Cargill Strengthens Its Bio-Industrial Offerings With Acquisition Of BioBased Technologies’ Polyols Product Lines

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — May 16, 2017 — Cargill has bolstered its biobased polyol product offerings by purchasing Rogers Ark.-based BioBased Technologies’® vegetable-based polyol product line, Agrol,® plus other assets.

Cargill’s Industrial Specialties business and BioBased Technologies are leaders in the development of soybean-based polyols that replace petroleum-based polyols enabling manufacturers to create more sustainable products for their consumers. Cargill’s BiOH® product line produces biobased polyols in various flexible foam markets, including bedding,furniture and automotive seats. BioBased Technologies provides natural polyols to the foam sector and other industrial markets.

“Combining assets and expertise of BioBased Technologies and Cargill will allow us to bring new innovations to our customers, while also expanding our offerings to serve new customers and other markets,” said Eric Kuckhoff, general manager for Cargill Industrial Specialties in North America.

The acquisition pairs BioBased Technologies’ unique processing model with Cargill’s global manufacturing capabilitiesand leverages the sustainable chemistry expertise of the two organizations. Going forward, Cargill can offer customers products that incorporate higher levels of natural polyols which reduces dependence on petroleum polyols, without sacrificing performance. Further, the acquisition will enable Cargill to expand into applications beyond the foam market, such as elastomers, sealants, coatings, binders and adhesives enabling increased sustainability efforts across those industries.

“When you combine Cargill’s size and resources with BioBased Technologies’ expertise, we are going to make substantial advances in the renewable chemistry sector in the years and decades ahead,” said Amy Sorrell, former CEO of BioBased Technologies,and now Commercial Manager for Cargill Industrial Specialties. “When you have both BiOH® and Agrol® at your fingertips, there are tremendous opportunities in sustainable polyurethane applications for our customers and the markets we serve.”

Posted May 16, 2017

Source: Cargill

Tenowo Inc. Celebrates Grand Opening Of New Building And Production Line

LINCOLNTON, N.C. — May 16, 2017 — On March 23, 2017, Tenowo Inc., a Hoftex Group AG business and manufacturer of engineered nonwovens, celebrated the grand opening of its expanded plant in the Indian Creek Industrial Park in Lincolnton, N.C. The expansion involved the addition of a new 70,000 square foot building and the installation of a new production line.

The Lincolnton facility was founded in 1992 and is a leading producer of decorative and functional nonwovens for the automotive, industrial and apparel industries. The latest expansion involved a total investment of $10 million and is the fourth at this location since 2009. Overall, Tenowo has invested $20 million in the expansion of existing production capabilities and the installation of new manufacturing technologies.

The new production line involved the transfer of Tenowo’s unique Multiknit technology from Germany to the United States and is the only production capability of its kind in North America. Multiknit products are primarily used in automotive seating applications and offer several advantages over conventional products, including enhanced breathability and improved temperature regulation.

“Our parent company, Hoftex Group AG, continues to invest in the site and support our growth,” said Chris Peart, president and CEO, Tenowo Inc. “The Board of Directors of Tenowo Inc. and our ownership believe in the team here in Lincolnton and that is a powerful motivator. They also believe in the institutions of this area and their ability to support us. In particular, the support of the Lincoln Economic Development Association (LEDA), Lincoln County and the state of North Carolina was critical to moving forward,” he added.

Dr. Harald Stini, the global managing director for Tenowo spoke at the event: “This was a flagship project for Tenowo. It was a great example of an international group of people with different skills working as a team to complete a project on time, within budget and with the highest quality standards. The team and the project reflect our corporate values and guiding principles: trust, fairness, collaboration and cooperation.”

Klaus Steger, CEO, Hoftex Group AG, spoke on behalf of the ownership and then cut the ceremonial ribbon. “We are proud of the success of Tenowo and stand behind the team, whose work and ingenuity, along with the support of Lincoln County, were essential to the successful completion of this project,” said Steger. “I plan to convey the dedication of the employees here and the inspiration of this event to the Hoftex Group Board of Directors.  As a result, we may see further investments come here even faster than was originally planned.”

The first commercial production for the new machine occurred during the first week of January 2017 and the Grand Opening event was held on March 23, 2017.

Posted May 16, 2017

Source: Tenowo

Alexium Organizational Changes Support Product Sales Focus; Affirmation Of Planned Management Succession 

PERTH, Australia/GREER, S.C. — May 15, 2017 — Alexium International Group Ltd. has affirmed previously announced management succession and highlighted new roles within the Company for several team members as the focus moves to increased commercial product sales across flame retardant (FR) formulations and phase change material (PCM) cooling formulations. The streamlining of Alexium’s organizational structure will capitalize on the strength of Alexium’s existing management team as Dr. Dirk Van Hyning transitions into the CEO role on July 1, 2017.

“The planned succession changes enable us to capitalize on our growing reputation and brand awareness in both the FR and PCM markets where end use customers are now requesting environmentally friendly and performance enhancing Alexium formulations, by name,” said Van Hyning.

Nicholas Clark, current CEO and executive director, will continue his role on the board as executive director strategy with a focus on strategy beginning July 1 at an adjusted lower salary commensurate with his new duties. In this capacity, Clark will oversee the company’s relations with U.S. Government departments across both defense and commercial sectors and facilitate the company’s anticipated listing on the NASDAQ.

Gavin Rezos, currently executive chairman will transition to non-executive chairman at an adjusted lower salary commensurate with his new duties on July 1. He will retain his current primary responsibility as chairman of the Board of Directors, overseeing corporate governance and liaising between the Board and management.

Aaron Krech, while retaining the role of CFO, will assist Van Hyning by assuming additional responsibility for operational efficiencies throughout the company’s global business and ensuring high-quality customer service. Prior to becoming Alexium’s CFO in 2015, Krech was head of Corporate Services at Alexium.

Dr. Robert Brookins’ role recently expanded as vice president of Research & Product Development, with the consolidation of Product Development and Research & Development into one department, earlier this year. Prior roles at Alexium included CTO and head of Research. Dr. Brookins’ previous work at the Air Force Research Laboratory at Tyndall AFB in Florida, experience in organic synthesis, materials chemistry, and chem/bio protection, are just a few examples of the expertise Dr. Brookins brings to this senior position across the full range of Alexium products.

Brian Enlow assumed the role of vice president of Finance earlier this year. Previously Alexium’s financial reporting manager, Enlow’s professional background includes public accounting, both audit and taxation, as well as corporate accounting roles focusing on financial reporting and cost accounting. Enlow’s responsibilities include the day-to-day fiscal management of the business, management of the finance team and responsibility for all aspects of budget management, auditing, and financial reporting.

“One of my main focuses has been placing the right people in the right roles,” said Clark. “I am confident that Alexium’s very experienced team will help the company grow in its existing markets while opening up new markets for its specialty chemicals. We have already begun to benefit from this global expansion, with quarterly revenues increasing 92 percent quarter on quarter in the third quarter of financial year 2017, with higher gross margins each quarter. I look forward to Dirk guiding the company into the next phase of growth and achieving new milestones in product development and sales, as well as working with Dirk and the team, in my new role as executive director strategy, to help pave the way for U.S. Government related opportunities.”

“Alexium has reached a level of maturity and depth of executive staff to enable greater specialization within our management to capitalize on the many opportunities being presented for Alexium’s award winning products,” said Rezos. “Our new facility in Greer has allowed faster response times to customer needs and fostered a strong cohesive management approach to rapidly growing sales, and product fulfillment needs. We are confident that Dirk and his team will drive increasing shareholder value, as our Alexium brand awareness continues to increase across different market sectors.”

Posted May 15, 2017

Source: Alexium International

Aleph Appoints Andrea Negretti International Sales Manager

COMO, Italy — May 3, 2017 — Today, Aleph S.r.l. announced the appointment of Andrea Negretti to the position of international sales manager. Negretti is well known for his strong family background in the textile industry, and has achieved an outstanding experience of more than 20 years working for premium international companies in the digital textile printing market and signage.

The new challenge at Aleph will be to open new markets worldwide to contribute to the development of a selected sales network in charge of sales and direct assistance to customers on site. This refers to the general vision of Aleph who invested in the creation of strong alliances out of Italy in order to guarantee a long lasting support to customers wherever they are located. Furthermore this operation will facilitate the distribution of a full products package, including printers, software, papers, inks and other accessories.

“With Andrea we will establish a global network, spreading Aleph philosophy and technology in the world,” said Alessandro Manes, CEO, Aleph. “Andrea is an expert in the field but above all a friend of Aleph. We know each other since a long time, this is a reunion!”

“I strongly believe in the LaForte project, I know that it sets a new standard in the digital printing technology, as something never seen in the market” said Negretti.

Native of Como, Negretti has two children and a great passion for Rugby.

Posted May 15, 2017

Source: Aleph

Aleph Joins Forces With Wise SGR To Speed Up Growth In The Digital Printing Industry

COMO, Italy — May 8, 2017 — Aleph reports the signing of a binding agreement whereby Wise SGR S.p.A. — on behalf of Wisequity IV closed-ended fund — will purchase a majority stake of the company.

Wise SGR is a leading Italian management company of private equity funds and has a significant experience in the digital printing industry.

Aleph is emerging as a leading player in the digital printing industry providing not only large format textile digital inkjet printers for textile and other applications but also drying systems, proprietary software and consumables.

Over the last 18 years, Aleph has installed over 400 digital plotters and provided customers with related consumables in Italy and abroad. In 2015, the company successfully launched the new series of La Forte large format printing machines and since then is contributing to the further digitalization of the textile market.

Beside developing and producing state of the art products for all printing processes, Aleph invested a lot in offering a prompt and reliable post-sales technical support and this is recognized by its customers as one of the key assets of the company.

Aleph has successfully combined the software competencies of its team with the knowledge of the textile industry being based in the unique textile district of Como.

“It is not a coincidence that the leading companies within this industry are Italian and Aleph is emerging as one of the most reliable solution providers,” said Valentina Franceschini, partner at Wise. “Innovation capabilities, service attitude and a great deal of commitment convinced us that Aleph team is the right one to invest on.”

Alessandro Manes, founder and CEO of Aleph, said: “Aleph has chosen Wise as a partner because they have a significant knowledge of our industry and a successful track record in supporting small and medium companies like us in growing business through operations improvement, internationalization and M&A.”

Aleph founders will continue to manage the company focusing on the development of new innovative products and solutions and the improvement of the international presence.

Aleph’s ambition is to become the preferred partner for companies printing on textile and other selected applications around the world.

Posted May 15, 2017

Source: Aleph

Topaz-DOTS And INSQIN® Transform The Next Generation PUMA Football Boot

SHANGHAI, China — May 4, 2017 — With its latest innovation in football footwear, the evoPOWER Vigor 1, PUMA has set new standards in design, precision and comfort. All this has been achieved with PUMA’s Accufoam technology, consisting of 3-D diamond-shaped dots called Topaz-DOTS, applied on both sides of a spandex upper material. Topaz-DOTS, the coating technology from Trans-Textil, is based on INSQIN® waterborne polyurethane technology from Covestro and gives the shoe its unique design and playing features.

“The Accufoam upper enables exceptional comfort and outstanding precision when kicking the ball powerfully”, said Matthias Hartmann, team head, Material Engineering Innovation Footwear at PUMA. “It also contributes to the innovative styling of the boot. This is why many football players — amateurs and professionals alike — are very keen to play in these shoes.”

In close collaboration with the PUMA design team, Covestro and Trans-Textil have developed both the coating formulation and the textile processing technology, creating a broad portfolio of technical properties and design options. “Coloring, patterns, wear and temperature resistance, waterproofness and breathability could be defined as required,” said Manfred Hänsch, managing director at Trans-Textil.

Innovation driven by sustainability

Not only is INSQIN at the heart of the design and functionality of the product, it also improves its sustainability. The technology enables upper materials to be produced using 95 percent less water and 50 percent less energy compared to conventional types. An independently verified environmental Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study showed a 44 percent lower carbon footprint.

“I am particularly proud of this development,” said Nick Smith, global head of Textile Coating at Covestro. “We have Covestro technology that has delivered a beautiful, highly technical and sustainable product. Furthermore, it was only made possible by a great collaboration between Covestro, Trans-Textil and PUMA. This is the very essence of what Covestro stands for.”

Loved by POWER players

The evoPOWER Vigor 1 is PUMA’s latest football boot innovation, and brings top players even closer to the ball with even greater power. PUMA star striker and POWER player Olivier Giroud, who has been wearing the shoe for some time, praises the foam dots to be a total game changer. The innovative team of PUMA, Trans-Textil and Covestro is already preparing for the next highlight: The concept is to be expanded with new technologies to reflect the high level of diversity typical of this team sport.

Posted May 15, 2017

Source: Covestro

Indorama Ventures Becomes Sole Owner Of Trevira GmbH

BOBINGEN, Germany — May 8, 2017 —Leading European fiber manufacturer Trevira GmbH has become a wholly owned subsidiary of Thailand-based Indorama Ventures PCL Group (IVL). IVL has consolidated its ownership by acquiring the remaining 25-percent shareholding of Trevira from its earlier joint venture partner Sinterama S.p.A.

“Trevira with its renowned brand is an integral part within our specialty portfolio strategy”, explains Uday Gill, CEO of IVL’s Fibres Business. “We see further growth potential especially in the hygiene and automotive segments, as well as in the high-end home textiles business.”

For Trevira CEO Klaus Holz the takeover of the remaining Sinterama share is just the last consequent step which documents the long-term commitment of the parent company. “For Trevira and its customers and suppliers, this consolidation reflects Indorama Ventures’ commitment to investing in the company and ensuring a continued strong and reliable partnership,” said Holz. “IVL has supported us from the very beginning in all our activities and has integrated us in its global network. We cooperate in joint projects and benefit significantly from the synergies within the IVL group. We would like to thank the Sinterama team for their ongoing support in ensuring a seamless transition.”

Posted May 15, 2017

Source: Trevira GmbH

Bunting® Magnetics Co. Welcomes Brock Herrmann As Product Manager, Magnetic Separation

NEWTON, Kan. — May 8, 2017 — Bunting® Magnetics Co. today announced the appointment of Brock Herrmann as its product manager over Magnetic Separation. Herrmann will manage the growth and profitability of the company’s line of magnetic separation products by supporting the company’s sales team, identifying new markets and customers and new product development. Bunting Magnetics’ separation equipment includes a line of in-line magnets, magnetic liquid traps, several styles of drawer filters and the NUHI™ Neo Ultra High Intensity cartridge magnet — the strongest cartridge in the industry. The company’s products are found in thousands of plastics and food, grain, powder and bulk processing facilities nationwide.

“Brock will be a great addition to the Bunting family,” commented Rod Henricks, director of Sales, Bunting Magnetics, who made the announcement. “His background in industrial sales and product development, will help strengthen our magnetic separation portfolio of products, while his sales management and business development experience will maximize our sales and profitability.”

Based in Newton, Kan., Herrmann draws on over 10 years of experience in sales, product development and new business in a variety of position in the energy sector. Most recently, he was senior sales manager at CW Manufacturing, an industrial equipment manufacturer providing design, engineering, manufacturing and equipment repair services.

“I am very much looking forward to using my previous industrial manufacturing experience to help power the Bunting Magnetics brand further in magnetic separation and build upon their well-established sales and product strategy,” said Herrmann. “The opportunity for continued growth is tremendous.”

Posted May 15, 2017

Source: Bunting® Magnetics Co.

Archroma’s EarthColors Selected In Patagonia’s Newest Clean Color Collection

REINACH, Switzerland — May 15, 2017 — Archroma today announced its latest collaboration with Patagonia, the American clothing company founded by Yvon Chouinard in 1973.

Patagonia’s Clean Color Collection is a new capsule collection that Patagonia has just released in the last days of April. The products in the collection have been colored with dyes made from natural sources, including, along with other supply sources, EarthColors by Archroma, a range of dyes synthesized from agricultural waste.

Many of Patagonia’s synthetic dyes use less water, energy and carbon dioxide when compared with conventional processes, however Patagonia is always looking for ways to do less environmental harm. The company, who already collaborates with Archroma for the Patagonia Denim collection based on Archroma’s Advanced Denim, therefore contacted Archroma to have a closer look at Archroma’s EarthColors dyes. The selected EarthColors dyes are the gorgeous Palmetto Green and Citrus Brown colors made respectively from non-edible palmetto green parts and bitter orange peels left over from agriculture industry or pharmaceutical extraction.

EarthColors is a line of plant-based dyes, sourced from up to 100-percent renewable resources. The colors change and fade over time, which is part of what makes these dyes unique.

“We are so proud that, once again, Patagonia has chosen Archroma’s eco-advanced dyeing technologies for their newest sustainable clothing endeavor,” comments Paul Cowell, head of Brand Marketing in Archroma’s Brand & Performance Textile Specialties business. “We at Archroma are committed to challenge the status quo in the deep belief that we can make our industry sustainable. Because it’s our nature! Trail blazers like Patagonia bring us invaluable support in accelerating sustainable concepts in the textile value chain. Together we are showing the apparel industry the way to go, one collection at a time.”

The Clean Color Collection is available at Patagonia retail stores and on Patagonia.com.

Posted May 15, 2017

Source: Archroma

Shandong Ruyi Technology Group To Create Up To 800 New Jobs In Forrest City

SHANDONG PROVINCE, China — May 10, 2017 — Chairman Yafu Qiu and leaders of Shandong Ruyi Technology Group (Ruyi) today joined Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson and local officials at the State Capitol to announce that the company will invest $410 million in the former Sanyo manufacturing facility in Forrest City, Ark.

Ruyi, headquartered in Shandong Province, China, will create up to 800 new jobs at the facility, where Arkansas cotton will be spun into yarn for textile use. This is Ruyi’s first facility to locate in North America.

“Ruyi Group, as the largest textile manufacturer in China, has been expanding globally,” said Qui. “Our manufacturing facility in Arkansas will become the first milestone of Ruyi’s steps into the United States. We are dedicated to provide the product with cutting edge technology and superior quality.”

Ruyi’s renovations on the former Sanyo building are scheduled to begin in late 2017. The Sanyo facility has been vacant since late 2007 when the company shut down production in Forrest City.

“Ruyi’s decision to locate in Forrest City brings with it up to 800 new jobs along with a significant economic impact on Arkansas’ cotton farmers,” said Governor Hutchinson. “Our business missions to China, along with ongoing work to build relationships with the country’s business leaders, have now resulted in three companies from China’s Shandong Province announcing plans to locate operations in Arkansas. From Sun Paper to Pet Won Pet Products to Ruyi, we have established the state as a leader in foreign direct investment from Asia.”

Ruyi plans on processing more than 200,000 tons of Arkansas cotton annually at the Forrest City facility. Arkansas is the fifth largest cotton producer among all states, producing more than 840 thousand bales in 2016. Production should begin at Ruyi’s Forrest City facility by mid-2018.

When looking to expand into North America, world-class international companies continue to choose Arkansas,“When looking to expand into North America, world-class international companies continue to choose Arkansas,” said Mike Preston, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “The hundreds of jobs to be created by Ruyi will have an economic impact beyond eastern Arkansas into the entire state. Today’s announcement is further proof of Arkansas’ international momentum.”

“This project is tremendously important to Forrest City and St. Francis County not just for the great jobs it brings to our region, but also for the value to the cash crop on which the Arkansas Delta economy has been based for more than 100 years,” said Kay Brockwell, economic development consultant for Forrest City. “Our cotton already goes around the world to clothe people, and now our growers will have the security of a market for their crop right here at home. There is great significance in the fact that the continuing globalization of the Delta will go hand in hand with our rich and proud agricultural history.”

Posted May 12, 2017

Source: Arkansas Economic Development Commission

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