United States Assumes the Chair for the IMS International Manufacturing R&D Collaboration Program

WASHINGTON — February 1, 2018 — Jack Harris, former Rockwell Collins director of Advanced Manufacturing Technology and currently general manager for PDES Inc., chairman of the Advanced Manufacturing Working Group for the U.S. Aerospace States Association and CEO for Parametric Studio Inc., an Aerospace and Engineering STEM software company, assumed the chair of Intelligent Manufacturing Systems International (IMS). Harris was introduced as the incoming Chairman of IMS at the November 2017 World Manufacturing Forum (WMF).

His focus during the U.S. Chairmanship will be small and medium enterprise (SME) manufacturing growth and sustainability through Industry 4.0 technologies, enabled by the launch of a new manufacturing innovation program entitled ManuVation 4.0. Harris will also focus on a new IMS model based on working with local and regional economic development groups in addition to federal governments. Supplementary to his role at IMS, he will become part of the steering body for the new Italian-based World Manufacturing Forum Foundation. As IMS contributes its WMF intellectual property to the foundation with partners from Confindustria and Politecnico di Milano, Harris will help guide development of the foundation.

Posted February 1, 2018

Source: IMS International

Under Armour Launches UA HOVR, A Next Generation Cushioning Platform Built To Make You Better

BALTIMORE — February 1, 2018 — Today, Under Armour launched UA HOVR, the brand’s latest innovation in footwear cushioning technology. The UA HOVR platform is launching with two running styles — the UA HOVR Sonic and UA HOVR Phantom — and will continue to expand into other key footwear categories in the coming seasons.

This new pinnacle cushioning system delivers on the need to have a shoe that provides not only a cushioned ride, but also energy return. The UA HOVR midsole is made of a proprietary foam compound, made in partnership with the innovators at Dow Chemical, possessing a super-soft durometer with incredible cushioning and shock absorption for every single foot strike.

A key component of the UA HOVR cushioning system is the ‘Energy Web,’ which is a mesh fabric that wraps the cushioning core to deliver strong responsiveness and energy return. This ideal combination of advantages makes runners feel and perform better with less fatigue. With UA HOVR, the shoe is absorbing some of the impact an athlete’s body would normally feel, aiding in comfort and keeping legs fresh for the road ahead.

“The development of UA HOVR was inspired by the insight that every step a runner takes has the impact of 2-4x their body weight, holding them down. When designing UA HOVR, we set out to create the perfect combination of cushioning plus responsiveness and energy return — to essentially lift you up,” said Dave Dombrow, Under Armour’s Chief Design Officer. “The UA HOVR underfoot returns that energy and makes every stride feel light and effortless. I could not be more proud of this product and for UA HOVR to usher in a new chapter in the Under Armour design and innovation story.”

The UA HOVR Sonic and UA HOVR Phantom styles will be available with a high fidelity sensor embedded in the shoe. These sensor-enabled versions are digitally connected to the newest evolution of the MapMyRun app and provide the added benefits of an untethered run while tracking detailed data including stride length, cadence, pace, distance and shoe life. Traditionally, consumers would need to invest hundreds of dollars in equipment and wearables to have access to this level of data. With UA HOVR’s sensor technology, this information will sync directly from the shoes to MapMyRun – all while never needing a recharge. The digital versions of UA HOVR Sonic and UA HOVR Phantom also include an annual MVP subscription to MapMyRun with access to the world’s largest digital health and fitness community of 225 million registered users, coaching and training plans, live tracking, advanced analytics, as well as multi-language VIP support.

“Under Armour is focused on delivering runners around the world — from world champion Natasha  Hastings to runners completing their first 5K — innovative solutions that provide an unparalleled running experience,” said Topher Gaylord, general manager of UA Run. “We obsess over every detail in our running footwear to ensure supreme comfort, unrivaled performance, and the ultimate underfoot ride. With beautiful design converging with state-of-the-art digital capabilities, UA HOVR technology empowers athletes everywhere, at all levels of the sport, with performance advantages previously available only to the world’s most elite athletes. Put simply, Under Armour and UA HOVR make you better.”

Weighing in at 9.6 ounce (oz)/272 grams (g), with an 8 millimeter offset, the UA HOVR Sonic has a light and responsive ride, for runners who put distance first. The UA HOVR Phantom weighs 10.6 oz/300.5 g and has a plush and responsive ride, for runners who want all-around cushioning. With the UA HOVR Phantom, UA leveraged its apparel DNA to create a knitted collar for superior comfort and adaptation around the ankle with a 5/8″ collar and knitted sock-like feel.  The UA HOVR Sonic will retail for $100 and $110; the UA HOVR Phantom will retail for $130 and $140 for non-connected and connected, respectively.

Both styles are now available for purchase on UA.com, at Under Armour Brand Houses and at sport specialty stores across the globe. You can also access Under Armour’s Connected Fitness Community by downloading the MapMyRun app on the App Store or Google Play™ store. To join the conversation follow @UnderArmour and use hashtag #UAHOVR. For more information visit UA.com/HOVR.

Under Armour also created an innovation film, which ushers in the UA HOVR Phantom and UA HOVR Sonic running shoes in high-energy fashion. Under city lights, a lively crew of runners sprint and leap their way through urban streets, while macro-level visuals of the foam and ‘Energy Web’ technology capture the way in which UA HOVR lifts you up — the cushioning and responsiveness help you physically feel lighter, minimizing the impact on your body and keeping your legs fresh. Emotionally, you feel as though you are being lifted up – the energy that comes from having achieved the euphoric runner’s high.

Posted February 1, 2018

Source: Under Armour

Komar Enters Into Licensing Agreement With DreamWave LLC To Design, Manufacture And Distribute Carole Hochman® Swimwear

JERSEY CITY, N.J. — February 1, 2018 — Global apparel company Komar is pleased to announce that it has entered into a licensing agreement with DreamWave LLC for the design, manufacture, marketing, distribution and sale of ladies swimwear for the Carole Hochman® brand.

The Carole Hochman brand is renowned for sleep and loungewear designs that are both beautifully stylish and luxuriously comfortable. DreamWave is a resource of licensed, private label and branded swimwear, outerwear and sleepwear, and is committed to develop and produce an offering of women’s swimwear that shares the brand’s longstanding commitment to quality and design.

The licensing agreement is the first such license for this category, and will join a number of licenses awarded the use of the Carole Hochman name including slippers and socks. Carole Hochman® products are carried by such retailers as Dillard’s, Lord & Taylor and QVC.

“As a brand, we look to partner with leaders in the industry to develop stylish offerings that help women embrace the Carole Hochman lifestyle,” shared David Komar, principal and chief marketing officer at Komar. “This agreement with DreamWave is another step in our successful licensing strategy to help expand our consumer appeal to a new category.”

“We are excited to work with Komar, a like-minded company rooted in family-values, with an industry-wide reputation for excellence,” said Sion Betesh, senior vice president, Brand Development, DreamWave. “The Carole Hochman brand, which stands for sophisticated comfort, is a wonderful addition to our portfolio.”

The Carole Hochman swimwear collection will be available for preview in April 2018, and will ship to retail beginning December 2018.

Posted February 1, 2018

Source: Komar

Hall Of Fame Jacket Maker To Honor America’s Dads With The Haggar Hall Of Fame

DALLAS — February 1, 2018 — Haggar Clothing Co., the official jacket provider of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, will create a new Hall of Fame this year to recognize and celebrate America’s greatest dads.

Starting today, football legend and Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith, whose own father demonstrated the importance of family by putting aside his football dreams and turning down a scholarship to care for his family, will lead the national call for nominations to the inaugural class of the Haggar Hall of Fame Dads.

“While being in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and wearing the Gold Jacket is one of my proudest achievements, being a dad to my five kids exceeds that by a mile,” said Smith. “My dad sacrificed so much to give me this life, and he’s the reason I have the Gold Jacket — and it’s why I’m honored to join Haggar in recognizing the great dads and father figures across the nation with a Hall of Fame of their own.”

Nominations for the Haggar Hall of Fame Dads will be accepted now through May 31 at www.HaggarHOFDad.com. Visitors can upload a photo or video, along with a caption describing why their dad or father figure is a Hall of Famer, and then vote for their favorite Hall of Fame Dad stories throughout the nomination period.

Haggar will enshrine 52 winners in the Haggar Hall of Fame, representing each U.S. state, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. One grand prizewinner will win a VIP trip to his choice of the 2018 Pro Football Hall of Fame or 2018 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony.

“For decades, Haggar has been proud to make the iconic Hall of Fame jackets for the legends of pro football, basketball and hockey. To those who wear them, the jackets are more than just a piece of clothing. They symbolize years of hard work and dedication to mastering their craft,” said Haggar CEO Michael Stitt. “We’ve clothed millions of dads over the past 90 years, and we are honored to recognize and celebrate a few of them for everything they do to support their families and communities.”

Posted February 1, 2018

Source: Haggar Clothing Co.

Teijin Frontier To Participate In Première Vision Paris

TOKYO — February 1, 2018 — Teijin Frontier Co. Ltd., the Teijin Group’s fibers and products converting company, announced today that it will participate in Première Vision Paris, a major global event for fashion industry professionals that will be held in Paris from February 13-15.

The “TEIJINTEX® by TEIJIN FRONTIER” (stand 6G24-6H27) will be locate in the Fabrics area to feature mainly two top-quality materials — SOLOTEX® and DELTAPEAK® — along with displays of eco-friendly materials. Also, Teijin Frontier will make its first appearance in the show’s the Wearable Lab area (stand 6D29) to display wearable electrode cloth and piezoelectric wearable sensors with fashionable design that is lacking in existing wearable sensors.

Exhibits will include:

  • Solotex is a polytrimethylene terephthalate fiber that is soft, stretchable, shape-retaining, dimensionally stable and brightly colored owing to its spring-like molecular structure. Several versions will be presented, including textiles with supple and unique textures. Partially bio-derived Solotex is an environmentally friendly choice for next-generation clothing.
  • Deltapeak is a next-generation polyester fabric that combines excellent physical properties with high levels of functionality and quality. Thanks to its dense, flat-knit surface, Deltapeak is a wonderfully multifunctional material that has been adopted by a range of global sports-apparel brands. Deltapeak is an excellent choice as a high-performance material for a wide range of applications including casual, athleisure and more.
  • A newly developed wearable electrode cloth that integrates Japanese-style Nishijin brocade techniques and Teijin Frontier’s advanced production know-how will be exhibited.
  • Another exhibit fusing traditional Japanese culture and state-of-art wearable sensing will showcase the world’s first piezoelectric wearable sensors developed by Kansai University and Teijin in the shapes of traditional Japanese-style kumihimo braded cords. Kimono accessories made by Ousyun Hasegawa, one of the leading kumihimo producers in Kyoto, Japan, also will be exhibited.

Première Vision Paris, held twice yearly, is expecting to attract some 60,000 visitors and over 1,900 exhibiting companies from 57 countries this year. Teijin Frontier, which will mark its sixth appearance in the show, aims to further raise its profile and continue expanding its market, mainly in Europe.

Posted February 1, 2018

Source: Teijin Group

Istanbul: ITM 2018 International Textile Machinery Exhibition Update

ISTANBUL — February 1, 2018 — The heart of the world textile industry will beat at ITM 2018 International Textile Machinery Exhibition to be held in Istanbul April 14-17, 2018. With the participation of hundreds of manufacturers, each developing leading technologies in their respective fields, and the visits of the worldwide industry investors and trade delegations the event will turn into a textile show.

ITM Exhibition; in addition of being the largest exhibition of Turkey and Middle East in its field, is also one of the most important organizations of the industry globally. The ITM 2016 Exhibition, which was held June 1-4, 2016, with a 100-percent occupancy rate, hosted 1200 exhibitors and representatives and approximately 50,000 visitors from 76 countries worldwide. A new record will be broken on both exhibitor and visitor basis at the ITM 2018 where all the halls are full of.

ITM 2018 will become a textile technology feast with the participation of the leaders of the textile world, those serve in all the subsectors of the industry, from cotton to yarn, weaving to knitting and digital printing to dyeing and finishing. ITM 2018, which will host the worldwide product launches of many domestic and international companies, is also drawing attention with the growing stand areas and machinery trails of the producers compared to the predecessor ITM’s.

The ITM 2018 will be held in Istanbul: The crossroads of civilizations and the ancient bridge between the East and the West since centuries. This carries the fair to the center of attraction for both the exhibitors and the visitors. Istanbul’s historical and cultural texture and deep effect on world trade combined with its advanced transportation facilities and rich accommodation options, makes the city one of the best places for such a large, global fair. Another important aspect strengthens the bridge mission that Istanbul performs between the East and the West is the visa agreements between the Turkey and the shining and rising stars of East such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Vietnam, Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Iran, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan etc. By means of this, ITM 2018 is going to play a major role in the integration of the both sides of the world by receiving a visitor throng from these countries.

Cooperation with the World of Academia

Beyond just being an exhibition, ITM 2018, which can be described as an ‘event summit’, will concurrently host HIGHTEX 2018, the Istanbul Yarn Fair and the ETT2018 Conference at the same time. Within HIGHTEX 2018, the presentations of Nonwovens, technical textiles, smart textiles and the cutting-edge textile technologies will be done, which are the rising values of today’s world, while the leading yarn manufacturers in the globe will showcase their latest trends and newest products to the visitors during Istanbul Yarn Fair.

On the other hand, The ETT 2018 Conference, which will be realized with the participation of textile experts, academicians, researchers, administrators, machine manufacturers and the other guests with business experience, will provide the visitors a unique symposium opportunity. It is also hoped that the conference will make important contributions to the textile industry of the future.

Some of the leading names of the academic textile world whose will take part at the conference as spokesperson are as follows: Prof. Thomas Gries; Head of Textile Engineering Department at RWTH Aachen University Germany, Prof. Yusuf Menceloglu; Dean of Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences at Sabancı University Turkey, Ph.D. Melissa Pasquinelli; Associate Department Head and Director of Graduate Programs at NC State University US and Prof. Yusuf Ulcay; Chancellor of Uludag University Turkey.

Posted February 1, 2018

Source: ITM 2018

DuPont Honored With Henkel Laundry & Home Care Sustainability Award For Making Everyday Sustainability As Simple As Doing The Laundry

ORLANDO, Fla. — February 1, 2018 — DuPont Industrial Biosciences has been honored by Henkel with the “Laundry & Home Care Sustainability Award” for its unparalleled enzyme technology. The award presented to DuPont’s Home & Personal Care business was announced at this week’s American Cleaning Institute’s Annual Meeting & Industry Convention in Orlando, Florida.

DuPont provided Henkel with a high-performance enzyme for best-in-class wash results in a broad range of detergents. DuPont’s enzyme technology outperformed everything else on the market, allowing Henkel to reduce the dosage needed in their detergent formula. Better-performing enzymes means fewer materials, lower costs and less time are needed in the production of Henkel’s detergent, improving the sustainability of one of the most common household chores, one load of laundry at a time.

“DuPont’s innovative enzyme technology exhibits superior efficiency at comparably low dosage. This saves material, time and money and is a perfect example for sustainability contribution,” said Thomas Müller-Kirschbaum, corporate senior vice president, R&D Laundry & Home Care at Henkel.

Home & Personal Care resides under DuPont Industrial Biosciences — one of the businesses within DowDuPont’s Specialty Products Division — which creates innovative bio-based solutions to make industrial processes more effective and sustainable. DuPont enzymes enable sustainability progress across a wide range of home and personal care products, especially in the laundry and cleaning sectors.

“Our goal is to offer innovative, biobased solutions to meet the needs of a growing population, while protecting our environment for future generations,” said William F. Feehery, president, DuPont Industrial Biosciences. “Advanced enzyme technology, applied to industrial processes and included in household products offers businesses and consumers unparalleled opportunities to reduce costs and save energy without compromising performance.”

Posted February 1, 2018

Source: DowDuPont Specialty Products

Breakthrough In Bulk Production Of Indigo Spray Dyeing

SINGAPORE — February 1, 2018 — DyStar and RotaSpray successfully developed their indigo spray dyeing procedure for production on a bulk level which allows denim producers to significantly reduce their environmental impact.

The solution was first introduced at ITMA Milan in 2015. Since then, DyStar and RotaSpray have been working together to develop it further and make it available for bulk production in important Denim markets like Turkey, India and Pakistan. With the recent breakthrough, they are now announcing a salt-less dyeing solution for the denim industry. This new technology is awarded important ECO certificates and offers high flexibility for dyeing small lot sizes, reduced water usage and effluent discharge lower impact on yarn in the dyeing process and simplified recipe changes.

The new Spray dyeing technology combines DyStar Indigo Vat 40% Solution, Sera® Con C-RDA (a unique organic reducing agent) and the effective optimization of spraying parameters of the EPO patented RotoDyer® and the RotoCoater® spraying technology. Although rotary atomizers have been established for several decades in the textile industry they were mainly used for rewetting textiles with moisture. But recent cost pressure and a global demand for more sustainable solutions were motivators for the R&D of the industry and led to the recent technology leap.

On sheet dyeing ranges (slasher), with process and layout modifications, coatings including DyStar Indigo Coat, Cassulfon®, Remazol®/Levafix® and Imperon® dyes can be applied by spray dyeing as well. The spray application of fixing agents and oxidation chemicals can be integrated into sheet dyeing (slasher) as well as rope dyeing machines.

DyStar Indigo Vat 40% Solution has always been a step ahead of the cleanest dyeing process on the market for the denim industry. This is another innovative step to offer best-available technology to the industry.

Posted February 1, 2018

Source: The DyStar Group

Shaw Industries Establishes UK/European Footprint With Acquisition Of Scotland-Based Carpet Tile Manufacturer STS

DALTON, Ga./SANQUHAR, Scotland — February 1, 2018 — Shaw Industries Group Inc. — a supplier of carpet, resilient, hardwood, tile and stone and laminate flooring products and synthetic turf to residential and commercial markets — has acquired Scotland-based carpet tile manufacturer Sanquhar Tile Services (STS).

Shaw is the largest carpet tile manufacturer in North America. This acquisition expands Shaw’s carpet tile footprint to meet the needs of its global customers — complementing the company’s carpet tile manufacturing facilities in Cartersville and Adairsville, Ga., and in Nantong, China.

STS, a long-established and important carpet tile manufacturer in the United Kingdom, will continue to serve its customers as part of Shaw’s commercial flooring division. STS’ established and experienced leadership team and associates will continue to operate the business — with manufacturing capabilities from tufting through cutting — as part of Shaw.

Shaw, founded 50 years ago, and STS, which has been manufacturing carpet tile for 45 years, share cultures of innovation, service and long-tenured, experienced associates.

“This acquisition positions Shaw as a global carpet tile provider,” said Vance Bell, chairman and CEO of Shaw. “STS will be an important part of our commercial business, and we will make substantial capital investments to enhance and modernize their operations. We’re proud to count STS associates among the 22,000 individuals at Shaw who are working to create a better future for our customers, our communities, our company and each other.”

“Shaw’s continued investment in STS will ensure that we are poised to advance our position in the market and to provide our people with rewarding careers as we focus even more heavily on advanced manufacturing techniques that allow us to best meet current and future customer needs,” said Frank Williamson, managing director at STS.

Posted February 1, 2018

Source: Shaw Industries Group

Mimaki Renew Dealership With DigiMania

ISTANBUL — February 1, 2018 —Digital printing solutions brand Mimaki continues to strengthen its sales network. Mimaki Eurasia announced a renewed dealership with digital printing industry serving DigiMania.

Digital printing brand Mimaki renewed its dealership with DigiMania in order to obtain service excellence for the Turkish textile industry. With this dealership, DigiMania will continue to offer Mimaki’s rich digital textile printing solutions to the Turkish textile printing market.

After completing their restructuring period for the Turkish market which they were in a strong position, Mimaki Eurasia is taking important decisions about their sales network. Aiming to increase customer satisfaction and preserve the renowned Mimaki quality during the procurement process, Mimaki is strengthening their sales network. Being a long time sales dealer of Mimaki, DigiMania will continue to provide the same service in the coming period with the newly signed deal.

Posted February 1, 2018

Source: Mimaki Eurasia

Sponsors