Tukatech Launches European-ECO Certified Automatic Fabric Cutting Systems

LOS ANGELES — August 11, 2018 — Tukatech has launched clean air filtration and lowest energy consumption TUKAcut cutting systems, certified by the TÜV SÜD Italia Machine Energy Protocol MEP. The Italian-made machines are customized with Tukatech’s software, and mechanical and electrical specifications to ensure TUKAcut is an unmatched cutting room solution.

TUKAcut machines for lingerie, denim, and universal fabric cutting are available in custom widths and heights. These machines are designed to give the ultimate performance at the lowest running cost. Though cutting productivity is at least 20-percent higher than other models on the market, the energy cost is 50- to 70-percent lower, which is a great benefit for users in countries where energy cost is a major consideration.

Other features include the highest productivity per hour cutting denim with zero buffer, as well as a cut path optimizer that results in 2.2- to 3.6-percent fabric savings compared to other cutting machines and helps to increase productivity. The eco-power vacuum system guarantees considerable power savings at only 5.5 kW, the lowest in comparable industry cutting machines.

The new fabric cutting machines were first installed in Lahore, Pakistan, at Combined Fabrics, the largest supplier of knit garments to Levi’s. Before installation, the cutting room had 90 people cutting 50,000 units in a day. Sheikh Tariq Mehmood, director of Combined Fabrics, explained that the company was already, “very happy users of TUKAcad, TUKA3D, and SMARTmark. Tukatech demonstrated their cutting room expertise by helping us engineer another vendor’s cutting system before we even considered adopting TUKAcut for automatic fabric cutting.”

Implementation included training personnel for raw material handling, spreading, cutting, and bundling. On the first day of installation, 14 people were able to cut the same number of units (50,000), and within weeks the same configuration increased productivity to between 65,000 and 75,000 units per day.

Mehmood continued: “My suggestion is to listen to Tukatech’s expertise. Our expectations for the TUKAcut system were exceeded by far, but they never surprised us with extra hidden expenses.” Tukatech is known throughout the apparel industry for their personal customer service and transparent value models.

Ram Sareen, founder of Tukatech, explains that he chose the same mechanical solutions from Italian fabric cutting machine manufacturer, F.K. Group. Tukatech was the first partner of F.K. Group to take such machines out of Italy in 1995. Many of the machines installed in the US, Mexico, Canada, and India at that time are still running and producing high quality cuts. The new TUKAcut machine is a Tukatech original cutting solution and allows Tukatech to offer garment manufacturers reliable fabric cutting machines at competitive prices. “Similar to engineering companies like AMG partnering with Daimler-Benz to offer an amazingly high-performance vehicle to drivers who appreciate the engineering, we offer just the same with our partnership with F.K. Group,” comments Ram Sareen.

Posted August 11, 2018

Source: Tukatech

Asheboro Elastics Corp Retains M&A Specialist, Equity Partners HG

ASHEBORO, N.C. — August 10, 2018 — Asheboro Elastics Corp., a producer of knitted and woven narrow fabrics for the apparel and bedding industries, has retained Equity Partners to find new money, either debt or equity, or a strategic partner, to complement the company’s growth strategy.

Charles Adams, CEO of AEC, stated, “We have been working hard over the past three years to strategically position the Company for growth in existing markets and to capitalize on opportunities in new markets. AEC has a great history and reputation within the narrow fabrics sector and our incredible team has put AEC on a trajectory for sustainable and significant growth. In order to realize these opportunities, we need to bring in fresh capital, either with a new lender or if there are strategic advantages, with a partner. We have retained Equity Partners to help us explore these options on an expedited basis.”

Founded in 1986, AEC enjoyed steady, organic growth for almost two decades. Through both internal growth and acquisitions, AEC expanded its offerings to include elastic inserts for apparel, rigid mattress tape, and rigid seat belts. As relationships with major apparel customers grew, the company developed elastic underwear straps that could be used for decorative branding to include a customer’s logo. With manufacturing facilities and research and development operations in the U.S. and Central America, the company is a global leader in knitted, woven, elastic, and rigid narrow fabrics for the apparel and bedding industries.

According to Matt LoCascio, a managing director at Equity Partners HG: “We are excited to work with AEC as they begin a new chapter in their impressive story. Management has already made significant expense cuts and streamlined operations with a focus on core portions of the business. In order to continue to support these initiatives and fund sustained growth, we are going to market to explore options that will ultimately allow the Company to be properly capitalized and well positioned to continue serving customers and working with vendors.”

Equity Partners HG, based outside Baltimore provides investment banking services and has completed in excess of 500 engagements throughout the United States since 1988.

Posted August 10, 2018

Source: Equity Partners HG

Apparel Industry Approaching The Next Level In Digital Transformation With New EFI Offerings At MAGIC

LAS VEGAS — August 9, 2018 — At this month’s Sourcing at MAGIC tradeshow, the EFI™ Textile Eco-System for the fashion industry from Electronics For Imaging, Inc., showed customers how to thrive with efficient, cost-effective digital apparel production. EFI’s exhibit at the August 12-15 event showcases one of the industry’s only complete offerings to create a better paradigm in small-lot and sample apparel production — with new and updated products from EFI’s innovative textile technology portfolio, including:

  • EFI Reggiani products offering eco-friendly digital production with stunning colors and color fidelity for striking fashion designs. EFI Reggiani printers are exceptionally versatile in their capabilities and can print with a variety of different inks to support virtually any fabric type for efficient digital production. New Terra water-based inks, a groundbreaking pigment ink with binder, enable in-line polymerization for greener, more-efficient production, eliminating the need for steaming or washing.
  • EFI Fiery® DesignPro RSe, a set of new, time-saving plug-in tools that give designers the unprecedented ability to do multi-channel separation and re-coloring work within Adobe® Photoshop®.
  • The EFI Optitex® 2D and 3D integrated platform for product development and design – a cutting-edge digital solution used by leading brands and retailers worldwide to optimize workflows and save time, costs and fabric by creating digital patterns. Optitex offerings now include a new eLearning site that gives users a step ahead in their technical design education, reducing the time required to develop a stronger base knowledge of the software’s powerful CAD capabilities.

During the show, partner exhibitors Klieverik, Zünd® and Brigade Manufacturing will provide heat press/fixation, cutting and sewing, respectively, for designs EFI is printing on site. This complete, multi-vendor “mini-factory” with EFI and partner exhibitors shows the broader range of possibilities from a real-world, highly efficient and fully functional integrated system featuring new technologies that put customers on the forefront of lean, efficient and automated apparel manufacturing.

“We have developed a totally new and highly innovative generation of digital printers, based on four new Reggiani models launched progressively since 2017, plus our groundbreaking new pigment ink,” said EFI Reggiani Vice President and General Manager Adele Genoni. “In addition, we have paired those innovations with cutting-edge Optitex and Fiery design and production tools, making EFI’s Textile Eco-System the only offering from a single supplier capable of delivering this level of fast time-to-market, high-customization manufacturing. Our customers can create new opportunities and establish profitable apparel lines produced closer to the point of need using the new offerings on display at MAGIC.”

Integrated, end-to-end production on the show floor

The workflow for the mini-factory at MAGIC begins with EFI Optitex, a leading, innovative 2-D/3-D software platform. EFI Optitex digital technologies give businesses the significant advantage of being able to perfect their garments as a 2-D or 3-D pattern before cutting or sewing the first prototype, for faster cycles and products that better fit consumer needs.

EFI has a longstanding commitment to maximize the value Optitex users receive with coaching, training, advising and consulting. The extensive Optitex training offering now includes a new, on-demand portal of eLearning courses that can be purchased individually or as part of a complete training package. Clients can progress through an environment that provides job-specific training for patternmakers, marker makers, technical designers, 3D designers and more across 10 different technologies.

Seamless progression from design to digital print with EFI Fiery DesignPro

Virtual product patterns completed in Optitex software can enter print preparation through EFI’s Fiery DesignPro software suite — a series of plug-in applications for Adobe Illustrator® and Adobe Photoshop — and the Fiery proServer digital front end (DFE), which delivers professional color management and high-quality RIP output for EFI Reggiani digital printers. The Fiery DesignPro suite gives stakeholders throughout a design team the power to quickly and easily create professional designs, seamless repeat patterns, different colorways, color libraries and palettes.

The latest version of EFI’s Fiery DesignPro software suite includes Fiery DesignPro RSe — a product making its worldwide debut at MAGIC. The RSe plug-in product significantly reduces the time and effort needed to create multi-channel separations, colorways and repeat patterns directly within Photoshop, all with the added convenience of a streamlined “print to Fiery” function to send designs directly into production through an EFI Fiery proServer DFE.

Users do not have to launch new tools within their Adobe program to employ Fiery DesignPro, a benefit that can significantly reduce the time spent completing designs. As a result, customers can eliminate common bottlenecks and unleash their creativity using the only full set of advanced textile design solutions that work within Adobe products. Designs processed through the EFI Fiery proServer at MAGIC will be fed to an EFI Reggiani NEXT 180 sublimation printer running in EFI’s booth.

Eco-friendly production with EFI Reggiani Terra water-based pigment inks

Attendees can also see direct-to-fabric cotton samples featuring the newly available, high-performance EFI Reggiani Terra pigment inks during Sourcing at MAGIC. Available in six colors (CMYK, blue and red) the ink uses an innovative binder technology for fast, sustainable, and cost-competitive industrial textile production with no washing or steaming needed. Designed to leverage EFI Reggiani digital printers’ industrial performance capabilities, these eco-friendly, water-based inks provide extraordinary print durability and yield longer printhead life with reduced maintenance costs. The inks also deliver excellent light fastness and high sharpness on nearly any type of fabric, including cotton, polyester, cotton-poly blends and more.

EFI Reggiani, Optitex and Fiery DesignPro products are part of an extended portfolio of technologies that advance EFI’s global role in the analog-to-digital transformation of print manufacturing in the textile, commercial print, ceramics, corrugated packaging and signage and display graphics industries.

Posted August 10, 2018

Source: EFI

Hexion And Vanora Create A New Biocide-Free Waterborne Binder Solution For The Paint And Coatings Industry

COLUMBUS, Ohio — August 8, 2018 — VeoVa™ vinyl ester monomer from Hexion Inc. is a key component in a new specialized binder developed by Vanora for the paint and coatings industry that is environmentally preferred for having no volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Vanora, an innovative polymer dispersion manufacturer located in Sempach, Switzerland, leveraged Hexion’s VeoCryl technology, which combines VeoVa vinyl ester and acrylate monomers, to develop a biocide-free dispersion. Biocides are the active chemical molecules that can be used to control or inhibit harmful microorganism growth.

The new dispersion known as DXV.4229 contains waterglass, also known as sodium silicate, to increase the pH and a stabilized hydrophobic polymer based on VeoVa vinyl ester. VeoVa vinyl ester provides both alkaline and water resistance, while the water glass ensures good water vapor diffusion. DXV.4229 is suitable for use in indoor and outdoor paints and plasters.

“Hexion was pleased to cooperate with Vanora to create a biocide-free alternative for water-based industrial paints,” said Harold Schweitzer, vice president and general manager, Versatic™ Acids & Derivatives. “Importantly, the binder DXV.4229 does not emit VOCs and this technology meets the growing need for a sustainable solution in response to recent stringent legislation in Europe that limit the use of biocides in paints and coatings.”

Posted August 9, 2018

Source: Hexion Inc.

Duluth Holdings Launches New Website Based On A State-Of-The-Art E-Commerce Platform

BELLEVILLE, Wis. — August 9, 2018 — Duluth Holdings Inc. — a lifestyle brand of men’s and women’s casual wear, workwear and accessories — has successfully and fully implemented its new e-commerce platform that significantly enhances customers’ digital shopping experience. Earlier in the year, the company completed the conversion of its order management system. The new e-commerce platform and order management system are strategically important to support the company’s long-term business plans and competitive growth of the Duluth Trading brand across its omnichannel platform.

“We are excited to present our customers with a new website, based on a state-of-the art e-commerce platform, which is now fully operational and delivering enhanced functionality. Our new website provides a better mobile, tablet and desktop shopping experience, more flexible content management and increased ability to personalize outreach to our customers,” said Stephanie Pugliese, CEO of Duluth Trading.

Pugliese added, “I am very proud that our team has successfully implemented two major IT projects since the beginning of this year. In addition to our e-commerce platform, they completed the conversion of our order management system that gives us better customer visibility across all channels and the tools to roll out our ship-from-store, buy online, pick-up in stores, and omnichannel returns programs.  his will benefit our customers with greater flexibility and convenience as well as enhancing our operational efficiency and generating new sales opportunities through improved gift cards and other offerings.”

Posted August 9, 2018

Source: Duluth Trading Co.

Duracote Earns AS9100 Rev D. Certification

RAVENNA, Ohio — August 7, 2018 — Duracote Corp. is now certified to AS9100 Rev D. Created by the International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG), AS9100 defines specific guidelines for Aerospace suppliers’ Quality Management Systems to abide by. This certification further solidifies Duracote’s place as a premier manufacturer in the aerospace industry.

Additionally, this certification covers ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System standards, which are applicable to the automotive and industrial markets. Customers can be assured that products made by Duracote are of the highest quality and that checks are in place to provide assurance in the areas of flame reactivity, sound attenuation and anti-static dissipation.

Duracote’s product offerings include coated and/or laminated films, foams and nonwoven fabrics that are specially constructed and coated for the unique demands of aircraft, ground vehicles and architectural interiors. The brand is one of the world’s most trusted aerospace components manufacturers. However, quality products are only part of the reason. Having been in the industry since 1947, Duracote uses its expertise to offer custom innovation and support. Whether a customer needs a unique noise reduction material, fire retardant material or other solution, Duracote can be a partner in invention.

Posted August 9, 2018

Source: Duracote Corp.

Brother Announces 2019 Lineup Of New Machines, Accessories and Software — Commemorates 110th Anniversary

BRIDGEWATER, N.J. — August 9, 2018 — Brother International Corp. is “Celebrating Innovation” this year with the announcement of its 2019 lineup of new machines, accessories and software. It’s a year like no other as Brother is commemorating the company’s 110th anniversary, launching a lineup that is sure to catapult your expectations for innovation into a world you’ve only imagined.

The Luminaire Innov-ís XP1

Premiering in the lineup is the Luminaire Innov-ís XP1, the company’s flagship sewing, embroidery and quilting machine that is sure to bring excitement with every stitch. This new powerhouse machine is packed with exclusive features including 192 built-in Disney designs and 10 new Disney stitches that you won’t find anywhere else. The library of built-in designs has been expanded to over 1,100 choices from names that include Disney, Anna Aldmon, Zundt, Zentangle, and Pierre Joseph Redouté, plus so many more.

The first thing you’ll notice on the Luminaire are the luxury features and attention to detail which make it one of the most technologically advanced sewing, quilting, crafting and embroidery machines on the market today.  Just when you think you’ve seen it all, the Luminaire will exceed all expectations with innovation and technology that is light years ahead of its time. It’s today’s must-have machine for those who want to do it all with ease and perfection!

Features on the Luminaire Innov-ís XP1 Include:

  • StitchVision Technology for virtually perfect stitch positioning and more precise previews via an intelligent projection of light — preview, audition and edit designs and stitches directly on your fabric;
  • 65 square inches of workspace — 13.1″ needle to arm;
  • Large 10 5/8″ x 16″ embroidery frame with a new spring lever release – no clamps needed;
  • Powerful 13″ surround LED lighting;
  • Large 10.1″ HD LCD touch screen display with capacitive technology;
  • Camera detecting buttonhole feature;
  • Enhanced My Design Center, including a new echo quilting feature;
  • Dual king spool thread stand with magnetic attachment; and
  • Enhanced thread color palette (now with 13 palettes).

Quilt Club Series

Quilters are passionate about their craft and Brother shares the same notion. That’s why they listened to what quilters wanted and delivered a series of four quilting machines for every kind of quilter at every skill level. The Quilt Club Series, which includes the Innov-ís BQ3050, Innov-ís BQ2450, Innov-ís BQ1350 and Innov-ís BQ950, is packed with features that will revitalize your excitement about quilting.

Features Include:

  • Built-in sewing and quilting stitches;
  • Extra-large quilt-sized workspaces;
  • Included wide table for larger projects;
  • Automatic Height Adjuster (AHA) feature;
  • MuVit Digital Dual Feed;
  • Advanced Sew Straight Laser Vision Guide; and
  • Quilters Bundle of accessories.

Simplicity® by Brother

Beginning sewers and hobbyists alike will be all the rage over the two newest machines to the five-machine lineup that will have them creating right out of the box. The SB1000T computerized sewing machine and SB3150 computerized sewing and quilting machine are easy-to-use, high quality machines that will have DIY enthusiasts embracing their creative sides with features that will inspire them for years to come. With so many to mention, here are just a few standout features to whet your creative appetite:

Features Include:

  • Built-in sewing stitches, including several styles of one-step auto-size buttonholes;
  • Back-lit LCD screen display with push-button stitch selection;
  • New Simplicity Pattern included catering to beginner and mid-level DIY enthusiasts; and
  • Included wide table for larger projects along with a wide range of included accessories.

Project Runway

Designers can now take their passion and collections with them via the Innov-ís NS80PRW portable sewing machine. This feature-packed travel partner is the newest addition to the Project Runway line of machines and is equipped with surprise additions you would only expect from Brother. Here’s some standout features that will inspire today’s designers:

Features Include:

  • Improved sewing with longer feed dogs and J foot for powerful feeding and stitch consistency;
  • Advanced needle threading system;
  • Ample 4.1″ x 6.4″ work area;
  • 2.56″ monochrome LCD display ensures visibility of stitch options; and
  • A wide range of accessories included, along with a wide table available for purchase.

ScanNCut DX Innov-ís Edition

Now, the only home and hobby cutting machine with a built-in scanner has Brother’s revolutionary auto-blade sensor technology, an incredible time-saving feature that automatically detects material thickness to cut precise custom and built-in patterns. Exclusive to this model, the ScanNCut DX reads most PES, PHC and PHX files directly. There’s no need to convert! Plus, mat-less cutting is now a reality with the optional roll feeder for vinyl. What’s the formula for perfect crafting success? Just add imagination!

THE Dream Carousel Cabinet

Quilters will love this innovative and stylish cabinet designed with quilters in mind to take comfort and convenience to the next level. Now compatible with THE Dream Quilter 15S DQLT15S, Innov-ís BQ2450 and Innov-ís BQ3050, you have more options to quilt from a front- or side-facing position.

PE-DESIGN 11

The PE-DESIGN 11 is the latest personal embroidery and sewing digitizing software from Brother. It’s packed with powerful and timesaving features that allow you to create your own fonts, stitches and designs just once – and then use many times over on hats, pillows, shirts and other projects. Best yet, if you own the Luminaire XP1, you’ll enjoy wireless LAN connectivity to wirelessly transfer your embroidery designs.

BES 4 Power Pack 2 Cutting Tools Add-On

Brother introduces cutting-edge technology that literally has the capability to add the power of a digital cutting machine alongside your embroidery. The BES 4 Power Pack 2 Cutting Tools Add-On puts cutting power at your fingertips to create beautiful rhinestone designs, adhesive vinyl designs and heat-transfer vinyl designs. It’s an invaluable tool with which to create valuable memories.

With so many exciting machines, accessories and software to choose from, the 2019 lineup from Brother is sure to have something for everyone. “We are thrilled to be celebrating the 110th anniversary of Brother and its revolutionary technology and innovation growth over the years,” said Juniche Horie, Vice President of Brother International Corporation and the head of the company’s Home Appliance Division. “Brother has once again reinvented the industry with new technology that will take our customers’ creativity to the next level. This year’s lineup is our gift to them by giving them the tools they crave to make their sewing and crafting dreams a reality.”

Posted August 9, 2018

Source: Brother International

Pacolet Milliken Enterprises Launching New Solar Project In Union County: $12 Million Investment To Establish Midway Green Solar, LLC

COLUMBIA, S.C. — August 1, 2018 — Pacolet Milliken Enterprises is launching a new renewable energy operation, Midway Green Solar LLC, in Union County. This project is expected to bring approximately $12 million of capital investment.

Pacolet Milliken Enterprises Inc. is a private, family-owned investment company with a history that dates back to the 1860s. Located on property adjacent to Midway Green Industrial Park in Union, S.C., the company’s new solar project is expected to come online in the second quarter of 2019.

“Pacolet Milliken has partnered with Syncarpha Capital on projects throughout the country, and we’re excited to work with them to bring the first solar farm to Union County,” said Pacolet Milliken Enterprises Executive Vice President of Energy and Infrastructure Ralph Walker. “Midway Green Solar LLC allows us to expand our work of developing our commitment to investing in environmentally-responsible energy.”

“South Carolina’s renewable energy sector continues to grow, and we’re excited about today’s announcement of Pacolet Milliken Enterprises’ new $12 million solar project,” said Gov. Henry McMaster. “To see this partnership continue to grow shows that the hard work of so many men and women will continue to benefit local communities and the state.”

“The renewable energy industry in South Carolina continues to impress as yet another renewable energy provider announces a $12 million investment,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt. “I congratulate this terrific company on their new development, and look forward to watching Midway Green Solar, LLC grow and thrive.”

“We are truly excited about this investment in renewable energy,” said Union County Council Chairman Frank Hart. “This facility will provide Union County a competitive edge and support our strategy for sustainable growth going forward.”

FAST FACTS

  • Pacolet Milliken Enterprises is launching a new renewable energy operation, Midway Green Solar, LLC, in Union County.
  • $12 million investment.
  • Pacolet Milliken Enterprises is a private, family-owned investment company with a history that dates back to the 1860s.
  • Located on property adjacent to Midway Green Industrial Park in Union, S.C., the company’s new solar project is expected to come online in the second quarter of 2019.

Pacolet Milliken Enterprises is a private, family owned investment company that was founded as a separate corporate entity by the shareholders of Milliken & Company with a mandate to preserve and grow its capital with a values driven, multi-generational outlook through the ownership of very high quality real assets.

Posted August 9, 2018

Source: South Carolina Office Of The Governor Henry McMaster & Pacolet Milliken Enterprises

Delta Apparel Appoints New Member To Board Of Directors

GREENVILLE, S.C. — August 7, 2018 — Delta Apparel Inc. — a provider of basic and branded apparel, headwear and related accessories — has announced the appointment of Anita D. Britt to its Board of Directors.

Britt brings to the Delta Apparel Board of Directors approximately 24 years of financial and related operational experience in the apparel and consumer products industries. She served as CFO for Perry Ellis International from 2009 until her retirement in 2017, and also served as executive vice president and CFO for Urban Brands Inc. from 2006 to 2009. She spent the previous 13 years in various financial leadership roles for Jones Apparel Group Inc.

Britt holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from The Pennsylvania State University and is an actively licensed Certified Public Accountant and member of the National Association of Corporate Directors.

“We are pleased to have Anita join our team,” commented Delta Apparel Chairman and CEO Robert W. Humphreys. “Anita’s financial expertise and experience both in the apparel industry and public company arena will add valuable perspective to the Board.  We look forward to working with Anita as we continue to guide the growth of our company and represent the best interests of our shareholders.”

Posted August 9, 2018

Source: Delta Apparel Inc.

Perry Ellis International Announces License For Perry Ellis

MIAMI — August 8, 2018 — Perry Ellis International Inc. (PEI) announced today it has entered into a license agreement with Six Lincoln LLC for boy’s sportswear, activewear and swimwear apparel for newborns, infants and toddlers. The product will be designed, manufactured and marketed under the Perry Ellis® brand in the United States and Canada with a planned launch in Spring 2019 at department and specialty stores.

Fashion icon, Perry Ellis, believed fashion was fun, and should never be taken too seriously. Patterns, pops of color, new shapes and never before-seen styles — he embraced it all, rewriting the rules and redefining American sportswear.

“Six Lincoln is a well-established children’s apparel leader and I am thrilled we will be working together in fashioning boys’ sport, active and swim apparel.  With Perry Ellis’ fresh appeal and Six Lincoln’s excellent design team, this partnership will further complement our strong leadership in the boys’ apparel market and promote our continued interest in business expansion,” commented Oscar Feldenkreis, CEO and president, PEI.

President of Six Lincoln Steven Arnold remarked: “We are extremely excited to add the Perry Ellis Boys Sportswear license to our brand portfolio. Perry Ellis is an iconic, modern brand with clear opportunities for growth in the boys’ segment.”

Posted August 9, 2018

Source: Perry Ellis International Inc.

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