Rieter: Financial Year 2017

WINTERTHUR, Switzerland — March 13, 2018 —  A significant increase in order intake and order backlog at the end of the year marked the 2017 financial year. In terms of sales, Rieter posted a slight increase. The EBIT margin before restructuring charges was 5.4%. Despite special effects, the company’s dividend policy and solid financial position allow the payment of an attractive dividend. Therefore, the Board of Directors proposes to the shareholders to leave the dividend unchanged at 5.00 Swiss francs.

Rieter posted an order intake of 1,051.5 million Swiss francs in the 2017 financial year. This represents an increase of 16% compared to the previous year (increase of 146.3 million Swiss francs). Thus, the upturn that began in the first half of 2017 continued. At the end of 2017, Rieter’s order backlog was some 100 million Swiss francs higher than the previous year at around 540 million Swiss francs (December 31, 2016: around 440 million Swiss francs).

At 965.6 million Swiss francs, total sales were 2% higher than the previous year (2016: 945.0 million Swiss francs). Compared to sales of 415.2 million Swiss francs in the first half year, Rieter posted strong growth in the second half year to 550.4 million Swiss francs, due in particular to a large increase in deliveries in the Business Group Machines & Systems and the acquisition of SSM Textile Machinery. Thanks to a global presence and a comprehensive product and service portfolio, Rieter again achieved a market share of around 30%.

EBIT Margin, Net Profit and Free Cash Flow

The 2017 financial year was characterized by improved profitability in the Business Group After Sales and weaker, volume-related results in the Business Groups Machines & Systems and Components. With slightly higher sales than in the previous year, Rieter recorded an EBIT margin (before restructuring charges) of 5.4% or 51.8 million Swiss francs (2016: 6.0% or 56.5 million Swiss francs). The restructuring charges amounted to 36 million Swiss francs. These are associated with the reorganization of the Ingolstadt location (Germany). Consequently, at 13.3 million Swiss francs (1.4% of sales), the net profit is considerably lower than in the previous year (42.7 million Swiss francs or 4.5% of sales). Free cash flow amounted to -101.3 million Swiss francs, mainly due to the cash outflow of 100.2 million Swiss francs for the acquisition of SSM Textile Machinery and the demand driven increase of net working capital. The equity ratio as of December 31, 2017 was 43.6% (December 31, 2016: 46.2%).

Sales by Region

In the Asian countries (excluding China, India and Turkey), Rieter increased sales in the reporting year by 11% to 319.1 million Swiss francs. At 184.0 million Swiss francs, a good level of sales was achieved in China, despite a slight decline of 1%. Sales in India fell by 5% to 173.8 million Swiss francs. This development is attributable in particular to lower sales of technology components. Sales in Turkey fell by 16% to 100.1 million Swiss francs in 2017, mainly due to the sluggish order intake for new machines in the first half of the year.

Orders in the USA and Brazil led to sales of 114.7 million Swiss francs in the North and South America region, an increase of 32%.

Business Groups

In terms of sales, the Business Group Machines & Systems posted a slight decline to 589.5 million Swiss francs (2016: 603.4 million Swiss francs) and an EBIT (before restructuring charges) of 0.8 million Swiss francs (2016: 3.6 million Swiss francs). Order intake rose to 668.2 Swiss francs million (2016: 591.6 million Swiss francs).

The Business Group After Sales generated an EBIT (before restructuring charges) of 27.9 million Swiss francs (2016: 25.5 million Swiss francs) on sales of 146.3 million Swiss francs (2016: 141.6 million Swiss francs). With stable installation volume, growth was driven by spare parts and after sales services. Order intake in what continues to be a demanding market increased to 154.8 million Swiss francs (2016: 135.2 million Swiss francs).

The Business Group Components increased sales thanks to the acquisition of SSM Textile Machinery (49.1 million Swiss francs) to 229.8 million Swiss francs (2016: 200.0 million Swiss francs); at 30.8 million Swiss francs, however, the EBIT margin was lower compared to the previous year (2016: 35.1 million Swiss francs). The strong second half-year could not fully compensate for the first half-year. The order intake was significantly higher than the previous year at 228.5 million Swiss francs (2016: 178.4 million Swiss francs), with the acquisition of SSM Textile Machinery contributing CHF 42.5 million to this positive growth from the second half of the year.

Improvement Program STEP UP

Rieter also forged ahead with the improvement program STEP UP in the 2017 financial year. Strengthening innovative capacity and the after sales and components business as well as increasing profitability through cost reduction remain the top priorities.

The systematic implementation of the current innovation program continues. For example, the single-head draw frame RSB-D 50 was launched successfully in 2017. In 2018, Rieter will present a new ring spinning machine and a new compact spinning machine. In the Business Groups After Sales and Components, innovations that enjoy strong demand are also regularly launched on the market. Research and development expenditure increased to 49.2 million Swiss francs (2016: 48.0 million Swiss francs).

Rieter places a further priority on the digitization of spinning mills. Thanks to the combination of profound expertise in spinning mills with technologies from the digital world, the UPtime Maintenance Solution has emerged as the digital expert system that optimizes the maintenance of spinning mills and their monitoring in relation to predictive maintenance.

In mid-2017, Rieter acquired the SSM Textile Machinery Division (SSM) from Schweiter Technologies AG in Horgen (Switzerland). SSM is the world’s leading supplier of precision winding machines in the fields of dyeing, weaving and sewing thread preparation and enjoys success in individual segments of filament yarn production. Assigned to the Business Group Components, the unit will further strengthen Rieter’s components business.

Following the agreement with the Works Council, the restructuring at the Ingolstadt location is proceeding according to plan. Rieter will concentrate on the development of machines in Ingolstadt, and the previous production will be relocated to Ústí nad Orlicí in the Czech Republic. Overall, Rieter expects cost reductions of more than 15 million Swiss francs from 2019 as a result of these measures.

Winterthur Location

In Winterthur, the intention is to create a modern location, concentrating the customer center, product and technology development, assembly and administration on an area of approximately 30 000 square meters. In October 2017, Rieter launched a study contract and awarded this to five renowned consultancy firms from the Canton of Zurich. These firms have until the end of March 2018 to submit their projects, which will then be assessed by a panel of judges. The final decision on the realization of the project will be taken by the Rieter Board of Directors during 2018.

Dividends And Dividend Policy

At the Annual General Meeting on April 5, 2018, as in the previous year the Board of Directors will propose a dividend of 5.00 Swiss francs. The company’s dividend policy allows a payout ratio of at least 40% of net profit. Rieter’s solid financial strength allows the pay-out of an attractive dividend even with one-off special charges.

Changes in Group Executive Committee

As of April 6, 2017, Serge Entleitner, as a member of the Group Executive Committee, took over the management of the Business Group Components. This group was previously managed by Werner Strasser, who has retired.

Board of Directors and Annual General Meeting

At the Annual General Meeting held on April 5, 2017, shareholders approved all motions proposed by the Board of Directors. They elected two new members to the Board of Directors, Carl Illi and Luc Tack. The members of the Board of Directors: Roger Baillod, Bernhard Jucker, Michael Pieper, This E. Schneider, Hans-Peter Schwald and Peter Spuhler were confirmed for a further one-year term of office.

Chairman of the Board of Directors Erwin Stoller was no longer available to stand for re-election. The general meeting elected Bernhard Jucker as Chairman of the Board of Directors. This E. Schneider and Hans-Peter Schwald, the members of the Remuneration Committee who were standing for election, were also each re-elected for a one-year term of office. Chairman of the Board of Directors, Bernhard Jucker was elected as a new member of the Remuneration Committee.

Outlook

In the first two months, demand has been on a stable level. Rieter expects this momentum to continue. With a stronger second semester, Rieter expects sales and profitability for 2018 to be above the level of 2017 (before restructuring charges). In the first semester of 2018, EBIT and net profit for the Group are expected at the level of the previous period due to the country and product mix at the Business Group Machines & Systems.

Thanks
On behalf of the Board of Directors and the Group Executive Committee, we wish to thank all Rieter employees for their dedicated commitment in the year 2017. We also offer our heartfelt gratitude to our customers, suppliers and other business partners for your loyalty to our company – and to the shareholders for their confidence.

Posted March 13, 2018

Source: Rieter

INDA Unveils New Timing, Established Location And Expanded Focus For Filtration Event

CARY, N.C. — March 13, 2018 — Responding to the strong growth and established cycle in the filtration industry, INDA has announced plans for its largest-ever event dedicated to an expanded Filtration International Conference & Exposition coming February 25-27, 2020, to Navy Pier in Chicago.

“We are expanding our vision for the future of our important Filtration Expo by providing industry participants from around the world with great new potential to exhibit, learn and meet with others in the industry at a global event in North America,” said INDA President Dave Rousse.

INDA announced the following enhancements to further energize the powerful event:

New Timing: The Filtration International Conference & Exposition will be held every 18 months, instead of once a year, for greater appeal to the global market and complement the timing of the major European filtration event. This means that after Filtration 2018 in Philadelphia this October 2-4, there will be no Filtration Expo in the fall of 2019, as it will jump to February 2020.

Established Location: The event will be held exclusively at the Navy Pier in Chicago rather than rotating locations.

Expanded Focus: Filtration Expo will expand its focus beyond nonwovens and fully embrace the broad cross section of engineered media, filtration & separation technologies, filter making equipment, and other equipment related to the manufacture, testing and monitoring of filters and their environment.

“We believe these changes will position this event as a “must attend” for global filtration industry companies needing a focal point in North America,” Rousse said. “While filtration is a part of many industry shows, there is no other show in the U.S. dedicated exclusively to filtration. Filtration Expo will appeal across a broader spectrum of the filtration market, going beyond nonwoven media.”

Filtration 2018 Not to Be Missed

More than 1,400 attendees and 140-plus exhibitors attended Filtration 2017 and INDA is expecting another strong turnout across all industry segments for Filtration 2018, October 2-4, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia. Online registration is now open at: http://www.inda.org/events/filt18/.

Both the 2018 and the 2020 Filtration Expo’s will provide valuable conference and educational program content and create a vibrant forum for exhibitors to highlight innovative products and services serving all filtration sectors and to create business connections on the exposition floor. The one-and-a-half day acclaimed Nonwoven Filter Media Training Course prior to the exposition will be offered at the 2018 Filtration Expo.

“This change in cycle timing and event scope will support the establishment of a more practical rhythm for the two major events supporting this important industry on each continent,” said Rousse. “We will now be in sync with the European event, not overlapping, with plenty of time between for exhibitors to display at both and for attendees to revisit meeting needs.”

Posted March 13, 2018

Source: INDA

X-Rite, Pantone Win Prestigious iF DESIGN AWARD For Second Consecutive Year

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — March 12, 2018 — X-Rite Inc. and Pantone LLC are the winners of this year’s world-renowned iF DESIGN AWARD for its Virtual Light Booth (VLB). The VLB is part of a comprehensive solution that brings a new level of accuracy and realism to the capture, communication and digital presentation of physical materials in the virtual world. A team of 63 judges, made up of independent experts from all over the world, reviewed a total of 6,400 entries and selected the VLB as a winner in the product discipline.

“It’s a great honor to win the prestigious iF Design Award for our Total Appearance Capture solution for the second consecutive year,” said Dr. Francis Lamy, executive vice president and CTO, X-Rite. “Total Appearance Capture, of which VLB is a key component, is the culmination of sixty years of color and appearance science. I’m very proud of the entire TAC development team that has brought this innovation to life.”

X-Rite’s Total Appearance Capture (TAC™) ecosystem addresses a key challenge in product design – the ability to accurately capture and virtualize today’s increasingly complex materials such as special effect paints and synthetic fabrics. The VLB is the industry’s first 3D visualization environment for evaluating material appearance. It allows users to accurately and efficiently visualize and compare 3D digital material renderings side-by-side with physical samples under a variety of lighting conditions. This helps ensure consistency between digital prototypes and final physical products. It empowers designers to make more informed material selection decisions reducing approval cycles and time to market.

The full TAC ecosystem enables product designers, 3D artists, material specifiers and marketers to create digital materials representations that simulate physical appearance characteristics such as color, texture, gloss, refraction, transparency, special effects (sparkles) and reflection properties. This helps streamline the overall design and manufacturing process and deliver the most compelling, photorealistic 3D visuals possible. The TAC ecosystem is comprised of the 2017 iF DESIGN AWARD winning TAC7 scanner, PANTORA™ Material Hub desktop application, and the VLB.

Posted March 12, 2018

Source: X-Rite

Oritain Partners With Egypt’s Cotton Trader Modern Nile Cotton to Improve Traceability In Its Supply Chain

DUNEDIN, New Zealand — March 12, 2018 — Oritain, the global company specialising in supply chain traceability, announces it has partnered with Modern Nile Cotton Co., to verify the origin of Egyptian cotton and mitigate against risks in its supply chain.

Modern Nile Cotton, Egypt’s largest cotton trader, specializes primarily in Egyptian cotton which it exports locally and to international markets. The company is also the largest importer and supplier of foreign cottons to Egyptian spinners.

Using Oritain’s innovative scientific method, the company will be able to verify the origin of its cotton throughout the supply chain to ensure it is supplying an authentic final product to its customers. Modern Nile Cotton Co. will also work with Oritain to reduce the risk of contamination and fraud in its supply chain.

Commenting on the deal, CEO of Oritain, Grant Cochrane, said: “Today, more cotton suppliers worldwide are recognising the benefits of providing a record of authenticity and traceability, particularly in the face of a growing number of supply chain challenges.”

Cochrane added: “Manufacturers, brand owners and retailers pay a premium for high-quality Egyptian cotton, and by using our unique method, they can be certain they’re purchasing an authentic product. Egyptian cotton, with its long history, occupies a special place in the hearts of consumers so we are especially excited to be working with Modern Nile Cotton Co.”

Unlike traditional traceability processes, Oritain is able to use science to prove origin by testing naturally-occurring elements within the product itself, removing the need for additives such as sprays, tags or barcodes.

Ahmed Elbosaty, chairman and managing director of Modern Mile Cotton Co., said: “In our continuous effort of achieving full transparency through the supply chain of goods produced out of 100-percent Egyptian Cotton, we are happy to partner with Oritain.”

“With Oritain’s exceptional breakthrough and unique service, we are confident that we can jointly assure buyers, retailers and consumers of Egyptian Cotton authenticity.”

Oritain’s deal with Modern Nile Cotton expands the company’s growth into the cotton industry. Previously Oritain has signed agreements with the JG Boswell Company & subsidiary Auscott, home textiles manufacturer Welspun India and US-based cotton industry association, SUPIMA®, which represents more than 500 US Pima cotton growers.

Posted March 12, 2018

Source:

ThreadSol Concludes 9th Edition Of Apparel Tech Up Forum In Chittagong

NOIDA, India — March 6, 2018 — After the successful edition of Apparel Tech Up in Chittagong in 2017, ThreadSol hosted the second edition of Apparel Tech Up for the Chittagong Apparel Industry on 4th March 2018 at Radisson Blu, Bay View, Chittagong. The event was aimed to discuss different technology interventions for the Chittagong RMG Industry with primary focus on re-branding of Bangladesh RMG Industry and digitization for Bangladesh RMG Industry to meet the global sourcing requirement. The sponsors for the event were eminent technology firms Webable, Ether Technologies and Centre For Digital Transformation. The speakers also included RMG Industry representatives from JMS Group and Well Group.

The event saw a large turn out from the Apparel Manufacturing fraternity of Chittagong with presence of over 45 high management representatives from 22 manufacturing groups including Kamrul Hassan, Dr. Saad Musa, Ranjith, GM KDS Group, Jashim Uddin, Goldmart Apparels and representatives from CBIFT-BGMEA.

The event began with a note by Dr. Shariful Alam, Director, JMS Group. With 41 years of industry experience, he discussed the transformation that he had witnessed in the Chittagong RMG Industry. He focused on the current challenges and said, “The RMG industry has seen challenges in the last 41 years. Business is always a challenge. However, the last five years have been the most difficult for the industry. I am certain technology is the only solution we have.”

This was followed by talks by Ovick Alam, chairman, Webable, a leading communications and digital marketing firm from Bangladesh and Shadab Mahbub, CEO, Ether Technologies, a product development agency. The center of the talk was re-looking the current stance of the RMG Industry and transition of the “Made In Bangladesh” brand to encompass a larger footprint in the RMG landscape.

The last speaker of the event was Senior Partner – Manufacturing Excellence, ThreadSol, Anas Shakil. He discussed the changing global sourcing trends. The need for the RMG Industry to move from low FOB, long lead time products to shorter lead times.

He said, “With fast fashion and e-commerce, the retail brands want their vendors to take on more responsibility, they want better costs and shorter lead times. Brands are now looking for “Super Vendors” and to stay in the race, Bangladesh needs to transition to one.”

He also explained how ThreadSol products using AI, Big Data and Mobility can drastically aid the RMG industry in Chittagong to become faster and more efficient.

The event concluded with an interactive panel discussion on the topic – “Technology for the RMG Industry in Chittagong”. The panelists were Anas Shakil (ThreadSol), Imitiaz (Webable), Shadab Mahbub (Ether Technologies) and Asif Hassan (Well Group). The panel also saw high audience participation via real-time polling.

Posted March 12, 2018

Source: ThreadSol

Largest-Ever Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics: Spring Edition Opens Wednesday

HONG KONG — March 12, 2018 — The eyes of the textile world will be on Shanghai from this Wednesday, when Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Spring Edition is joined by four other international textile fairs to create the industry’s biggest spring / summer gathering of the entire supply chain. For Intertextile Shanghai alone, a total of 3,386 exhibitors from 22 countries and regions will feature this year, making this the largest Spring Edition in history.

“This is the ninth consecutive year of expansion in the exhibitor number for the Spring Edition, which has increased a remarkable 130 percent in the four years since it moved to Shanghai. The next three days will once again show why Intertextile Shanghai, with its unrivalled number of quality suppliers and buyers together in one place, is the key sourcing destination for the industry’s order writers. With not only the full fabrics and accessories product spectrum on display, but across all price and quality points too, the fair is the most efficient and effective way to discover new suppliers and make purchasing decisions,” said Wendy Wen, Senior General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd.

More than 70,000 trade buyers from 100-plus countries and regions are expected at the fair, and will have at their fingertips everything from fabrics for ladieswear, menswear, suiting, shirting, lingerie and swimwear to high-end wool fabrics, original pattern designs, functional & performance fabrics, sustainability products & services, digital printing technologies, garment & fashion accessories and more.

Spring Edition 2018 at a glance

•    3,386 exhibitors from 22 countries and regions;
•    an expected 70,000-plus trade buyers from 100-plus countries and regions;
•    Country and region pavilions and zones: France, Germany, Japan, Korea, Italy, Pakistan, Taiwan and Turkey;
•    Chinese exhibitors: grouped by product end-use in seven halls;
•    Product zones: Accessories Vision, All About Sustainability, Beyond Denim, Digital Printing Zone, Functional Lab, Premium Wool Zone and Verve for Design;
•    Fringe programme: four international and domestic trend forums, 40-plus seminars & panel discussions, Digital Printing Forum and more; and
•    Concurrent fairs: Yarn Expo Spring, Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Spring Edition, fashion garment fair CHIC and knitting fair PH Value.

Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Spring Edition 2018 is co-organized by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd; the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT; and the China Textile Information Centre. For more details on this fair, please visit: www.intertextileapparel.com. To find out more about all Messe Frankfurt textile fairs worldwide, please visit: www.texpertise-network.com.

Posted March 12, 2018

Source: Messe Frankfurt HK

ITM Exhibitor Preview: SPGPrints

BOXMEER, The Netherlands — March 12, 2018 — SPGPrints’ digital printing solutions using Archer® technology and advanced rotary screens for apparel applications will be presented on its stand in Hall 6, Stand 606B, at ITM 2018, Tűyap Fair Convention and Congress Center, Istanbul, Turkey, from April 14-17.

Highlights of the digital offering at the stand will be the 1850 millimeter (mm)-wide version of the JAVELIN® printer, a program of inks for a wide range of fabrics, and information on other digital printers using Archer technology.

“Since its debut at ITM 2016, the Javelin printer has been installed at textile printing operations around the world, complementing existing digital machines and screen production,” said Hakan Uzman, managing director SPGPrints Turkey. “For the past year, Tekboy Tekstil, here in Istanbul, has been running its Javelin printer to supplement production capacity and meet increased demands for shorter runs, rapid turnarounds, and on-demand sample printing.”

The six-color Javelin is a production scanning printer that uses SPGPrints’ unique Archer technology and Fujifilm Dimatix Samba print heads to fire variable drops of ink (2-10 pL) up to 4 mm to the substrate.

With an output of up to 367 linear meters per hour, the Javelin is suited for medium output levels, and situations where more frequent changes between different fabrics and ink chemistries are required.

For higher volumes, information will be available on the stand about the SPGPrints PIKE® printer that offers high-speed, single-pass production using the same proven Archer technology. Capable of speeds up to 40 linear meters per hour, Pike is enabling users to offer lead times of less than one week to global fast-fashion brands, for orders exceeding 100,000 linear meters.

With both printers, SPGPrints’ “Archer Print Head Program” is available that provides a 2.5 year guarantee on print heads in combination with the use of accredited inks.

In addition to production flexibility, the Javelin and Pike printers deliver high-quality print with fine lines, solid blotches, precise geometrics, and micro patterns, making them ideal for today’s design trends and demands for fast-fashion.

SPGPrints manufactures its own inks for use with Javelin and Pike printers at its recently expanded ink plant, at its headquarters in Boxmeeer. SPGPrints’ NEBULA® range of digital inks is designed for use with printers using Kyocera print heads. Acid, reactive, disperse and sublimation inks are available, and assure smooth running, wide colour gamuts, and outstanding quality with low maintenance.

Screens for exceptional print quality

SPGPrints continues to lead the way in innovation for screen technologies because it recognises the complementary nature of digital and screen production in meeting the demands of today’s markets quickly and cost-effectively.

On its stand at ITM 2018, visitors will find a selection of screens and printed textiles that demonstrate the characteristics of the NovaScreen® line-up. NovaScreen screens offer relatively high open areas thanks to mesh counts with minimum spacing between holes, maximising paste transfer, and are available in a range of meshes from 135 and 245 holes per linear inch. This results in higher printing speeds and paste yields. The robust nickel construction of NovaScreen offers stability at high speed, long life and easy handling.

The NovaScreen 245 mesh offers exceptional definition and resolution. With hole-sizes of 40 microns, it features an exceptionally high mesh count. This gives it two important quality advantages: first, it prints perfect halftones and tonal gradations, with transitions not previously possible with rotary screen printing. Fine rasters that generate homogenous shade impressions on the printed substrate make this possible. Fine linework and smaller dots can also be reproduced, enabling greater creativity in geometric patterns and halftones for fashion and interior décor applications.

Also on the stand will be SPGPrints’ RandomScreen®, a 125 mesh with a 79-micron hole-size screen, that supresses moiré effects in halftones. The holes are arranged stochastically, out of line with each other, thereby eliminating the risk of undesired patterns becoming visible in printed results. RandomScreen also can save paste, especially when pigment printing.

Optimize images with direct laser engraving and laser imaging

To achieve the best results from SPGPrints’ NovaScreen line, direct laser engraving and laser imaging solutions can cut screen preparation times, accelerate throughput and increase productivity. Information about these laser engraving systems will be available at the stand.

The SPGPrints bestLEN offers state-of-the-art direct laser engraving for effortless, repeatable quality in screen imaging. Direct laser engraving is a single-step dry process: simply engrave the desired design and print. This eliminates costly consumables such as film, ink or chemicals, and time-consuming processes like exposing and washing.

SPGPrints’ smartLEX 7430 laser exposing system uses unique multi-beam diode technology that combines long lifetime, high productivity and resolutions of up to 2540dpi. smartLEX 7430 exposes screens between 300 mm and 3500 mm length. Exposing cycles can be as short as 12 minutes, and intuitive, easy-to-use, Smart-GUI software requires relatively little experience to master.

“There is no doubt that the textile printing market is currently a very exciting place to be. With powerful digital printers working alongside advanced screen technologies using precision laser engraving and imaging systems, new applications like soft signage, and new market dynamics are driving this vital industry,” Uzman concluded. “With products for the complete workflow, SPGPrints is in a unique position to help its customers find the right solutions for success.”

Posted March 12, 2018

Source: SPGPrints

Mazda And Toyota Establish JV Mazda Toyota Manufacturing U.S.A.

HUNTSVILLE, Ala./HIROSHIMA, Japan/TOYOTA-CITY, Japan — March 8, 2018 — Mazda Motor Corp. and Toyota Motor Corp. have established a new joint-venture company called Mazda Toyota Manufacturing U.S.A. Inc. (MTMUS) that will produce vehicles in Huntsville, Ala., beginning in 2021.

The new plant will have the capacity to produce 150,000 units of Mazda’s crossover model that will be newly introduced to the North American market and 150,000 units of the Toyota Corolla. The facility is expected to create up to 4,000 jobs. Toyota and Mazda are investing $1.6 billion towards this project with equal funding contributions.

“We hope to make MTMUS a plant that will hold a special place in the heart of the local community for many, many years,” said Mazda’s Executive Officer Masashi Aihara, who will serve as president of MTMUS. “By combining the best of our technologies and corporate cultures, Mazda and Toyota will not only produce high-quality cars but also create a plant employees will be proud to work at and contribute to the further development of the local economy and the automotive industry. We hope that cars made at the new plant will enrich the lives of their owners and become much more than just a means of transportation.”

“The new plant, which will be Toyota’s 11th manufacturing facility in the U.S., not only represents our continuous commitment in this country, but also is a key factor in improving our competitiveness of manufacturing in the U.S.,” said Hironori Kagohashi, executive general manager of Toyota and MTMUS’s executive vice president. “We are committed to realizing a highly competitive plant and producing vehicles with the best quality for customers by combining Toyota and Mazda’s manufacturing expertise and leveraging the joint venture’s synergies. Based on this competitiveness, we will make every effort to becoming a best-in-town plant that will be loved by our hometown,” he added.

In collaboration with the state of Alabama and the city of Huntsville, MTMUS will soon begin land preparation for the new plant, and the full-scale construction of the plant is expected to start in 2019.

Overview:

Company name Mazda Toyota Manufacturing, U.S.A., Inc. (MTMUS)
Location Huntsville, Alabama
Ratio of capital contribution Mazda Motor Corporation: 50 percent; Toyota Motor Corporation: 50 percent
Date of establishment March 1, 2018
President and executive vice president President: Masashi Aihara (executive officer of Mazda Motor Corp.)

Executive Vice President: Hironori Kagohashi (executive general manager of Toyota Motor Corp.)
Production capacity 300,000 units per year (150,000 units each for Mazda and Toyota)
Production model Mazda: crossover model that will be newly introduced to the North American market
Toyota: Corolla
Start of production 2021
Employment Up to 4,000 team members

 

Posted March 9, 2018

Source: Mazda North American Operations

Russian Export Center: Companies From Russia Presented Products At JECWorld 2018

PARIS — March 9, 2018 — The world’s largest composites show JECWorld 2018, with the participation of eight Russian companies, has just ended in France.

The event brought together more than 1,300 exhibitors as well as approximately 40,000 visitors from more than 100 countries in the world. It is the first ever show dedicated to composite production, which has been held annually since 1965.

Manufacturers from Russia presented their recent developments — production equipment, polymer materials and plastics, technical textiles, carbon fibers and reinforced and heat-resistant materials — which are not only used widely in their country, but are also in high demand abroad. The Russian exhibitors worked through a collective stand, organized by the Russian Export Center (REC), and three separate displays.

As noted by REC: “The Russian-made composites are distinguished by high quality and are highly demanded on the global market. The high-tech carbon materials, construction polymer binders, fabrics and strips manufactured in Russia compete successfully with the world’s best examples. The annual growth rate of the Russian composites market amounts to nearly 20 percent. Such figures require a system approach to the efforts on promotion of the industry’s export possibilities and this is what we are going to pursue actively.”

The REC’s collective stand with an area of 96 square meters was devoted to the products of such Russian companies as Trade House Rusbazalt (trademark RedArmo), STTC ApATeCh-Dubna Ltd., NIIGRAFIT, JSC, Russkiy basalt LLC (trademark MeltRock) and NIIKAM Co. Ltd. Likewise, the separate displays presented products of other Russian manufacturers, including ITECMA LLC, NPK Khimprominzhiniring, JSC (Umatex Group brand which is part of the Rosatom Corp.) and PREPREG-ACM, JSC.

Participation in JECWorld2018 is aimed at active promotion of the Russian composites and polymers on the worldwide market and the development of Russia’s export possibilities a priority area of which is a large-scale increase of the share of non-resource exports.

The volume of the Russian composites market is estimated at close to 60 billion rubles. Over 150 enterprises are engaged in active development of materials which are used in various industrial sectors — aircraft engineering, shipbuilding, the car industry, power engineering, construction, oil and gas production, chemistry, petrochemistry and space industry.

Posted March 9, 2018

Source: Russian Export Center

Magniflex’s Most Recent Innovation For The Mattress Industry: The Nuvola Collection

MIAMI — March 9, 2018 — Magniflex had another successful Las Vegas market with the introduction of the Nuvola collection that was well-received and placed with a large number of retailers nationwide.

The Nuvola collection contains Thermic® fabric and Aquabreeze® foam, two cutting-edge sleep technologies sure to increase Magniflex’s position as an industry innovator. It also features Dual Core technology — the sleep innovation that allows couples to adjust their comfort with a quick zip and flip of the internal foam cores. No more compromising in terms of comfort.

The Nuvola collection maintains a contemporary and modern look, in-line with unique technology that is sure to satisfy even the most sophisticated customer. The collection contains Thermic® material, which provides several important benefits, all of which help increase sleep quality. Thermic® gives a uniquely cool, yet comfortable sensation that lasts all night. It absorbs body heat generated while sleeping, stores the energy and then releases it generating an incredible sensation of coolness in contact with the body. This cutting-edge material is applied to our natural viscose fabric on the top side of the mattress cover, a highly breathable fabric that guarantees freshness and a constant airflow.

Aquabreeze® is another unique component of the Nuvola collection. It is a plush yet resilient foam that offers a high elastic recovery and increased flexibility. The internal structure of the unique foam features an open-cell construction, which increases airflow within the mattress for enhanced freshness and coolness. The overall comfort offered by Aquabreeze® would be plush and extremely cozy.

With the introduction of the Nuvola collection in two profiles, 10 inches and 12 inches, Magniflex once again stays ahead of the curve regarding the latest sleep technologies and the highest levels of manufacturing standards.

Posted March 9, 2018

Source: Magniflex USA Ltd.

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