

Brought on by the conflict in Ukraine and possibly in Korea, one common theme you will find in looking at pending procurement is the emphasis on equipment for extreme wintry conditions. The Marine Corps has created a new small expeditionary Rotational Force-Europe, which is testing equipment in Norway. A couple of the problems that have been revealed include operating touch screens with gloves, and the performance of zippers and hook-and-loop closures under harsh temperatures.

TTShelter2
Alaska Structures also produces small shelter systems

Berry Amendment Protection

One of the most irritating issues revolving around the law to protect domestic sourcing is the ignorance of military procurement officers of the Berry Amendment’s requirements. In July 2017, the DoD’s inspector issued its Defense Logistics Agency Compliance with the Berry Amendment and the Buy American Act report. The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) oversees procurement, including more than 8,000 textile items, most of them covered by the Berry Amendment. In a sample audit, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that DLA contracting personnel complied with the Berry Amendment for only 13 of the 32 contracts reviewed. The remaining 19 contracts were not in compliance, and were valued at $453.2 million. Further, 12 of 56 contracts reviewed did not comply with the Buy American Act.

Shelters

The key trends in military shelters are mobility and operating in harsh climates. The Army is rethinking its command post applications, and this may have a serious impact on the shelter industry. Under a directive called Command Post Integrated Infrastructure (CPI2), the Army is looking at the next generation of command post shelters to support a more agile, expeditionary force. Speed and mobility have become more critical components. The thinking is a command post must be able to transport and be operationally ready within 30 minutes. What this means, is more of the hard-shell structures for housing that emerged in 2016 at the expense of fabric shelters. Hard-shell structures may be put on wheels to become mobile, and come ready-to-go with wiring, air conditioning and communications. The move towards hard-shell styles may have impact on the currently accepted Deployable Rapid-Assembly Shelter (DRASH). These fabric structure modules may lose out as the hard-shell modules can offer more quick-start amenities.

On the positive side, shelter manufacturers are reporting more orders for accommodating 600-, 150- and 25-man camps. There also is an expressed demand for cold-weather shelters and clothing, which is probably driven by the conflict in Ukraine.

The following list contains most of the military shelter manufacturers:

  • Outdoor Venture Corp., Stearns, Ky.;
  • Camel Manufacturing Co., La Follette, Tenn.;
  • Hunter Defense Technology (HDT), Solon, Ohio;
  • Alaska Structures, Anchorage, Alaska;
  • Diamond Brand Canvas Products, Asheville, N.C.;
  • Johnson Outdoors Gear Inc. (Eureka), Binghamton, N.Y.;
  • CAMSS Shelters, Kirkland, Wash.;
  • Anchor Industries Inc., Evansville, Ind.;
  • Cilena Tent, Celina, Ohio;
  • Western Shelter, Eugene, Ore.; and
  • UTS Systems, Fort Walton Beach, Fla.
TTFBI
Technical textiles are used by many law enforcement agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI’s) SWAT agents. Photograph courtesy of the Department of Justice, FBI Media

Ballistic Vests/Personal Protection Equipment

The military continually is working to develop the next-generation soldier protection systems, seeking a balance of protection and comfort to protect the warfighter from chemical, biological, environmental and impact issues.

For individual ballistic protection, the first factor is always improving projectile impact kinetic energy disbursement. After protection, there is a weight race. How can the load be lightened? Other factors are the fit of the system as well as self-reporting features such as health sensors and self-healing abilities.

The Soldier Protection System (SPS) is a suite of personal protection subsystems intended to provide equal or increased levels of protection against small-arms or fragmenting threats. The major component subsystem for the industry is the soft armor Torso and Extremity Protection (TEP). TEP is divided into 4 main tiers of protection:

  • Tier 1: Concealable;
  • Tier 2: Low Visibility;
  • Tier 3: Tactical; and
  • Tier 4: Full Spectrum.

Some of the major ballistic vest military contractors include KDH Defense Systems Inc., Eden, N.C.; Point Blank Enterprises Inc. and Protective Products Enterprises, Pompano Beach, Fla.; Hawk Protection Inc., Pembroke Pines, Fla.; Shortbark Industries Inc., Vonore, Tenn.; and Carter Enterprises LLC dba Mil-Spec Enterprises, Brooklyn, N.Y.

Gradually, the weight for the Outer Tactical Vest (OTV) has been reduced. In 2008, a typical OTV weighed about 33 pounds. A Generation II OTV ballistic protection system is now down to less than 30 pounds. The new vital torso protection system (VTPS) is scalable and can now shed up to an additional 14 percent of the weight through change-out modular components depending upon the tactical situation. But the Army isn’t satisfied — new directives call for increased weight reduction with the goal of losing another 20 percent.

The U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL) is exploring bioenabled and protective materials that combine protection against multiple environmental, detection and ballistic threats. It also is looking at signature management technologies to decrease the probability of a soldier being seen or heard by dampening the soldier’s thermal, electromagnetic or visual characteristics signature. Finally, ARL is looking at improved body armor ballistics and blast threats.

The new soft armor vest and tactical vests entered full-rate production in fiscal year 2017. The sensor systems — which include an integrated sensor system that can measure heart rate, temperature and hydration levels — are still in the development phase. New protective coverage for the pelvic, groin, side and neck are being introduced.

Soft body armor is made using either woven aramid fibers or nonwoven ultra-high-molecular-weight-polyethylene.

In addition to the military, mass shootings and attacks on law enforcement officials have created a high civilian and law enforcement demand for body armor. In 2016, the global market was estimated to be about $4 billion with a U.S. share of $465 million. In the United States, the growth is not only for law enforcement officials, but also for other types of first responders such as emergency medical technicians and firefighters.

While the military regulates standards for body armor, the only nationally accepted standard for body armor worn by law enforcement and corrections officials is the standard issued by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), an agency of the U.S. Department of Justice. NIJ has developed different classifications for body armor as follows:

  • Type I — Designed to protect against lower velocity rounds. This is the lightest and most comfortable vest to wear.
  • Type II-A — Protects against slightly higher velocity and is considered the bare minimum requirement for law enforcement vests.
  • Type II — Armor is protection is heavier.
  • Type III-A — Used for protection of high velocity handguns, considered the highest protection available for most handguns. Weight and bulk eliminates concealment of the vest.
  • Type III — Used in tactical situations for protection against rifles.
  • Type IV — Protection against armor piercing rifles and often uses ceramic plate inserts.

Helping drive market growth, is the Bulletproof Vest Partnership (BVP) program, a U.S. Department of Justice initiative designed to provide state and local jurisdictions with financial help in purchasing bullet-resistant body armor. Under the program, local governments are reimbursed up to 50 percent of the cost of each unit. Priority for the grants are given to jurisdictions under 100,000 in population. Since 1999, BVP has award more than 13,000 jurisdictions a total of $430 million in federal funds for the purchase of 1.3 million vests as of July 2017.

The increased interest in civilian purchases has created a crowded manufacturing industry with now more than 50 companies listed by the Justice Department as meeting its standards requirements. As expected in an emerging market, there seems to be the beginnings of industry consolidation through mergers and acquisitions. In 2017, Safariland Group, Jacksonville, Fla., made a series of acquisitions of smaller manufacturers; and already in 2018, a merger between KDH Defense Systems and Central Lake, Mich.-based Armor Express Inc. was announced.

As covered earlier, the domestic procurement for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security presents unique problems because of existing trade agreements. However, in the case of ballistic vests for its agents, the GAO found that DHS had contracted for $6.8 million worth of body armor and found all vests were produced in the United States.

The average life span for a ballistic vest is five years, so the growing demand for vests plus a replaceable market every five years means this will continue to be a growing product for technical textiles.

Camouflage

The transition from the Universal Camouflage Pattern (UCP) for uniforms that began in 2015 to the Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP) will be complete in October 2019. It is estimated the switch and a consolidation of patterns for the four military branches will save at least $80 million.

The current Ultra-Lightweight Camouflage Net Systems (ULCANS) was introduced 17 years ago and expired in 2016. It was supplied under a $1.7 billion contract with Saab Barracuda. The net systems are designed to protect our forward bases of operations from visual imaging in a counter-insurgency scenario.

Camouflage is no longer just about visual hiding. The effective use of unmanned aerial systems — drones — and improved sensors has created an urgent need to prevent all types of detection. Besides visual, multi-spectral tactical camouflage also tries to simultaneously hide objects from infrared, radar, thermal and electro-magnetic millimeter-wave imaging.

In August 2017, the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Systems Center issued a solicitation for a new generation ULCANS netting system. In addition to recognizing detection sensor technology advances, there also is recognition of the changing environmental landscape for operations. The new ULCANS program will include variants for operating in arctic and urban environments, adding to the existing woodland and desert ULCANS variants. This is an Army program, but it is expected to also be used by the Marine Corps.

In late March, the Army announced the ULCANS netting system contract was awarded to three companies — HDT Expeditionary Systems Inc., Solon, Ohio; Saab Barracuda LLC, Lillington, N.C.; and Fibrotex USA Inc., Washington. The new contract is for 10 years and is worth $480 million. Ultimately, the contractors will provide between 300 and 600 systems per month.

Editor’s Note: Steve Warner is the publisher of BeaverLake6 Report, a web-based newsletter reporting on trends, data and issues that influence the global technical textiles industry. He can be reached at beaverlake6@hotmail.com. All trade information was current as of TW’s press time. Part one of this article appeared in the March/April 2018 issue of TW.

May/June 2018

New Generation Of KERN – LIEBERS Relanit Sinkers

SCHRAMBERG, Germany — May 16, 2018 — The textile market is in continual change. The technical standards of the machines and the know-how of all persons involved become higher and higher. In addition to the need of high speed machines also the specifications of the knitted fabric require increased standards with regard to the strength and mesh structure. In pursuit of this trend, the adjustment of all equipped elements for the knitting process is indispensable. Only then the highest quality standard can be achieved in order to assure the customer satisfaction at the maximum level.

Obviously this development also takes place for the Relanit machines of Mayer & Cie. The demand for high-quality knitted fabrics increases continuously in many markets. As a result of this, the machine settings and the tolerances need to be constantly improved which also leads to higher and changed specifications for the Relanit Sinkers.

KERN – LIEBERS Textile developed a new generation of Relanit Sinkers which fully meets the latest requirements of the market. This new generation enables the production of all kinds of knitted fabrics. A uniform pattern can be ensured even for highly advanced knitted fabrics. Due to the new development the range of strength of knitted fabrics can be considerably extended.

Based on our long experience as a OEM supplier of Mayer & Cie, we have managed the perfect adjustments to reach the latest demands of the markets. This new „High End“ product at the highest quality level is a further completion of the worldwide biggest sinker program made by KERN-LIEBERS Textile

We recommend for high class knitting machines KERN-LIEBERS original sinkers only. Have the benefit from the highest requirements fixed and controlled by the circular machine manufacturer. KERN –LIEBERS Textile represents the original always without any compromise.

Posted May 16, 2018

Source: Kern-Liebers Knitting Parts GmbH.

Shaw Industries Achieves Carbon Neutrality In Its Commercial Carpet Manufacturing Operations

DALTON, Ga. — May 16, 2018 — Shaw Industries Group Inc. (Shaw) has achieved carbon neutrality in its commercial carpet manufacturing operations. The achievement encompasses all commercial carpet manufacturing facilities that Shaw owns and operates globally, including those for Patcraft, Philadelphia Commercial, Shaw Contract and STS.

“At Shaw, we believe in creating a better future. We understand the challenges of climate change are global in scale and require a global response. No one company can solve problems at this scale by itself, but we can each contribute to an effort that enables all of us to create a wave of change for the better,” noted Tim Conway, vice president of sustainability for Shaw’s commercial division. “What we manufacture and the spaces our clients design make an impact. By reducing Shaw’s carbon footprint, we reduce the impact of what we create together.”

Shaw achieved carbon neutrality across its commercial carpet operations by first reducing its energy consumption, then switching to cleaner fuels; producing renewable energy at its own facilities; and incentivizing additional renewable energy development and usage through the purchase of renewable energy credits. These efforts include installing a 1 MW solar array atop its carpet tile manufacturing facility in Cartersville, Ga., in 2013.

Companywide, Shaw’s greenhouse gas emissions have improved approximately 25 percent compared to 2010 and the company has a target of reducing both the amount of energy it uses and the amount of GHG emissions it produces by 40 percent by 2030 (per pound of finished product).

“This is just one of a series of actions we have taken and will continue to take in line with our overall sustainability strategy and corporate vision,” stated Troy Virgo, director of sustainability and product stewardship at Shaw. “We all have an important role in creating a better future, and with every decision, every thought and every action, we’re working toward even better solutions. The steps we take matter for people and the planet.”

Posted May 16, 2018

Source: Shaw Industries Group

Techtextil Once Again On Course For Growth

FRANKFURT AM MAIN, Germany — May 16, 2018 — The prospects for exhibitors and visitors at Techtextil 2019 are good: some twelve months before the start of the leading international trade fair for technical textiles and nonwovens (14 to 17 May 2019), the number of registrations is already significantly higher than the figure for a comparable stage in the run-up to the last show.

“Every two years, Techtextil in Frankfurt becomes the focal point of all the pioneering thinkers, manufacturers and users in the field of high-tech textile products. Our trade mark is the sheer variety of textile solutions that find uses way beyond sector boundaries. The outstanding figures for registrations underscores the value that the international community places on Techtextil,” says Olaf Schmidt, Vice President Textiles and Textile Technologies at Messe Frankfurt.

Currently, exhibitors from 44 different countries have opted to take part in Techtextil. Twelve countries have already registered joint / national stands: Belgium, China, Czech Republic, France, Great Britain, Italy, Portugal, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, Turkey and USA. The manufacturers represent the entire spectrum of technical textiles and nonwovens. There is particularly strong representation in fields relating to fibre-based products for industry, architecture and construction, apparel, vehicles and transport, medicine, sport and hazard protection. Exhibitors already include, amongst others, AG Cilander, Freudenberg, Hyosung, Ibena Textilwerke, Kordsa, Lenzing, Olbo & Mehler Tex, Porcher, Peppermint Holding, PHP Fibres, Sandler, Sattler Pro-Tex, Schoeller, Sioen and Tenowo.

Visitors will also be offered a broad product range in the field of textile machinery, where all international market leaders such as Dilo, Groz-Beckert, Huntsman, Karl Mayer, Lindauer Dornier, Monforts and Trützschler, will be present. Additionally, the joint stands organised by the professional associations ACIMIT (Italy) and the BTMA (Great Britain), will again be showcasing an extensive spectrum of technologies, processes and accessories.

Held in parallel to Techtextil, Texprocess, the leading trade fair for the processing of technical textiles and apparel fabrics, will provide in-depth insights into all stages of textile processing. Texprocess, too, continues to grow and also reports outstanding registration figures. Techtextil 2017 was visited by 33,670 trade visitors from 104 countries. In addition, at least another 7,091 such visitors came across from the concurrently held Texprocess.

Changed Exhibition Centre Layout

Because of the building work being undertaken at Messe Frankfurt’s Trade Fair and Exhibition Centre, there will be a slight change to the exhibition layout of Techtextil and Texprocess. Related to this is the fact that there will, for the first time, be a shared hall that includes Techtextil exhibitors with a focus on functional apparel fabrics and exhibitors at Texprocess involved in fabric treatment and finishing. This hall will also house the ‘Digital Textile Micro Factory’, which will showcase a completely integrated and networked production line for apparel, as well as – for the first time – for technical textiles in other applications, too. In this hall, then, visitors will have an insight into the entire production process, from material to finished product.

It is still possible to register for Techtextil and Texprocess.

Posted May 16, 2018

Source: Messe Frankfurt

Archroma Becomes A Contributor To The House Of Denim Foundation

REINACH, Switzerland — May 16, 2018 — Archroma, a global leader in color and specialty chemicals, has entered a partnership with the House of Denim Foundation (“House of Denim”). Archroma will support House of Denim with a yearly financial contribution to the Foundation’s Denim City and will share its expertise and network with House of Denim.

House of Denim is a non-profit organization that conceives and initiates collaborative projects to make this denim industry cleaner, dryer and smarter, through education, research & innovation, enterprise and networking, under the moto “Towards a Brighter Blue”. House of Denim has established the Denim City in Amsterdam, an innovation campus for the denim industry with facilities such as the Blue Lab, the Academy and the Jean School.

Archroma has made remarked contributions to the denim industry with cutting-edge dyeing technologies and products that bring together creativity, performance and sustainability.

In particular, Archroma today is in the unique and envied position to offer a complete solution package combining eco-advanced colors, auxiliaries and finishes, such as its ADVANCED DENIM, a sulfur dyes based concept allowing massive water and resource savings, used by brands such as Patagonia.

The company also introduced an award-winning, patented range of “biosynthetic” dyes, EarthColors, which are made from waste left over by the agricultural and herbal industry after extraction, such as almond shells, saw palmetto, or rosemary leaves. The gorgeous EarthColors can already be seen in the collections of denim brands such G-Star.

For designers and brands who long for authentic indigo inspiration, Archroma designed Denisol® Indigo 30, a pre-reduced indigo solution manufactured in Archroma’s “zero water discharge” production facility in Pakistan, a GOTS and bluesign® certified option.

With this partnership, Archroma and House of Denim aim to implement safety, health & environmental best practices in the Denim City’s Blue Lab; work together in the activities of the Denim City’s Academy and Jean School, bring new skills and knowledge to the participants, as well as some of Archroma’s exclusive tools such as the Color Atlas color library especially developed for designers.

“We are very excited to become an active contributor and partner of House of Denim,” comments Miguel Sanchez, Head Global Business Development Denim & Casual Wear, at Archroma. “House of Denim and Archroma share the same vision that we can allow denim brands and manufacturers to create denim with a soul: Beautiful, innovative and resource-preserving collections – for denim beyond denim.”

“Collaborations with recognized industry experts, such as Archroma, are crucial if we want to make a real contribution towards making the denim industry cleaner, dryer and smarter,” comments Harm Magis, of House of Denim. “Archroma will bring House of Denim’s participants and designers invaluable expertise on how to create denim excellence with a conscience.”

Posted May 16, 2018

Source: Archroma

Texprocess 2019 Extremely Popular With Exhibitors

FRANKFURT AM MAIN, Germany — May 16, 2018 — There is huge demand amongst both German and international exhibitors; manufacturers of textile-processing machinery from 25 countries have already confirmed that they will be attending Texprocess, the leading international trade fair for the processing of textiles and flexible materials (14 to 17 May 2019). That means more companies, more floor space and, in addition, higher levels of international participation compared to an equivalent stage in the run-up to the previous show.

“The dynamism in the sector continues unabated. We could already feel that at the last Texprocess show. For Texprocess 2019, we expect further growth in terms of both exhibitor and visitor numbers. At the same time, we shall be able to see ever more extensively digitalised solutions,” says Olaf Schmidt, Vice President Textiles and Textile Technologies at Messe Frankfurt.

Among the exhibitors that have already signed up are all international market leaders, including Amann, Brother, Dürkopp Adler, Human Solutions, Juki Central Europe, Morgan Tecnica, Pfaff, Tajima, Veit and Vetron. After a period of absence, Lectra and Sunstar will again be represented at Texprocess. Amongst others attending for the first time will be Browzwear Solutions, INL International Technology and Siruba Latin America. China, Japan and Taiwan have all registered national pavilions.

Once again, the exhibitors represent all the stages in the textile-processing chain, from IT-supported design, through cutting, seaming and finishing technologies, to textile-product logistics and recycling. As a result, they are also of relevance, not only to the apparel industry, but also to the leather goods industry, furniture manufacturers and the automotive sector. Particularly strongly represented are exhibitors in the fields of CAD/CAM, Cutting, Making, Trimming (CMT), Sewing, Seaming, and Fixing, as well as those working in Automation and Information Technology. Strong growth is reported, too, in Finishing.

Techtextil, the leading international trade fair for technical textiles and nonwovens (14 to 17 May 2019), is, once again, being held in parallel with Texprocess. Techtextil, too, shows huge demand, with exhibitors from 44 countries currently signed up, also significantly exceeding the registration figures at the same stage in the run-up to the last event. In all, 1,789 exhibitors from 66 countries, together with a total of 47,500 trade and professional visitors attended Texprocess and Techtextil in 2017. Over 13,718 trade visitors came to Texprocess. On top of that, there were some 11,399 visitors who came across from the concurrently held Techtextil.

Changed Exhibition Centre Layout

Because of the building work being undertaken at Messe Frankfurt’s Trade Fair and Exhibition Centre, there will be a slight change to the exhibition layout of Techtextil and Texprocess. Related to this is the fact that there will, for the first time, be a shared hall that includes Techtextil exhibitors with a focus on functional apparel fabrics and exhibitors at Texprocess involved in fabric treatment and finishing. This hall will also house the ‘Digital Textile Micro Factory’, which will showcase a completely integrated and networked production line for apparel, as well as – for the first time – for technical textiles in other applications, too. In this hall, then, visitors will have an insight into the entire production process, from material to finished product.

It is still possible to register for Texprocess and Techtextil.

Posted May 16, 2018

Source: Messe Frankfurt

Anderson-Little Still Going Strong

HIALEAH, Fla. — May 15, 2018 — This year, Anderson-Little is celebrating 85 years in business. “Five generations of American men have worn Anderson-Little clothing,” Scott Anderson says. “They’ve built businesses, created opportunities, and worked hard to make this world a better place wearing our blazer. When you’re focused, determined and driven, you don’t have time to waste worrying about what’s trendy right now or spending more money than you have to. Anderson-Little epitomizes classic style and great value.”

Made in America: The History of Anderson-Little

Morris B. Anderson began Anderson-Little in 1933 in Fall River, Mass. “Morris was very typical of the American entrepreneur,” Anderson said. “He wasn’t just satisfied with doing a good job or a great job. He wanted to do things better and differently.” Morris Anderson pioneered the “Factory Direct to You” sales model; it was the first of its kind in the nation. It rapidly became an industry standard.

In 2008, Scott Anderson — Morris’ great grandson — reinvented and modernized the Anderson-Little brand through ecommerce. Research done at that time found that Anderson-Little still enjoyed tremendous regional brand recognition — 95 percent of New England men surveyed recalled the brand and reported positive associations with it. The Anderson-Little classic blue blazer was the first real piece of an adult wardrobe many men ever owned.

Today, the Anderson-Little classic blue blazer is available online at AndersonLittle.com. “It was very important to us to keep everything the customer expects from us in place. The classic blue blazer is manufactured in America, and at $179, is a great value for the price.”

For Graduations, Job Interviews, Weddings & More: Places to Wear the Classic Blue Blazer

“Times may change, but there are still things that remain the same,” Anderson explained. “There will be times when you want to make a good impression. There will be times when you need to look professional. There will be times when it’s important to let people know that you’re the type of person who notices quality, who appreciates value, and who prizes the durability of classic style. Those are the times you want Anderson-Little.”

Posted May 15, 2018

Source: Anderson-Little

Henkel To Acquire Leading Retailer Brand Manufacturer For Laundry & Home Care Products

DÜSSELDORF, Germany — May 10, 2018 — Henkel signed an agreement with the Toronto Stock Exchange-listed company Acasta Enterprises Inc. to acquire JemPak Corp., Canada, for 118 million Canadian dollars (approximately $91.7 million or 77 million euros) on a cash free and debt free basis.

In fiscal 2017, JemPak Corporation reported sales of around 90 million Canadian dollars (approximately $70 million or 60 million euros) and employs about 140 people. Based in Concord, Canada, the business is focused on the United States and the Canadian laundry and home care retailer brands business and offers products in attractive and growing categories such as automatic dishwashing, laundry caps and fabric finishers. It operates two manufacturing sites.

“This acquisition complements and strengthens our existing laundry and home care portfolio in North America. We will further expand our No. 2 market position in this attractive market and will strengthen our leading position in the retailer brands category in North America,” explained Bruno Piacenza, executive vice president and responsible for Henkel’s Laundry & Home Care business.

The closing of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close on or about May 31, 2018.

Posted May 15, 2018

Source: Henkel

International Market Centers And AmericasMart To Combine To Form The World’s Largest Owner And Operator Of Premier Showroom Space

LAS VEGAS/HIGH POINT, N.C./ATLANTA — May 15, 2018 — International Market Centers (IMC) and AmericasMart [Atlanta] (AmericasMart), two operators in the furniture, gift, home decor, rug and apparel B2B industries, have entered into an agreement to form the world’s largest owner and operator of premier showroom space. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

The combined corporate entity, which will operate under the name “International Market Centers,” will own and operate nearly 20 million square feet of permanent showroom space in Las Vegas, High Point, N.C., and Atlanta creating the world’s largest permanent mart operator for furniture, home decor, rug, gift and apparel. The individual Markets and their respective venues will continue to operate under existing names and branding. IMC and AmericasMart will bring together the best practices, technology, and personnel from both firms to create premier B2B Market experiences across more than 20 annual events.

Robert Maricich, the current CEO of IMC, will become CEO of the combined entity. “IMC has always had immense respect for AmericasMart and its founders, the Portman family, who established a tremendous reputation in the industry,” Maricich said. “We look forward to bringing together our two companies to provide exhibitors with exceptional access to global Markets, and buyers with even more convenient opportunities to explore top products across sectors.”

AmericasMart houses the world’s single-largest collection of home decor, gift, area rug and apparel merchandise, with a complex comprising over 7.1 million square feet of space in downtown Atlanta. AmericasMart hosts 17 annual Markets and shows, including The Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market and The Atlanta International Area Rug Market. The Markets regularly serve over 4,500 exhibitors. AmericasMart welcomes nearly 200,000 attendees per year including international attendees from 80 countries and buyers from the top 100 retailers in the U.S.

The creation of architect-developer John Portman, AmericasMart has been an icon of commerce for more than 60 years and an enduring landmark in the City of Atlanta. Within the 14-block Peachtree Center complex which Portman designed and developed without the use of any public funds, the campus has been expanded in phases since its opening in 1961. By stimulating trade and tourism with this and many other projects, Portman was the catalyst that established Atlanta as one of the nation’s premier convention cities.

“AmericasMart has long served as a crossroads of commerce,” noted Jeffrey L. Portman, Sr. “This joining of the incredibly powerful talents and resources present in both organizations will sustain and advance that role for the ultimate benefit of the customers we jointly serve.”

Jeff Portman will serve as an advisor to the Board of IMC.

Blackstone Real Estate Partners and Blackstone Tactical Opportunities acquired IMC in 2017 in partnership with Fireside Investments. IMC is the world’s largest owner and operator of premier showroom space for the furniture, home decor and gift industries, with 12.2 million square feet of world-class exhibition space in High Point, N.C., and Las Vegas serving more than 4,000 exhibitors and lines.

Tyler Henritze, senior managing director and head of U.S. Real Estate Acquisitions at Blackstone, added: “Having grown up in Atlanta, I am well aware of the tremendous contributions the Portman family has made to the city and in building AmericasMart into the leader it is today. On behalf of Blackstone and IMC, we are excited to build on this legacy, to further invest in and strengthen AmericasMart and, with our prior acquisition, create the global leader in the permanent showroom business.” Blackstone has invested in $5 billion of other real estate properties in the Atlanta area since 2012.

This strategic combination is evidence of Blackstone’s and IMC’s strong belief in the long-term vitality of Markets and the critical role they play in the industry. To that end, IMC has recently committed significant capital to expand both of its existing campuses – in Las Vegas, through the construction of a new, connected 350,000-square-foot convention and exposition center and in High Point, through the acquisition/construction of two buildings and the extensive renovation of common areas throughout the campus.

“This announcement to combine with AmericasMart coupled with our continued investment in High Point and Las Vegas demonstrates our enthusiasm about the expansion of our core business and our optimism for the future of Markets for the furniture, home decor, gift and apparel industries,” said Maricich.

The transaction is expected to close in third quarter of 2018.

Posted May 15, 2018

Source:  IMC

Kraig Biocraft Laboratories Takes Next Steps In Prodigy Textiles’ Spider Silk Commercialization Program

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — May 14, 2018 — Kraig Biocraft Laboratories Inc., a developer of spider silk-based fibers, provided an update on progress towards the commercialization of spider silk technology following last week’s announcement of the formation of its Vietnamese subsidiary, Prodigy Textiles Co. Ltd. The company views Prodigy as its main production arm for spider silk technologies.

The company is gearing up production of its proprietary spider silk silkworm eggs in preparation for shipment to Prodigy. These Silkworms are slated to be the first transgenics produced at Prodigy.

Kraig Labs has identified a facility, in Quang Nam province, with the capacity to support operations and is working with local experts to update and build-out the facility to meet production specifications.

To bring Prodigy production operations online, Kraig Labs has accelerated Prodigy’s staffing and hiring plans. Key technical and administration positions within Prodigy have been identified and the company is working with its consultants in Vietnam to fill these positions.

Kraig’s management is now preparing to travel to Vietnam to oversee Prodigy’s launch, where they will also be oversee hiring core staff, the transfer of the company’s spider silk silkworm technology, and the beginning of operations.

“Momentum at Prodigy is growing and we’re focused on the exciting milestones ahead,” said Jon Rice, COO. “We are busy preparing silkworm eggs for shipment and putting the team in place at Prodigy to hit the ground running. We are now taking concrete steps to build on all the work we’ve done in Vietnam and to convert that into a thriving operation for spider silk production.”

Posted May 15, 2018

Source:  Kraig Biocraft Laboratories

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