Governor McAuliffe Announces 405 New Jobs And $19.9 Million Investment In Bristol, Va.

BRISTOL, Va. — December 12, 2017 — Governor Terry McAuliffe today announced that American Merchant Inc. — a subsidiary of Merchant House International Ltd. (MHI), a Hong Kong-based designer and manufacturer of home textiles, seasonal décor products, and leather shoes — will invest $19.9 million to establish its first U.S. manufacturing operation in the city of Bristol. The new textiles plant will expand the company’s home décor products division into the United States. Virginia successfully competed against Arkansas, Florida, Mississippi, North Carolina, Rhode Island, and South Carolina for the project, which will create 405 new jobs.

“It’s an honor to welcome American Merchant to Southwest Virginia and to our impressive roster of international manufacturing companies, which represent more than $118 billion in direct economic output across the Commonwealth,” said Governor McAuliffe, speaking at the event. “Global companies expanding into the U.S. market continue to choose Virginia as their entry point, demonstrating the advantages of our strategic location, business-friendly environment, and robust talent pipeline. The advanced manufacturing industry, which is one of the pillars of our efforts to build a new Virginia economy, is gaining momentum in the Commonwealth. I congratulate the City of Bristol and thank American Merchant for bringing hundreds of jobs and this significant investment.”

American Merchant is a newly-formed company that will manufacture embroidered hand and bath towels in Bristol, Va. MHI, listed on the Australia Securities Exchange, operates in three segments: home textiles, footwear manufacturing, and footwear trading. The company offers kitchen items, table top products, kitchen rugs, and decorative pillows; as well as footwear products, including: work boots, safety toe boots, waterproof footwear security boots, motorcycle boots, hunting boots, and farm and ranch western boots for men. It also engages in the export trading of its work boots and safety shoes. The company sells its products in the United States, Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and China. Merchant House International is bringing textiles back to America due to plentiful cotton supplies, cleaner and more sustainable energy, and lower tax rates than China.

“The addition of over 400 new jobs and the revitalization of a former manufacturing facility is a big win for the City of Bristol, and we welcome American Merchant as Virginia’s new corporate partner,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Todd Haymore. “Our success in attracting international companies, of which more than 700 are located in Virginia, and major advanced manufacturing projects is evidence of our competitiveness on a global level, and the Commonwealth has emerged as a leader in this key industry. We look forward to a long and successful partnership with American Merchant.”

“Virginia has a rich history of manufacturing textiles for hundreds of years,” said Loretta Lee, chairwoman and founder of Merchant House International. “With retailers increasingly challenged by e-commerce competitors, speed-to-market is vital. Therefore, manufacturing and warehousing in Virginia will be a great advantage, and we are delighted to return our industry to this beautiful state. We have been warmly welcomed by state and local officials, and we feel certain we have found the right home for our business. We visited a number of states, but after careful analysis, Virginia finished at the top of every list.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the City of Bristol to secure the project for Virginia. Governor McAuliffe approved a $300,000 grant from the Commonwealth Opportunity Fund to assist the city with the project. The Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission approved $590,000 in Tobacco Region Opportunity Funds. American Merchant is eligible to receive additional grants and state benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program and Appalachian Regional Commission, both administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development.  Funding services to support the company’s employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program. 

City of Bristol, Virginia Mayor, Kevin Mumpower stated, “This location has always been a mainstay in our city’s economy, providing good jobs and good wages and acting as a steward for our vision of Bristol, Virginia being a great place to live and work. We therefore are very excited to welcome a new employer to this location and we eagerly anticipate a continuation of this trend. We look forward to the new jobs created for our citizens and the increase in our local tax base. With the soon-to-happen building improvements, machinery and equipment investments, and employee hiring, we are looking forward to seeing this building busy with activity and we are extremely grateful for being the chosen location for this exciting new venture.”

Senator Bill Carrico, a member of the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission, said, “Today is a great day for the City of Bristol and Southwest Virginia. Over 400 jobs and nearly $20 million in investment means this project will be a major boost to our economy, as well as show that we have the ability to attract manufacturers from around the world to our region. I can’t think of a better use of Tobacco Commission funds and I look forward to watching this project take off in the coming months.”

“We are grateful that American Merchant has chosen to locate in Bristol, and we welcome them to the Commonwealth’s Fifth District,” said Delegate Israel O’Quinn. “Southwest Virginia has so much to offer prospective employers, and in turn, we are excited about the significant financial investments and job opportunities this new working relationship will bring to our community. This announcement is yet another example of Southwest Virginia’s ability to compete on a global scale when afforded the opportunity.”

Posted December 12, 2017

Source: Office of the Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade

Reed Exhibitions Announces Launch Of Functional Fabric Fair Powered By PERFORMANCE DAYS®

NORWALK, Conn. — December 12, 2017 — In partnership with PERFORMANCE DAYS®, the prominent functional fabrics fair produced by Design & Development GmbH Textile Consult, Germany, Reed Exhibitions announces the launch of the U.S. Functional Fabric Fair powered by PERFORMANCE DAYS®. The sourcing event for high performance functional fabrics and accessories will be staged during New York Market Week, July 23-24, and co-located with multiple fashion market events at the Javits Center.

“Following the successful launch of a performance and sports textile sourcing program within the PGA Merchandise Show and through considerable industry research, a need for a U.S.-based functional fabric fair has become apparent,” said Steve McCullough of Reed Exhibitions. “The biannual Performance Days Functional Fabric Fair in Germany is the gold standard of the industry and we are especially pleased to organize the U.S. event in cooperation, maximizing their breadth of proven expertise to deliver a fair where tomorrow’s textile trends are on display today.”

“Fashion and function inspire each other more and more in our industry,” commented Marco Weichert, general manager of Design & Development GmbH Textile Consult. “This inaugural U.S. Functional Fabric Fair powered by Performance Days is the first of its kind during New York’s Market Week to provide an opportune sourcing platform for performance materials and technical textiles in fashion, sportswear and athleisure collections.”

The Functional Fabric Fair powered by Performance Days will showcase the latest trends in fabric development for the functional textile industry and provide an opportune marketplace in the United States for the sourcing of high performance functional fabrics and accessories. The event will include exhibits, workshops, industry presentations and professional networking and matchmaking programs. Textile manufacturers, suppliers and service providers will present their functional fabrics, membranes plus treatments, laminates, paddings, finishes, and accessories such as yarns, tapes, prints, buttons and zippers. Industry guests to attend the fair include sports fashion designers, product managers, purchasing agents and textile decision makers representing active clothing and functional wear manufacturers.

Posted December 12, 2017

Source: Reed Exhibitions

The Wrangler® Tough Enough To Wear Pink™ Western Campaign To Fight Breast Cancer Reaches $26 Million Raised Mark

LAS VEGAS — December 12, 2017 — A milestone was reached Monday night at the 13th Annual Wrangler® Tough Enough to Wear Pink™ (TETWP) Night at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. The grassroots cowboy campaign has exceeded the $26 million fundraising mark!

The campaign was created in 2004 by Wheatley, wine industry executive and matriarch of a professional rodeo cowboy family and Karl Stressman, former director of special events for Wrangler and now Commissioner of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA). The idea was to raise money and awareness for breast cancer by challenging rodeo competitors and fans alike to wear pink. Wrangler is the title sponsor of TETWP and a portion of proceeds from everything sold within the Wrangler Tough Enough to Wear Pink merchandise collection goes back to the campaign fund.

Along with the generous support of western businesses such as Wrangler, Montana Silversmiths, Las Vegas Events, Twisted X Boots and Purple Cowboy wines, Wrangler TETWP relies on the hard work of regional rodeos and western events across the country. The strength of the TETWP is that funds raised stay locally to benefit community breast cancer charities. It is the dedication of volunteers on the ground at local events that drives the campaign.

“When we started the Tough Enough To Wear Pink campaign in 2004 our goal was to reach $50 million raised by the 20th anniversary in 2024. What seemed an impossible dream at the time is well on the way to becoming a reality thanks to the hard work of the rodeo committees and events and support of our sponsors,” commented Wheatley, herself a breast cancer survivor.

A notable example of the grassroots efforts is the #1 PRCA rodeo fundraiser, Cattlemen’s Days Rodeo in Gunnison, Colo. A long-time Top Five Wrangler TETWP fundraiser, the Gunnison western community has raised close to $2 million over the years to support the fight against breast cancer in their hometown.

Among their goals is to make Gunnison Valley Health the number one rural hospital for breast cancer care in the U.S. by providing funds for services, medical equipment and support.

Lacey Wheatley, Terry Wheatley’s daughter-in-law, is the Director of Wrangler TETWP and coordinates with rodeos and other non-rodeo organizations to create the pink-themed fundraisers. Her daughter Katie supports the social media outreach for the campaign.

Hats Off to the Top Five Wrangler TETWP PRCA Rode Fundraisers 2017

  • Cattlemen’s Days Rodeo – Gunnison, Colo.;
  • Crosby Fair & Rodeo – Crosby, Texas;
  • Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo;
  • Magic Valley Stampede; and
  • Red Bluff Roundup.

And, the Top Five TETWP Special Events 2017

  • Cowboys for Cancer Research;
  • Rancheros Vistadores TETWP;
  • TETWP of Montana;
  • TETWP Horse Show; and
  • TETWP of Northern California.

Posted December 12, 2017

Source: Tough Enough to Wear Pink

Gerber To Sponsor The 2018 PCA Vision Best Design Award (University)

TOLLAND, Conn. — December 12, 2017 — Gerber Technology is delighted to announce they will be sponsoring the 2018 Professional Clothing (PCA) Vision Best Design (University).

The contest requires students to share their vision of stylish, functional professional clothing (corporate wear, workwear and personal protective equipment (PPE)) that can be worn for a specific job role in a sector of their choice. The goal is for the students to deliver innovative designs that truly meet the needs of the worker (man or woman) to help them perform their job to the best of their ability in their standard job environment. The Best Design Award (University) will be awarded to the university or college which has the best overall design submissions meeting the PCA Vision contest criteria.

Yvonne Heinen-Foudeh, Marketing and Communications Director, EMEA for Gerber Technology, said: “We are very proud to be sponsoring Vision part of the prestigious Professional Clothing Awards. We have nominated a pattern and market expert from Gerber Technology to join the judging panel to help select the additional Vision Award winner and she looks forward to seeing the applications. Having recently relaunched The Student Design Award, Gerber Technology is excited to engage with the contest and be part of an important initiative to identify and encourage the next generation. It is important that we welcome new talent into the Professional Clothing segment and we are very pleased to be part of this”.

Gerber’s mission is to make it easy for anyone in the world using textiles, leather, composites or other flexible materials to go from concept to market quickly and seamlessly. The provider of integrated automation solutions with UK premises in Manchester has been empowering educators and those who support them with technology to help prepare the next generation of fashion leaders for nearly 50 years.

Yvette Ashby, Managing Director of Professional Clothing director-e, Show and Awards, emphasized: “We are proud and honored to have Gerber Technology on board to support PCA Vision Best Design Award (University) and offer expertise on digital pattern making. Technology is an essential part of university education for the next generation of designers, as well as for the entire professional clothing industry.”

“The success of the industry relies on students graduating with the knowledge of how technologies like PLM, CAD and smart machines are used in manufacturing and how they are all connected. This is essential to the workflow and the contest provides an opportunity for students to present their capabilities,” added Yvonne Heinen-Foudeh. “The 2018 PCA Vision provides students with a stage to show off their extra-ordinary talents and help them create an impact before entering the professional world. Yvette Ashby and her team behind PCA Vision have created a powerful platform to make this happen, along with getting key apparel segments — corporate wear, work and image wear — as well as protective garments into the lime light they deserve”.

The 2018 PCA Vision contest forms the basis for the support that the Professional Clothing Awards and the professional clothing industry gives to young, upcoming designers. PCA Vision is an international contest, open to students from across Europe and winners will be announced at the opulent awards ceremony held on Wednesday June 20, 2018 at the Park Plaza London Riverbank.

Posted December 12, 2017

Source: Gerber Technology

Italian Textile Machinery: Opening Of New Technology Training Center In Vietnam

MILAN — December 12, 2017 — On November 29, the Italian training center for textile machinery opened in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, at the Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT). The Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers (ACIMIT) president Alessandro Zucchi commented: “The training center provides a further opportunity to consolidate the presence of Italy’s textile machinery sector in this emerging market.”

Following the signing of an agreement between the project’s main partners, the Italian Trade Agency and HCMUT, the inauguration ceremony of the Italian technology training center for textile machinery in Vietnam was held in April 2016, with the participation, amongst others, of Alessandro Zucchi and Raffaella Carabelli, respectively president and past president of ACIMIT, partners in the project together with PISIE (International Polytechnic Institute for Industrial and Economic Development).

Financed by the Ministry for Economic Development, as part of the Extraordinary Program for the promotion of Made in Italy – Country Project Vietnam, the project intends to support the development of the local textile industry through the realization of a technology center, specifically for the production of men’s socks and hosiery, outfitted with a complete line of Italian machinery and equipment. Notable participants in the project were the following Italian machinery manufacturers: Bellini, Fadis, Gavazzi, Lawer, Lonati and Mesdan.

The inauguration ceremony for the training center unfolded within the context of the Business Mission in Vietnam, held in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City November 27-29, and included the presence of the Italian Vice Ministry of Economic Development Ivan Scalfarotto, as well as Madame Ambassador Cecilia Piccioni and the President of the Italian Trade Agency Michele Scannavini.

“With the start of operations for the training center,” stated ACIMIT President Alessandro Zucchi, “our sector lays the groundwork for further business opportunities in an emerging market for the entire global textile machinery industry.” Indeed, the Vietnamese market represents the 8th largest destination for Italian exports, with a total of 49 million euros in machinery exported in 2016, and a 53-percent increase over the first six months of 2017 compared to the same period for 2016. Textile machinery by far constitute the primary export sector to Vietnam among the various machinery types represented in FEDERMACCHINE, the national federation of associations of manufacturers of capital goods.

As commented past ACIMIT president Raffaella Carabelli, under whose guidance the project was initiated, “I’m certain that the initiative will prove an excellent vehicle in promoting the image not only of individual Italian manufacturers who are participating by supplying machinery, but on Italy’s textile machinery industry as a whole.”

Posted December 12, 2017

Source: ACIMIT

Valdese Weavers Appoints Nikki Rubalcaba As Northeast Sales Representative

VALDESE, N.C. — December 12, 2017 — Valdese Weavers, a long-term domestic supplier to both the residential and commercial woven textile markets, has added a sales representative to the Valdese Weavers Contract team effective Jan. 1, 2018. Nikki Rubalcaba will be working in New York alongside Cathy Schneider, who has represented Valdese Weavers Contract for the past 14 years, and has been instrumental in directing the substantial growth in the territory during this time.

Rubalcaba began her career as an account representative calling primarily on the distributor customer base, and has held a variety of positions, both sales and design driven.  This experience has allowed her to develop a unique skill set that makes her superbly qualified to work with all aspects of Valdese Weavers Contract’s client base in the Northeast.

“Nikki brings a level of knowledge, professionalism and experience that provides an ideal fit to work with both our customer base and our design and development team located in North Carolina,” says Scott George, senior vice president of marketing and sales for Valdese Weavers Contract. “We are excited to have her join our team and immediately contribute to the continued growth we expect from this area of our business.”

“I am thrilled to be a part of a great American mill with a successful history and a wide array of product offerings,” Rubalcaba said. “Being an ESOP company allows each employee to be part of something bigger, which creates a team environment with common goals. I believe we have a strong product line for multiple categories and I look forward to growing our business, and continuing to strengthen client relationships.”

Rubalcaba holds an associate’s degree in fashion buying and merchandising from Nassau Community College and a Bachelor of Science in production management from FIT.

Posted December 12, 2017

Source : Valdese Weavers

U.K. Study On Wipes In Sewer Blockages Released


BRUSSELS — December 12, 2017 — Far greater consumer awareness on what can and cannot be flushed is required, according to a Water UK report released today that explores the impact of wipes and personal care items on UK sewer systems.

The analysis of over 50 sewer blockages confirmed that the “majority of the sewer blockage material recovered comprised of non-flushable wipes that are not designed to be flushed.” Baby wipes — that are never marketed as flushable — were the biggest non-flushable culprit, accounting for 78 percent by weight of identifiable products. Surface wipes, cosmetic wipes and feminine hygiene products — none of which are designed to be flushed — accounted for approximately 20 percent. Less than 1 percent was identified as products designed to be flushed.

The study, the biggest in-depth study of sewer blockages in the UK, was conducted throughout the summer of 2017 by Water UK, a membership organization representing the major water and wastewater services, with further support and funding from the UK Government Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and EDANA, a trade association representing the wet-wipes, absorbent hygiene and nonwoven industries.

The report recommended a renewed and concerted effort to raise awareness among consumers on the correct disposal of wipes. EDANA has long promoted the use of a distinct ‘do not flush’ symbol for all non-flushable wipes and disposable absorbent hygiene products. First introduced in 2009, a revised industry Code of Practice for the labelling of wet wipes was announced in February 2017, stipulating the prominent positioning of the symbol on the front of packaging. EDANA members have committed to implementing this by October 2018. This initiative echoes some of the key conclusions and recommendations of today’s report: that consumers were “unaware of the ‘do not flush’ advice on the non-flushable wipes packaging” and that “manufacturers and retailers of non-flushable wipes (should) provide responsible disposal information in their advertising and awareness campaigns

Marines Lagemaat, Scientific and Technical Affairs Director of EDANA, said: “we are glad we could contribute to the study and welcome the recommendations of the report. This initiative demonstrates the benefits of cross-industry cooperation and we look forward to working further with waste water organizations. It is clear that further outreach to the public is needed on this issue, and we trust we can draw attention to the improved labelling with further awareness campaigns about the proper disposal of these products.”

Water UK’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Rae Stewart, concurred that further outreach to consumers was needed. “There are things that water companies can do, such as improve education about what should and shouldn’t be flushed. There are things manufacturers can do, such as make labelling clearer on non-flushable products. And, of course, there are things individuals can do – which is bin the wipes rather than flush them.”.

Rachel Dyson of Anglian Water and chair of Water UK’s sewer misuse network, agreed: “It seems obvious to dispose of used items such as sanitary pads, tampons, and baby wipes in the bin, however there are many reasons why people flush, such as habit. It is important that industry and waste water bodies work together to make it easier for people to identify which products should never be flushed and raise awareness of the importance of why these products should be binned not flushed”.

EDANA is committed to improving consumer awareness on this issue and to working with all concerned parties to help alleviate the strain on sewers and reduce blockages in the UK and the rest of Europe and beyond.

Posted December 12, 2017

Source: EDANA

Lectra Appoints Nathalie Brunel As Vice-President Sales, Fashion & Apparel

PARIS — December 12, 2017 — Lectra is pleased to announce the appointment of Nathalie Brunel to the role of vice-president Sales, Fashion & Apparel. Based at Lectra’s headquarters in Paris, Nathalie reports to Edouard Macquin, chief sales officer, Lectra and a member of the executive committee.

Brunel’s role is to support Lectra’s subsidiaries as they conduct the group’s strategic roadmap through the deployment of an offer — integrating the PLM and the cutting room of the future — which is rooted in customer experience.

Nathalie will notably work with six countries: United States, China, Germany, United Kingdom, France and Italy.

“The fashion and apparel industry, a historic market for Lectra, is the pillar of our international presence,” said Macquin. “Our customers expect a high level of expertise and advice to meet the challenges they face due to the digitalization of their professions. Nathalie Brunel’s experience in transforming organizations and developing business for complex solutions within large groups is a valuable asset for both Lectra and our customers.”

“The fashion and apparel ecosystem is clearly entering the digital era. I aim to bring Lectra’s value proposition to our customers, facilitating their adoption of Industry 4.0 principles,” Brunel said. “I am proud to contribute to the integration of new technologies in their processes, from design to the finished product. It is crucial to meet the needs of companies facing a complex and fragmented market that is generating both local, and global, pressures.”

Nathalie Brunel has more than 20 years of experience in managing large accounts and management responsibility. In 1996, she joined the Altran group where she successively held the roles of Development Director, Director of a business unit, Associate Director, and Executive Director of large accounts. In 2011, Orange Business Services recruited Nathalie Brunel as Vice-President, Business Operations and Support, then Vice-President Large Accounts, Manufacturing and IT. Prior to joining Lectra, Nathalie Brunel held the position of CEO and shareholder of Okavango Energy, a consulting and industrial energy performance company.

Nathalie has a diploma from the Institut supérieur de commerce de Paris.

Posted December 12, 2017

Source: Lectra

 

Joint Statement Of ABIT And Euratex On The EU-MERCOSUR FTA

BRUSSELS — December 8, 2017 — European Apparel and Textile Confederation (EURATEX) and Brazilian Textile Industry (ABIT), representing the Textile and Clothing (T&C) industries in both the European Union and Brazil, welcome the negotiations for an important EU-Mercosur Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

The T&C industry is a vivid and global sector in which we believe Europe and Mercosur countries have a key role to play. Our focus is on high quality products manufactured in a sustainable manner under high standards, be it from an environmental, labor and social point of view.

Euratex and ABIT maintain strong cooperation links since many years and we have always been supportive of the conclusion of an FTA.

Over the last months, we have intensified our talks and we have jointly worked on a wide range of topics related to Textile and Clothing trade namely regulatory cooperation, customs procedures, technical barriers to trade, sustainability requirements etc. Tariffs dismantling and rules of origin have also been very much at the center of thorough and sometimes hard talks.

So that the EU-Mercosur FTA benefit both parties and increase trade and investments of T&C industries of both sides, Euratex and ABIT made efforts to build together a balanced rules of origin considering the structure of our industries. Therefore, we are happy to share a suggestion from the private sector to both governments with our common views on the Product Specific Rules and Tariff Dismantling to be enshrined in the EU-Mercosur FTA.

We strongly hope that the EU-Mercosur Agreement will be concluded as soon as possible, and we call on the negotiators to pay due attention to our recommendations.

Signed:

Klause Huneke, President EURATEX

Fernando Pimentel, President ABIT

Posted December 11, 2017-12-11

Source : EURATEX/ABIT

Spindelfabrik Suessen Announces New Managing Director

SUESSEN , Germany — December 11, 2017 — With effect from January 1, 2018, Roger Albrecht was appointed managing director by the Board of Directors of Spindelfabrik Suessen GmbH, Germany.

In 2015, he joined the Rieter Group at Winterthur, Switzerland, and became senior vice president Finance, Controlling and Projects of the Business Group Components.

Before that he had been working for the Hilti Group. Among other occupations, he
was controller of the Business Unit Chemicals and finally director of Finance & Controlling of the Canadian Hilti subsidiary.

Posted December 11, 2017

Source: Spindelfabrik Suessen GmbH

Sponsors