Haggar Clothing Co. Names Georgia Hall of Fame Dad

DALLAS — June 7, 2018 — Haggar Clothing Co., the Official Jacket Provider of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, has named David Mullis Jr., of Macon, as its 2018 Georgia Haggar Hall of Fame Dad.

Mullis was nominated by his daughter, Christina Reynolds, who wrote, “I am a daddy’s girl — he has been my hero my entire life. I am so proud to be his daughter … He’s worked hard at the same paper mill for 49 years, and he is also a pastor full time. He’s been the BEST DADDY in the world, and I’m so blessed he is mine.”

Mullis is one of 52 Haggar Hall of Fame Dads™ from across the nation. Each winner will receive $1,000 in prizes, including a Haggar wardrobe of dress and casual pants, a J.M. Haggar suit, an exclusive Haggar Hall of Fame Dad blazer and a football signed by Pro Football Hall of Famer and honorary Haggar Hall of Fame Dad Emmitt Smith.

“Over the past 90 years, we have dressed millions of dads, and today, we are honored to recognize this inaugural class of Haggar Hall of Fame Dads,” said Haggar CEO Michael Stitt. “The iconic gold Pro Football Hall of Fame jackets and orange Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame jackets made by Haggar symbolize the outstanding achievement that comes from years of dedication and hard work. These dads and father figures bring that same commitment to their roles as members of the workforce, husbands, community leaders and fathers.”

One of the 52 state winners will be selected as the national Haggar Hall of Fame Dad. The national winner will receive a VIP trip of his choice to the Pro Football or Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony, where he will watch as the 2018 Hall of Fame Class dons their Hall of Fame jackets, made by Haggar, for the first time. The national winner will be selected in part by America’s votes, which can be cast through the end of June at www.haggarhofdad.com.

Over the course of the contest, Haggar has committed to give away more than $1 million in Haggar clothing, including America’s No. 1-selling dress pant style1, the E-CLO™ Dress Pant, America’s No. 1-selling casual pant style2, the Premium No Iron Khaki, and America’s No. 1-selling suit jacket style3, the J.M. Haggar Classic Fit Suit Jacket. Haggar clothing can be found in national retailers, including Kohl’s, JCPenney, Macy’s, Target, Belk and online at Haggar.com.

Posted June 7, 2018

Source: Haggar Clothing Co.

VOLT Smart Yarns To Exhibit At WEAR 2018 Smart Fabrics Conference

HICKORY, N.C. — June 7, 2018 — VOLT Smart Yarns — a division of Supreme Corp. and a producer of revolutionary highly conductive yarns and products for smart textiles — will exhibit at this year’s WEAR 2018 smart fabrics conference, held in New York City June 11-13, 2018. The company’s recent breakthroughs in new connection techniques between smart fabric and technology, and the yarn’s unique compatibility with commercialized sewing that enables any textile to be engineered into wearable technology, will greatly contribute to this year’s WEAR 2018 conference theme, “The Thread That Ties Us Together.”

“WEAR 2018 features some of the biggest names in the technology and smart textile spaces that come together to discuss the future of wearable technology, a future that VOLT Smart Yarns is actively creating with new yarn capabilities and partnerships,” said Matt Kolmes, CEO of VOLT Smart Yarns. “Part of the challenge of creating smart fabrics has been bridging the divide between fabrics and technology, a specific focus of the conference this year. At VOLT Smart Yarns we have come up with a connection solution to our proprietary yarn technology that I look forward to discussing with others in the industry.”

A recent winner of the International Fabric Association International (IFAI) Show Stopper award, VOLT Smart Yarns has been gaining momentum in the smart fabrics industry due to its ability to deliver the only conductive yarn through four highly conductive insulated wires that can be used in commercialized sewing.

Most recently, VOLT Smart Yarns has partnered with Textile Instruments, using NASA sensor technology to create a whole new type of wearable sensory technology that doesn’t require the use of batteries or electricity. Through the partnership, sensors can be easily added to existing fabrics or materials, for wireless health status monitoring. The partnership also capitalizes on a broad range of new use cases and business models. Together, VOLT Smart Yarns and Textile Instruments are able to make a textile sensor system that is scalable and ubiquitous in nature.

Posted June 7, 2018

Source: Supreme Corporation

Gerber Leads The Way In Facilitating On-Demand Textile Supply Chain – Showcases Micro Factory With Three Digital Printing Leaders Within 10 Days

TOLLAND, Conn. — June 7, 2018 — Increasingly in an on-demand world, consumers expect personalization and immediate delivery when they see what they want. To remain competitive, brands and manufacturers are being compelled to re-examine their processes and find ways to become more agile and remain relevant in a time of ever-changing consumer trends. “We have been investing in and developing technology to help our customers transform and connect their workflows to meet the needs of an on-demand world, enabling a seamless digital print and automated cutting workflow to work with leaders in digital textile printing.” said Scott Schinlever, president and COO Automation Solutions at Gerber Technology. “Recently we showcased Gerber’s textile workflow and automated cutting in a variety of micro factories with Kornit, EFI™ Reggiani and Mimaki. The strong growth trend in digital textile printing can be accelerated by Gerber’s integrated eco-system of software and automated cutting systems, delivering value through connectivity and achieving Industry 4.0 expectations from concept to finished product.”

Over the last two weeks, Gerber participated in two global industry events, FESPA in Berlin and Texprocess Americas in Atlanta. At the shows, they demonstrated on-demand manufacturing applications that included their Digital Solutions, integrating data from design to finished product leveraging YuniquePLM® and the AccuMark® Platform, digital printing technologies from three industry leaders, Gerber’s Z1 single-ply cutter with ContourVision™ automated scan-to-cut system and both robotic and lean loop sewing operations.

Digitalization and the adoption of Industry 4.0 principles are empowering purchase activated, on-demand manufacturing. Brands and manufacturers are able to respond to demand versus producing to supply. The approach eliminates costly inventory and re-defines just-in-time manufacturing, so production adjusts as demands fluctuate — allowing products to be produced more efficiently and sold at full retail price without heavy discounting.

The Gerber team is passionate about supporting our customers and their needs as the industry changes. “We are empowering our customers to turn their data into speed, helping them be more agile and get their products to market. We back it up with best in class aftermarket support to ensure maximum productivity and lowest total cost of ownership in the industry,” stated Schinlever. “We look forward to continuing to partner with key players in the industry to help our customers compete and win.”

Posted June 7, 2018

Source: Gerber Technology

VGL Signs First Deal In UK And Ireland For Durst’s P5 Next-Generation Technology Platform

BRIXEN, Italy — June 7, 2018 — VGL, the Reading-based screen and digital print company, has become the first company in the United Kingdom and Ireland to sign up for a specialized version of Durst’s next-generation platform, the P5 Series, which was announced globally earlier this year.

The Durst new P5 250 HS system — configured with white as a printing color — will be installed at VGL’s Smallmead production facility in Reading, Berkshire, this summer. VGL’s investment in its first Durst flatbed printer will dramatically ramp up capacity, quadruple the output of the machine it is replacing, and enhance its offering to a variety of customers.

VGL, which is committed to investing in latest technology, is a supplier to major retailers, exhibitions and live event organisers, museums and public and private sectors, including rail and fleet companies. VGL already has seven Durst systems — two Rhotex fabric printers and five roll-to-roll digital inkjet machines. The P5 will bring a print volume capability (in two-pass mode) of up to 240 square meters per hour and high resolution mode of 1200 dpi.

David Gray, VGL managing director, said: “Our flatbed capacity needed upgrading because one of our machines had come to the end of its useful life. We considered all options with lots of different players and, although we’ve never had a Durst flatbed before, this ticked all the right boxes. It will quadruple output in comparison to its predecessor and at a higher resolution. This will open a lot of doors for VGL and is a huge step forward. We’re seeing a significant increase in demand in flatbed sales which drives this investment.

“At VGL, we’re committed to investing in the very latest technology, so the launch of P5 was of interest to us. The Durst manufacturing facility in Lienz is impressive, every component that goes into the machine is produced in the factory, and this is reassuring in terms of standards of build quality and reliability. Plus their after-sales service and care is excellent. What we also found impressive was that P5 has been designed following consultation with existing Durst customers, in terms of how the user interface should look and feel. The P5 will be an exciting addition to our portfolio of kit and further strengthens our relationship with Durst.”

Peter Bray, managing director of Durst UK and Ireland, said: “We’re extremely proud that VGL, a long-serving customer, has become the first company over here to sign a deal for our next-generation technology, the P5 250 HS machine. This was a perfect fit for VGL, a company recognized as producing outstanding printed products for a diverse range of customers across numerous sectors. With the P5 family we provide tools for change and profit. We have a firm commitment to continue to lead innovation in the large format market.”

Durst, a manufacturer of advanced digital printing and production technologies, unveiled the P5 in Lienz, Austria, in February. In addition to printers that have state of the art, touch operation based user-interfaces and leading-edge remote service capabilities, the launch also involved newly, in-house developed software and workflow solutions. Everything is aimed and streamlined to maximize performance and uptime of the printing family, along with unparalleled flexibility in media and job handling.

The P5 250 HS is targeted towards high volume industrial production, as well as one-offs in offset quality. P5 relates to five core features at the heart of this technology: productivity, reliability, workflow, versatility and print quality.

Posted June 7, 2018

Source: DURST

INDA’s Inaugural Absorbent Hygiene Products Training Course Is Successful Sell-Out; Registration Opens For Next Date – November 27-29

CARY, N.C. — June 7, 2018 — INDA’s first edition of its Absorbent Hygiene Products Training Course, May 22-24, sold out and achieved rave reviews from participants. Both the curriculum and instructors received high marks. “It’s a great interactive course with invaluable application information,” said Eva Unger-Kovacs, R&D scientist, Orchidia Fragrances. “The training was world class,” said William Terenzoni, chief procurement officer, Advanced Absorbent Technologies. “This course puts industry and education together for entrepreneurs starting a new product or anyone already entrenched in the industry and looking for new product lines,” said Ushay Reddy, CEO, ReddyCare LLC.

Responding to strong industry demand, INDA opens registration for the second edition of the Absorbent Hygiene Products Training Course, November 27- 29 at INDA’s Headquarters in Cary, N.C. The 2.5-day course is created for product designers, developers and managers wanting to further their knowledge and expertise in absorbent hygiene products. The course is available through INDA’s Professional Development Center at inda.org/education, including the course syllabus and instructor backgrounds.

The Absorbent Hygiene Products Training Course is designed to meet the needs of new or early career employees in the nonwoven industry’s largest end market by providing structured, well-organized training focused on product design, components and materials, taught by industry experts.

The course is led by Terry Young, a former Research Fellow in hygienic materials at Proctor & Gamble, and supplemented with industry experts on SAP (BASF-retired), films (Tredegar Films), fluff pulp and converting machinery.

The course focuses on diapers, incontinence products and feminine care pads/liners with design elements and functions of product parts, materials composition, performance tiers, and converting considerations for product design.

“We saw an unmet need for training that goes beyond a one-day seminar and covers the design and function of absorbent hygiene products more comprehensively since it is such an important sector for our industry,” said Dave Rousse, INDA President.  “We are truly delighted to have Terry Young, with a long career at P&G in this area, as our lead instructor, and the additional teaching support of industry experts in key areas. Participants will have much to gain from the experience and engaging presentations of multiple instructors.”

Young is retired from a 38-year career at P&G where he was the company’s expert in nonwovens.  He spent the majority of his career developing or improving P&G’s major disposable diaper brands. Young developed one of the first in-house material training courses for P&G’s baby diaper category and has trained hundreds of people from all levels. He was awarded INDA’s Lifetime Technical Achievement Award in 2011.

Participants will learn about the major components that are common to diapers and other hygiene products, including the Acquisition-Absorbent System, Chassis Containment Systems, and how materials are selected to enhance a component. Participants will learn about the function of each component and how each one influences a product’s final design. They will also be presented information on testing, product claims, and the converting and manufacturing process.  The course will conclude with a discussion on the knowledge and skills needed to continue the innovation in absorbent hygiene products for consumer markets.

The Absorbent Hygiene Course further builds on the offerings at INDA’s Professional Development Center, launched in 2017 as a hub for training excellence in nonwovens with important content from North Carolina State University’s The Nonwovens Institute (NWI).

Posted June 7, 2018

Source: INDA

Retailers Welcome Congressional Move To Rein In Tariffs

WASHINGTON — June 6, 2018 — The National Retail Federation (NRF) called on lawmakers to pass bipartisan legislation introduced today that would require congressional approval of “Section 232” tariffs, including the steel and aluminum tariffs recently imposed by the Trump administration and any additional tariffs in the future.

“The Constitution is clear: Congress has the authority to regulate commerce and oversee trade,” NRF Senior Vice President for Government Relations David French said. “It’s time for Congress to exert its authority and play a leading role in mitigating escalating trade tensions with our strongest allies.”

“There needs to be a more appropriate balance on trade policy between Congress and the executive branch, and we applaud Senators Corker and Toomey for working to achieve that. With the threat of a global trade war, Congress must step in before the U.S. economy suffers, American jobs are lost and families are forced to pay more for everyday products.”

The legislation was introduced by Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker, R-Tenn., and a bipartisan group of senators. The tariffs, which were issued under Section 232 provisions of the 1962 Trade Expansion Act intended to allow protection of national security, have triggered widespread retaliation against U.S. exports. The administration is also considering tariffs on automobiles and auto parts.

Posted June 6, 2018

Source: The National Retail Federation (NRF)

Armstrong World Industries Acquires Plasterform

LANCASTER, Pa. — May  31, 2018 — Armstrong World Industries Inc.  today announced that it has acquired the business and assets of Plasterform Inc., a 31-year manufacturer of ultra-expressive, durable, custom architectural cast ceilings, walls, facades, columns and moldings, located in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, with annual revenues of roughly $10 million. Plasterform products are made of glass-reinforced gypsum, concrete and polyester resin, and will continue to be sold in Canada, the United States and Latin America, now as part of the Armstrong Architectural Specialties custom portfolio. The acquisition enhances AWI’s interior accent capabilities, and further supports the company’s growth strategy of selling into more spaces and selling more into every space.

AWI CEO Vic Grizzle said: “With the unique product and service capabilities of Plasterform, we expand and enrich what is already the broadest portfolio of standard and custom specialty ceilings and walls on the market today. We are excited to welcome Plasterform’s employees, sales team, customers, and business partners to the Armstrong family.”

Armstrong expects to serve existing and future Plasterform customers out of its Mississauga manufacturing facility, as well as through its current distribution channels.  Armstrong funded the acquisition with available cash. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Posted June 6, 2018

Source: Armstrong World Industries

Oxford — Owner Of Tommy Bahama, Lilly Pulitzer And Southern Tide — Announces Participation In D.A. Davidson “Brands, Channels & The Changing Consumer” Forum

ATLANTA, — May  31, 2018 — Oxford Industries Inc. today announced the company will be participating in the D.A. Davidson “Brands, Channels & the Changing Consumer” Forum on June 14, 2018, at the Palmer House Hilton in Chicago, Ill.

Posted June 6, 2018

Source: Oxford Industries

Bernina Celebrates National Sewing Machine Day With Giant Sewing Machine Statue

AURORA, Ill. — June 6, 2018 — BERNINA of America — a manufacturer of sewing, embroidery and quilting machines — is celebrating National Sewing Machine Day with a giant sewing machine statue set on display in Chicago at 401 N. Michigan Avenue on June 13. Dedicated to the manufacturing of Swiss precision sewing machines for 125 years, Bernina is marking this day by showcasing a larger-than-life sewing machine replica as a tribute to the influence the sewing machine has had on our culture since its invention in 1790.

The invention of the sewing machine made a significant impact not only on clothing and textile production but also in households across the globe. In 1932, the household sewing machines that left the Steckborn, Switzerland, factory were the first to don the Bernina name and in 1945 the first portable zigzag sewing machine made its debut. By 1963 Bernina had produced more than one million sewing machines and in 1986 Bernina created the first computerized sewing machine that had fully automatic one-step buttonholing and stitch pattern memory. Today, Bernina remains the world market leader in innovation, producing sewing and embroidery machines that have a Jumbo Bobbin with 70 percent more thread capacity to sew longer with fewer interruptions. The Bernina Hook sews high-precision stitches up to 9 mm in width with sewing speeds up to 1,000 stitches per minute. Embroidery features such as PinPoint Placement, and Enhanced Editing Functions provide the capability to create embroidered masterpieces on these innovative machines.

“The technology of today’s sewing machines really underscores how far we’ve come as an industry and Bernina is proud to share this milestone with everyone on National Sewing Machine Day,” said Paul Ashworth, President, Bernina of America.  “We strive to continue to innovate and make machines that inspire our next generation to create their own impact on the future of sewing.”

Bernina will unveil the 7 foof x 12 foot Sewing Machine statue in Chicago on June 13, National Sewing Machine Day.  Made from polystyrene, hand-carved foam, the statue is a replica of the soon to be released Bernina 880 Plus Anniversary Edition sewing machine which will be introduced at Bernina’s upcoming annual dealer convention, Bernina University. Representatives from Bernina will be onsite to pass out tote bags and invite people to get up close to the machine.  Visitors and Instagram users can also take pictures of themselves in front of the statue or in front of their own sewing machine and share on social media (must follow @berninausa and tag #BERNINA125 #sweepstakes) for a chance to win a Bernina 530 Limited Edition Gold sewing machine. The machine will be on display near Pioneer Court on Michigan Avenue from 6:00am-7:00pm during National Sewing Machine Day, June 13.

Posted June 6, 2018

Source: Bernina

Automation Systems Producer Koops Expanding Greenville County, S.C., Manufacturing Operations

COLUMBIA, S.C. — May 30, 2018 — Koops Inc., a manufacturer of automation systems, is growing its existing Greenville County production operations. The company’s $2.2 million investment is projected to create 20 new jobs over the next five years.

Koops is a full-service systems integrator that provides turnkey solutions from project conception to completion. The company features a variety of in-house services, including 3-D mechanical design, controls design, project management, machining, fabrication and production line integration, among others.

To prepare for an increasing demand for automation systems, Koops will be moving into a larger building located at 25 Brookfield Oaks, Suite H in Mauldin, S.C. The move will allow the company to update its office space, add conference rooms, install a new crane and more. The project is expected to be completed by July 2018.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to the project.

“We are so excited to move into the new facility.” said Paul Brinks, Koops CEO. “This state-of-the-art building will help us better serve our customers’ needs and will allow us to increase our automation output. Greenville County has proved to be a lively, growing and business-friendly industrial environment that is suitable as a home for Koops, Inc.’s growth into the future.”

“South Carolina’s workforce continues to demonstrate an unmatched excellence, especially in our growing manufacturing sector.” said S.C. Governor Henry McMaster. “I congratulate the innovative Koops Inc. on their latest expansion in Greenville County and wish them years of continued success.”

“Koops Inc. has had a presence in the Upstate for a number of years, and it’s great they view South Carolina as ‘Just right’for their business,” said Bobby Hitt, Secretary of State. “Today’s announcement is a sign that our strength in the manufacturing industry only continues to grow.”

“County council appreciates Koops Inc.’s decision to expand its manufacturing operations in Greenville County,” said Greenville County Council Chairman H.G. “Butch” Kirven Jr. “Koops Inc. has found that its success here is derived from both its dedicated employee team and the strength of Greenville County’s supportive business climate. Koops Inc. is respected in its field of advanced manufacturing, and the company is an excellent corporate citizen.”

“The City of Mauldin is pleased to welcome Koops Inc., a manufacturer of automation systems, to our community,” said Mauldin Mayor Dennis Raines. “The addition of 20 new jobs and its $2.2 million expansion are a welcome investment in the city. Investments like these make our community and Greenville a great place to call home.”

FAST FACTS

  • Koops Inc. is expanding its Greenville County manufacturing operations.
  • $2.2 million investment to create 20 new jobs.
  • Koops is a full-service systems integrator that provides turnkey solutions from project conception to completion.
  • The company will be moving into a larger building located at 25 Brookfield Oaks, Suite H. in Mauldin, S.C.

Posted June 6, 2018

Source: Office of the Governor of South Carolina

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