Turf Nation’s Playing Surface To Make Its Fourth Appearance In ‘The Big Game’ On Sunday

MALVERN, Pa. — February 2, 2018 — Turf Nation, a manufacturer of high-quality synthetic turf surfaces, is proud to have manufactured the playing surface that will be used for Sunday’s Game, to be held Feb. 4 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.

“Many vendors attempt to lay claim to the NFL’s biggest game,” stated Turf Nation President Sid Nicholls. “The surface at U.S. Bank Stadium, that will be utilized for The Big Game on Feb. 4, 2018, was proudly manufactured by Turf Nation.”

This is the fourth time in the last six years that an NFL Championship venue has featured a surface manufactured by Turf Nation — Turf Nation previously manufactured the playing surface for the 2013, 2014 and 2017 championship games at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, MetLife Stadium and NRG Stadium respectively.

Nicholls explained: “There are many good vendors in our industry. Turf Nation has manufactured 4 NFL surfaces, which is double the amount of the other vendors combined over the last decade. Our brand’s success is based on the recognition of prominent NFL clients and that the synthetic turf systems manufactured by Turf Nation optimize player performance and maximize player safety. It does matter what you play on!”

Keystone Sports Construction, an Authorized Dealer for Turf Nation, is also pleased with the success of the Turf Nation brand. “Congratulations to everyone associated with Turf Nation,” said Russell Lyddane and Chris Wright – the partners of Keystone Sports Construction. “It is simply amazing to have a 4th NFL Championship usage in last 6 years – obviously the NFL understands that it matters what you play on.”

Turf Nation’s NFL success, is a direct a result of how their turf systems are engineered to optimize sports specific performance and maximize player safety. Turf Nation’s synthetic turf systems are manufactured utilizing the highest grade C8 polyethylene fiber and Titanium Shield backing system, combined they ensure superior performance and durability. All components of a Turf Nation synthetic turf system are proudly manufactured in the U.S. and each surface is custom-designed to a team’s or school’s specific needs. All synthetic turf surfaces are field-tested by an independent laboratory prior to shipping.

Posted February 4, 2018

Source: Turf Nation

Far Eastern New Century Corp. Makes A Successful Bid For U.S. PET Plant

TAIPEI, Taiwan — February 2, 2018 — Far Eastern New Century Corp. (FENC) has successfully bid around NT$ 1 billion (approximately $33.5 million) for a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plant in Apple Grove, W. Va., and a research center in Ohio in the United States on February 1, 2018. The annual capacity of the PET plant is around 360,000 tons on a 424-acre site. It is a strategic action and will be FENC’s first production site in the U.S. The PET plant in Apple Grove was previous owned by M&G, which has filed for bankruptcy protection, and the closing shall be consummated subject to the bankruptcy court approval on February 2, 2018 Taipei time.

FENC is the top 5 PET producer globally in terms of capacity and was the first PET producer in Asia. Currently the company has PET production sites in Taiwan and China, with its new Vietnam PET plant to start operation in June 2018. With expansion in the United States, the company considered several factors: Regarding sales, the U.S. is one of the major FENC’s PET markets and an American based plant will be close to the company’s clients; Second, the U.S. has been increasing the non-tariff barriers to trade for importing to the American market (for example, U.S. producers continuously launched anti-dumping case against Taiwanese PET makers in recent years); Regarding production, a complete supply chain of the upstream feedstock has been built in the U.S. and tax reform bills have reduced corporate tax rates; This, in conjunction with cheaper energy cost, and the appreciation of the Taiwan Dollar against U.S. Dollar mean that now is an excellent time to invest in the U.S.

Posted February 4, 2018

Source: Far Eastern New Century

Newest SEWBOT® Workline: Digital Footwear Upper Workline

ATLANTA — February 1, 2018 — SoftWear Automation announced today the newest SEWBOT® workline is available for global pre-order. The Digital Footwear Upper Workline expands the patented SEWBOT® Pick-Place-Sew™ automation for fully-automated shoe uppers.

In 2017, the SoftWear Automation team went to Waalwijk, the Netherlands, to speak on the future of footwear. Waalwijk is a small Dutch town with more than 400 related footwear businesses including a tannery. It used to be the global epicenter for footwear given its proximity to the world’s largest port, dense forests and endless cows. Today, retail is almost all that’s left there. It’s a familiar story in manufacturing where jobs go to the lowest wage providers.

However, the story continues to evolve as supply side pressures mount; the industry doubles its efforts to focus on country sourcing strategies and places the customer experience on the back burner. With the launch of SoftWear’s Digital Footwear Workline it aims to put the “future of WOW” (put customer experience first) in a local supply chain on par with country sourcing.

The “future of WOW” in apparel and footwear manufacturing is how SoftWear produces a sewn good on demand with great variety, speed, quality, and low cost; and delivered to the customer within 3 days.

To enable this future, SoftWear is focusing on automation that can work without templates, without adhesives, and that is built with lean manufacturing at its core. SoftWear’s SEWBOT® workline for footwear uppers requires just one operator for four or more worklines, and is not subject to dye cutter imperfections, size, style or most material changes. Load in the vamps and overlays and sewn shoe uppers come out the other end.

With 70 percent of labor in the sewing and construction of the upper and 18 months from forecast to delivery, SoftWear’s worklines automate the most labor intensive part of a shoe and provide the cost and flexibility to produce goods anywhere in the world on demand.

Posted February 2, 2018

Source: SoftWear Automation

Frost & Sullivan Experts Identify Key IoT Innovations Bringing Smart Factories To Life

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — February 1, 2018 — Frost & Sullivan’s analysis, Industrial IoT Driving Manufacturing Innovations, reveals the most impactful technologies that are transforming factories into a smarter environment through the whole platform of connectivity. With cyber-physical system advancements transforming the manufacturing sector, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) will create a high impact in the near future. The whole concept is advancing in terms of functionalities and user-friendly software solutions, enabling multiple applications to serve the rapidly changing demands of end users in diverse industries.

“The ability of IIoT to provide real-time data and perform monitoring and tracking functionalities will lead to smart factories of the future that are fully connected, eco-friendly, and driven by improved productivity and efficiency,” explained Ranjana Lakshmi, TechVision Research Analyst at Frost & Sullivan. “IIoT establishes a strong connectivity between the operational and digital platforms.”

Highlights of this analysis include:

  • Key technologies and influencing trends include: hybrid sensors, predictive analytics, wearables, digital twin, mass customization, 3D printing, edge computing, collaborative robots, asset monitoring, smart grids, and natural processing language;
  • Both batch production and mass customization of products are achievable by adopting the concept of IoT, advanced technologies and solutions;
  • High investment is evident for companies focusing in developing data monitoring systems, security and smart equipment’s;
  • Implementation challenges includes: device footprint, need for increased security, and lack of awareness;
  • Standardization of communication networks has been gaining importance. Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are key technology platforms in IIoT and enabling technologies include: sensor fusion and analytics;
  • Some of the companies disrupting the market include 3D Signals, Denodo Technologies, Pivotal, Stanley Black & Decker.

“Self-powered sensors, collaborative infrastructures and other advanced IoT technologies are all going to play a significant role in driving the concept of connected, smart factories of the future,” said Lakshmi. “Manufacturers must have an awareness of these new technologies and seek ways to incorporate them into their systems to increase the company’s productivity, competitiveness, and future likelihood of success.”

Industrial IoT Driving Manufacturing Innovations is part of Frost & Sullivan’s global TechVision – Emerging Technologies Services program.

Posted February 2, 2018

Source: Frost & Sullivan

Orion Engineered Carbons Announces Specialty Carbon Black Price Increase

LUXEMBOURG — February 2, 2018 — Orion Engineered Carbons announced today that it began implementing price increases on all Specialty Carbon Blacks worldwide beginning January 1, 2018.

The increases vary depending on the grade, the sales region and the end market. These price increases support Orion’s ability to maintain the service levels and technical support required for high quality Specialty Carbon Blacks for its customers.

Orion is committed to an ongoing review of costs and markets and will continue to keep customers informed of any changes that may occur. In case of questions, please contact your local Orion sales representative.

Posted February 2, 2018

Source: Orion Engineered Carbons

Applied DNA’s SigNature® DNA Evidence Puts Father and Son Team Behind Bars

STONY BROOK, N.Y. — February 1, 2018 — Applied DNA Sciences, Inc. is pleased to report that SigNature DNA evidence has resulted in two new convictions, bringing the company’s total to 117.

Shaun Howard and his son Charlie Howard both pleaded guilty at Woolwich Crown Court, London, in January 2018 and were convicted and sentenced to a total of 8 years imprisonment.

The father-son team committed a cash-in-transit attack against Loomis UK Ltd. on December 28, 2017, where they took possession of a cash box containing approximately £10,000 ($14,000). The criminals escaped in a van belonging to Shaun Howard.

They did not realize that the box also contained a security ink inoculated with SigNature DNA. Thanks to quick detective work and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology, police were able to track the van and arrest the suspects.

Detectives collected evidential samples of ink stains from the suspects, which were analyzed by Applied DNA’s forensic laboratories. Within 5 working days, Kent Police received an Expert Witness report from Applied DNA that forensically linked the samples to the robbery. Nearly all of the stolen cash was recovered.

“The evidence Applied DNA has provided was invaluable and obviously assisted with the defendants entering early guilty pleas, saving time and money,” commented Detective Constable David Bull from Kent Police Serious Crime Directorate.

Tony Benson, managing director EMEA, added: “This is the quickest conviction I have ever heard of using our SigNature DNA evidence. The number of days elapsed from the date of robbery to the criminals being sentenced was only 29, and let’s not forget Christmas and New Year holidays fell within this timeframe. This outcome is the result of excellent teamwork by police, Loomis and our forensic experts.”

This news comes hot on the heels of another conviction issued in late 2017. Clement O’Doherty was charged with handling stolen cash containing SigNature DNA, and was subsequently sentenced to 18 months for his role in a Loomis robbery at a London Tesco store in February 2017. On the same day, O’Doherty was given an additional 8 year sentence for grievous bodily harm inflicted in an unrelated case.

SigNature DNA evidence has helped to convict 117 criminals to date, with total sentences of over 550 years and many more cases in the pipeline.

Posted February 2, 2018

Source: Applied DNA Sciences

Christopher & Banks Announces Appointment Of Keri Jones As Chief Executive Officer And A Member Of The Board Of Directors

MINNEAPOLIS — February 1, 2018 — Christopher & Banks Corp., a specialty women’s apparel retailer, today announced that it has completed its search for a successor to interim CEO and President Joel Waller. The company’s Board of Directors has appointed Keri Jones as the company’s CEO and as a member of its board effective upon her first day of employment, which is anticipated to be on March 12, 2018. In order to ensure a smooth transition, Waller will continue as a board member and in a consulting capacity for the near future.

Jones is a proven executive with over 30 years’ experience at leading premier retail businesses including Dick’s Sporting Goods and Target Corp. In her most recent role as executive vice president, chief merchant at Dick’s Sporting Goods, Jones was responsible for the strategy and execution of Merchandising, Product Development and Planning, Allocation & Replenishment. Prior to Dick’s, Jones spent 27 years at Target, where she served in a variety of leadership roles, including, executive vice president of Global Supply Chain; executive vice president of Merchandising Planning and Operations; senior vice president of Health and Beauty; and vice president, General Merchandise Manager, Toys and Sporting Goods.

Kent Kleeberger, chairman of the Board of Directors stated: “We are extremely pleased that Keri has agreed to join the company as CEO and we welcome her to the CBK team. She is a versatile global executive displaying outstanding leadership with a proven record of driving results through consumer-focused strategy development. We conducted an extensive search and Keri distinguished herself as our top choice having the deep industry experience, leadership skills and passion for the specialty retail business we were seeking.”

Jones said: “It’s an honor to be named CEO and I am very excited to be joining Christopher & Banks and working with Joel Waller, the Board of Directors and the rest of the organization to build upon the current momentum and drive the company to consistent profitability. I share their passion for this business and focus on customer service and look forward to leveraging the company’s brand strengths to deliver improved operating results for the company’s shareholders.”

Kleeberger indicated on behalf of the board: “We want to thank Joel for his stewardship and contributions as interim president and CEO and for his agreement to continue as a Board member while serving in a consultant role to Keri in order to ensure a smooth transition. Joel joined us during a difficult time and provided stability to the business, empowered our executives and put in place the executional merchandise strategy to move the company forward.”

Waller said, “I want to thank the board for the opportunity to serve as the company’s interim president and chief executive officer and am very pleased with the progress that the current management team and I were able to achieve thus far. I am excited to have Keri join us and I look forward to working with her to ensure a smooth transition and the continuation of the company’s current turnaround.”

Posted February 2, 2018

Source: Christopher & Banks

Toyoda Gosei And Nippon Kayaku To Form Capital Alliance For Greater Cooperation In Airbag Business

KIYOSU, Japan — February 2, 2018 — Toyoda Gosei Co. Ltd. and Nippon Kayaku Co. Ltd. have agreed to a capital alliance for greater cooperation in their airbag business. Each company will hold approximately 1 billion yen ($9.14 million) of the other company’s common shares.

Toyoda Gosei has purchased inflators, a key component in airbags, and other products from Nippon Kayaku for decades, and the two companies have built an outstanding business relationship. Today the demand for airbags is growing rapidly as safety regulations become stricter around the world, and this capital alliance will help the two companies in their aim to strengthen stable supply and quality assurance systems for airbags globally.

The environment in the automobile industry is undergoing major changes with progress in autonomous driving and the move toward electric vehicles, and the two companies will also work together in the field of new materials as well as safety, collaborating in the development of new products with a view to the future.

Posted February 2, 2018

Source: Toyoda Gosei Co.

Reem Acra Presents her 2019 Collection at Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week

BARCELONA, Spain — February 2, 2018 — Born in Lebanon and living in New York, Reem Acra is one of the most prominent bridal and eveningwear designers in the world. Responsible for the look of international celebrities such as Angelina Jolie, Taylor Swift, and Jennifer Lopez, Acra will participate in this year’s Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week. The event will take place April 23-29 at the Barcelona Montjuïc de Fira venue. Acra will present her spring 2019 bridal collection at Barcelona Bridal Night, the gala event of Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week.

Discovered by a fashion editor while studying at the American University of Beirut, Acra decided to dedicate herself to design and continued her education at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, and later at the École Supérieure des Arts et techniques de la Mode (ESMOD) in Paris.

In 1997 she launched the Reem Acra New York brand, and in 2001 her ready to wear line. Since then, members of royalty, heads of state, and celebrities such as Angelina Jolie, Beyoncé, and Halle Berry have worn her designs on the red carpets of the Oscars, Grammys, and Golden Globes, among other events. Her carefully crafted creations, of delicate lines and impeccable embroideries, are sold in the most exclusive stores in the world, such as Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, and Saks Fifth Avenue in the United States, as well as more than 20 countries.

“I am thrilled to show my Spring 2019 bridal collection in Barcelona, a place of beauty and culture like the women who embody my designs,” said Acra. The fashion show, which will present a total of 30 outfits, will take place during the hall’s gala evening on April 25.

Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week, organized by Fira de Barcelona, thus continues its strategy for reinforcing its brands and contents at an international level, and for attracting creators, companies, and purchasers from the main bridal fashion global markets.

Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week is preparing its first major and most international edition with the fashion shows of some 25 wedding and gala fashion companies, and with the presence -according to projections- of more than 300 exhibitors, 60 percent of them international exhibitors, who will show the 2019 collections to purchasers, media, and guests from all over the world.

Posted February 2, 2018

Source: Fira de Barcelona

Unifrax Launches Next-Generation Insulfrax® LTX Products

TONAWANDA, N.Y. — February 1, 2018 — Unifrax I LLC today unveiled its next-generation Insulfrax® LTX Products with enhanced physical properties to improve both thermal performance and product handling. These lightweight needled blankets combine innovative proprietary technology with Insulfrax proven performance to create the best low-biopersistent Insulfrax blanket available from Unifrax today. Insulfrax LTX blankets outperform both Insulfrax LT and S blankets in a variety of thermal management industrial applications.

The new Insulfrax LTX products help customers reduce costs. The enhanced LTX fiber performance helps companies reduce their energy costs and meet increasingly strict carbon emission targets, without increasing the amount of insulation required. Alternatively, customers can save on material costs by using less insulation to achieve the same performance as standard AES blankets. Customers can save money by reducing their lining thickness up to 25 percent, freeing up valuable space in furnaces and ovens.

Insulfrax LTX Blankets are inorganic and binder-free with less dust and have a noticeable improved surface finish. The blanket is easier to handle and cut resulting in faster installation, with less skin irritation and reduced waste of material. The blankets are also printed for easier identification of material and installation tracking on the job.

Unifrax innovation and manufacturing expertise are at the heart of these next-generation thermal insulation products. First introduced in 1992, the Insulfrax brand is recognized worldwide for helping companies radically reduce their energy costs and reduce pollution.

“Unifrax is very excited to launch this next level of quality to our customers using Insulfrax blankets,” said Phillip Armstrong, product manager, Unifrax Rainford. “This superior new product has been designed to offer significantly lower thermal conductivity than our current Insulfrax S blanket product, and as much as 20 percent lower when compared to other “standard” insulation wools. This is the best Insulfrax blanket we make today and is a game-changer for us. Insulfrax LTX is designed to exceed our customers’ expectations around the world with an unparalleled product offering. This latest Insulfrax technology comes on the heels of our Isofrax® 1400 introduction last September, our other high-temperature low-biopersistent brand of products, and clearly places Unifrax as a worldwide leader in high temperature thermal management products,” Armstrong added.

Unifrax is the only vertically integrated fiber manufacturer that can provide customers with a range of fiber chemistries and product offerings with various thicknesses and weight, to operate at various use temperatures effectively and efficiently, while delivering outstanding technical, application engineering and customer service support.

Insulfrax LTX blankets are manufactured and available today throughout Europe, with a limited availability in the United States. The new Insulfrax LTX products will be widely available in the United States beginning in July 2018.

Posted February 2, 2018

Source: Unifrax I LLC

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