Katharine Morgan Becomes President Of ASTM International

NORFOLK, Va. — February 1, 2017 — Today, Katharine “Kathie” Morgan began serving as president of ASTM International, one of the world’s largest standards development organizations. Morgan will lead a team that supports thousands of members, customers, partners, and other stakeholders worldwide. She succeeds James A. Thomas, who served in the role for 25 years.

“I am thrilled and humbled to serve as president of an organization that has played such a foundational role in meeting societal needs for over a century,” Morgan said today at the organization’s first major meeting of 2017 in Norfolk, Va. “We will build on the legacy of Jim Thomas, attracting even more of the world’s top technical experts to our committees while also serving people and organizations that rely on our standards and services.”

Morgan was joined at the event today by Thomas Marsh, CEO of Centrotrade and ASTM International’s 2017 chairman of the board. “Kathie brings proven leadership skills, a deep understanding of the global standards community, a passion for ASTM International’s mission, and much more,” Marsh said. “ASTM International will continue to grow and thrive under her leadership.”

Also today, Morgan visited the Virginia Beach Fire Department Training Facility to see demonstrations of emergency response robots and drones.  Manufacturers, first responders, and others tested robot capabilities and operator proficiency using 50 test methods, many of which have been developed through ASTM International’s Committee on Homeland Security Applications (E54).

Morgan is a 33-year veteran of ASTM International. She served as executive vice president for the past two years. Prior to that, she was vice president of Technical Committee Operations, leading a 50-member team that supports the volunteer work of ASTM International’s 30,000 members worldwide (full bio here).

Morgan is one of the world’s most prominent voices on standardization-related issues. She is a board member of the American National Standards Institute’s Board of Directors, the Council of Engineering and Scientific Executives, the International Consumer Product Health and Safety Organization, the Society for Standards Professionals (SES), the American Society of Association Executives, and a former member of the Standards Council of Canada’s Standards Development Organization Advisory Committee.

Morgan holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Lafayette College in Easton, Pa., and a master’s degree in business administration from Widener University in Chester, Pa. Follow her on Twitter at @ASTMpres.

Posted February 7, 2017

Source: ASTM International

Datatex Appoints Director Of USA Sales And Marketing

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — January 30, 2017 — Datatex has announced today that Jon Buchan as joined the firm to further develop their sales and marketing strategy in the North American market.

Ronnie Hagin, CEO of Datatex, said:  “Jon is a key addition to the Datatex family. We view his appointment as a sign of our commitment to being the leading technology company for the Textile and Apparel Industry. Our new product releases and the increasing demand from our customers led us to look for an addition to our team who can lead us in communicating the unparalleled value of our software solutions and consulting capabilities. It is very fortunate that we could find someone of Jon’s industry depth and experience to fulfill this role. I’m confident that Jon will play a key role in Datatex’s continued growth.”

Buchan mentioned that the “value-oriented solution offerings from Datatex have consistently generated more profitability and created more digital transformation for their customers than any other solution on the planet. In my new role, I have the responsibility to ensure that this message is loud and clear and give every Textile & Apparel organization the opportunity to unlock their potential and compete effectively. I’m very excited about the future with Datatex.”

Posted February 7, 2017

Source: Datatex

Delta Galil Appoints Former Tefron CEO As President, Global Upper Markets

TEL AVIV, Israel — February 1, 2017 — Delta Galil Industries Ltd. — the global manufacturer and marketer of branded and private label apparel products for men, women and children, as well as leisurewear and activewear — has appointed former Tefron Ltd. CEO Gil Shimon as president of its Global Upper Market business segment. The segment is responsible for approximately $270 million and partners with leading global brands.

“We are extremely pleased to welcome back Gil, as he brings with him a proven track record of international operations and marketing in intimate apparel and activewear,” said Isaac Dabah, CEO, Delta Galil. “As Global Upper Markets continue to be an important business segment, and a strong contributor to our sales, Gil’s expertise in both our company and the overall industry will be instrumental in maximizing our opportunities for future growth.”

Shimon rejoins Delta after working for the company for nearly twenty years (1992-2011), the last four of which he served as manager of the Socks and Seamfree business units. During his tenure, he increased Delta’s business turnover and promoted advances in production, marketing and corporate development. Most recently, he served as CEO of Tefron Ltd., which manufactures intimate apparel globally.

Shimon commented: “Delta has always maintained a dedication and commitment to design and innovation, which I have admired and respected. I look forward to working with Isaac and the team again and leveraging my expertise to grow our intimate/activewear sales globally.”

Shimon is a graduate of Haifa University with a BA degree in Economics and Business Administration. He is married and a father of three. Shimon assumes his role in February.

Posted February 7, 2017

Source: Delta Galil

ZinserRing 71 Delights Xianyang Textiles Group

EBERSBACH, Germany — February 1, 2017 —  “Faster, better, safer” — this slight variation on the Olympic motto is how Kang Zhongming, chairman and general manager of Xianyang Textiles Group Co. Ltd., describes the properties of the ZinserRing 71. Since 2013, 96 ring spinning machines from the textile machinery manufacturer Zinser, featuring a total of more than 136,000 spindles, have been in use at the state-run China-based textile company in conjunction with the Autoconer package winding machine from Schlafhorst. The new ring spinning system has far exceeded the expectations of the company, with Xianyang Textiles issuing a positive appraisal following almost five years of operation.

Xianyang Textiles Group has been developed from a company that was originally founded back in 1952. The textile company relocated to Xianyang Emerging Textile Industrial Park in 2012, subsequently operating under the name Xianyang Textiles Group. The industrial park is an important textile production centre along the new Chinese Silk Road. With around 5,000 employees and a production capacity of 400,000 spindles, Xianyang Textiles is one of the largest textile company in north-west China and boasts an annual production of 50,000 tons of yarn. The company processes cotton, man-made fibers and their blends to create high-grade yarns in the quality ranges between Ne 21 and Ne 120. Xianyang Textiles operates its own weaving mills and dye shops, thereby covering a broad scope of the textile net product chain. The yarns are used in the areas of clothing, household textiles and technical textiles. Part of the production is exported to over 50 countries, with a particular focus on Europe, North America, Japan, Korea, South-East Asia and Africa.

Yarn production at Xianyang Textiles is subject to strict quality assurance that is certified according to ISO 9001. The careful handling of natural resources is a key concern of the company, which is why it pursues an environmental management system certified according to ISO 14001.

Stable precision technology reduces spinning costs

Upon commissioning the cutting-edge ring spinning machines from Zinser, Xianyang Textiles expected to achieve a significant reduction in spinning costs. This expectation was indeed met by the ZinserRing 71, with the reliable high-level technology continuously producing top-quality yarn and achieving a noticeable increase in profitability. As well as providing particularly high levels of performance, it also ensures maximum efficiency thanks to the precision of the assemblies.

The ZinserRing 71 enabled Xianyang Textiles to record a palpable drop in power consumption. With its energy-saving tangential belt drive, its precision-mounted high-speed spindles featuring a low power requirement and its energy-efficient motors, the economical ZinserRing 71 produces more yarn using less electricity.

The stable and reliable design of the ZinserRing 71 enabled Xianyang Textiles to increase the spinning speeds without the risk of yarn breaks. The integrated OptiStep software ensures that the start, coast-down and operational spinning speeds are optimally attuned to the technological spinning limit and enables the bobbin build to spin at the absolute maximum speed in every phase.

Consistent quality via mechanical weighting arms

The drafting system of the ZinserRing 71 features mechanical weighting arms that guarantee consistent pressure at all spinning positions. This reliability leads to yarn values that are consistent at all times, enabling Xianyang Textiles to achieve top quality with maximum process reliability and significantly reduced maintenance input.

CoWeMat – the doffer featuring unrivalled process reliability

The CoWeMat is and remains the leading technology for doffing automation.

With its renowned process reliability and dependable operation, the CoWeMat reduces personnel costs and increases efficiency. Fast, reliable automatic bobbin changing on the ZinserRing 71 by the CoWeMat makes it possible to utilise the production capacity to optimum effect, as it performs the work arising at intervals without the need for staff. “In contrast to our previous installations, there are no bottlenecks, waiting times or downtimes,” said Yang Renhong, head, Spinning Department, Xianyang Textiles. “This ensures the highly efficient operation of the ring spinning system at all times. In addition, the CoWeMat has reduced the maintenance input during the doffing process to a minimum, providing a level of reliability that has enabled us to reduce our personnel costs.”

Personnel enthused by easy operation

Alongside the hard factors such as productivity, efficiency and quality, the satisfaction of the operating personnel is another important criterion in the assessment of a textile machine. Can the operating personnel fulfill the high quality and productivity requirements of the spinning plant management using simple means, or is it frequently necessary to perform complex manual interventions? How difficult is it for the operating personnel to produce a consistent level of quality over an extended period or to reproduce a desired quality at any time? In this regard, the ZinserRing 71 has once again exceeded the expectations of Xianyang Textiles. The operators are delighted with the straightforward machine operation, all spinning parameters and lot data can be input centrally on the EasySpin control panel. The simple operating concept and the easy to understand input assistants speed up operation and prevent setting errors.

Safe processing of cotton, synthetic staple fibres and their blends

Whether the ZinserRing 71 is required to handle synthetic staple fibers and their blends or natural fibres made from cotton, it ensures that processing is consistently safe, reliable and productive.

“The markets are constantly changing”, says Manager Yang. “There are fluctuations in the availability of raw materials and in the level of demand for the various yarns. The ZinserRing 71 puts us in a position where we can ideally meet changing market requirements, as we want to continue to grow regardless of fluctuations in the market.

Partnership with the automation supplier

From the perspective of Xianyang Textiles, the ZinserRing 71 is the perfect solution for the latest requirements in the Asian textile industry. Due to the increasingly difficult issue of workforce availability, spinning mills must make themselves less and less reliant on personnel. Delivery of any desired yarn at a guaranteed quality and at an unrivalled price-performance ratio is what companies want from their modern machinery.

Zinser acts as a powerful partner at the side of Xianyang Textiles, additionally offering integrated automation solutions from roving frames and ring spinning machines through to winding machines. Featuring reliable high-level technology, the ZinserRing 71 can be integrated into a fully automated production system at any time, achieving maximum profitability and ensuring dynamic growth.

Posted February 7, 2017

Source: Saurer Group

Brückner Finishing Line For Pigment Dyeing Of Home Textiles In Moldova

LEONBERG, Germany — February 1, 2017 — For many years the companies TIROTEX and Brückner are cooperating in a successful partnership and Tirotex already has several Brückner machines in operation. In the former Soviet Union Tirotex was the biggest textile state combine company and is now a modern, vertically structured textile producer with more than 1.000 employees and thus one of the most important employers of the autonomous territorial unit Transnistria in Moldova. Due to the high quality standards and a good sales organization, the mayor part of the production is exported. Most of the fabric goes to Western Europe and is sold as high-quality branded article mainly in the field of table and bed linen.

Brückner is systems supplier in the field of textile machinery and can satisfy the needs of the textile industry in the complete sector of dry finishing, dyeing and coating. They deliver individual components such as padders or coating units but also complete lines for coating and finishing of textiles, technical textiles, nonwovens, glass fiber fabric and floor coverings.

Tirotex opens up new fields of finishing with this new Brückner line which is working to the utmost satisfaction of the customer since one year now. The line is suitable for the conventional finishing of bed and table linen and also home textiles, but is also suitable for pigment dyeing. In front the heart of the line, an 8 zone POWER-FRAME stenter of 3.20 metres working width, the line is provided additionally with an infra-red dryer and a horizontal nozzle-type pre-dryer with 2 fabric passages. The modular structure of the line allows the implementation of various technological processes and assures Tirotex a very high production capacity.

The alternately arranged thermo zones of the dryer, which is typical for Brückner, and the proven split-flow air circulation system leads to an excellent quality of the results in view of homogeneity of the dyeing along the complete fabric width. Since the commissioning of the line, Brückner is supporting the customer technologically so that he can use the line completely and in all its varieties. Brückner’s technologists are available for the customer also in future so that both can benefit also of further options and work together in a continuous cooperation in view of product development and extenstion of the range of products. Several tests have already been made in the Brückner technology center in Leonberg.

Make use of this further advantage and ask our experts for their technological advice or trials in our technology centre. We will be glad to assist you at any time.

Posted February 7, 2017

Source: Brückner

Coloreel Introduces Embroline Thread Coloring Attachment

JÖNKÖPING, Sweden — February 1, 2017 — Sweden-based Coloreel recently unveiled and demonstrated Embroline — its unique thread coloring attachment for the embroidery industry. The live demo took place at Avantex Paris, a trade fair dedicated to high technology for the fashion industry.

The Coloreel technology enables high-quality instant coloring of textile thread while the thread is being used in textile production. The first product to be launched based on this technology is Embroline, a groundbreaking thread coloring attachment for embroidery machines.

Embroline is a unique, stand-alone thread coloring unit that can easily be used with practically any embroidery machine without any modifications. By instantly coloring an Embroline base thread during embroidery production, Embroline enables complete freedom to create unique embroideries without any limitations in the use of colors. Color changes on the thread can be made rapidly, from one solid color to another or gradually, to make smooth transitions or any coloring effect you can imagine.

“This opens up an entirely new world for designers, embroidery manufacturers and apparel customers” says Joakim Staberg, the founder of Coloreel and the inventor of the technology.

The Embroline attachment offers a solution to some of the greatest challenges in the embroidery industry. Requiring only one reel of thread per embroidery head, Embroline will bring the industry to a new level. The challenging handling of a large stock of thread reels and the tedious rethreading of the embroidery machines may soon be nothing but memories. Embroline provides the embroidery market with a versatile solution to increase production, profits and growth.

The benefits of Embroline are immense. Embroidery manufacturers will always have exactly the right color available when they need it. The only materials required are the Embroline base thread and ink cartridges. No spool replacement means minimal wastage. The reduced need for thread cuts means a minimum of lockstitches on the back of the textile and a higher embroidery quality along with increased production speed.

“In addition, Embroline contributes to a more sustainable embroidery process”, says Joakim Staberg. Most of today’s thread coloring processes are quite resource intensive. With Embroline, the embroidery manufacturers only color exactly the amount of thread they need for each order. Thus, no thread waste and no dye disposed into wastewater.

“The interest is overwhelming. We have already been contacted by some of the world’s largest apparel companies and high-end fashion brands”, says Bjarne Hammer, CEO, Coloreel. “And remember, embroidery is only the first step for us”.

Posted February 7, 2017

Source: Coloreel

January 2017: Textile Activity At A Glance

BFJanonlinechart

January 2017

Milliken Launches First-Of-Its-Kind Eco-Based Performance Fabric Available In Natural Or Recycled Fiber

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — January 31, 2017 — Milliken & Company recently launched Breathe by Milliken™, a new and unique collection of eco-elegant performance upholstery fabrics that are durable, repel everyday stains and clean easily without compromising the fabric’s look or soft feel. The industry’s first fluorine-free performance fabrics available in both natural and man-made fibers, Breathe fabrics are a sustainable option, designed and responsibly manufactured using natural or recycled fibers made from plastic bottles and a remarkable plant-based water repellent.

Milliken created Breathe textiles with discerning consumers in mind to address the growing need for more environmentally-friendly, effective and high-quality performance home upholstery fabrics.

Breathe by Milliken fabrics have been extensively tested by certified third parties and meet or exceed industry standards including flammability, water repellency, soil release, spot cleaning, colorfastness, abrasion resistance and pilling.  Breathe fabrics meet these standards without adding fluorine, formaldehyde, fire retardants or other chemicals of concern. Unlike common spray-on stain resistance treatments, Breathe fabrics are engineered textiles, providing lasting protection and peace of mind.

All Breathe by Milliken™ fabrics have also achieved GREENGUARD® GOLD certification, which gives assurance that products designed for use in indoor spaces meet strict chemical emissions limits, contributing to the creation of healthier interiors.

“Today’s consumers are better informed and more concerned about product content than ever before – who makes it, what it is made of and how it is made,” said David Smith, vice president, Engineered Performance Products, Milliken & Company. “Every aspect of this product was designed to address this concern. Consumers can breathe easy knowing their beautiful furniture is protected from stains and wear in a much more sustainable way.”

Breathe by Milliken fabrics are sold directly to furniture manufacturers and retailers who specify fabric and will be available at select national retailers beginning in Spring 2017.

Posted January 31, 2017

Source: Milliken

Spinners Still Uncertain; Commodities Business Remains Slow

Jim-Phillips-colorBy Jim Phillips, Yarn Market Editor

The yarn business in the United States has been in a state of uncertainty for the past 15 months. At the close of the first month of 2017, some spinners say they are no closer than before to understanding why demand has taken a noticeable dip.

“Overall, in 2016, I would say our business was down at least 20 percent from the previous year,” said one representative of a multinational spinner. “We did not see things pick up a whole lot in the first three weeks of January, but it’s not unusual for January to be slow even during very good years. We are hoping that, as the year progresses, the market will return to normal — with normal being similar to 2013 through 2015.”

Another spinner agreed: “Our business has been off a bit since about December of 2015.  Last year was, at best, mediocre, and 2017 is continuing in the same vein. We have attributed the decrease to a number of things — excess inventory by customers, politics, consumer confidence — but it doesn’t seem any of these reasons are real. As I have said before, when I look at overall business conditions, it doesn’t seem that anything is fundamentally different. It is perplexing.”

Indeed, consumer confidence was high throughout 2016, reaching a 13-year high in consumer expectations in December. “Consumer Confidence improved further in December, due solely to increasing expectations, which hit a 13-year high,” said Lynn Franco, Director of Economic Indicators at The Conference Board, the publisher of the Consumer Confidence Index. “The post-election surge in optimism for the economy, jobs and income prospects, as well as for stock prices, which reached a 13-year high, was most pronounced among older consumers. Consumers’ assessment of current conditions, which declined, still suggests that economic growth continued through the final months of 2016. Looking ahead to 2017, consumers’ continued optimism will depend on whether or not their expectations are realized.”

“With consumer confidence high, discretionary spending usually increases, and this has been evident in other areas within the manufacturing community, such as automobiles,” said one textile industry observer. “But if there has been a surge in apparel and home furnishings sales, it hasn’t yet trickled down to the manufacturers.”

Evidence of this is clear from the statements of several manufacturers of apparel yarns. “Our order pipeline is not very long right now. We have numerous inquiries from customers, but not a lot of sales activity. We had a spike earlier early in the fourth quarter of last year that gave us some hope that we would start 2017 stronger than we expected, but that didn’t last very long. January was slow, but we have noticed the increase in inquiries, and we hope this will translate into more business over the next couple of months.”

Specialty Yarns Are Still Moving; Interest In Blends Growing

It comes as no surprise that specialty yarns are faring much better than commodities. Said a prominent yarn broker: “Commodity business is not good anywhere. Specialty yarns are still moving, as are those for industrial and technical applications. I have actually had a good start for the year, but not in any commodities. I don’t think hardly anyone is selling a lot of commodity yarn right now.”

Blended yarns are also becoming increasingly popular. “A lot of customers moved to blends a few years ago, when the price of cotton skyrocketed,” said one spinner. “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.”

Cotton Prices Still Rising                 

Cotton yarn spinners are facing not only flat business conditions, but are also having to deal with increases in raw material prices. Cotton, which dipped to less than $0.60 per pound in 2016, has been over $0.70 for several months and is still inching up. “It’s difficult to pass these increases along to customers, especially when demand is weak,” said one spinner. “But our margins have always been relatively thin, so we don’t really have much choice.”

Average quotations for the base quality of cotton (color 41, leaf 4, staple 34, mike 35-36 and 43-49, strength 27.0-28.9, uniformity 81.0-81.9) in the seven designated markets measured by the USDA averaged 72.26 cents per pound for the week ended January 26. The weekly average was up from 70.92 cents the previous week and 60.47 cents reported during the corresponding period a year ago. Daily average quotations ranged from a low of 71.46 cents Friday, January 20, to a high of 73.02 cents Monday, January 23. Spot transactions reported in the Daily Spot Cotton Quotations for the week ended January 26 totaled 140,546 bales. This compares to 53,781 bales reported the previous week and 60,341 spot transactions reported during the corresponding week a year ago. ICE March settlement prices ended the week at 74.19 cents, compared to 72.69 cents for the previous week.

YarnMarketJanonlineprices

January 31,  2017

INDA Co-Organizes 2nd Edition CiNE 2017: China International Nonwovens Expo & Forum To Be Held June 21-23

CARY, N.C. — January 27, 2017 – INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announces it will coorganize the second edition of the China International Nonwovens Expo & Forum (CiNE). This second biennial edition will be held June 21-23, 2017, in Shanghai, China.

The China Nonwovens & Industrial Textiles Association (CNITA), the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade’s Sub-Council of Textile Industry (CCPIT-TEX), and Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd. join as coorganizers of this global event. The 2015 CiNE show attracted over 4,800 visitors with 85 exhibits displaying the latest technologies and innovations.

This year’s event will attract thousands of multinationals who supply raw materials, machinery and equipment, nonwovens roll or matt goods as well as converters, brand owners, and consultants. The strength of this event is its sole focus on nonwovens and engineered materials giving a unique platform for those organizations doing business in China or looking to do business in China.

“With the start of the Chinese New Year, INDA is pleased to share that we are again partners with CNITA to co-organize the CiNE show for its second iteration. This nonwovens and engineered materials event advances the interests of our global industry. We invite all organizations in our industry to participate in this expanding event which reaches an important and growing Chinese market,” said Dave Rousse, president, INDA.

CNITA is the national association in China representing the nonwovens industry along with technical textiles. CCPIT-TEX is the promotional arm of the China Ministry of Textiles with many sub-councils related to various sectors of the greater textile industry.  Messe Frankfurt is a professional trade show organizer based in Germany and organizes shows around the world.

Posted January 30, 2017

Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

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