WASHINGTON — February 15, 2017 — TRSA stated today that there is no evidence linking linens to the several deaths that are at the center of a number of lawsuits involving the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC).

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Pennsylvania Department of Health (PaDOH) did not implicate linens as a source of mold that infected the UPMC patients and both agencies stated they would not investigate further.

“State and federal health officials reaffirmed their earlier findings clearing linens and the UPMC-commissioned study did not indicate any significant linen contamination at the laundry or hospital,” said Hygienically Clean Advisory Board Chair Randy Bartsch, Ecotex Healthcare Linen Service Corp., Seattle/Tacoma, Wash. “We believe it is important that any implication of linen in healthcare associated infections (HAIs) is taken seriously and that Hygienically Clean Healthcare facilities are prepared to address customer concerns and take precautionary actions.”

TRSA’s Hygienically Clean Healthcare certification, recognized as the highest standard of certification in healthcare linen safety and cleanliness, is the only healthcare standard in North America that requires initial and ongoing quarterly microbiological testing based on internationally recognized protocols and standards. In addition, Hygienically Clean Healthcare tests for molds and yeasts, and after more than 3,000 microbial tests of healthcare linens and garments, there has never been any evidence of Rhizopus or other dangerous molds.

The Paris Cos., the launderer identified in the lawsuits, is not Hygienically Clean Healthcare certified. They are Healthcare Laundry Accreditation Council (HLAC) accredited which does not require testing and mandates only one inspection every three years.

Hygienically Clean Healthcare standards for processing linens and garments require inspection to verify laundries’ commitment to best management practices (BMPs) plus this microbial testing to quantify hygiene of clean textiles produced. Certification confirms a laundry’s dedication to compliance and BMPs as described in its quality assurance documentation (QA). The standard also requires quarterly ongoing microbial testing and a supplemental second inspection during a facility’s three-year certification period.

Nearly 100 operators representing Hygienically Clean Healthcare certified facilities across North America participated in a teleconference on Wednesday, February 1st to share information and discuss the recently publicized University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) case involving healthcare linens. During the teleconference, participants received an update regarding media coverage, discussed implications for laundering best management practices and were given access to resources to assist them in communicating with customers – http://hygienicallyclean.org/

In addition, the Hygienically Clean Advisory Board, Healthcare Committee, and Hygienically Clean Users Groups will review all Hygienically Clean Healthcare policies and procedures, including testing and inspection. The standard was updated in December adding a second supplemental inspection during the three year certification period and preliminary studies are underway to identify and test critical control points within the laundry.

Posted February 16, 2017

Source: TRSA

BRUSSELS — February 16, 2017 — Europe is the cradle of the manufacturing industry and has been at the forefront of industrial revolutions and technological innovations. The industry directly employs over 34 million people across all Member States, in supply chains comprising hundreds of thousands of SMEs and larger suppliers. It also indirectly accounts for millions of additional jobs in related sectors.

The European manufacturing industry has tremendous capacity for research and innovation, boasts a skilled workforce and has earned a global reputation for quality and sustainability. What it now needs is the swift and determined support of the European institutions and the Member States to create more jobs and growth in Europe.

The time has come to raise the alarm about the considerable challenges that we are all facing. Between 2000 and 2014, the share of manufacturing in total EU output fell from 18.8% to 15.3%, while 3.5 million manufacturing jobs were lost between 2008 and 2014. Meanwhile, countries around the world are putting industry at the very top of their political agendas. The “Make in India” strategy aims to ensure India is “the next manufacturing destination” and “Made in China 2025” seeks to turn China into the “leading manufacturing power”. The recent US shift towards “America First” will inevitably have a strong impact on their industrial policy.

At the beginning of his mandate, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker identified the reindustrialisation of Europe as one of his top priorities and confirmed the objective of increasing the share of industry in the European GDP to 20% by 2020. As we approach the preparation of the next Multiannual Financial Framework, it is vital for the European Commission to act and help the EU remain a competitive global industrial power playing in a fairer world market.

Therefore we, the European manufacturing industry, representing a diverse range of sectors, call on the European Commission to:

• reaffirm its commitment to reaching the target of 20% of GDP from industry, with an ambitious and realistic timeline;
• adopt an Action Plan to tackle the challenges that the industrial sectors are facing, in the framework of a Communication that would include concrete steps and milestones; and
• commit to implement this Action Plan in a timely manner and regularly report on progress.

Member States and the European Parliament clearly stated their full support for a strong European industrial strategy via the European Council Conclusions calling to strengthen and modernize the EU’s industrial base (15 December 2016) and the Parliament Resolution on the need for a European reindustrialization policy (5 October 2016).

We, the Signatories of this Joint Declaration, are ready to step up our cooperation with the European Commission, the European Parliament and the Competitiveness Council to define and implement this ambitious and coordinated European industrial strategy that will help safeguard the world leadership of European manufacturers and jobs in Europe.

Posted February 16, 2017

Source: EURATEX

STREET, England — February 16, 2017 — The original Nature made its debut in 1982. Selling millions to consumers across the world, it is one of the most successful profiles in Clarks’ history. It looked different.

And, pioneering the sensation of walking on air, it felt different too. It challenged convention; people instantly embraced it as part of their self-expression, their creativity, their individuality.

Redefined and redesigned for 2017, Nature IV is a contemporary take on the brand’s shoe-making expertise and technological vision. Evolved for the modern day consumer, pioneering materials, construction and technology combine with the most advanced footbed structure and science.

Like the original created over 30 years ago, the four key principles of Nature IV remain the same.

FOOT FIRST – An asymmetric, foot-shaped fit created around a hand-carved wooden last
INSIDE OUT – Form defined by the most advanced footbed structure and science
HIGH IMPACT COMFORT – A combination of pioneering new materials, construction, and technologies
OPTIMAL. MINIMAL. – Optimal form and function from minimal component parts

Nature IV will debut globally on February 16, 2017 with a coordinated brand campaign in key cities around the world, including London, Tokyo, Berlin, Amsterdam, Dubai and Shanghai. It will debut in the US as an exclusive limited release at premium retailers KITH in New York, Blends in California, and Ubiq in Pennsylvania and will be subsequently available nationwide on February 27, 2017.

The History of the Nature:

1982 – NATURE I

Co-created by Neville Gillibrand and Derek Radford. Evolutionary design catches the eye and imagination of millions.

1996 – NATURE II

Nature II launches with ground-breaking underfoot cushioning technology – Clarks Active Air.

2012 – NATURE III

Clarks Active Air remains unique. Two limited edition profiles launch to mark the 30th Anniversary.

2016 2017– NATURE IV

Redefined. Redesigned. Reborn. Nature returns with a brand new aesthetic. Embodying technological vision, comfort and simplicity.

THE FUTURE
As Clarks continues to innovate, Nature will evolve indefinitely. The future of its form defined by the elements. Adapting to its surroundings. Continually reaching new levels of design performance.

Posted February 16, 2017

Source: Clarks

MIDDLETON, Wis. — February 16, 2017 — Springs Window Fashions LLC (Springs) is pleased to announce the acquisition of Mariak Industries Inc. and Patrician Window Coverings, manufacturers of window covering products in the United States. Mariak will continue to be led by President Leo Elinson and will remain headquartered in Rancho Dominguez, Calif. and Houston. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Founded in 1986, Mariak offers an extensive selection of residential and commercial window coverings as well as an array of products and services for interior design customers. Patrician Window Coverings is one of the largest private label wholesale fabricators in the United States.

“Leo Elinson and the Mariak team have built a tremendous business, with a 30-year track record of high quality craftsmanship, extensive product selection and competitive pricing,” said Scott Fawcett, president and CEO of Springs. “We look forward to building on Mariak’s successful go-to-market strategy over the long-term and are excited to welcome Mariak and Patrician to the Springs family.”

Leo Elinson of Mariak, stated: “The natural synergy, collaboration, and support that will be created from a partnership with Springs will allow Mariak and Patrician to grow exponentially, while maintaining our successful business model of providing the highest quality of product craftsmanship, competitive pricing, and prompt delivery. We look forward to this new partnership with great enthusiasm and excitement.”

Springs Window Fashions, the Best Experience Company, supplies leading retailers and distributors with a complete line of blinds, shades, specialty treatments and window hardware. Bali® and Graber® are brands of Springs Window Fashions. Based in Middleton, Wis., the company has facilities in nine locations in the United States and Mexico and employs approximately 7,000 associates.

Posted February 16, 2017

Source: Springs Window Fashions