SHIMA SEIKI To Exhibit At Pitti Filati 80

WAKAYAMA, Japan — January 16, 2017 — Italy-based SHIMA SEIKI ITALIA S.p.A., a subsidiary of Japan-based computerized knitting machine manufacturer Shima Seiki Mfg. Ltd., will exhibit at the 80th edition of the Pitti Immagine Filati exhibition in Florence, Italy.

The company will participate in the Fashion At Work section of the exhibition aimed at appealing to the technical and creative interests of visitors by providing hardware and software solutions for design, manufacturing and processing of knitted goods.

On display will be Shima Seiki’s flagship WHOLEGARMENT® knitting machine, MACH2XS. Featuring such innovations as the original SlideNeedle™ on four needle beds as well as the company’s patented spring-loaded moveable sinker system, MACH2XS can knit beautiful, high-quality 3-D Items with dimensional structures and details that are uniquely WHOLEGARMENT®, all with very high efficiency while minimizing dependence upon labor-intensive sewing and linking.

These qualities of WHOLEGARMENT® knit production are maximized in combination with the SDS-ONE APEX3 3D design system, the latest version of which will be exhibited at Pitti Filati. At the core of the company’s “Total Fashion System” concept, APEX3 provides comprehensive support throughout the apparel supply chain, integrating production into one smooth and efficient workflow from yarn development, product planning and design to production and even sales promotion. Especially effective is APEX3’s capability to improve on the design and evaluation process with Virtual Sampling. Ultra-realistic simulation capability on APEX3 allows Virtual Sampling to minimize the time- and cost-impact that the sample-making process has on current manufacturing. With this new manufacturing model, the production cycle can be shortened to such an extent that on-demand production can revolutionize the supply chain by freeing itself from seasonal cycles.

To further enhance the planning and design capability of APEX3, Shima Seiki’s new web-based fashion service “staf®” (shima trend archive and forecast) will also be demonstrated. staf® provides a massive collection of fashion related content including an archive of fashion and color trends covering the past 50 years. This information can be neatly organized on a virtual concept board that can be shared across various devices, improving on planning efficiency significantly.

Examples of knitwear produced on SHIMA SEIKI’s latest line of computerized knitting machines will be on display as well, including WHOLEGARMENT® knitwear as well as new proposals in knit-weave hybrid textiles produced on the SRY series machine.

Posted January 16, 2017

Source: Shima Seiki

Suominen Introduces AIRLACE™ For Workplace

HELSINKI, Finland — January 16, 2017 — Suominen has announced the launch of AIRLACE™ for Workplace, a new nonwoven substrate for professional wiping that performs in the most demanding work environments and offers the best cost-in-use, according to the company. The product was made possible by Suominen’s recent investments in production technology and research and development capabilities.

Airlace for Workplace can be used in wet and dry applications. It delivers a combination of strength, absorbency and low linting with its optimum blend of cellulose and synthetic fibers. The integration of pulp makes it ideal for cleaning oil spills and grease.

Demand for better performing workplace wipes is driven by business’ need to create a safe and healthy environment for customers and employees, and also to improve overall efficiency, both of which help business owners to make their operations more profitable. Airlace for Workplace was specifically designed to answer to these needs with its strength, durability and absorption capabilities. For wipes converters, Airlace for Workplace offers easy and reliable convertibility, and its consistent quality and reduced lead times are ensured by Suominen’s recently improved global manufacturing platform.

“We have been able to make Airlace for Workplace unbeatable in absorbency,” said Eileen Calder, product manager for Workplace segment at Suominen. “When combined with exceptional dry and wet strength, both superior to those of current market leading products, we are confident to say that Airlace for Workplace offers the best performance and value in the market.”

Airlace for Workplace is part of Suominen@work nonwovens product offering. It is available globally in medium (60 and 65 gsm) and heavy (80 gsm) weights and also in color.

Posted January 16, 2017

Source: Suominen

Rockline Industries Releases Sustainability Report

SHEBOYGAN, Wis. — January 12, 2017 — Rockline Industries today released its eighth annual Sustainability Report, which outlines the company’s 2016 performance relative to its newest set of environmental sustainability goals to achieve by 2020.

In 2008, Rockline announced its intentions to create a sustainability program and set high goals, which were achieved by 2015 in the areas of waste and landfill, energy and carbon, water and transportation.  2016 was the first year that Rockline worked to achieve new goals established for the company to be met by the year 2020 in energy, greenhouse gas, water, solid waste, landfill and emissions from outbound transportation.

Key accomplishments in fiscal year 2016 included reducing energy emissions by 1 percent, reducing solid waste associated with wet wipe manufacturing by 5 percent, and reducing environmental impact from trucking transportation by 1 percent.

“We have set ambitious new goals and continue to challenge ourselves to find new ways to improve on all of our environmental metrics, especially in the areas of wastewater and landfill diversion,” said Randy Rudolph president of Rockline Industries. “We will be challenged to meet these goals due to our unprecedented growth but remain more committed than ever to continue our work in making Rockline a leader in the industry in sustainability practices.”

Posted January 13, 2017

Source: Rockline Industries

Frank Liao Appointed President Of Asia-Pacific Region For Velcro Companies

BOSTON, Mass. — January 12, 2017 — Velcro Companies today announced that Frank Liao has joined the company as president of the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. Liao will be based in the company’s Shanghai office and will lead the development and execution of its growth strategy for the region.

Fraser Cameron, president and CEO of Velcro Companies, said: “We are very pleased to welcome Frank to our organization. He is a highly experienced executive with deep knowledge of the APAC region, which is an important part of our business today and holds great promise for growth in the future. Importantly, he has experience building profitable businesses through both organic growth and acquisitions.”

For the past three years Liao has been the China General Manager for Essentra, a manufacturer and distributor of vital component parts for a wide range of industries. Prior to that position, he held senior management positions with Celanese, GE and 3M. He holds degrees in Mechanical Engineering and International Business from Nanjin University and received an MBA degree from the University of Southern California.

Liao succeeds Andrew Ellis, who is returning to the U.S. for a new leadership role after a successful assignment in the region.

Posted January 13, 2016

Source: Velcro Companies

Fabletics Relaunches “The Core”

LOS ANGELES — January 11, 2017 — Fabletics, the activewear brand launched by Kate Hudson in 2013, is excited to announce the relaunch of its brand blog, The Core. Created as an extension of the Fabletics lifestyle, The Core is designed to inspire women to live healthy, balanced lives by highlighting everything from important health topics and simply delicious recipes, to a range of highly effective fitness moves, easy styling tips, and more. Now with expanded content, an enhanced user experience and a more streamlined aesthetic, the more than one million Fabletics members are given access to custom content that is created to help drive and shape their own goals in living a healthy, active life.
The Core’s unique and informative content is publicly available, but a special VIP Member Only section, titled “VIP Perks” is coming soon as a part of the brand’s recently elevated member benefits program.  Members will have access to exclusive content from Kate Hudson and can’t-miss interviews from wellness experts on a holistic approach to mind, body and spirit. In addition, members will gain access to exciting discounts from Fabletics partners, offering services such as in-home massages, products from sought after complimentary brands, and more. Also featuring the most enticing travel articles on The Core, VIP members’ wanderlust will be satiated by great deals on incredible getaways and wellness retreats.

Known for merging fitness with fashion, Fabletics is an innovative, high quality activewear brand that is designed with modern women’s busy lives in mind, offering high performance collections that fit seamlessly into every moment of her day. While the general public is always welcome to shop and experience Fabletics, the brand is known for being at the forefront of today’s popular membership models, as one of the first companies to offer flexible membership that comes with amazing perks, including up to 50% off retail prices always, free shipping, returns & exchanges, VIP-exclusive collections and promotions, rewards points for free product and exciting community perks. Members are invited to shop from hundreds of new styles each month or skip the month free of charge as often as they’d like, while enjoying all of their various benefits.

Posted January 11, 2017

Source: Fabletics

AmeriPride Services Promotes Two New Senior Executives

MINNEAPOLIS  — January 11, 2017 — AmeriPride Services, a leading textile rental services and supply company in North America, today announced two senior executive appointments.

Dave Rotman has been promoted to Vice President of Marketing and Supply Chain. Rotman joined the AmeriPride in 2007 and has served the company in various leadership roles. In addition to his former responsibilities as Vice President of Supply Chain, he will now oversee the marketing function for the organization, as well.

“Dave’s leadership in product marketing, project management and systems alignment has led to significant improvements across the organization, advancing our standardization efforts and improving our capabilities in reporting and technology,” said Bill Evans, President and CEO of AmeriPride. “I am confident that Dave’s company experience, industry knowledge and organizational leadership will ensure success in his new role.”

Rotman previously held leadership roles at Teleplan Wireless, Gelco Information Network, Wam!Net and 3M. He has a BA degree from the University of Minnesota.

In addition, Leo Smith has been promoted to Vice President of Customer Operations. Smith has been with the company since 2009, most recently as Senior Director of Customer Operations. In his new position, he will be responsible for ongoing efforts to increase customer satisfaction and retention, improve efficiencies and automation, and promote customer development and growth.

“During his tenure with the company, Leo has affected significant change and has overseen the development of many impactful service programs and digital tools,” said Evans. “I know he will continue to help us provide better service through technology and improve our systems to better serve our customers.”

Prior to AmeriPride, Smith served as Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations at Gelco Information Network and also held senior leadership roles at Teleplan Wireless and Dataserv. He studied at Dunwoody Institute and is a graduate of the Minnesota Management Institute at the Carlson School of Management in Minneapolis.

Posted January 11, 2017

Source: AmeriPride Services

TRSA DC Leadership & Legislative Conference To Forecast Trump Era Impacts

ALEXANDRIA, Va., January 11, 2017—Attending TRSA’s March 20-21 Leadership & Legislative Conference in Washington will bring you up to speed on the latest developments in the Trump administration affecting the textile services industry as explained by highly sought-after presenters on national affairs and labor policy.

Fulfilling its charge as the industry’s only venue for professional development, industry leadership and political influence, the conference features keynoters Stephen Hayes of FOX News and Michael Lotito of Littler’s Workplace Policy Institute. Their Monday, March 20 presentations will serve as a curtain-raiser to conference participants’ visits to Capitol Hill on Tuesday morning, March 21, and the TRSA committee meetings that afternoon.

Hayes appears regularly on FOX’s “Special Report with Bret Baier” and “FOX News Sunday.” He was previously part of CNN’s political team. A senior writer for the Weekly Standard, he has two best-sellers to his credit: a profile of Vice President Dick Cheney and an analysis of al Qaeda’s axis with Saddam Hussein. He previously worked as a senior writer at the National Journal and as director of the Institute on Political Journalism at Georgetown University.

Lotito will offer ideas for new strategies that launderers can implement regarding labor and employment issues as he shares his experience from serving as lead counsel for some of the country’s largest corporations, helping them develop and implement business, legal and preventive strategic solutions. He’ll discuss federal policies and rulemaking by OSHA, EEOC and other government agencies. His media credits include The Wall Street Journal, The Hill, Politico, Bloomberg and FOX Business.

The conference is a volunteer leadership experience with industry colleagues working together to strengthen all participating companies. Emerging social and political trends driving the economy are discussed, a particularly timely endeavor this year as the Trump administration creates new federal policy. And, as always, the TRSA committee meetings that complete the conference agenda prompt development of new resources for improving everyday practices and building competitiveness.

Hill Day visits will provide an insider’s view of how the federal government is changing under the Trump administration. These meetings between launderers and members of Congress and their staffs will help TRSA build relationships with new White House appointees who control the regulatory process. These encounters support the industry, but also are appreciated by the participating representatives and senators who see these as critical to understanding their constituents’ primary concerns.

Participation in TRSA committees (TRSA members only) maximizes membership value by prompting TRSA to act on the operational and management issues that benefit you most. Your personal expertise enhances TRSA’s:

  • Professional Development Programs
  • Research Projects
  • Certification Standards
  • Publications, Videos and Webinars
  • Industry Customer Outreach

Multiple executives and managers from the same-member textile services operator (launderer) company may join different committees. These committees are scheduled to meet at the conference:

  • Associate Executive
  • Education
  • Environmental & Sustainability
  • Food & Beverage
  • Government Affairs
  • Healthcare
  • Hospitality
  • Human Resources
  • Industrial/Uniform
  • Marketing/PR
  • Safety
  • Women in Textile Services

The event begins at 3 p.m. Monday with the keynotes, followed by an issue briefing and team building reception for Hill Day participants. Every conference participant can be part of TRSA’s small-group visits on Tuesday morning to legislators’ offices. On Monday evening, groups will meet to enjoy light snacks, wine and beer while formulating strategy to convey the industry’s positions to policy makers the next morning. Female participants are invited to join the Women in Textile Services Committee for an ice-breaker after the briefing/team building. On Tuesday, following Hill Day in the morning and committee meetings in the afternoon, the event concludes with a 5-to-6:30 p.m. closing reception.

Posted January 11, 2017

Source: TRSA

Teijin Completes Acquisition Of Continental Structural Plastics

TOKYO — January 5, 2017 — Teijin Ltd. announced today that it has completed the acquisition of all the shares of Continental Structural Plastics Holdings Corp. (CSP), a producer of automotive lightweight composite technologies. This $825 million acquisition was completed on January 3, EST.

As a wholly-owned subsidiary of Teijin, CSP will remain an autonomous operation, with CSP’s management team maintaining the agility and decision making ability necessary to operate effectively in the automotive industry. Frank Macher remains as chairman and CEO, and Eric Haiss, former vice president of Teijin Advanced Composites America will be appointed as executive vice president. The CSP brand, which is well recognized in the North American marketplace for award-winning materials and products, will be maintained as the company further strengthens its global capabilities.

Through this acquisition, the Teijin Group will realize significant materials synergies, with CSP, enabling the combined companies to utilize high-performance composites technologies including glass fiber reinforced thermosets and thermoplastics, carbon fiber, aramid fibers and multi-material hybrid composite solutions. These materials will be used to manufacture a range of lightweight components including Class A body panels, pickup boxes, battery carriers and a number of structural applications that will help the global automotive industry meet design and regulatory challenges. The Teijin Group will enhance its global development capabilities as a solution provider, allowing the combined business to better address the requirements of global automakers. The automotive composite products business of the Teijin Group is targeting annual sales of $2.0 billion by 2030.

“The integration of CSP into the Teijin Group creates comprehensive opportunities for significant materials and development synergies,” says Jun Suzuki, president and CEO of Teijin Ltd. “The Teijin Group is now focused on establishing a platform for business development in automotive composite products, aiming to provide a wider range of solutions for automakers. We will accelerate the integration with CSP and shift towards becoming an enterprise that creates the value society needs.”

“Through this acquisition, CSP will be backed by the global resources we need to help us to meet the growing needs of our customers,” said Frank Macher, chairman and CEO of CSP. “Teijin is committed to supporting our focus on innovation, and we look forward to combining our materials expertise to develop the next generation of lightweight materials for the global automotive industry.”

Posted January 10, 2017

Source: Teijin

Cone Denim and CORDURA® Brand Offer a Modern Twist on Classic Selvage Denim in 50th Anniversary Collaboration

WICHITA, Kan. — January 10, 2017 — INVISTA’s CORDURA® brand and Cone Denim, a global leader in denim authenticity and innovation, are collaborating on a first of its kind, vintage-inspired selvage denim for the 50th anniversary of the Cordura brand. The new Cordura Selvage Denim is produced in Cone Denim’s legendary White Oak facility, drawing inspiration from its over 110 year history in textile production combined with 50 durable years of Cordura brand heritage.

White Oak is the oldest operating denim mill in the United States, and the only mill producing narrow selvage denim on fly shuttle looms that date back to the 1940s. The collaboration celebrates the Cordura brand 50th anniversary theme of “heritage meets innovation,” as it reimagines the past to reinvent the future.

“As we celebrate a 50-year milestone, we’re also constantly looking forward to what the future will bring in terms of durable innovation,” said Cindy McNaull, global Cordura brand and marketing director. “Both the Cordura brand and Cone Denim have a rich history involving textile production and denim fabrics, and combining our extensive experience to create the first-ever selvage denim incorporating Cordura Denim technology is a great way to honor our mutual heritage and usher in new performance denims of the future.”

Produced on American Draper X3 Shuttle looms, this signature made-in-the-USA fabric is created through a collaborative development process between Cone Denim’s ‘Cone® 3D’ (Denim, Design, and Development) R&D team and the Cordura brand. By focusing these key elements within a scientific, yet creative environment, Cone Denim and the Cordura brand were able to take joint product innovation to the next level with both this intial signature launch and future developments in the pipeline.

“Innovation is in our DNA, but heritage is also a key inspiration in our fabrics – so working with a brand like Cordura that shares the same values is a great fit for us,” said Kara Nicholas, vice president of product design + marketing at Cone Denim. “Incorporating high performance Cordura fiber in such an iconic classic design was key in bringing a new generation of selvage denim to life.”

Debuting at the Winter Outdoor Retailer Show, January 10-12, 2017, Cordura Selvage Denim is the first of many projects to come from this legacy-in-the-making  collaboration with Cone’s global network of mills in the US, China, and Mexico. For a sneak peek and to learn more, visit Cordura brand booth #39213 or Cone Denim booth #151.

Posted January 10, 2017

Source: Invista

Texworld USA, Apparel Sourcing USA Return Winter 2017 With Expanded Educational Program

ATLANTA — January 9, 2017 — With the Winter 2017 edition of Texworld USA and Apparel Sourcing USA just around the corner, Messe Frankfurt and Lenzing Innovation are pleased to announce the seminar speaker line up for the Texworld USA Seminar Series. Focusing on discussions around industry hot topics like TPP and duty-free trade, color and fabric trends, digital printing, and the impact of the buy-now-wear-now trend, the Texworld USA January 2017 Seminar Series promises to be as exciting as ever.

“With the current economic climate and feeling of uncertainty in the fashion industry and around the supply chain, it’s more important than ever to provide our attendees with a place to gather, discuss and address the issues that are of utmost importance,“ said Dennis Smith, President and CEO, Messe Frankfurt North America. “The Lenzing Innovation team, led by Tricia Carey, has once again curated a seminar series that will feature top-notch expert panels and that will address many of these topics and trends.“

Texworld USA January 2017 Seminar Series highlights include:

Muse: Colors to Inspire

Tod Shulman – Creative Director, Pantone Color Institute

In our post-trend world, there are no hard and fast color rules. With a desire to inspire and embolden, color palettes for spring/summer 2018 display a new level of energy as they encourage adventure and exploration of the new. While commerciality is still critical, taking a more unique approach to color that can be tailored to your clients is what will help you stand out from the mainstream.

Instant Fashion: How Has And Will The Move To In-Season, Buy-Now, Wear-Now Fashion Shows Impact The Textile And Sourcing Supply Chain?

Kai Chow – Director, The Doneger Group
Marci Zaroff – Founder/ CEO, Metawear
David Sasso – VP Sales, Buhler Quality Yarns, Corp.
Tara St. James – Production Coordinator + Research Fellow, Pratt Institute / Brooklyn Fashion + Design Accelerator
Moderator: Arthur Friedman – Senior Editor, WWD

As many fashion designers move to show their collections in season, and consumer desire for comfort and practicality in their wardrobes grows, fabrics that are versatile and have special qualities are becoming more important.

Printing: Where Is The Industry Going?

Ray Weiss – Digital Imaging Specialist, Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA)

Digital textile printing is fast growing and ever-changing. Join me as I talk about recent advances in technology and the opportunities they represent. Terms like “fast fashion” and “QRM” (quick response manufacturing) will be discussed along with an overview of trends in the marketplace.

Disruption. Transformation. Growth.

Judith A. Russell – Global Marketing Strategist, Nilit America

The apparel industry is undergoing the most rapid transformation since the advent of ready-to-wear. Smart-phone toting consumers, empowered by new shopping, information and price-checking apps, have become more knowledgeable and demanding than ever. Many are eschewing shopping for more experiential activities, choosing instead to rent, share and swap clothes.
Join this panel of industry experts for a lively discussion to learn more about the major consumer shifts causing today’s transformation and what suppliers and brands can do to find growth opportunities in the “new normal”.

Creating a Preferred Fiber and Materials Strategy

Jeff Wilson – Director Business Value Strategy & Development, Textile Exchange Daren Abney – Membership Engagement Manager, Better Cotton Initiative Robert Bergman – Founder, Responsibility in Fashion
Andreas Dorner – Commercial Director Europe and America, Lenzing AG
Moderator: Eddie Hertzman – Founder, Sourcing Journal

What you need to know about sustainability in textile with an exchange of views and visions for business transformation using sustainable fiber alternatives.
As always, all Texworld USA Seminar Series sessions are complimentary for all registered Texworld USA and Apparel Sourcing USA and showgoers. Seating is available on a first-come-first-serve basis.

The January 2017 edition will also bring the debut the brand new Texworld USA Floor Sessions. New to the show floor, this brand new discussion series has been designed to provide attendees at all levels of the industry with the opportunity to discuss topics of interest with their peers in a more intimate setting. Three distinct series of discussions led by industry leaders will tackle topics such as sustainability, growing an independent fashion brand, and future outlooks on the global textile industry.

“We wanted to expand our educational offering by creating a more dynamic setting for our attendees and buyers to gather, discuss and learn.” said Jennifer Bacon, Show Director. “Lenzing Innovation has brought the same expertise in curating the Textile Talks as with the seminar series, so attendees can expect some thought provoking conversations from these sessions. We’re also very excited to also partner with StartUp FASHION on a series of discussions completely dedicated to topics relevant to independent designers and startups. Now more than ever, it is so important to us that we help support these young brands and give them the tools necessary to continue to grow their businesses.“

The addition of 6 new Texworld USA Floor Sessions as part of the shows’ educational program will bring the total count of complimentary educational opportunities for attendees to 17.

Texworld USA January 2017 Floor Session Series Include:

Textile Talks

Organized by Lenzing Innovation

Join Lenzing Innovation, Textile Insight, Better Cotton Initiative and WtiN on the show floor for a series of intimate Textile Talks aimed at tackling timely topics of activewear’s influence in the apparel market, sustainability in textiles, and the latest global view on the future of the textile industry.

StartUp FASHION Independent Designer Discussions

Organized by StartUp FASHION

Hosted by StartUp FASHION founder, Nicole Giordano, the StartUp FASHION Independent Designer Discussions have been designed specifically for independent designers and startup brands looking for more insight into growing their young fashion brands through branding, PR and consumer research.

Performance Pitches

Organized by Texworld USA

Join a select group of Texworld USA and Apparel Sourcing USA exhibitors for a series of 5 minute quick-pitches on the show floor. Find out more about their newest or most innovative products and manufacturing services for all high performance apparel and activewear applications.

The new Texworld USA Floor Sessions are open to all registered Texworld USA and Apparel Sourcing USA attendees. Seating is available on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Posted January 10, 2017

Source: Messe Frankfurt Inc.

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