New X-Rite Multi-Angle Spectrophotometers Set Industry Standard For Characterizing Effect Finishes

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — September 12, 2017 — X-Rite Inc. and its subsidiary Pantone LLC today announced a next-generation family of portable multi-angle spectrophotometers that sets a new standard for characterizing effect finishes. The new MA-T12, a 12-angle device, and the MA-T6, a six-angle device, are the first instruments to combine color imaging and multi-angle spectral measurement to quantify color, sparkle and coarseness. These new devices allow customers to more precisely define and control the extreme effect finishes now commonly used in the automotive, plastics, coatings, and cosmetics industries to reduce defects and achieve more efficient quality assurance.

Color is a decisive buying factor when it comes to the purchase of new products — from cars, to consumer electronics and household appliances. Consistency of color across different components of a product strongly influences a customer’s perception of quality. In today’s competitive marketplace, manufacturers increasingly use extreme effect finishes to differentiate themselves. For example, in the automotive industry, approximately 70 percent of new vehicles use effect finishes that include aluminums, pearls or special effect pigments like Xirallics. As a result, measurement of color alone is no longer sufficient to completely characterize these materials, or to ensure consistency across adjacent parts, such as car bumpers and body panels. This is especially true when parts are manufactured by different suppliers at multiple locations. The new MA-T family is designed to help manufacturers set, communicate, and ensure conformance with global standards for effect finishes – encompassing color, sparkle and coarseness — to achieve a new level of consistency and harmony.

“The MA-T family represents a significant advance over current multi-angle measurement technology,” said Chris Winczewski, vice President, Strategy and Product Planning, X-Rite. “The combination of a color camera and up to 12 angles of measurement gives manufacturers and their supply chain partners an entirely new level of sophistication in the definition and measurement of even today’s most extreme effect finishes. This new technology delivers results that more closely approximate the way the human eye perceives color, reducing approval cycles, minimizing costly rework, and accelerating time-to-market.”

New MA-T Family and AutoQC Software

The MA-T family of portable spectrophotometers has 2.5X the repeatability and 2X the reproducibility of any other multi-angle device on the market when measuring color, sparkle and coarseness. The devices have an ergonomic design with a centrally located aperture and positioning pins to ensure stable measurement. A touch screen navigation makes operating the devices simple and intuitive. A real-time preview of measurement areas or “check zones” ensures accurate targeting, streamlining the overall measurement process.

Both models feature an RGB camera and white light illumination to ensure the most accurate capture of color, sparkle and coarseness and quantifiable results that match the way the human eye perceives color. The MA-T6 measures color from six different viewing angles while the MA-T12 offers 12 angles of measurement. This enables the most complete characterization of today’s extreme effect materials.

The MA-T family interfaces with new AutoQC software, a cloud-based solution that ensures that color standards, measurement procedures, and data are clearly communicated and effectively managed across distributed supply chains. New visual tools, including performance trend charts and stored images of specific measurements, enable real-time performance monitoring and provide actionable insights that speed up the process of troubleshooting out-of-tolerance product.

The MA-T12 and MA-T6 are both backwards compatible with X-Rite MA68 and MA94, MA96, MA98 portable multi-angle spectrophotometers, ensuring agreement with legacy data.

The MA-T12 and MA-T6 are now available for purchase worldwide.

Posted September 12, 2017

Source: X-Rite

Archroma To Highlight Color Atlas Library And Sustainability-Driven Innovations In Its Première Vision Debut

REINACH, Switzerland — September 12, 2017 — Archroma will make its debut as an exhibitor at the Première Vision 2017 expo in Paris from September 19-21. At Booth 5B10, it will display its various color-management solutions, along with other innovations that are helping to drive sustainability in the textile sector.

For the past 17 years, Archroma has been pioneering change in the areas of formulation, standardization and management of custom colors along the entire textile supply chain. The company recognized back in 2000 that fashion designers, brands, retailers and their suppliers were all facing challenges, ranging from global sourcing to ambitious deadlines. Archroma Color Management helps them to achieve accurate colors, and accelerate their time to market with color management services, unique software tools and support systems.

Introducing Color Atlas to Première Vision 2017

To address these issues, Archroma launched its Color Atlas, a color library created to easily bring color creativity and manageability to an entire new level for all in the supply chain. The Color Atlas by Archroma is a system that includes a “physical library” of 4,320 color swatches, in six volumes. The accordion-fold design of the library volumes allows for quick, intuitive browsing of the cotton poplin samples. Colorful book covers indicate the shades that lie within each volume. Secure tabs help keep the swatches neat and ordered while allowing them to be easily removed. Earlier this year, Archroma also introduced the compact version of its Color Atlas system, which includes all the same color options, but is slimmed down from six to two volumes for increased portability.

A mobile-friendly Color Atlas Online offers features such as “color-on-the-go”, which allows users to capture an image using a smartphone, and identify the closest Color Atlas shades with the possibility to purchase a color sample instantly. Archroma has also introduced new patent-pending technology that adds swatch-specific information to each Engineered Color Standard, giving retailers, brands and mills instant access to more color information than ever.

Due to its close relations with textile manufacturers, brands and retailers, and as a leader in textile colors and effects, Archroma can provide solutions and expertise in colors and beyond, in particular with its cutting-edge technologies to help make industry more sustainable:

  • EarthColors: A range of range of “biosynthetic” dyes for cotton and cellulose-based fabrics that are made from waste left over by the agricultural and pharmaceutical industry after extraction such as almond shells, saw palmetto, or rosemary leaves. The latest in NFC technology on product hangtags enable transparency and traceability through the supply chain to consumers.
  • Smartrepel® Hydro is a non-fluorine-based water repellent finish with high wash durability for cotton, synthetic fibers and their blends.
  • Advanced Denim dyeing technology, meanwhile, allows savings of up to 92% in water, 87% in cotton waste and 30% in energy, compared to a conventional denim dyeing process.

“With our Color Atlas tool, we believe we are redefining the concept of a color library for the textile industry”, says Chris Hipps, Global Director of Archroma Color Management services. “With Color Atlas and our continuous flow of new innovative solutions, we address the specific color related needs of designers, manufacturers and the fashion industry, while constantly striving to also advance products and technologies that will make those sectors more sustainable.”

Posted September 12, 2017

Source: Archroma

Aquafil Invests $10 Million In Enhanced Waste Regeneration Plant In United States

TRENTO, Italy — September 12, 2017 — Aquafil will open its first U.S. carpet recycling facility in Phoenix, Ariz., offering a long-awaited solution to this persistent source of waste. Aquafil Carpet Recycling (ACR) #1 will recycle the nylon 6 waste from carpets back into raw material, further enhancing its pioneering ECONYL® Regeneration System — the only technology in the world capable of regenerating nylon 6 from carpets and other waste, including fishing nets.

Each year in the U.S., an astonishing 4 billion pounds of carpet is discarded in landfills — the equivalent of 6,060 humpback whales. Once operational in 2018, ACR #1 will have the capacity to collect and treat 35 million pounds of carpet per year, making a sizeable dent in the waste stream.

“We’re not comfortable with the status quo — in this case that less than five percent of carpet waste is recycled,” said Aquafil CEO Giulio Bonazzi. “We know nylon 6 waste can be powerful with the proper technology, and we’re honored to call Phoenix home to that power with ACR #1.”

Carpet recycling has historically been a challenge due to the many different materials used, along with designs that do not allow for easy separation. ACR #1 marks a new era, as Aquafil continues to invest in innovative solutions to waste. Through the Econyl Regeneration System, Aquafil avoids the use of petroleum, reduces carbon emissions and gives waste an infinite number of lives without sacrificing quality.

ACR #1 is expected to create 50 new jobs, and will repurpose waste that is otherwise destined for landfill, getting Aquafil closer to its goal of producing Econyl yarn from 100 percent post-consumer waste. “We want to recycle as much carpet as possible by establishing a number of these facilities throughout the U.S.,” said Bonazzi. “This activity will be closely connected to our fishing nets recycling efforts, which diverts millions of pounds of waste from our oceans.”

Econyl yarn is in high demand with carpet and textile manufacturers, as well as apparel brands. To date, Aquafil has partnered with more than 160 brands including adidas, Volcom and Stella McCartney, along with carpet manufacturers such as Interface, Milliken, Mannington and Tarkett Group.

Just as Aquafil is helping the fashion industry become more sustainable, it is creating an opportunity to turn carpet waste into a business advantage, helping brands and manufacturers reduce their environmental impact to transform a historically wasteful industry.

Posted September 12, 2017

Source: Aquafil

Two More Angelica Plants Earns Hygienically Clean Healthcare Certification

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — September 9, 2017 — The Angelica linen, uniform and facility services chain’s laundries in San Fernando, Calif., and Holly Hill, Fla., are the organization’s latest recipients of Hygienically Clean (HC) Healthcare certification. This designation reflects their commitment to best management practices (BMPs) in laundering as verified by on-site inspection and their capability to produce hygienically clean textiles as quantified by ongoing microbial testing.

The certification confirms Angelica’s dedication to infection prevention, compliance with recognized industry standards and processing healthcare textiles using BMPs as described in its quality assurance documentation, a focal point for Hygienically Clean inspectors’ evaluation. The independent, third-party inspection must also confirm essential evidence that:

  • Employees are properly trained and protected
  • Managers understand regulatory requirements
  • OSHA-compliant
  • Physical plant operates effectively

Angelica now has 18 TRSA Hygienically Clean Healthcare certified facilities, the most of any laundry chain in the United States. In addition to the two newest designees, Angelica has secured the certification at facilities in Austin, Texas; Batavia, N.Y.; Chicago, Ill.; Colton, Calif.; Columbia, S.C.; Durham, N.C.; Fresno, Calif.; Henderson, Nev., Lorain, Ohio; Memphis and Ooltewah, Tenn.; Phoenix, Ariz.; Pittsburg, Calif.; Rockmart, Ga.; Safety Harbor, Fla.; and Worcester, Mass. Angelica is in the process of certifying its remaining laundries by the end of 2017.

Certified facilities pass three rounds of outcome-based microbial testing, indicating that their processes are producing Hygienically Clean Healthcare textiles and zero presence of yeast, mold and harmful bacteria. To maintain their certification, laundry plants must pass quarterly testing to ensure that as laundry conditions change, such as water quality, textile fabric composition and wash chemistry, laundered product quality is consistently maintained.

This process eliminates subjectivity by focusing on outcomes and results that verify textiles cleaned in these facilities meet appropriate hygienically clean standards and BMPs for hospitals, surgery centers, medical offices, nursing homes and other medical facilities.

Hygienically Clean Healthcare certification acknowledges laundries’ effectiveness in protecting healthcare operations through testing and inspections that scrutinize quality control procedures in textile services operations related to the handling of textiles containing blood and other potentially infectious materials.

Certified laundries use processes, chemicals and BMPs acknowledged by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation, American National Standards Institute and others. Introduced in 2012, Hygienically Clean Healthcare brought to North America the international cleanliness standards for healthcare linens and garments used worldwide by the Certification Association for Professional Textile Services and the European Committee for Standardization.

Objective experts in epidemiology, infection control, nursing and other healthcare professions work with Hygienically Clean launderers to ensure the certification continues to enforce the highest standards for producing clean healthcare textiles.

“Congratulations to Angelica on their certifications,” said Joseph Ricci, TRSA president and CEO. “This achievement proves their ongoing commitment to infection prevention and that their laundry facilities take every step possible to prevent human illness.”

Posted September 8, 2017

Source: TRSA

Indorama Ventures Enters The Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) For The First Time

BANGKOK, Thailand — September 8, 2017 —  Indorama Ventures Public Co. Ltd. (IVL), a global chemical producer, is pleased to announce that the company has been listed in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI Emerging Markets) for the first time as published by RobecoSAM. The inclusion confirms IVL’s excellent performance among the world’s leading companies in the chemical sector and its commitment to leadership in sustainability.

The Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) is a leading global benchmark in corporate sustainability and socially responsible investment. The indices are offered cooperatively by RobecoSAM and S&P Dow Jones Indices. Every year DJSI conducts the assessment to ensure that companies continue developing in terms of sustainability. The ranking is based on a comprehensive analysis and evaluation of economic, environment and social performance.

Commenting on this achievement, Mr. Aloke Lohia, Group CEO of Indorama Ventures, said, “We aspire to be a world-class chemical company making great products for society. Being included by DJSI and ranked among top five of all global chemical companies is an important milestone for us. This truly reflects our sustainability leadership within the industry and the progress we are making in our sustainability journey on a global scale. We will continue to make the most positive possible impact on society to create a better future for all”.

Posted September 8, 2017

Source: Indorama Ventures

Garment Manufacturing Focused timeSSD Beta Version Release

TARGU SECUIESC, Romania — September 7, 2017 — Beta version of the timeSSD was launched in the Microsoft Azure Cloud. Following the high interest shown by the fashion brands, textile faculties and manufacturers during the first presentation in May 2017 at Texprocess / Frankfurt, the Beta version is running in the Cloud with seven languages installed: English, German, Russian, Turkish, Romanian, Bulgarian and Hungarian.

timeSSD Beta provide accurate times for handling, positioning, sewing, dispose, use of tools, read-write, walking and ironing motion elements used during the methods development, with focus on the sewing industry.
The Beta version of the timeSSD® is invitation based and its use is free, for commercial purposes too.
All the methods and workflows developed in Beta will be available in the commercial version.

The commercial version of the timeSSD® is “pay per use” based, no user licenses, no special keys and no maintenance costs. Its availability depends only on the internet connection for the user.
The data backup is managed by Azure with geo redundant backup policy.

DataS develops garment industry dedicated software solutions to increase the operating and manufacturing performance. timeSSD provide the “must to have” benchmark data for the efficiency control and incentive payroll in labor intensive industries, especially in garment manufacturing.
However, is a collaborative platform where the user develops private working methods and workflows and has the possibility to share them with the selected partners.

Laszlo Szabo, managing director of DataS says: “For example the execution method edited in Germany on German language by the fashion brand’s development team it’s shared in timeSSD with the manufacturer from Romania. The production supervisor gets the method descriptions by default on Romanian and has all the necessary elements for the style execution with the standard times specified. This feature avoids the misunderstandings, save times and money. In the near future the Polish, French, Arabic, Bengali and Urdu languages will be implemented. Our intentions are to have the Hindi, Mandarin and Vietnamese languages included too, before the end of this year. I would like to say my thanks to our partners and supporters from different countries for their continuous support in the language translation processes. ”

timeSSD has a native connection with the GPD — General Production Data — QR code based, real-time, shop floor control and materials requirement planning software solution, developed by DataS.

DataS develops and delivers integrated software solutions dedicated for the manufacturing and business processes in textile, leather, garments and knitwear industry starting from 1992.
Today are more than 1400 installed DataS software licenses in 21 countries.

Posted September 8, 2017

Source: Astailor Shine Ltd.

Baldwin To Acquire Ahlbrandt System GmbH

ST. LOUIS — September 8, 2017 — Baldwin Technology Co. Inc. announced today that an agreement has been reached to acquire Ahlbrandt System GmbH. The acquisition is pending German government approval, with a target closing date of September 30, 2017.

Headquartered in Lauterbach, Germany, Ahlbrandt’s 87 team members and top-quality Corona Treatment, Spray Coating and Hot Air Drying products complement the Baldwin team and their broad product and service portfolios.  In addition, Baldwin plans to capitalize on Ahlbrandt’s expertise and industry leading technology to enhance solutions for the rapidly growing textile and film industries.

“I am very excited that Ahlbrandt is joining the Baldwin team,” said Holger Bätz, Managing Director of Ahlbrandt. “Not only is our expertise in developing and producing top-quality equipment and systems a nice complement to Baldwin’s broad product portfolio, I am confident that Ahlbrandt’s talent and passion for innovation in surface finishing will rise to new levels within the Baldwin family.  This partnership presents a great opportunity for the Ahlbrandt team to expand our business to new geographical markets and customers, and I am convinced that this acquisition will have a very positive influence on Ahlbrandt’s new ‘Serviceplus’ growth strategy.”

“Bringing Ahlbrandt into the Baldwin family will strengthen our ability to provide value to our customers through broader technology and service offerings,” said Brent Becker, CEO of Baldwin.  “This exciting investment underscores our commitment to a strategy that blends organic and acquisition growth to enhance our global footprint and the technology we can deliver to our customers.  We are also eagerly looking forward to expanding our footprint in Germany, and we expect both teams to realize many benefits from close cooperation between our Lauterbach and Friedberg production and assembly facilities.”

Ahlbrandt is Baldwin’s third acquisition since joining the BW Forsyth Partners’ family of companies in 2012. In 2014, Baldwin acquired Web Printing Controls; in January of 2017, Air Motion Systems. Baldwin’s continued focus on strategic acquisitions has positioned the company for even greater success and created enormous opportunity for the company’s team members around the world.

Posted September 8, 2017

Source: Baldwin Technology

Nonwoven Fabrics Manufacturer WPT To Add Second Western Kentucky Plant, Create 40 Jobs

FRANKFORT, Ky. — September 7, 2017 — Nonwoven fabrics manufacturer WPT Corp. will open a $6 million, 40-job plant — its second in Ohio County — to add capacity for materials used in hygiene and filtration products such as diapers and furnace air filters, Governor Matt Bevin announced today.

“As a family-owned and operated company, WPT Corp. is taking a major step forward in establishing a new production facility. Our state and local economic development efforts provide support for exactly this kind of business growth across Kentucky,” Bevin said. “We congratulate both the company and the Ohio County community on this new project and look forward to their continued success.”

WPT will locate its new operation in the 60,000-square-foot former Nestaway plant on 7th Street in Beaver Dam. The facility will increase WPT’s manufacturing capabilities with installation of a state-of-the-art nonwoven production line focusing on the hygiene and filtration media sectors. WPT’s current facility on South Main Street underwent an expansion in 2015 and is now nearing capacity. Wayne Robbins founded WPT in 2008; and his grandson, Travis Robbins, currently leads the 57-employee company.

“We’re excited to grow our company in Ohio County, and most of all I’m proud of the hard work and dedication from our team of employees. Without their countless hours, attention to detail and dedication to our customers, this would not be possible. We also appreciate the support from the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development and Gov. Bevin,” WPT plant manager Travis Robbins said. “Our new state-of-the-art facility will be online in late March, and we look forward to the opportunity to supply a high-quality product to the region’s and commonwealth’s nonwoven hygiene and filtration markets.”

WPT uses raw fibers — polyester, rayon and cotton — to manufacture a wide range of products such as telecom cable wrap, landscape fabrics, fire-retardant roof membrane and hot oil filtration media.

Sen. C.B. Embry Jr., of Morgantown, expressed gratitude that the company has decided to grow its local presence.

“I am excited to hear WPT Corp. is expanding its operations here in Ohio County,” he said. “This company has been a great economic partner for our region, and I am pleased it chose to invest once again in our Western Kentucky workforce. I look forward to the completion of the project and wish WPT Corp. the best in the company’s future endeavors.”

Rep. Matt Castlen, a business owner from Maceo, said the Red Tape Reduction initiative has set the stage for companies like WPT to more readily expand.

“WPT’s addition of a manufacturing plant in the old Nestaway building is a boon for Beaver Dam and surrounding communities,” he said. “This is just another example of what happens when government cuts the red tape and creates pro-growth economic policies. I applaud WPT for recognizing that Kentucky is a shrewd investment in the future.”

Beaver Dam mayor Paul Sandefur noted the significance of the project.

“We’re excited WPT chose Beaver Dam to grow their business,” he said. “Any time you have a business willing to make an investment in the community and add new jobs, it’s a good thing.”

Ohio County judge-executive David Johnston said the project will be boon for the region.

“I am very pleased with WTP’s announcement of their expansion in Ohio County,” he said. “This will create jobs and prosperity for our community. Our state’s tax incentive is instrumental in helping with this expansion as well as others locally. I thank them for their help with this endeavor that greatly helps the people of Ohio County.”

To encourage the investment and job growth in the community, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) in August preliminarily approved the company for tax incentives up to $750,000 through the Kentucky Business Investment program. The performance-based incentive allows a company to keep a portion of its investment over the agreement term through corporate income tax credits and wage assessments by meeting job and investment targets.

In addition, WPT can receive resources from the Kentucky Skills Network. Through the Kentucky Skills Network, companies can receive no-cost recruitment and job placement services, reduced-cost customized training and job training incentives. In fiscal year 2016, the Kentucky Skills Network provided training for nearly 95,000 Kentuckians and 5,000 companies from a variety of industry sectors.

Posted September 7, 2017

Source: Kentucky.gov

Cotton-Rich Fashion Goes From Catwalk To Closet With A Click

NEW YORK CITY — September 7, 2017 — Cotton Incorporated and Bloomingdale’s are enabling instant shopping gratification with the launch of the first 60-second, shoppable fashion show bringing cotton apparel from the catwalk to the closet with a click. Hosted by lifestyle celebrity and cotton-enthusiast, Kristin Cavallari, the fully interactive video will be available online at Who What Wear beginning Sept. 7, where shoppers can select outfits, access product information, share via social media platforms and purchase items directly from the runway. Customers will also be able purchase looks from the collection at Bloomingdale’s stores across the U.S.

“Millennials and Generation Z — who we’re calling ‘Generation App’  are seeking style and comfort in their clothing and convenience in their shopping experience  a combination that’s not always easy to find,” said Kim Kitchings, senior vice president of consumer marketing at Cotton Incorporated. “In collaboration with iconic retailer, Bloomingdale’s, we’re making quality fabric and fashion accessible in seconds, and you don’t have to attend Fashion Week to get the look.”

Cotton’s 60 Second Fashion Show merges a runway experience directly to a shopping opportunity where Generation App spends a great deal of time: mobile devices. Seven in 10 Generation Z consumers and eight in 10 Millennial consumers say they browse for clothing on their smartphones, significantly higher than that of consumers overall (58%), according to Cotton Incorporated Lifestyle Monitor™.

The collection is also in line with Generation Z and Millennial apparel preferences. Pieces embody the on-trend streetwear aesthetic of the season with an emphasis on transitional items including denim, outerwear and athleisure – all with the common thread of cotton. Beginning Sept. 7, shoppers can select from more than 80 cotton pieces for both men and women, including items from contemporary brands, such as J. Brand, Adidas, Rag & Bone, Theory, Michael Kors, Burberry, Paige and more. Items are available online and at participating Bloomingdale’s department stores across the country.

“Together with Cotton Incorporated, we’re giving consumers the on-trend looks they want, made with their favorite fabric and available in an instant,” said Susan Marasco, fashion director at Bloomingdale’s. “Shoppers can expect to see stylish ready-to-wear pieces including sweatshirts and shirting with ruffles, off the shoulder details, and mixed fabrics for women – all with the ease of cotton. The men’s collection mixes shirt jackets, outerwear and other transitional items that will be both comfortable and fresh for fall and beyond. Denim is always a huge part of fall fashion and this year is no exception. Distressing, embellishment and hem detail are big denim trends you’ll see at Bloomingdale’s, of course all created with denim’s crucial component, cotton.”

Posted September 7, 2017

Source: Cotton Incorporated

Downlite Announces Executive Succession And New Organizational Structure

MASON, Ohio — September 7, 2017 — After 10 years as chief executive officer of family-owned Downlite, James Lape is retiring and passing his torch to Josh Werthaiser, former Downlite CFO. While this executive shift takes effect immediately, Lape will remain on the board and continue to be a company advocate.

Lape joined Downlite in 2007 after 25 years with Levi Strauss where he held several senior executive positions. Under his leadership at Downlite, the company has achieved consecutive double-digit growth placing it as America’s premiere manufacturer of down and feather, and synthetic bedding products for home and hospitality markets, and a leading supplier of responsibly-sourced fills for the outdoor market. Lape also played a pivotal role as mentor to Downlite’s second generation, guiding them through the ranks of succession.

“Even after 25 years at Levi Strauss both domestically and internationally, my leadership role at Downlite has been the most rewarding,” said Lape. “Downlite is an incredible family business with great employees, and strength in distribution and product. I am grateful for the opportunity.”

On Werthaiser’s promotion, Lape added, “I’ve worked closely with Josh in his CFO role for eight years and his intellect and energy are contagious. He is fully prepared to lead this company as CEO and I have the utmost confidence that he will bring fresh leadership, continued growth and prosperity for the company.”

Werthaiser joined Downlite in 2001 as the first Gen2 to enter the company. During his tenure, he has worked in nearly every department within the company ranging from sales and marketing, pricing, feather and down sourcing and trend analysis/inventory management. In 2008, Werthaiser transitioned into his role as CFO, overseeing the financial affairs and initiating the sustainability initiatives of the company. He not only has a deep understanding of the innerworkings of Downlite, but also its customers and the complex challenges in the retail marketplace.

“I am honored to be filling Jim’s shoes as Downlite CEO,” said Werthaiser. “He has been a mentor and respected leader to not only me, but also to many in the Downlite family. Jim’s paved an excellent path, and I’m excited about the future of Downlite and the strategic plans we have moving forward.”

Taking a hard look at the retail environment, Downlite has put its first strategic plan in motion under the new leadership.  The company has developed a new organizational structure that better aligns with its customer needs – offering improved communication and customer service for its retail partners.

The following organizational structure takes place immediately:

  • Josh Werthaiser moves to CEO in charge of Downlite business;
  • Marvin Werthaiser remains as an active Owner and COO with focus on Sales/Marketing and Down and Feather strategies and execution;
  • Dave Lueder becomes Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) responsible for all sales reporting to CEO;
  • Stefan Hunter becomes vice president of eCommerce reporting to CRO;
  • Brian Parnes becomes CIO/CMO as leader of all IT and Marketing reporting to CEO;
  • Jyl Davis becomes vice president of Marketing & Product Management reporting to CIO/CMO;
  • Chad Altbaier remains vice president of Outdoor reporting to CEO;
  • Frank Carella becomes vice president of Operations reporting to CEO;
  • Chuck Northcutt remains vice president of QA reporting to vice president of Operations;
  • Zach Zellner remains vice president of Sourcing reporting to CEO;
  • Sandy Coleman remains director of HR reporting to CEO;
  • Jim Donaghy becomes vice president of Finance & Accounting reporting to CEO; and
  • Larry Werthaiser, owner, and Bob Altbaier, owner, remain active and on the Board

“Our organizational change underscores and reflects the changes taking place at retail,” said Werthaiser. “Many of the business realities of yesterday are no longer applicable today, and while we like where we’ve been, we certainly like where we are going.”

Posted September 7, 2017

Source: Downlite

1...1,5091,5101,511...2,527Page 1,510 of 2,527

Sponsors

Breaking News

Load more

Digital Issue

2025 Quarterly Issue Number II

View Latest Digital Issue

FEATURED ARTICLES

© Copyright 2017 Textile Industries Media Group, LLC.