Brückner, Groz-Beckert, Karl Mayer And Thies To Hold Joint Warp Knitting Symposium In Brazil

ALBSTADT, Germany/BLUMENAU, Brazil.  — July 19, 2024 — Germany-based companies Brückner, Groz-Beckert, the Karl Mayer Group and Thies are inviting representatives of the Brazilian textile industry to a symposium with presentations and discussion panels in Blumenau, Brazil, on August 21, 2024. The event will be held at NS Armazém, Fortaleza, Blumenau and will focus on the current demand trend for warp knitted elastic fabrics.

The demand for warp knitted elastic fabrics has increased rapidly in the past two to three years. On the one hand, this offers the Brazilian textile industry new growth opportunities and the chance to establish itself in a leading position in the growing market. On the other hand, the turnaround also holds challenges as the production steps involved in manufacture of warp knitted elastic fabrics are strikingly different from the conventional methods.

In order to provide the Brazilian warp knitting industry with optimum support in this change, Brückner, Groz-Beckert, Karl Mayer and Thies are inviting participants to a specialist symposium on the subject of “Production of Warp Knitted Elastic Fabric”. Industry experts, stakeholders and textile visionaries are invited to share their insights and experiences with the guests.

The aim of the symposium is to provide a platform where knowledge can be exchanged and cooperation intensified. The symposium offers a wide variety of technical presentations as well as best practice examples and showcases cutting-edge technologies and innovations in warp knitting technology.

Interactive sessions and discussion rounds promote exchange among participants and provide networking opportunities. The event language is Portuguese.

This is how the German companies Brückner, Groz-Beckert, Karl Mayer and Thies would like to provide their Brazilian customers with optimum support in adapting to rapidly changing trends and benefiting from the current trend in warp knitted elastic fabrics.

Those interested in attending the symposium may contact the sales representatives: Frank Bernhard or Fabricio Rampani (Brückner, Thies & Karl Mayer), or Diomar Gomes Vieira (Groz-Beckert) to register:

  • frank.bernhard@mbrtextil.com.br;
  • fabricio.rampani@mbrtextil.com.br; or
  • malharia.sudeste@ns.com.br.

Venue: NS Armazém, Fortaleza, Blumenau

  • BR 470, 7109
  • CEP 89058-020-Fortaleza
  • Blumenau, SC- Brasil

Date: August 21, 2024  –  10.00 a.m. – 11.40 a.m.

Posted: July 20, 2024

Source: Groz-Beckert KG

The AATCC Foundation Student Research Support Grant Program: New Funding Available For Textile Research

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C.  — July 19, 2024 — The AATCC Foundation Student Research Support Grant Program provides financial assistance for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing textile-related projects. Students may submit proposals now for funding to be awarded January 2025. Applications must be submitted by October 15, 2024, to be considered.

The application is a simple online form including a description of the proposed project and the student’s resume. Please note that the applicant’s major professor or advisor is encouraged to write a supporting cover letter that addresses the importance of the problem or implications of the research and the student’s ability to conduct the proposed research.

Priority is given to research related to test method development, evaluation of textile performance in actual use situations, and correlations between these two. Grants range from $500 to $4,000. Grant recipients may also request an additional reimbursement of up to $500 for travel and/or registration to present the research project at a technical conference. Additional guidelines, application, and submission details are available on the AATCC Foundation webpage.

AATCC Foundation requests the faculty advisor and student to complete the Student Research Support Project Report Form shortly after the project has been completed, but no later than December 31; this form should be sent to India Hansen.

Funding decisions are made by a panel of academic and industry professionals from across the textile industry. Previously selected projects have ranged from tissue engineering to digital printing. As AATCC’s mission states, the aim is to “empower an innovative, informed, and sustainable future.” AATCC Foundation grants can do this by supporting and sharing a broad spectrum of textile research.

Posted: July 20, 2024

Source: AATCC Foundation

800+ Chinese Textile and Apparel Manufacturers Showcased at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles

PARIS — July 18, 2024 — The 29th China Textile And Apparel Trade Fair Paris (CTAF) and Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris successfully concluded at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles on July 3.

Founded in 2007, CTAF is co-organized by Messe Frankfurt France and the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT TEX). The exhibition serves as an effective platform for trade opportunities, information exchange and discussions, while also stabilizing the textile and apparel supply chain in China, Europe and globally.

In 2024, China and France mark 60 years of diplomatic relations, with a promising future for cooperation in the textile, clothing and fashion industries. In celebration, a grand opening ceremony was held on the first day of the exhibition. Xu Yingxin, vice president of China National Textile and Apparel Council and President of CCPIT TEX; Wang Deyang, deputy director general of Trade Development Bureau of Ministry of Commerce; Chang Qing, vice president of CCPIT TEX; Li Wenguo, chief representative of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade in Paris; Detlaf Braun, members of the Board of Directors, Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH; Olaf Smith,vice president of Textile and Textile Technology Exhibition, Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH ; Frédéric Bourgeard, president of Messe Frankfurt France, and Wen Ting, general manager of Messe Frankfurt (Hong Kong), attended the opening ceremony and cut the ribbon.

Nearly 1,200 exhibitors from 26 countries and regions participated in the exhibition, including over 800 exhibitors from Chinese apparel and fabric enterprises. The Chinese group led in scale and influence, showcasing advancement in technological innovation, low-carbon and environmental protection, intelligent manufacturing, brand building, flexible supply chain etc.

This year’s exhibition brought together many powerful Chinese enterprises, with an unprecedented number of independent clothing brands. Since 2017, it has served as a platform for promoting China’s independent brands.

The TANGY Collection Sustainable Fashion Show, supported by CCPIT TEX, the organizer of the CTAF and Messe Frankfurt France, showcased China’s intangible cultural heritage and sustainable textile and clothing concept to the Parisian fashion community at the Guimet Museum of Asian Art, Paris.

At TANGY’s 30th anniversary, Liangzi, praised by Harper’s Bazaar as an environmental ambassador in the fashion industry, hosted a fashion show marking the 60th anniversary of Sino-French diplomatic ties, earning praise from both nations

Posted: July 18, 2024

Source: China Textile And Apparel Trade Fair Paris (CTAF) 

Labor: A Scarce Resource

By James M. Borneman, Editor In Chief

Attracting and retaining new talent is a recurring theme among U.S. textile manufacturers. According to The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) “Q2 2024 Manufacturers’ Outlook Survey,” the industry’s murmurs reflect a stark reality.

According to the survey, “More than 67 percent of manufacturers cited the inability to attract and retain employees as their top primary challenge, followed by rising health care costs 66.7 percent, an unfavorable business climate 59.6 percent and a weaker domestic economy 56.8 percent.”

The modern manufacturing environment also sets a high bar when it comes to finding candidates that have skills or an aptitude to acquire the technical skills necessary to perform on a highly automated, computer-centric shop floor.

With an aging workforce, the focus on new workers has been amplified and textile manufacturers must fight to overcome misplaced perceptions of an antiquated industry. If you are familiar with today’s textile plants, this may seem strange; but to the uninitiated, the reality of the plant floor and the level of advanced technology remain a true mystery. Additionally, in a post COVID world, the rising demand for a flexible work schedule is on an employee’s short list. However, remote work is difficult to mesh with a 24-hour-a-day work environment.

On the bright side, the demand for worker education and training has spawned opportunity for vocational trainers and Science,Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) educators.
At the recent Synthetic Yarn and Fabrics Association (SYFA) conference, Jasmine Cox, executive director of the Textile Technology Center (TTC) at Belmont, N.C.-based Gaston College, gave a presentation about TTC’s focus on training and its new, in-depth education programs.

According to the college: “The Textile Technology Associate in Applied Science degree program at Gaston College prepares students for work as Textile Technicians involved with product development and testing, machine operation, fiber construction and other projects, and as Textile Designers. Students interested in continuing on to earn a bachelor’s will also be able to transfer their credits to a four-year college or university.”

This is a thoughtful approach to spanning the skills gap of today’s hiring environment.
Textiles is not the only manufacturing sector facing worker shortages and the industry
is competing for new workers with other sectors. Improving incentives, developing an appealing work environment, and providing a clear opportunity path goes a long way to attracting and retaining a skilled workforce.

This is all in the context of a rapidly changing manufacturing technology frontier, which has created a significant focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based employment solutions.
NAM posits several areas of potential success — efficiency gains; improving and promoting a safe, secure work environment; accelerating product development and innovation; AI assisted training and simulations; and an AI supported Supply Chain Integration with increased transparency and responsiveness.

Labor, a scarce resource? Yes, but automation and AI will sharpen labor’s focus on a long-term safe, highly productive and globally competitive manufacturing environment.

2024 Quarterly Volume III

Rieter Reports 24 Percent Growth In Orders In The First Half Of 2024

WINTERTHUR, Switzerland — July 18, 2024 — In the first half of 2024, the Rieter Group posted an order intake of 403.4 million Swiss francs ($438 million) (first half of 2023: 325.0 million Swiss francs ($353 million), which represents a significant increase of 24 percent compared with the same period of the previous year. Sales were 421.0 million Swiss francs ($457 million) (first half of 2023: 758.2 million Swiss francs ($822.7 million)). As expected, this was 44-percent lower than the previous year.

In a challenging business environment, Rieter achieved an EBIT margin of 2.1 percent thanks to strict cost management. The systematic implementation of the “Next Level” performance program led to a strengthening of profitability. Rieter recorded a profit at the EBIT level of 8.9 million Swiss francs ($9.7 million) in the first half of 2024 (first half of 2023: 25.2 million Swiss francs ($27.4 million)). The reduction of the cost base particularly in research and development as well as selling and administrative expenses contributed to this positive result.

Order intake

In line with expectations, the order intake of 403.4 million Swiss francs ($438 million) in the first half of 2024 was significantly higher than in the same period of the previous year (first half of 2023: 325.0 million Swiss francs ($353 million)). The increase in demand for new machines in the Business Group Machines & Systems contributed to this positive development. Orders came mainly from China, India, and Türkiye. At the same time, demand for consumables, wear & tear and spare parts declined slightly due to continued weak demand for textiles.

Sales by business group

Sales in the Business Group Machines & Systems decreased by 62 percent to 198.7 million Swiss francs ($216 million )and in the Business Group Components by 12 percent to 126.5 million Swiss francs ($137 million). The decline in sales in both business groups is a consequence of the low order intake in 2023. In contrast, sales in the Business Group After Sales increased by 4 percent year-on-year to 95.8 million Swiss francs ($140 million). Growth was achieved through an increase in installation services and sales of engineered solutions. Demand for consumables, wear & tear and spare parts will depend on spinning mill capacity utilization in the months ahead. Rieter expects the global increase in spinning mill capacity to have a positive impact on volumes in the second half of 2024.

Order backlog

On June 30, 2024, the company had an order backlog of around 640 million Swiss francs ($695 million) (first half of 2023: around 1,100 million Swiss francs ($1,195 million)). This corresponds to a similar level at the end of 2023.

EBIT, net result and free cash flow

In the first half of 2024, Rieter posted a profit of 8.9 million Swiss francs($9.7 million) at the EBIT level, with an EBIT margin of 2.1 percent (first half of 2023: 25.2 million Swiss francs ($27.3 million)) and a net result of 1.7 million Swiss francs ($1.8 million) (first half of 2023: 13.3 million Swiss francs ($14.4 million)). The decrease is due to the lower sales volume in the 2024 financial year.

In the first half of 2024, free cash flow was -1.1 million Swiss francs ($-1.2 million) (first half of 2023: 10.0 million Swiss francs ($10.9 million)). The negative free cash flow was mainly due to cash outflows related to the settlement of provisions for the “Next Level” performance program.

Significant cost reductions as a result of the “Next Level” performance program

Rieter is working intensively on the implementation of the measures set out in the “Next Level” performance program. The optimization of overhead structures and the adjustment of production capacities were successfully implemented according to plan. Thanks to strict cost management, EBIT was positive despite the fact that sales were lower than forecast in the “low” scenario.

The transfer of resources and responsibilities to India and China is on track, enabling the key markets to respond more effectively to customer needs and cycles in the machinery business.

Rieter continues to pursue growth in the after sales and components business in order to achieve a more balanced mix between the business groups in the medium term.

Outlook for the full year 2024 specified

The markets remained under pressure from the economic slowdown, high inflation rates and noticeably dampened consumer sentiment. The first signs of a recovery in financial year 2024 have emerged in the key markets of China and India. Rieter expects demand to pick up further in the coming months.

For the full year 2024, Rieter anticipates sales in the range of 900 million ($977 million) to 1 billion ($1.1 billion) and a positive EBIT margin of 2 to 4 percent.

Order Intake by Business Group

ORDER INTAKE
CHF MILLION		 JANUARY – JUNE 2023 JANUARY – JUNE 2024 DIFFERENCE DIFFERENCE
IN LOCAL
CURRENCY
Rieter 325.0 403.4 24% 29%
Machines & Systems 111.4 211.5 90% 98%
Components 131.0 117.6 -10% -8%
After Sales 82.6 74.3 -10% -6%

 

Sales by Business Groups

SALES
CHF MILLION		 JANUARY – JUNE 2023 JANUARY – JUNE 2024 DIFFERENCE DIFFERENCE
IN LOCAL
CURRENCY
Rieter 758.2 421.0 -44% -43%
Machines & Systems 521.9 198.7 -62% -61%
Components 143.9 126.5 -12% -11%
After Sales 92.4 95.8 4% 7%

 

Sales by Region

SALES BY REGION
CHF MILLION		 JANUARY – JUNE 2023 JANUARY – JUNE 2024 DIFFERENCE DIFFERENCE
IN LOCAL
CURRENCY
Rieter 758.2 421.0 -44% -43%
Asian countries1 227.0 94.2 -59% -58%
China 83.7 74.4 -11% -7%
India 131.5 58.7 -55% -54%
Türkiye 78.5 76.7 -2% 0%
North and South America 105.5 54.3 -49% -48%
Europe 44.7 25.4 -43% -42%
Africa 87.3 37.3 -57% -57%

1 Excluding China, India, and Türkiye

Key Figures

CHF MILLION JANUARY ‒
JUNE 2023		 JANUARY ‒
JUNE 2024		 DIFFERENCE
Rieter
Order intake 325.0 403.4 24%
Sales 758.2 421.0 -44%
Operating result before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) 52.2 35.7 -32%
Operating result before interest, taxes, and restructuring (EBIT before restructuring) 28.2 9.1 -68%
– in % of sales 3.7% 2.2%
Operating result before interest and taxes (EBIT) 25.2 8.9 -65%
– in % of sales 3.3% 2.1%
Net result 13.3 1.7 -87%
Basic earnings per share (CHF) 2.97 0.39 -87%
Free cash flow 10.0 -1.1 -111%
Net debt at the end of the reporting period -298.9 -243.9 -18%
Equity in % of total assets at the end of the reporting period 23.0% 31.9%
Number of employees (excluding temporaries) at the end of the reporting period 5 555 4 831 -13%
Business Group Machines & Systems
Order intake 111.4 211.5 90%
Sales 521.9 198.7 -62%
Operating result before interest, taxes, and restructuring (EBIT before restructuring) 2.2 -9.8 -545%
– in % of sales 0.4% -4.9%
Operating result before interest and taxes (EBIT) 1.6 -9.9 -719%
– in % of sales 0.3% -5.0%
Business Group Components
Order intake 131.0 117.6 -10%
Sales 143.9 126.5 -12%
Total segment sales 211.3 151.4 -28%
Operating result before interest, taxes, and restructuring (EBIT before restructuring) 16.0 5.1 -68%
– in % of segment sales 7.6% 3.4%
Operating result before interest and taxes (EBIT) 16.0 5.1 -68%
– in % of segment sales 7.6% 3.4%
Business Group After Sales
Order intake 82.6 74.3 -10%
Sales 92.4 95.8 4%
Operating result before interest, taxes, and restructuring (EBIT before restructuring) 16.0 20.9 31%
– in % of sales 17.3% 21.8%
Operating result before interest and taxes (EBIT) 16.0 20.9 31%
– in % of sales 17.3% 21.8%

Posted: July 18, 2024

Source: Rieter

USTR’s Chief Textiles And Apparel Negotiator Tours Six North Carolina Plants

The U.S.Trade Representative’s (USTR’s) Chief Textiles and Apparel Negotiator Katherine White recently toured some North Carolina textile companies to learn more about the industry and the facilities. Six National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) member companies — American & Efird, Parkdale Mills/U.S. Cotton,TSG Finishing, Shuford Yarns, Schneider Mills and Unifi — hosted the newly appointed White, showing off their state-of-the-art facilities.

Later, White participated in a roundtable discussion with textile executives at Gaston College’s Textile Technology Center. Urgent priority issues in Washington were highlighted including: increased Section 301 China tariffs on finished textile and apparel imports; closing the de minimis loophole; expanding the Western Hemisphere coproduction chain and maintaining the yarn forward rule of origin; and supporting domestic supply chains with Buy American and Berry Amendment policies, among other issues.

“We are in an urgent economic situation where these serious issues the industry is facing need to be resolved immediately,” said NCTO President and CEO Kim Glas.“We believe USTR’s development of supply chain resilience policies is a strong step in the right direction for helping secure the U.S. textile supply chain into the future.We look forward to working closely with Katie and Ambassador Katherine Tai to advance policies that bolster our domestic production.”

2024 Quarterly Volume III

Panda Biotech Opens Hemp Facility

Panda Biotech, Wichita Falls, Texas, recently cele-brated the grand opening of its 500,000-square-foot industrial hemp facility. The new facility has a capacity of 22,000 pounds of hemp fiber per hour making it the largest industrial hemp processing facility in the Western Hemisphere. Speakers at the ribbon cutting ceremony and celebration included Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce CEO Ron Kitchens, Panda Biotech President Dixie Carter, Panda Biotech COO Scott Evans, Southern Ute Indian Tribe Chairman Melvin J. Baker and Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller. The Southern Ute Indian Tribe is a Panda Hemp Gin equity partner.

2024 Quarterly Volume III

Allegiance Flag Expands

American flag manufacturer Allegiance Flag Supply, Columbia, S.C., has announced a $6.3 million investment to expand its operations. The company makes more than 1,000 hand-sewn American flags each day and the investment supports that endeavor while adding 84 jobs.

“We are beyond excited about this new expansion,” said Allegiance Flag Supply Co-Founder Wes Lyon. “Charleston County has been our home and with this new chapter for Allegiance, we’re hopeful that it will continue to be for a long time. We’ve still got a lot of growth to go and we’re hopeful the positive benefits of that growth will continue to reverberate loudly across the community.”

2024 Quarterly Volume III

KM Fabrics Invests In New Facility

Velvet fabric producer KM Fabrics has announced plans for a new 200,000-square-foot production facility to replace the home it has occupied for the past 45 years. The new facility, located only a few miles away from the existing space, is expected to be up and running by late 2025. Staff will work in both the current and new locations until the move is complete to minimize production disruptions. The new plant is organized across one floor, compared to two in the current space, and has a streamlined layout as well as new equipment.

“Weaving and dyeing velvet fabrics is extremely difficult and requires specialized knowledge,”said Paul Tantillo, KM president & CEO.“We’ve created a skilled and diversified workforce with decades of experience, and it was important for us to keep our team intact. Staying in West Greenville promotes revitalization in our community and allows us to scale. We will be moving our team of over 100 employees, and also plan on hiring additional staff across the board.”

2024 Quarterly Volume III

Standard Fiber Adds Atlanta Location

Home textiles company Standard Fiber, Henderson, Nev., is growing with the addition of an Atlanta-based production facility and distribution center. The investment will enhance customer service and reduce logistics costs across its diverse business segments, according to the company. The Atlanta facility is close to major highways and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and is not far from the Port of Savannah.

“Our business model requires strategically located, multi-site capabilities to ensure reliability, increased customer delivery speed, and reduced transportation costs,”said COO Rob Tillman, who will oversee Standard Fiber’s Atlanta, Henderson and Mexico facilities.“By replicating on the east coast the excellent service levels we provide in the west out of Henderson, Nevada, we give our customers added confidence and peace of mind that makes working with us priceless.”

2024 Quarterly Volume III

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