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

COTTON USA To Show WHAT’S NEW IN COTTON™ At The Magic Show In Las Vegas

WASHINGTON — January 30, 2018 — See WHAT’S NEW IN COTTON™ at the COTTON USA booth (#66308) in the “Made in the USA Pavilion” at the MAGIC trade show in Las Vegas from Feb. 11-14, 2018. COTTON USA will feature new technologies in U.S. cotton apparel that could drive sales growth.

“The mission of WHAT’S NEW IN COTTON™ is to show COTTON USA’s commitment to innovation and to inspire the textile industry to think about new, innovative ways
to use U.S. cotton,” Cotton Council International (CCI) Executive Director Bruce Atherley said. “We are excited to share new ideas, technologies and opportunities with business partners at MAGIC to show the potential that U.S. cotton can add to their business.”

COTTON USA also invites attendees to visit the booth to learn how to license the COTTON USA™ Mark, which quantitative consumer research proves is of high value to consumers and can drive both preference and higher prices. In a recent global consumer study conducted
in the EU, North America, China and India, the COTTON USA Mark was preferred by a 4-1 margin over a 100% cotton label. Furthermore, nearly 2/3 of consumers said they would be willing to pay more money for products with the COTTON USA Mark.

The booth will also give visitors a closer look at U.S. cotton’s sustainability, quality, transparency, premium value and innovation, as well as the ongoing COTTON USA Sourcing Programs that match U.S. cotton buyers and suppliers throughout the supply chain.

Posted February 1, 2018

Source: COTTON USA™

nano tech 2018, The International Nanotechnology Exhibition & Conference, Highlights The Cutting-Edge Technologies And Materials Making The Super Smart Society (Society 5.0) A Reality

TOKYO — January 31, 2018 — This year marks the 17th edition of nano tech, the world’s premier nanotechnology exhibition. Five hundred organizations from 24 countries and regions are exhibiting this year, in 750 booth spaces, and 30 of those organizations are doing so for the first time. Including nano tech’s co-located exhibitions, we also anticipate more than 50,000 visitors to attend the event over these three days. Exhibitors span such diverse fields as automotive, aerospace, environment and energy, cutting-edge medicine, AI, and IoT; this diversity is one of the event’s greatest strengths in promoting cross-field collaboration and groundbreaking new technological developments in a range of industries.

The theme of this year’s nano tech is “Big Issues, Nano Solutions.”

Nanotechnology is at once a core and a leading technology, indispensable to the new era of Society 5.0, supporting economic development and resolving social issues.

Special Symposium: “Nanotechnology Contributing to the Super Smart Society”

Each year nano tech holds Special Symposia, in which industry specialists from top organizations from Japan and abroad speak about the issues surrounding the latest trends in nanotech. The themes of this year’s Symposia are Life Nanotechnology, Cellulose Nanofibers, Graphene, and Materials Informatics.

Notable speakers:

Life Nanotechnology

Beyond Human Abilities – Watson is Revolutionizing Cancer Research

Satoru Miyano, Human Genome Center, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, DNA Information Analysis

Cellulose Nanofibers

Efforts for Practical Use of Cellulose Nanofiber

Masayuki Kawasaki, Nippon Paper Industries, Cellulose Nanofiber Research Laboratory

Graphene

Near term commercial opportunities for Advanced Materials, particularly Graphene

Ray Gibbs, CEO, Haydale

Materials Informatics

Artificial Intelligence Driving a Revolution in Materials Discovery

Douglas Ramsey, Vice President Business Development, Citrine Informatics

nano tech 2018, the 17th International Nanotechnology Exhibition & Conference, February 14-16, 2018, 10:00-17:00 Tokyo Big Sight, East Halls 4-6 & Conference Tower

Posted January 31, 2018

Source: nano tech Executive Committee

Winter 2018 Edition Of Texworld USA And Apparel Sourcing USA Breaks Exhibitor And Attendee Records

NEW YORK CITY — January 2018 — The Winter 2018 editions of Texworld USA and Apparel Sourcing USA opened their doors to exhibitors and visitors alike on Monday, January 22 at the Javits Center. Over three days, a wide range of international suppliers from around the globe showcased textiles, trims, accessories, manufacturing and private label development services and finished apparel for industry buyers, designers and experts.

Texworld USA and Apparel Sourcing USA Winter 2018 featured a record-breaking 371 exhibitors representing 14 countries and over 4,000 visitors. The show showcased textiles with innovative structures, material mixes and surprising color palettes across 14 product categories.  Show attendees were able to view the latest textile trends, materials, fabrics and more with an exclusive opportunity to network and meet designers and suppliers from around the world while taking advantage of complimentary educational seminars.

Exhibitor, Global Textile, reported: “Our company has been to other trade shows and this is the most planned and organized. The visitors are more focused and know what they want, know what they like, and it makes for a great experience. We are doing great business and are able to find exactly what the US market wants”.

“As organizers, we recognize that our responsibilties extend far beyond providing a space for the industry to do business here in New York City,” said Jennifer Bacon, show director, Fashion & Apparel. “We believe in building a true industry event that unites the best talent from the industry with access to education and valuable resources, as well as a chance for our vibrant community to connect and exchange ideas. We are also aware of the changing fashion ecosystem. Texworld USA and Apparel Sourcing are dedicated to contributing to the fashion industry worldwide.”

Lenzing Fiber’s Educational Series returns to bring attendees the latest information within the industry

Texworld‘s educational seminar series, organized by Lenzing Fibers returned for Winter 2018 with sessions hosted by curated panels of industry experts discussing the global textile and sourcing landscape including sustainable solutions and the circular economy. Featured discussions were led by Sourcing Journal, Eileen Fisher, Trend Council and NSF International. Textile Talks were also a continued success at this year’s show led by StartUp FASHION, Lenzing Fibers, Fashionindex, BF+DA and more.

Texworld Trend Showcase explored the latest designs trends for the upcoming season

Texworld’s USA Trend Showcase returned curated by Texworld’s Art Directors, Louis Gerin and Gregory Lamaud. Together they brought their vision and expertise for the upcoming season. Attendees were inspired as the trend display area featured fabrics from exhibitors at the show. Visitors also had the opportunity to take a peek at the newest colors and textile offerings for Spring/Summer 2019.

Explore the Floor series launched this year at Texworld USA

New to the show floor, Texworld USA launched the “Explore the Floor” series featuring tours that allowed attendees to walk the show floor with seasoned industry experts in an intimate setting. With a focus on sustainable business and products, these tours allowed attendees to gain knowledge about different exhibitors and emerging trends.

Apparel Sourcing USA SPOTLIGHT: Denim

Apparel Sourcing USA Winter 2018 welcomed exhibitors specializing in womenswear, menswear, children’s, and accessories, with a higlight on a true style icon – Denim. This SPOTLIGHT featured exhibitors specializing in denim and allowed attendees to gain more knowledge on how denim is evolving. Apparel Sourcing USA is a long-term joint venture partnership between Messe Frankfurt Inc. and CCPIT-TEX and provided attendees direct access to suppliers all over the globe.

Denim Dogs, An Art Installation

This year’s show featured installation Denim Dogs created by artist, Moon Heemin showcasing intricate dog sculptures made of denim. The designer considered the project as a study of animals in a very imaginative way. Additionally, it served to be an artistic interpretation in fabric and colors brought together. Garnering much hype and attention, many visitors took to social media to feature this unique installation.

Posted January 31, 2018

Source: Messe Frankfurt

EFI Reports Record Revenue For Fourth Quarter And Full Year 2017

FREMONT, Calif. — January 31, 2018 — Electronics For Imaging Inc. (EFI™), a developer of customer-focused digital printing innovation, today announced its results for the fourth quarter and year-ended December 31, 2017.

For the quarter ended December 31, 2017, the company reported record fourth quarter revenue of $269.2 million, up 1% compared to fourth quarter 2016 revenue of $266.7 million. GAAP net loss was $25.4 million compared to GAAP net income of $19.9 million for the same period in 2016 or $(0.55) per diluted share compared to $0.42 per diluted share for the same period in 2016. Non-GAAP net income was $24.0 million, down 33% compared to non-GAAP net income of $35.7 million for the same period in 2016 or $0.52 per diluted share, down 31% compared to $0.75 per diluted share for the same period in 2016. Cash flow from operating activities was $8.9 million, down 86% compared to $65.2 million during the same period in 2016.

For the year ended December 31, 2017, the company reported revenue of $993.3 million, up 0.1% year-over-year compared to $992.1 million for the same period in 2016. GAAP net loss was $14.4 million or $(0.31) per diluted share, compared to GAAP net income of $44.9 million or $0.94 per diluted share for the same period in 2016. Non-GAAP net income was $100.7 million or $2.14 per diluted share, compared to non-GAAP net income of $116.2 million or $2.43 per diluted share for the same period in 2016. Cash flow from operating activities was $51.3 million, down 58% compared to $121.0 million during the same period in 2016.

“The performance of our direct business drove record quarterly and full year revenue for EFI. We look for this growth from inkjet and software to accelerate in the first quarter,” said Guy Gecht, CEO of EFI. “Having just finished a very exciting Connect Users’ Conference, the EFI team is energized as we enter 2018, with a year full of new product introductions across the Company and Nozomi on track for a strong first year in the corrugated market. We are well positioned to help customers transform their businesses,” concluded Mr. Gecht.

Posted January 31, 2018

Source: EFI™

Rosenthal Acquires Domestic Factoring Portfolio From BB&T

NEW YORK CITY — January 31, 2018 —  Rosenthal & Rosenthal Inc. — an independent factoring, asset-based lending and purchase order financing firm — today announced the completion of a deal to acquire the domestic factoring portfolio of BB&T Corp., one of the largest financial services holding companies in the United States.

As part of the deal, Rosenthal will acquire BB&T’s portfolio of 90 factoring clients, adding approximately $2 billion in volume to its already robust $9 billion in factored volume. Rosenthal will add a front office in Georgia and back office support in North Carolina to manage the new portfolio. These two new locations complement Rosenthal’s already existing California office and New York headquarters. Twenty-five BB&T factoring professionals will join the nearly 200 Rosenthal staff currently serving the firm’s clients nationwide.

The deal marks the first acquisition in Rosenthal’s 80-year history and positions the firm to further diversify the regions and industries it currently serves. This significant expansion allows Rosenthal to continue to develop new business opportunities within the furniture, casual living, fabrics and textiles industries, alongside the fashion, apparel, accessories, manufacturing, food & beverage and gift & home sectors, where Rosenthal has had historically strong relationships.

“We are excited to acquire BB&T’s portfolio of factoring clients and honored to welcome their talented team of professionals into the Rosenthal family,” said Peter Rosenthal, president of Rosenthal & Rosenthal. “This acquisition is a logical step forward for our firm, significantly advancing our goal of establishing Rosenthal as the leading independent national finance company.”

“We are pleased to be a part of this transaction with Rosenthal & Rosenthal,” said BB&T Specialized Finance and Operations Manager Robert Fentress. “Both our clients and associates will benefit from an association with one of the most respected firms in the factoring and asset based lending business.”

Posted January 31, 2018

Source: Rosenthal & Rosenthal

The Rieter Group Achieved An Order Intake Of CHF 1,051.5 Million In The 2017 Financial Year

WINTERTHUR, Switzerland — January 31, 2018 — The Rieter Group achieved an order intake of CHF 1,051.5 million ($1,123 million) in the 2017 financial year. This represents an increase of 16% compared to the previous year
(+ CHF 146.3 million). Thus, the upturn seen in the first half of 2017 continued. Sales totaled CHF 965.6 million, up 2% on the previous year (2016: CHF 945.0 million). The full annual financial statements and the 2017 Annual Rieter on March 13, 2018.

In the Business Group Machines & Systems, order intake rose by 13% to CHF 668.2 million (2016: CHF 591.6 million). The growth in order intake in the Asian countries (excluding China, India and Turkey) was pleasing. Uzbekistan, Bangladesh and Indonesia in particular contributed to this growth. Classic ring spinning systems were especially popular in these countries. Order intake in China was up on the previous year, thanks also to initial orders for the J 26 air-jet spinning machine. In India, investment restraint due to the introduction of a harmonized sales tax (GST) led to a decline in order intake compared to the previous year, even though demand picked up again slightly towards the end of the year. After a hesitant first half of the year, demand from the key market Turkey gained increasingly in momentum in the second half of the year. The business group realized some major projects in the US and in Brazil, resulting in a higher order volume in the North and South America region compared to the previous year.

Order intake in the Business Group After Sales in the year under review improved by 14% to CHF 154.8 million (2016: CHF 135.2 million). Both the spare parts and after sales services businesses contributed to this growth. The increased order volume in the new machines business resulted in higher demand for installation services in the Business Group After Sales. Focused sales efforts and service offerings allowed After Sales to continue the positive growth that began in 2015.

In the Business Group Components, order intake was CHF 228.5 million, around 28% above the previous year (2016: CHF 178.4 million). The acquisition of SSM Textile Machinery (SSM) contributed CHF 42.5 million to this positive growth from the second half of the year. The order intake in the business group was broadly supported regionally and across the entire portfolio. Only the technology components business for compact spinning systems was below the previous year.

At the end of 2017, Rieter’s order backlog of around CHF 540 million was CHF 100 million higher than at the end of the previous year (December 31, 2016: around CHF 440 million).

Sales by Business Group

Group sales in 2017 amounted to CHF 965.6 million (2016: CHF 945.0 million), an increase of 2% over the previous year.

Rieter posted strong growth in the second half of 2017 with CHF 550.4 million compared with CHF 415.2 million in the first half of 2017. The acquisition of SSM in the Business Group Components and a strong increase in deliveries in the Business Group Machines & Systems led to this growth in sales. In the Business Group Components, sales (without acquisition) was 11% down on the previous year, mainly due to lower sales of technology components in India. The Business Group After Sales posted positive growth, increasing sales by 3% compared to 2016.

Sales by Region

In the Asian countries (excluding China, India and Turkey), Rieter increased sales in the reporting year by 11% to CHF 319.1 million. At CHF 184.0 million, a good level of sales was achieved in China, despite a slight decline of 1%. In India, sales fell by 5% to CHF 173.8 million, a development attributable in particular to lower sales of technology components. Sales in Turkey fell by 16% to CHF 100.1 million in 2017, mainly due to the sluggish order intake for new machines in the first half of the year. Orders in the USA and in Brazil led to sales South America region, an increase of 32%.

Posted January 31, 2018

Source: Rieter Group

Innovation And Expert Insight At OUTLOOK ™ Asia: Asia’s Conference For Nonwoven Personal Care And Hygiene Products

BRUSSELS — January 31, 2018 — EDANA, the global association serving the nonwovens and related industries, will host the fourth edition of OUTLOOK™ Asia in Singapore March 14-15. The conference, the ideal platform for key nonwoven professionals around the globe to network, do business and catch-up on developments in Asia Pacific, will be held at the Parkroyal on Pickering Hotel.

“OUTLOOK Asia is now firmly established as a must-attend event for ambitious companies with an interest in the region, and EDANA are proud to once again provide a platform for innovation and business to flourish” said Pierre Wiertz, general manager of EDANA.

The conference will open with a keynote presentation from Unicharm CEO, Takahara-san, on ‘The Realisation of a Cohesive Society in Asia’. The second day will begin with a keynote speech from Dr. Han Xu, Principal Scientist, Nonwoven Innovation at Procter & Gamble, on ‘Innovation for Softness in Nonwovens: Focus on Asia with a Global View’.

Further presentations include:

  • Outlook of Absorbent Hygiene Products in Asia Pacific: Trends & Opportunities;
  • Sanitary Pads Markets in Emerging Countries – The Case of India;
  • Adhesive Innovations to Enable Next Generation Hygiene Products;
  • Comfort, Fit and Value for Future Innovation;
  • Overview of the Chinese Market for Hygiene Products;
  • Absorbent Nonwovens for Hygiene Applications, Challenges and Innovations; and
  • Turning Trends into Reality: How RF5 Technology and Digitalization Will Change Spunmelt Production.

The conference also provides a unique forum for companies to showcase their latest products and services, developed within or for the Asia Pacific markets. The most innovative are eligible for the OUTLOOK Asia Award, which honours invention and originality in our industry.

Posted January 31, 2018

Source: EDANA

Archroma’s Ultraphor® KCB Optical Brightening Agent Finding Use In Water Free CO₂ Dyeing Process

REINACH, Switzerland — January 31, 2018 — Archroma today announced that Tong Siang Co. Ltd. has chosen to use Archroma’s Ultraphor® KCB optical brightening agent to color its white, high-performance sportswear.

Thailand-based Tong Siang, a member of the Yeh Group, is making these products using what is considered by the industry as the world’s first water-free and process chemical-free dyeing solution. The technology in question is based on carbon dioxide instead of water, and was developed and patented by Dutch process engineering company DyeCoo Textile Systems B.V.

Textiles produced by Tong Siang, using this technology, are branded as DryDye® fabrics.

When pressurized, CO₂ becomes “supercritical” (SC-CO₂), a phase between a liquid and a gas. In this state, CO₂ has a very high solvent power, allowing the dye to dissolve and be transported easily and deeply into fibers, creating bright whites and vibrant colors. The CO₂ is reclaimed from existing industrial processes, recycling 95 percent of it in a closed-loop system. The technology uses 100-percent pure dyes with more than 98 percent uptake, and uses no process chemicals and no water, and produces no waste water.

With increased scrutiny by consumers and environmentalists alike, textile manufacturers are eagerly seeking new, sustainable dyeing techniques that do not harm the environment. Archroma’s range of optical brightening agents (OBAs) for polyester — the Ultraphor series — is a perfect solution to meet this need.

Ultraphor KCB is a high-quality concentrate manufactured at Archroma’s dedicated OBA plant in Germany, and is proven to be ideally suited for this water free, CO₂ dyeing technology.

Tong Siang has extensively tested Ultraphor and is successfully using it in bulk production, with the resulting products meeting Tong Siang’s customers’ demanding needs related to color, performance and environmental friendliness.

Ultraphor KCB represents Archroma’s first entry into the CO₂ dyeing field, and the company is looking to introduce further coloration and finishing effects in the future.

“While humans have used water to dye fabrics for more than 2,000 years, today water is an increasingly scarce resource that needs to be conserved. DyeCoo’s CO₂ dyeing process offers an important step forward, and we at Archroma are pleased to be able to help advance broader use of this eco-friendlier approach,” comments Andrew McDonald, Global Head of Business Development, Synthetic & Wool, Archroma’s Brand & Performance Textile Specialties Business.

Posted January 31, 2018

Source: Archroma

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