Valley Forge Fabrics Acquires Contract Decor International, CDI

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — November 10, 2017 — Valley Forge Fabrics announced today the acquisition of the premier window treatment manufacturer, Contract Decor International (CDI), as part of a strategic move to support their continued growth in the Hospitality Industry. The acquisition will expand Valley Forge Fabrics’ offerings to include vertical window fabrication solutions from decorative textile to install.

“Becoming a more vertical supplier and creating value for our industry is a critical piece of our company strategy. Manufacturing and installing hospitality window products and services is a natural evolution and the Valley Forge Fabrics family fits together perfectly with the CDI family,” said Diana Dobin, CEO of Valley Forge Fabrics.

CDI is best in class and has a reputation for quality, dependability and flexibility. CDI compliments Valley Forge Fabrics’ strategic goals, core values and culture. With the acquisition of CDI Valley Forge Fabrics will be able to leverage their position in the hospitality industry with greater merchandise innovation, new product offerings and design leadership. Going forward CDI will be known as CDI a Valley Forge Company.

Based in Massachusetts, the experienced and well respected CDI team will remain in place under the leadership of industry veteran Mike Handler, who is retaining partial ownership of the new company.

“Our clients have voiced 2 major pain points in regards to the window, and CDI a Valley Forge Company, will provide new solutions to the marketplace. First, we will be able to move from PO receipt of the textile, to installation of the finished product, at a faster pace than the market has experienced in the past. Second, we will offer one accountable party in charge of the whole process. This will cut down on excess communication and make for a better customer experience,” said Michael Dobin, CEO of Valley Forge.

Mike Handler, said: “It is unique to find two companies that share such similar roots and core values. Two successful 2nd generation family businesses with common goals of providing our clients with the best experience possible. This opportunity will allow us to be better in every way. To be more pro-active and to respond to our clients’ needs in a faster, more complete manner. It will truly allow us to become the absolute best that we can be. I am excited to partner with the Dobin Family and their entire team, and even more excited for what the future holds.”

About Contract Decor International, CDI, a 23 year old company is the hospitality industry’s most respected source for high-quality, custom-manufactured window treatments and bedcovers. CDI’s expertise includes complex specialty window treatment design development as well as installation and maintenance services. The company is renowned for its superior customer service and best-in-class seasoned team with deep industry knowledge, product know-how and skills. CDI’s headquarters is located in Massachusetts and has approximately 120 employees.

Valley Forge Fabrics Inc. is a 40 year old family owned and operated company and the world’s largest supplier of decorative textile products for the hospitality industry. Valley Forge Fabrics focuses on innovation and design through performance textiles, custom textile design, finished bedding, decorative sheers, coated blackouts, and most recently, digitally printed fabrics and fabricated decorative roller shades and draperies. Valley Forge Fabrics is headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Posted November 14, 2017

Source: Valley Forge Fabrics

Cotton Growers Deserve A Ton Of Credit: FiberMax® One Ton Club™ Supports High Yielders

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. —  November 14, 2017 — Big yields deserve big recognition. Now in its 13th year, the FiberMax® One Ton Club™ has recognized more than 1,000 elite cotton growers, and signups are now open. Qualified growers who attend the annual banquet in Lubbock, Texas, also can enter a sweepstakes for a chance to win a two-year lease on a Ford F-350 Super Duty King Ranch truck.

To qualify for the FiberMax One Ton Club, growers must produce an average of 2,000 pounds per acre on 20 or more acres planted to FiberMax varieties. Additionally, growers must plant 100 percent FiberMax cotton seed on qualifying acres from January 1-December 31, 2017.

“Growers need an advanced skill-set and elite germplasm to produce excellent yields,” said Kerry Grossweiler, Bayer campaign manager. “The FiberMax One Ton Club allows us to celebrate a grower’s knowledge and accomplishments and applaud them for a job remarkably well done.”

If you’re a grower in any of the 17 cotton-producing states who meets the four-bale yield requirement, learn how to sign up for the One Ton Club by visiting with your sales rep or Bayer Agronomic Services Team member. Gin recap sheets are required for verification.

Qualifiers will be recognized at the One Ton Club grower awards banquet in Lubbock, Texas, on April 5, 2018, where they will have the opportunity to enter to win the truck lease. Growers must be present to enter and win the sweepstakes.

Posted November 14, 2017

Source: Bayer

Sappi North America Invests $5.94 Million In Cloquet, Minn., Mill

CLOQUET, Minn. — November 14, 2017 — Sappi North America, a producer and supplier of diversified paper and packaging products, today announced a $5.94 million capital investment in its Cloquet, Minn., mill to replace the headbox on Paper Machine 12 (PM12). This investment enabled Sappi to maintain its capacity by adding a state-of-the-art, dilution profiled headbox that produces excellent basis weight profiles. A headbox is an integral part of the paper machine responsible for spreading the pulp fibers evenly to form the sheet.

“This investment shows Sappi’s unwavering commitment to its graphic papers and packaging customers,” said Mark Gardner, president and CEO, Sappi North America. “The new headbox will ensure that we’re fulfilling orders to the highest quality standards that Sappi’s customers have come to expect. This project will not only improve upon our longstanding history with the graphic papers market, but also support our growing paper-based packaging business.”

This investment follows a $170 million capital investment in 2011 to enable the Cloquet Mill’s kraft pulp operations to also produce chemical cellulose used in textile and consumer goods markets. Through this product diversification, along with investments in renewable energy and waste reduction, the mill has stayed profitable and competitive in a challenging market. The Cloquet Mill was recently awarded for its investment in the state of Minnesota from the Minnesota Office of Foreign Direct Investment. The award highlighted the company’s contributions to the economic vitality of local communities, and its commitment to keeping Minnesota a world-leading business destination.

The PM12 Headbox project was recently completed in October.

Posted November 14, 2017

Source: Sappi North America

Aéropostale Brings On IHL Group As New Intimates Partner To Drive Category And Distribution Strategy

NEW YORK CITY — November 14, 2017 — IHL Group today announced its exclusive multi-year license agreement with teen apparel powerhouse Aéropostale. This partnership marks a milestone in Aéropostale’s strategic efforts to extend the brand into new categories and distribution channels in the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada.

“We are honored to be partnering with such an established brand in the teen category as Aéropostale,” said Sami Souid, president, IHL Group. “We are thrilled to bring our quality and trend-driven offerings to the Aéropostale’s fashion conscious teen customers nationwide.”

Debuting its first collection for Holiday 2018, the line will retail from $18 for bras, sports bras, babydolls, bodysuits; and $10 for panties. Materials used in the collection will include premium fabrics and detailing such as lace, microfiber, appliques and seamless cuts.

“There are many synergies between IHL Group and Aéropostale,” explained Ken Ohashi, EVP of Lifestyle Brands at ABG, an owner of Aéropostale. “We are excited to be working together to grow the brand and expand distribution with a trendsetting collection of intimates and undergarments.”

Posted November 14, 2017

Source:  IHL Group

American Apparel Launches New Pencils Of Promise Collection To Support Literacy In Developing Countries

MONTREAL — November 14, 2017 —  American Apparel has launched a capsule collection of hoodies, T-shirts and bags in support of Pencils of Promise (POP) to fund the construction of schools and provide support for teachers in developing nations. POP is a U.S.-based not-for-profit organization that works to increase access to education and raise global awareness of child illiteracy as there are 250 million children worldwide who lack basic reading, writing and math skills.

“We are a proud supporter of Pencils of Promise, who have already helped over 70,000 students to gain access to quality education through infrastructure projects and literacy programming,” said Mike Hoffman, president, Gildan’s Printwear division, owner of the American Apparel® brand. “As the surest path out of poverty, education opens up possibilities for these children to move towards a better life and a more hopeful future. It is one of the most powerful weapons that we can use to change the world.”

With the message “250 million kids can’t read this,” American Apparel’s new capsule collection represents a commitment of $200,000 to build new educational infrastructure, improve classroom environments and provide support for teachers. The goal of this initiative is to foster a conversation around the need for better quality education, inciting consumers to take a position on child literacy and become passionate about increasing children’s opportunities for a brighter future.

The collaboration between American Apparel and Pencils of Promise is designed to raise awareness and support for child literacy, inspiring generations of globally conscious and impact-oriented consumers to help students in developing countries have the same access to quality education that they received.

Posted November 14, 2017

Source: Gildan

Teijin Aramid Introduces Endumax Shield XF33

ARNHEM, The Netherlands — November 14, 2017 — Teijin Aramid today announced the introduction of Endumax Shield XF33, an ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), that enables weight reduction, leading to enhanced mobility and increased armor protection level with no increase in overall weight. It is the answer to the ever growing lethal threats in the world that global security forces face.

The new and increasingly lethal threats globally demand enhanced protection at preferably lighter weights to increase user mobility. New armor systems not only have to provide protection to security professionals, but also to the various ground vehicles, maritime platforms, and aircrafts used in carrying out the required mission. Endumax Shield XF33 can be used for high-performance hard body armor plates, helmets and rigid panels for vehicle and maritime protection.

Endumax Shield XF33 will help to achieve superior performance-to-weight solution for body armor inserts, e.g. NIJ III standalone as well as in conjunction with ballistic vests. Thanks to the structural integrity achieved even with low processing pressures, the use of Endumax Shield XF33 enables easier processing of larger panels with minimum or no seams for vehicle and maritime protection. As a result, this minimizes potentially vulnerable joints and increases design freedom for optimum panel cuts, thereby making the solution more cost-efficient.

Manon Schuurmans, Teijin Aramid’s Business Department manager Ballistics, said: “For over 30 years, Teijin Aramid has been developing high-performance ballistic protection solutions that have saved countless lives. Thanks to the uniquely engineered properties the new Endumax Shield XF33 is the material of choice for an exceptional performance to weight ratio for body armor and weight sensitive vehicles and vessels armoring.”

The new Endumax Shield XF33 will be shown at Teijin Aramid’s stand 6-D172, at the upcoming Milipol show, held from November 21-24 in Paris, France.

Posted November 14, 2017

Source: Teijin Aramid

DICK’S Sporting Goods Names New Chief Technology Officer

PITTSBURGH — November 14, 2017 — DICK’S Sporting Goods today announced Paul Gaffney has been named Chief Technology Officer, effective November 20. In this role, Gaffney will be responsible for the company’s technology, including infrastructure, eCommerce platforms and new and evolving digital platforms.

“Paul is joining the company at a critical time as we’re evolving every day through our digital transformation efforts,” said Edward W. Stack, chairman & CEO. “Paul’s experience will make an immediate impact on the company and we’re thrilled to welcome him to the Dick’S family.”

Gaffney joins Dick’S from The Home Depot, where he most recently served as the senior vice president of Information Technology, responsible for the organization’s software engineering, user-centered design and applications. While at The Home Depot, Gaffney was responsible for leading their digital revolution, inspiring the engineering team to deliver customer focused software to millions of customers and over 400,000 associates.

“I’m excited to join the Dick’S Sporting Goods team at this important time of focus and investment in technology as a key enabler to better communicate with and serve our customers,” Gaffney said.

Throughout his career, Gaffney held a variety of senior leadership roles, most notably serving as president and CEO with AAA Northern California. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Harvard University and is a Henry Crown Fellow at the Aspen Institute.

Posted November 14, 2017

Source: DICK’S Sporting Goods, Inc.

Carhartt Promotes Tony Ambroza To Newly Created Chief Brand Officer Role

DEARBORN, Mich. — November 14, 2017 — Carhartt has promoted Senior Vice President of Marketing Tony Ambroza to a newly created senior leadership role, chief brand officer. Ambroza will lead brand engagement across the entire consumer journey across critical touch points including TV commercials, social media, events, retail marketing, Carhartt’s Direct to Consumer (D2C) business and beyond to build an even deeper affinity between consumers and the Carhartt brand.

As chief brand officer, Ambroza will continue to scale the brand’s reach by championing Carhartt’s meaning, purpose and values while fiercely preserving its storied heritage. Under his leadership, the fast-growing D2C business will deliver the ultimate brand experience to hardworking people by creating seamless, inspiring engagements between Carhartt, the products and the people that matter most to the brand: its consumers. On the marketing side, Ambroza will continue to amplify Carhartt’s celebration of hard work and the brand’s role in the lives of hardworking people all over the world by sharing their Carhartt experiences.

“Tony is a visionary marketer and retailer who has helped our 128-year-old company succeed in a new age of selling,” said Linda Hubbard, president and COO, Carhartt. “Tony has taken on increased leadership responsibilities within our marketing and direct to consumer teams and has demonstrated strong leadership, strategic expertise, and the ability to build strong teams that consistently exceed goals. We are recognizing Tony’s leadership excellence across multiple aspects of the Carhartt organization with the new role of chief brand officer.”

Ambroza joined Carhartt in 2010 and his strong background in the apparel industry with extensive brand marketing experience have helped increase Carhartt’s brand awareness to its current all-time high. He has continued to build on the brand’s growth and momentum by widely sharing its brand story; Carhartt is a timeless, family-owned brand making authentic products for honest, hardworking, industrious people.

Over the past seven years, Ambroza and his team have expanded the brand across product categories, gender and generation, occupations from the trades to craftspeople to those who love the outdoors and those who work and live in the hottest and coldest climates on the planet. Carhartt’s authentic storytelling has allowed the brand to continually gain relevance with consumers of all ages as they see themselves in the real, hardworking people featured in Carhartt marketing.

Ambroza has scaled the D2C business by aligning it with the continually evolving marketing discipline to deliver a complete, 360 degree brand experience in service to hardworking people. Whether consumers are new to Carhartt and just discovering all that the brand has to offer, or are Carhartt loyalists who are looking for Carhartt’s newest product solutions, Ambroza and his team are focused on providing an authentic, unique and memorable brand experience for the country’s hardest-working men and women.

Prior to joining the Carhartt team, Ambroza worked at Under Armour Inc. as well as at Nike Inc.

Posted November 14, 2017

Source:  Carhartt, Inc.

New Reebok Sublite Cushion Tactical, AR670-1 Compliant Boot, Brings Lightweight Cushioning To Military Footwear

ST. LOUIS, Mo. — November 13, 2017 — Warson Brands, official licensee of Reebok for duty and uniform footwear, has introduced the new Reebok Sublite Cushion Tactical RB8808 tactical boot designed specifically for military professionals.

The RB8808 builds upon the success of the Reebok Sublite Cushion Tactical series by offering an AR670-1 compliant version in coyote brown for wear with the Army uniform.  “We’ve had very positive responses from law enforcement professionals wearing the Sublite, especially in regard to how lightweight the boot is, and we had several requests to make the boot in an AR670-1 compliant version for the military,” said John Duvic, vice president, Product Development at Warson Brands. “We thought through several details in the development of the RB8808: adding a lace garage to tuck away laces when blousing pants; incorporating a full rubber outsole with rope guard for additional traction and durability; and making the upper of genuine cattlehide leather for breathability and durability.”

The Sublite Cushion Tactical incorporates Sublite foam midsole technology to maximize cushioning while minimizing weight. The Sublite dual density foam midsole provides unparalleled lightweight cushioning for comfort and responsiveness. Deep flex grooves in the midsole allow for natural movement, letting feet bend and balance naturally. The boot also features a MemoryTech Massage Footbed that adapts to the unique contours of the foot and a slip resistant outsole that grips in slippery conditions.

The RB8808 will be available for purchase in February 2018 at an MSRP of $150.00. Reebok Duty will display the full line of Sublite Cushion Tactical boots, including black and sage green versions, at SHOT Show booth #10179.

Reebok duty footwear and the Sublite Cushion Tactical RB8808 are available through select retailers throughout the United States.

Posted November13, 2017

Source: Reebok International Ltd.

Go Green Synthetic Lawn Solutions Introduces Artificial Turf Solution For Reflective Burns

DALTON, Ga. — Nov. 8, 2017 — Go Green Synthetic Lawn Solutions has just announced the release of a new artificial grass product that provides a solution for an industry-wide issue with reflective burns caused by Low-E windows. With the introduction of the Platinum HeatMaxx® series, Go Green is the first and only manufacturer to offer a 15-year warranty against reflective burns.

With the increase of these Low-E windows to create a better energy efficient solution for both residential and commercial applications, the synthetic turf industry has been challenged with reflective conditions that create very high temperatures. These reflective conditions have been reported around the world, to burn and melt surfaces such as aluminum siding on houses, paint on cars, and, among many others, artificial lawns.

David Davis, president, Go Green stated, “We have been working for years to perfect our proprietary blend of nylon yarns to combat the heat issues our industry has been challenged with.”

Most synthetic lawns made of polypropylene and polyethylene have melt temperatures around 320°F.  Go Green’s Platinum HeatMaxx series made with nylon, have a melting point of 460°F. Because of this, they are able to withstand the high temperatures that exist in these reflective environments.

“This has been quite a frustrating problem for our entire industry,” said Michelle Balicki, vice president, Sales and Marketing. “The finger has been pointed at the artificial turf manufacturer to mitigate an issue that has affected homeowners, architects, and commercial properties of all kind. But the truth is, this is clearly a much more wide-spread problem that expands much farther than our industry. We are just very excited to be able to provide a solution.”

Posted November 13, 2017

Source: Go Green Synthetic Lawn Solutions

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