The old saying goes, “If you don’t like the weather in (insert city/state name here), just wait a few minutes and it will change.” Some spinners would claim that same saying applies to yarn orders in 2017.
As is customary, Yarn Market offers a review of the year in spinning for the last printed issue of the year. And for 2017, the word for many was “change.” As one spinner said in September: “This is just a funny business. You never really know what to expect. Overall, our orders have been fine. We don’t have a huge backlog, but that has been the case for most of the year. But just when we expect business to fall off some, it picks up. And just the opposite happens. We see the signs that say to expect big things and then nothing happens.”
Another spinner said: “Late last year, and into the second quarter of this year, business was really spotty. It would be good one week and terrible the next. Now it is just steady, and we hope it remains that way. We are certainly optimistic about prospects for the rest of this year and into the first quarter of next year.”
For many, the year started off slower than they had hoped. As one spinner noted in January: “Our order pipeline is not very long right now. We have numerous inquiries from customers, but not a lot of sales activity.”
In fact, for most of the first quarter business was slower than what has been the norm over the past few years. However, for some, orders began picking up in March and remained steady for the rest of the year. “I wouldn’t say business is great right now,” a spinner told Yarn Market in March, “but it is certainly better than it was. We’ve been getting a steady stream of orders for the past five or six weeks and inquiries are on the rise.” Another commented: “It looks like we are beginning to return to normal. We’ve had a noticeable increase in interest. The sizes of the orders are getting a little bigger. We are beginning to build a little bit of a backlog again.”
Product Mix Changes
Several spinners noted changes in product mix as the year progressed. For the first half of 2017, blended yarns were garnering a lot of interest. As one spinner said, “A lot of customers moved to blends a few years ago, when the price of cotton skyrocketed. But even after cotton prices came back down to normal ranges, a number of customers have stuck with the blends. End customers like blends because of how easy they are to care for.”
However, as the year progressed, some companies noted an increased demand for cotton. “Over the course of the summer, we had a lot of orders for blends,” one spinner said in September. “In fact, that has been the bulk of our business for a few months. But now, heading into the end of the year, we are seeing a lot more orders for cotton yarns.”
Just A “Typical” Year
When asked how they would characterize 2017 as a whole, several spinners said it was just a typical year. “In this business, there are always going to be ups and downs,” said one industry insider. “There are so many things that affect our business that are not in our control. For example, what happens in Washington can cause consumer confidence to either soar or drop. And that affects retail sales, which, in turn, affects our customers.”
Said a southeastern yarn broker: “The business has its ups and downs, but they are not as severe as they used to be. As I have said before, what has gradually happened is that the number of spindles in the United States has decreased to the point where supply and demand are relatively equivalent. We had many years of decline, and now we are starting to see some growth, with new capacity coming online. The key is to take a smart approach to growth and make sure that we do not overgrow our market.”
Atlanta-based Messe Frankfurt Inc. recently signed an agreement with Raleigh, N.C.-based SPESA — Sewn Products Equipment & Suppliers of the Americas — to extend the contract to coproduce Texprocess Americas through 2032.
“Messe Frankfurt prides itself in focusing on a long-term commitment to the industries it serves,” said Dennis Smith, president and CEO, Messe Frankfurt Inc. “As the largest organizer of textile events globally, extending the ongoing collaboration agreement with SPESA is special for us and underlines our dedication to the sewn products industry in the Americas.”
“This agreement with our long-standing and valued partner, Messe Frankfurt, will have a positive impact on the industry that both organizations serve,” said Benton Gardner, president, SPESA. “SPESA is pleased and excited to continue this important collaboration.”
Dalton, Ga.-based Engineered Floors LLC reports it has completed the purchase of substantially all of the operating assets of Beaulieu Group LLC, Dalton. Beaulieu Group, with a history reaching back to the mid-1970s, had entered bankruptcy proceedings back in the summer to better position itself for the future.
“We are pleased with the quick approval of the bankruptcy court of our purchase agreement,” said Robert E. Shaw, founder and CEO, Engineered Floors. “We can now move forward building an even strong floorcovering industry in our community.”
According to a statement from Engineered Floors, the company: “… is now in the process of determining the integration of Beaulieu America personnel, as well as physical and intellectual property assets and brands for its continued growth. The company will make announcements over the next few months regarding these decisions.”
Wichita, Kan.-based INVISTA reports it has entered into a definitive agreement with China-based Shandong Ruyi Investment Holding for Invista’s Apparel & Advanced Textiles business. Closing is anticipated no later than mid-2018, and the deal is subject to customary closing conditions and clearances from competition authorities. The sales price was not disclosed.
Included in the transaction are Invista’s apparel brands and fibers including LYCRA®, LYCRA HyFit®, COOLMAX®, THERMOLITE®, ELASPAN®, SUPPLEX® and TACTEL®; TERATHANE® polytetramethylene ether glycol, 1,4 butanediol and tetrahydrofuran production; related global manufacturing assets, research and development centers and sales offices; and approximately 3,000 global employees in technical, operations, commercial and administrative roles. Invista will focus on its three remaining major business units — Intermediates, Performance Solutions and Invista Performance Technologies.
“The Apparel business has always been a strategic and valued part of our portfolio,” said Jeff Gentry, chairman and CEO, Invista. “We engaged the market because we want this business to be owned by the company that can create the greatest value for customers, employees and stockholders. In this case, we believe that Shandong Ruyi Investment Holding has the knowledge and capability that will enable this business to thrive the most and succeed over the long term.”
Marking the end of an era, Greensboro, N.C.-based International Textile Group (ITG) has announced it will close its flagship denim operation — Cone Denim’s White Oak Plant — effective December 31, 2017. Production at White Oak officially began in 1905, and the plant was in continuous operation for more than 110 years.
According to ITG, demand and volumes have decreased in recent years, and the large plant offers more capacity than is needed and cost reduction measures have not brought costs to a level that is sustainable moving forward. The plant will work with customers to fulfill orders and then wind the operation down by the end of the year. Cone will offer severance packages to affected employees as well as assistance to find other jobs with ITG or through other local employers.
“We truly regret having to take this action and to close operations, and we deeply appreciate the loyalty and dedication of all current and former employees of the White Oak Plant,” said Ken Kunberger, president and CEO, ITG. “Their talent, effort, innovation, dedication, and customer focus all combined to create a White Oak brand, heritage, and legacy that will forever be the heart of the Cone Denim business.”
The City of Greensboro issued a press release stating that it is committed to assisting displaced employees find new jobs through the Guilford County Workforce Development. “This loss is regrettable, as Cone Denim has long been an important part of our City’s history and heritage,” said Mayor Nancy Vaughn.
The 56th International Dornbirn Man-Made Fibers Congress (Dornbirn MFC) held recently in Dornbirn, Austria, attracted more than 700 participants from 40 different countries. Organized by the Austrian Fibers Institute — formerly known as the Austrian Man-Made Fibers Institute — the event is held annually to support the launch of new fibers and fiber products, enable information and experience exchange, and to allow collaboration with organizations and universities with similar goals.
More than 100 expert lecturers from both industry and academia shared presentations at the event. In addition, the day before the congress began, 3 panel discussions, a workshop and forum were held to increase the learning opportunities.
Themes at this year’s congress focused on fiber innovations; fibers, textiles and nonwovens for hygienic and healthcare applications; fibers, textiles and nonwovens for protective applications; and fibers, textiles and nonwovens for sports and leisurewear.
During the event, the Paul Schlack/Wilhelm Albrecht Prize 2017 was awarded to two Institut für Textiltechnik of RWTH Aachen University employees — Dr. Gisa Wortberg for the “Development of Polyethylene-based Precursors for Thermochemical Stabilisation for Carbon Fibre Production,” and Dr. Andreas De Palmenaer for “Determination of Process Parameters for Continuous Production of Polyethylene-based Carbon Fibre.” The organizers appreciate the support and participation of the event sponsors including long-time supporters the City of Dornbirn and the Vorarlberg economic region; Austria-based Lenzing AG; the European Man-Made Fibres Association (CIRFS); EDANA – the Brussels-based international association serving the nonwovens and related industries; and Germany-based Industrievereinigung Chemiefasern Deutschland. More than 25 other companies and organizations also sponsored this year’s event.
Organizers report they have worked to strengthen the congress, and changes include incorporating natural as well as man-made fibers at the next event. The 57th Dornbirn congress will be held September 12-14, 2018. Topics to be covered at the event include fiber innovations, transport and mobility, recycling, energy storage, surface modification and additives, and additive technologies. Organizers now are accepting submissions for the 2018 event and interested parties may submit presentation proposals to the Austrian Fibers Institute.
Leib Oehmig takes the helm at Glen Raven as the first non-family member to hold the position of CEO.
By Stephen M. Warner, Contributing Editor
Glen Raven, N.C.-based Glen Raven Inc.’s story is a success story for the U.S. technical textiles industry. The company is privately held by the Gant family, and throughout its 137-year history, it has been led by a member of the Gant family. Leib Oehmig began his career with Glen Raven in 1989 and steadily moved into increased management responsible positions. In October, Oehmig became the first non-family member named CEO of Glen Raven. Textile Worldrecently had the opportunity to interview Oehmig.
Textile World: It’s been four years since the management transition from Allen Gant, Jr. to you was first announced. During this time, you have served as president/COO of Glen Raven Inc. Why such a long transition period?
Oehmig
Oehmig: We began the transition during the post-recession period in which we were focused on both stabilizing our business globally, and executing numerous growth opportunities. Therefore, it was “all hands on deck” and we wanted to ensure that our team remained focused. Additionally, this has been a big transition for Glen Raven’s family shareholders. Although I have spent my career with Glen Raven, Allen had the foresight to understand the ownership dynamics of this very privately held company and wanted to pace the transition in a manner that would ensure the success of our leadership team. In the end, Thursday, October 5, 2017, was the date selected for the change.
TW: Since largely leaving the pantyhose business in the 1970s and tying the company’s fate to woven acrylic Sunbrella® fabrics, Glen Raven’s “bread and butter” has been the traditional markets like awning and marine boat cover applications. In the last decade or so, we’ve seen Sunbrella expand into other areas such as outdoor furniture. What currently is the largest end market segment for Sunbrella, and what do you see as its next big market?
Oehmig: Glen Raven’s core markets are shade, marine, automotive, furniture, safety, value-added military and geosynthetics. We also own a software company and have additional investments in a range of other industries. Therefore, I would certainly not agree that we are tied to a woven product or specific raw material. We do remain 100-percent committed to our core markets and are equally executing strategies to grow these markets, along with our position in these markets globally. Our focus is to introduce products, services and technologies with unique attributes that will allow our current and prospective customers be successful. If we can help our customers achieve their goals, then everyone in the value chain wins.
TW: Staying on the subject of Sunbrella for a moment, there seems to be a greater push recently to emphasize the Sunbrella brand as the company rather than Glen Raven Custom Fabrics. At the recent IFAI Expo in New Orleans, Glen Raven Custom Fabrics wasn’t even listed as the exhibitor; rather, it was Sunbrella. What’s behind that strategy?
Oehmig: Although Glen Raven is the parent company, we focus on putting forth the presence that is most relevant to our customer, and that is often a product or service we provide under a different brand than Glen Raven.
At IFAI Expo, for example, our Trivantage business unit has a visible presence as the leading distributor of fabrics and hardware
to the market. The show attendees — whether they purchase through Trivantage or another distributor — are also using Sunbrella, which is the leading shade fabric brand, which is why Sunbrella has a strong presence. It’s all about focusing on customer needs.
TW: In August, Glen Raven announced its intent to acquire Sunbury Textile Mills, a manufacturer of decorative jacquard fabrics. Glen Raven has been a close partner with Sunbury for more than 20 years. Why was the decision made to acquire them? Was there something you saw changing in the industry?
Oehmig: Sunbury has been a strategic partner of Glen Raven’s for more than 20 years. We are operationally and culturally aligned, and our teams have always worked well together. However, the pace of business today is faster than at any other time in our history. Therefore, our commitment to our customers meant that we needed to further align ourselves to take advantage of opportunities and to be able to execute faster and more efficiently than ever before. Bringing Sunbury and Glen Raven together gives us a great opportunity to better service our customers.
TW: What are your thoughts on the U.S. economy right now?
Oehmig: We are in the ninth year of economic expansion since the Great Recession. However, for many of us, this period of economic expansion has felt different from previous expansions. The run up in the S&P likely has more to do with a lack of meaningful alternatives than true market dynamics and consumers remain more cautious. At Glen Raven, we remain focused on maintaining a solid balance sheet while continuing to make significant investments in the business. We routinely review our market portfolio for any signs of weakness, but we remain optimistic.
TW: How about current specific end markets for technical textiles such as shade, marine, military, casual furniture, geosynthetics and automotive?
Oehmig: When we speak about the opportunities and market conditions in technical textiles, we are market, submarket and geographically specific. For several years, the global shade and marine markets have not been growing at a desired rate. Therefore, we are pushing innovation through programs such as “The Future of Shade” and the “Marine Design Challenge” to inspire creativity, new products and new applications in these markets. For the balance of the other markets you mentioned, we are seeing a wide range of market growth rates depending on industry and geographical location. Therefore, we continue to push innovation while also expanding our global footprint in support of our growing customer base.
TW: Do you see a “market disruptor” out there or will growth be more evolutionary?
Oehmig: I am sure that every business is imagining how they can be a disruptor versus being disrupted. This is the reason that we spend a great deal of time strategizing around not only “what’s now”, but more importantly “what’s next.” In some industries we serve, the technology is changing so fast that the next disruptive technology or application may be just around the corner. In other markets, change seems to be more evolutionary. However, in every market, the pace of change and the customer’s expectations for innovation is increasing faster than ever before.
TW: How do you feel about the Trump Administration’s announced intention to revisit the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the Korea U.S. Free Trade Agreement (KORUS)? Do they need to be revisited?
Oehmig: I support the Administration’s intention to revisit the NAFTA agreement if the desired outcome is a modernization of the 24-year old agreement. However, I would not support a comprehensive renegotiation. The same would be true for KORUS. Improved customs enforcement of the current agreements is an issue that must be addressed.
TW: Gant guided the company through a period of unprecedented expansion in Europe, Asia, India and Brazil. Glen Raven also merged the two primary technical textile distributors in North America into a new subsidiary called Trivantage. The company has also moved into previously unfamiliar markets like geosynthetics. When the time comes, what do you hope will be your legacy at Glen Raven?
Oehmig: I am passionate about this industry, the markets and customers we serve and the incredible group of people that I have had the pleasure of working beside for the last 28 years. Amazing opportunities remain in this industry, and I will hope to have made a contribution in Glen Raven reaching its full potential by remaining customer focused and conducting business in an ethical and socially responsible manner. There will be challenges, but we will remain focused on our customers and how we can help them achieve their goals.
Editor’s note: Stephen M. Warner, Arden Hills, Minn., is publisher of BeaverLake6 Report, beaverlake6.com, a Web-based newsletter reporting on trends, data and issues that he feels influence the technical textiles industry. He also is former president and CEO of Industrial Fabrics Association International.
Winter 2018 editions of Texworld USA and Apparel Sourcing USA will feature on-trend fabrics, finished apparel sources.
TW Special Report
The biannual Texworld USA will assemble at the Javits Convention Center in New York City January 22-24, 2018, for three days of sourcing, seminars and networking alongside collocated show Apparel Sourcing USA.
Texworld USA — an apparel sourcing event for buyers, research and product development specialists, designers, merchandisers and overseas sourcing professionals — is organized by Atlanta-based Messe Frankfurt Inc. and offers attendees “the opportunity to meet directly with a wide range of manufacturers from Asia, the Middle East, North America and from many other regions from around the globe.” The show is produced in partnership with Austria-based Lenzing, and builds on the success of Innovation Asia and a sister Texworld show held in Paris.
More than 240 exhibitors will showcase their latest fabrics at Texworld USA’s winter edition. Items on display at the show are organized into more than 14 categories including cotton; denim; embroidery and lace; faux fur; findings and trims and accessories; functional fabrics; jacquard; knits; linen; prints; shirting; silk; wool; and yarns.
Apparel Sourcing USA — a long-term joint venture partnership between Messe Frankfurt and the China-based Sub-Council of Textile Industry, China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT-TEX) — is designed to offer apparel brands, retailers, wholesalers and independent design firms a dedicated sourcing marketplace for finding the best domestic and international apparel manufacturers. According to Messe Frankfurt, Apparel Sourcing is the only event on the East Coast to focus on sourcing finished apparel, contract manufacturing and private label development. Product groups help visitors to find the fabrics they wish to source including: childrenswear; womenswear; menswear; activewear; knits; wovens; denim/jeans; collections; suiting; contemporary; intimates/lingerie; and loungewear/sleepwear.
Seminar Program, Event Highlights
As well as the show floor dedicated to exhibitors, a complimentary seminar program and trend forum are offered to attendees.
The full seminar series schedule was not available as of Textile World’s press time, but some speaker highlights include:
Ben Mead, managing director for the Hohenstein Institute of America and Dr. Jan Beringer, head of research and development department of function and care, Hohenstein Institute, presenting on the topic of “Microplastics and Environment – Quantifying the Impact;” and
Anna Czerwinska, head of marketing and communication, International OEKO-TEX® Association who will give a presentation titled, “The Key to Confidence: Consumers and Textile Sustainability.”
Texworld USA also will host a live, pre-event webinar on January 17 at 11 a.m. hosted by Laurie Pressman, vice president, Pantone Color Institute. The webinar will focus on Spring/Summer 2019-20 color trends.
In addition, Apparel Sourcing USA’s Winter 2018 trend area will throw the spotlight on denim fabrics featuring manufacturers that specialize in denim production.
“We are always focused on bringing the best quality exhibitors to our attendees each season and making sure they have a platform for education, networking and conducting business,” said Jennifer Bacon, show director. “Our ever-popular seminar sessions, organized by Lenzing Fibers, are focused on relevant topics in our ever-evolving industry. We are also incredibly excited to debut our third edition SPOTLIGHT: denim, and shed some light on the wide array of denim fabrics that our exhibitors have to offer.”
Registration is complimentary for qualified trade industry professionals. Messe Frankfurt recommends that attendees preregister online, but it also is possible to register on-site using a business card and photo identification. The show is open January 22 and 23 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on January 24.
“We are continuing our efforts to make Texworld an industry event that can’t be missed,” Bacon said. “Texworld’s winter edition truly serves the market as a “one stop shop.”
For more information about Texworld USA and Apparel Sourcing USA, please visit texworldusa.com and apparel sourcingshow.com
Photo by Scott Dressel-Martin for the Colorado Convention Center, Denver
Outdoor Retailer’s debut in Denver offers a revamped show format.
TW Special Report
Since 1996, the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City had hosted the Outdoor Industry Association’s (OIA’s) Outdoor Retailer trade show produced by Emerald Expositions LLC. But under pressure from several high-profile outdoor company executives, organizers recently reevaluated the show’s location and announced all shows, including the Summer and Winter markets, will move to Denver’s Colorado Convention Center beginning with the January 2018 edition. The show is a business-to-business outdoor sports show that forms a gathering place for brands, retailers, suppliers and industry leaders; and features conferences, training sessions, leadership seminars and other educational opportunities. According to the organizers, the show is a place “to share ideas, explore best practices and unite as a powerful advocate for environmental issues and the protection of public lands …”
“Denver was selected not only because it met the logistical criteria to host a successful show (we expect to bring more than 85,000 attendees annually, across three shows), but also because the state of Colorado shares the industry’s passion for outdoor recreation and preserving public lands,” said Marisa Nicholson, Outdoor Retailer show director. “While we now turn to the future, I must say that the support of the Salt Lake community was essential in helping Outdoor Retailer grow and thrive over the past 22 years.”
January Show Highlights
For the first time in almost 30 years, the outdoor and snow industries will be together as Outdoor Retailer collocates with Snow Show for its January 2018 edition, to be held January 25-28, 2018, with on-snow demonstrations January 29 and 30. The show is endorsed and sponsored by OIA and Snowsports Industries America.
The show focuses on innovative outdoor apparel, footwear, gear, hard goods and accessories, which are grouped into the following categories: Adventure Travel; Backpacking; Camping; Hiking; Climbing; Skiing; Snowboarding; Snowsports; Mountaineering; Mountain Biking; Fishing/Fly Fishing; Health and Fitness; Nutrition and Natural Products; Paddlesports/ Watersports/SUP; Pet Products; Running/Trail Running/Triathalon; Surf; Skate; Lifestyle; Multisport Endurance; and Yoga/Pilates.
To coincide with the move to the Colorado Convention Center the show format has been revamped. Exhibitors will occupy three floors, and four curated spaces — Venture Out, Luxe, Scandinavian Village and Rental World — will present trends, luxury products, Scandinavian brands and rental gear to visitors.
On January 26, the Red Rocks Amphitheatre will host a fashion show featuring DJ Matt Cassidy followed by JAUZ and Mac Miller. Presented in partnership with Icelantic’s Winter on the Rocks, the fashion show and concert are open to the public as well as Outdoor Retailer attendees to extend the show’s reach.
Outdoor Retailer also offers educational opportunities. The Camp, located on the show floor, will offer insight on a variety of topics including women in the outdoors, creative merchandising, Amazon and specialty retail, and the changing retail landscape. The Trend + Design Center features innovations in materials and manufacturing. In addition, organizers will present The Inspiration Awards to people “who inspire us to do more in the outdoors;” and the “Night of Stoke” will feature films and speakers who participate in the winter sports lifestyle.
“The positive response to the combined show has exceeded all expectations,” said Nicholson. “We are going to be bursting at the seams with gear. The opportunities for product discovery and access to outdoor and snow brands will be unparalleled, as well as the other hallmarks of an Outdoor Retailer show — education, networking and events that allow us all to connect with the outdoor community.”
Outdoor Retailer Summer Market will be held July 23-26, 2018, and Outdoor Retailer Winter Market will be held November 8-11, 2018.
For more information about Outdoor Retailer + Snow Show, please visit outdoorretailer.com.
Harold Hill, president, Glen Raven Technical Fabrics LLC, was the featured keynote speaker.
The SYFA recently wrapped up its annual fall meeting in Charlotte, and honored a long-time collaborator.
By Rachael S. Davis, Executive Editor
The Synthetic Yarn And Fabric Association (SYFA) recently held its annual Fall Conference at the Sheraton Charlotte Airport Hotel in Charlotte, N.C. The conference’s “Tools For Transformation In Textiles” program featured a diverse group of speakers. Harold W. Hill, Jr., president, Glen Raven, N.C.-based Glen Raven Technical Fabrics LLC, was the featured keynote speaker and he talked about “Building a Culture of Innovation,” focusing on Glen Raven’s own efforts to innovate and remain competitive as a company.
Nine other speakers gave insightful presentations on a range of topics from economic and Washington policy updates to robotics and other technologies applicable to the fiber, yarn and fabric industries.
“As attendees reflect on the value of the two-day meeting, I think the title of this conference, ‘Tools for Transformation in Textiles,’ was appropriate,” said Hardy Sullivan, vice president, market development, Crypton Inc., and SYFA first vice president. “With Harold’s talk we heard about how to create an environment for change; we learned about advancements in resin technology and inkjet printing; and we saw how DNA-based markers can protect products from counterfeiters. In one way or another, we all left the meeting with fresh insight for strengthening our businesses.”
Conference sponsors for the fall event included Gold Sponsors Oxford Instruments Inc. and Premiere Fibers Inc.; Silver Sponsor Pulcra Chemicals LLC; Bronze Sponsors Burlington, DAK Americas LLC, PolySpinTex Inc., and Techtextil North America; and Patrons & Exhibitors Sponsors 4M Plants S.r.l., American Fiber Manufacturers Association, Clariant Masterbatches, Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, Glen Raven Technical Fabrics, Goulston Technologies Inc., Industrial Fabrics Association International, Milliken & Company, National Council of Textile Organizations, O’Mara Inc., Unifi Manufacturing Inc. and William Barnet & Son LLC.
SYFA announced the Spring Conference will be held April 26-27, 2018, so mark the calendar.
View a gallery of the speakers and attendees here.
Carmichael Announces Retirement
The Synthetic Yarn and Fabric Association (SYFA) used the occasion of its fall meeting to honor long-time affiliate and past board member Alasdair Carmichael who has announced he will retire from full-time employment with PCI Wood Mackenzie at the end of January.
Carmichael began his career some 48 years ago and is a well-known figure to all who are involved in the fibers and yarns industry. Carmichael spent time working in the United Kingdom, United States and Hong Kong before permanently locating in the United States in 1984. Past companies include Rieter Scragg and Rieter Corp. before Carmichael joined PCI Fibres in 2000 as president – Americas. He provided a full range of consultancy services including man-made fiber research for PCI Fibres and later PCI Wood Mackenzie. Laura Murphy is taking over the fiber activities in North America for PCI Wood Mackenzie and is working with Carmichael as he transitions into retirement. Murphy has an extensive background in the nylon and polyester yarn industry.
During the years Carmichael was based in the United States, he has been very closely affiliated with the SYFA and its predecessor the Textured Yarn Association of America (TYAA). He attended his first TYAA meeting in 1973, which was the second ever association meeting. Carmichael is a TYAA past president and long-time active SYFA board member.
“The success of SYFA is very satisfying for me,” Carmichael said. “We were very close to wrapping things up as the textured yarn business in the United States shrank and TYAA membership got smaller and smaller. We had several choices — to close the doors, merge or rebrand, with rebranding being the most difficult of those options. But we chose rebranding, and it worked!”
“With his warm smile and readiness to help educate, Alasdair has been integral to the growth of SYFA as well as its members,” said Machell Apple, product director, True Textiles, and current SYFA president. “He is quick to share with anyone his vast textile knowledge. Who among us could have a crowd on the edge of their seats when discussing petrochemicals except the one and only Alasdair Carmichael.”
“I’m not going to fade away,” Carmichael said. “I will continue to work on a part time basis and will remain connected to a part of the fiber industry. I also will continue to be involved with the SYFA. I look forward to keeping up with my many friends in the industry.”
By Jim Phillips, Yarn Market Editor
