Unifi Signs A Letter Of Intent To Form Joint Venture In Guatemala

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Aug. 1, 2017 — Unifi Inc. today announced that it has signed a non-binding letter of intent to form a joint venture in Guatemala with the owners of Complast S.A. and Technologia Textil Avanzada (TTA) — existing recycling, spinning and texturing companies in Guatemala. The joint venture would continue the recycling, spinning and texturing activities of Complast and TTA. Under the proposed structure, Unifi would own 51 percent of the joint venture and the existing owners of Complast and TTA would own 49 percent.

Unifi’s desire to form the joint venture is based on the importance of the Central American textile market and Unifi’s commitment to this market for the foreseeable future. Unifi believes the venture will further expand its geographic footprint of REPREVE® recycled fiber through local, quick turn production of Repreve filament yarn within Central America, a key apparel-producing market that requires compliant yarn.

“Central America has been a region of focus for brands and retailers over the past few years, as apparel programs are sourced closer to the U.S.,” said Tom Caudle, president, Unifi. “The growth in the region is key to our strategy of building our Repreve and other value-added brands.”

Complast and TTA have been in business since 2008 and 2014, respectively. Complast owns and operates a bottle processing facility and produces flake and chip under the brand name EuroPET for the consumer packaging market in Central America and for further processing in their spinning plant. TTA produces polyester POY and textured yarn under the brand name EuroFIL, and supplies the Central American market. Under the letter of intent, these operations would be contributed to the joint venture and, upon consummation of the joint venture, the parties intend to expand the existing operations.

The transaction proposed in the letter of intent is subject to the parties reaching a definitive agreement, with a transaction closing expected to occur by the end of calendar 2017. There is no assurance, however, that a definitive agreement will be reached or that the closing of the transaction contemplated by the letter of intent will occur.

Posted August 2, 2017

Source: Unifi

Stäubli Anniversary: Quality And Innovation As A Driving Force For 125 Years

PFÄFFIKON, Switzerland — August 2, 2017 — After starting in a small workshop in 1892, Stäubli has developed into a leading industrial partner for high-quality mechatronic solutions and technologies. With three dedicated activities — Connectors, Robotics and Textile — Stäubli is valued by industrial customers worldwide for its high-quality products and cutting-edge technologies.

Two family threads came together at the end of the 19th century — the heyday of the Swiss textile industry — and were woven into a new corporate fabric: Rudolph Schelling and Hermann Stäubli, displaying both commercial acumen and technical skill, founded the company Schelling & Stäubli in the Swiss village of Horgen in 1892. At that time, this village on the shores of Lake Zurich — and on the silk road as well — was the site of many mills operating a total of some 1,000 weaving machines. Stäubli had acquired his initial know-how by repairing these machines. After a short time, he set out to produce superior machinery. His credo from the start was the highest quality and a pronounced customer focus. He sought no less than to make the world’s best dobbies — with which weaving mills could achieve optimal results. Even in those early days, Stäubli set very high targets for efficient production; specifically, to weave more fabrics at lower cost, higher quality, and with a greater variety of patterns.

Already in 1893, Schelling & Stäubli introduced their first dobby, designed and constructed in house. In 1900, they introduced the world’s first paper-card dobby, equipped with a warp-leasing system that is still widely used today. Following the death of Rudolph Schelling in 1909, the company was renamed Stäubli.

Geographical Spread And Portfolio Expansion

The Stäubli Group has grown exuberantly since 1892, in both technical and geographic terms. Already in 1909 Stäubli built its first factory in France, followed by additional production sites in other European countries as well as in the Americas and China.

The group’s textile activities have grown in line with its corporate targets, and Stäubli has become a leading supplier to the global weaving industry. In 1969 Stäubli acquired the German company Trumpelt, which specialized in heavy dobbies. As a shedding solution specialist in frame weaving, the company then decided to expand its range to include jacquard weaving. This led to the acquisition of Verdol in Lyon, a manufacturer of mechanical jacquard machines. And to expand its product range to cover the complete weaving process, the companies Zellweger (weaving preparation solutions) and Schönherr (carpet weaving systems) were purchased in 1994 and 1998. Finally, the DEIMO company was acquired, a long-time industry partner providing drive and control systems for a wide range of applications.

This expansion strategy has been constantly augmented by intensive R&D activities, and today the result can be seen in a comprehensive range of high-performance products integrating state-of-the-art technologies. This machinery is renowned for exceptional reliability, unsurpassed production speeds, and very long service life. SAFIR automatic drawing-in machines, the latest generation of S3000/S3200 dobbies, the LX/LXL electronic Jacquard machines, ALPHA carpet weaving systems, the TF technical weaving systems, and DEIMO knitting solutions all attest to continuity and a passion for innovation, which is embedded in the DNA of the company.

Excellence Means Constant Improvement And Development In All Areas

“The spirit of innovation has defined our company from the beginning — it’s rooted deeply in the nature of Stäubli”, said Rolf Strebel, Stäubli CEO. “It’s the reason we constantly develop new solutions which add value for our customers. Other decisive factors for our long-term success are the spirit of cohesion among our staff around the globe, our inquisitiveness, and our philosophy of continuous improvement. Our aspiration is to constantly improve — on a human, professional, and technical level — and to remain just as successful during the next 125 years.”

Posted August 2, 2017

Source: Stäubli

Grund America Adds Towels To Its Organic Cotton Home Collection

CHARLOTTE — August 1, 2017 — Charlotte-based Grund America, a manufacturer of organic home textiles, today announced the addition of plush organic cotton bath towels to its line of organic bathroom rugs. The organic towels are color-coordinated with or complement the rugs, creating a relaxing, welcoming, and healthy environment. The announcement comes just in time for the upcoming visitor-intensive holiday season as well as for simply sprucing up your bathroom or planning seasonal décor.

The Grund® organic towel collection is made of 100-percent certified organic Turkish cotton that has been spared pesticides and other toxic chemicals from production through processing. To create these luxurious towels, the organic cotton is spun into five separate yarns then loomed into long, two ply, double loops. The end result is uber-plush towels with a soft, fluffy pile that feels good to the touch, is lightweight, and absorbs water easily. They are available in sizes ranging from hand towel to bath sheet, and in white, ivory, driftwood, sage, and slate grey.

The Grund organic cotton bath rugs collection also is made of organic cotton, and is available in a range of soothing colors including ivory, driftwood, and green tea. Each style comes in four standard sizes, including a runner. The series includes the Charleston handmade bath rug, made with a simple border design, and the double-sided, reversible Puro bath rugs with a plush border design. The rugs are suitable for machine washing at low temperatures and maintain their color. The company also boasts an unheard-of five-year warranty on the rugs.

“At Grund America, we believe that what you put on your body is just as important as what you put in your body,” says Grund America Vice President and General Manager Michael Twer. “We make high quality products and validate every step in our entire supply chain to ensure no harmful chemicals are used from field to finished products. Consumers can feel good knowing each towel is responsibly made to the highest social and environmental standards.”

Organic fiber sales in the U.S. reached another record in 2016, hitting $1.4 billion and posting a 9.2 percent increase from 2015, according to the 2017 Organic Industry Survey from the Organic Trade Association (OTA). The organic fiber and textiles category continues to rank as the largest non-food organic category in the $43.3 billion U.S. market. Organic fiber sales now account for almost 40 percent of the total $3.9 billion in organic non-food sales in 2016.

“Just as consumers are increasingly searching out organic food, they are also searching out and purchasing organic apparel and home textiles at record levels,” notes Twer.

Founded and still run by the Grund family in Czech Republic, the Grund Co. launched its Matthews, N.C.-based Grund America division in 2014 starting with organic cotton bathroom rugs — a Grund product already immensely popular throughout Europe. Both the uber-soft and durable rugs and towels are made from 100% organic cotton and certified to the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) which prohibits the use of toxic inputs.

Consumers come into contact with cotton every single day. Growing conventional cotton requires the use of enormous amounts of pesticides, which has a large environmental impact and presents health risks for those working around it. Conventional cotton may cost less, but organic cotton has less impact on the land, farm workers, the planet and thus your well-being. Addressing the processing of cotton is also vital, given the use and discharge of toxic chemicals during conventional textile production.

Posted August 1, 2017

Source: Grund America

Glen Raven Inc. To Acquire Sunbury Textile Mills

GLEN RAVEN, N.C. — August 1, 2017 — Glen Raven Inc., a global provider of performance fabrics, has signed a Letter of Intent to acquire Sunbury Textile Mills, a designer and manufacturer of decorative jacquard fabrics. Under the agreement, Sunbury will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Glen Raven Inc. and will operate as part of Glen Raven Custom Fabrics LLC, best known as the maker of Sunbrella® fabrics.

“Sunbury has been a close strategic business partner for more than 20 years,” said Allen E. Gant, Jr., chairman and CEO of Glen Raven, Inc. “Sunbury’s leadership in serving the designer, decorative jobber and furniture manufacturers with premium jacquard fabrics is unparalleled. Every Sunbury customer is important to us and represents an opportunity to combine resources and be better suppliers and business partners.”

“We have long considered Sunbury to be part of the extended Glen Raven family, and we are excited about working with them to further service all of their markets and customers,” Gant added.

Sunbury’s team specializes in innovative decorative jacquard upholstery fabrics targeting the design community and luxury furniture manufacturers, for both residential and contract applications. Sunbury’s designers create bespoke collections, focusing on inspirational patterns, innovative constructions and leading color trends. The company’s product lines include Sunbrella fabrics, which it designs and produces under an exclusive license with Glen Raven.

“The long-term partnership has greatly expanded our ability to service customers with high-design, high-durability Sunbrella fabrics, and we see even more potential in the talented team at Sunbury and all the markets they serve,” said David Swers, president and COO, Glen Raven Custom Fabrics.

“Glen Raven is presenting Sunbury with an extraordinary opportunity to continue our growth path,” said Hank Truslow Jr., CEO, Sunbury Textile Mills. “We are looking forward to continuing to serve our customers with innovative solutions, superior design and unsurpassed levels of customer service as we’ve done for more than 60 years.”

Posted August 1, 2017

Source: Raven Custom Fabrics

Lectra Appoints Rodrigo Siza Regional Director Of Spain And Portugal

PARIS — August 1, 2017 — Lectra is pleased to announce the appointment of Rodrigo Siza to the role of Regional Director of Spain and Portugal.

Based in Porto, Portugal, Siza will focus on nurturing new regional collaborations to benefit the needs of Lectra’s customers, and faciliate their success in the Industry 4.0 era. Siza will rely on Lectra’s highly experienced teams located in the region.

“Rodrigo has very effectively established long-term partnerships with our fashion
and apparel, automotive and furniture customers in Portugal,” said Daniel Harari, chairman and CEO, Lectra. “He has helped
our customers to emerge stronger from the world crisis which heavily impacted them. After 10 successful years as head of Lectra Portgual, Rodrigo is now also in charge of meeting the expectations of our Spanish customers.”

Players in the region are witnessing a strong dynamic, notably fashion brands in Spain and fashion and automotive industrialists with heightened added-value in Portugal. With the recent announcement of a new strategy to focus on Industry 4.0, Lectra is in a strong position to support these businesses in the digitalization of their processes.

For industries faced with more demanding consumers and ever-shorter product development and manufacturing cycles, integrating all steps along the extended supply chain, from design to cutting, is now a top priority. This is particularly apparent in Spain and Portugal, two countries positioned, in their own way, at the heart of Europe’s fashion and automotive industries.

Siza started his career at Tradetex, a trading company of textiles for clothing, as a textile designer. From 1991 to 1999, he was an associate of V-Sistemas Informatica, specialized in the development and distribution of technical solutions for the textile industry. In 2000, he joined Lectra Portugal as a design and merchandising manager, and then evolved into the position of international consultant in 2004. He left Lectra in 2005 to take the position of Sales Director of RPB Têxteis e Vestuario, a company that makes clothes, before returning to Lectra in 2007 to take over the management of the Portuguese subsidiary. Rodrigo has a masters in marketing from Minho University and a degree in design and communication from Porto University, both located in Portugal.

Posted August 1, 2017

Source: Lectra

Textile Industry Comments On Trade Agreement Violations And Abuses Filing In Response To Trump Executive Order

WASHINGTON — August 1, 2017 — The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) filed public comments late yesterday afternoon in response to President Trump’s executive order directing the federal government to investigate violations and abuses of U.S. trade agreements.

“A thorough investigation of trade agreement abuses and violations is long overdue and we appreciate the President Trump’s desire to finally review this important matter,” said NCTO President and CEO Auggie Tantillo.

“If America is to fix the systemic problems that plague the international trading structure and stop trade cheats from driving American production offshore, policymakers need a better understanding of the illegal or unfair trade tactics that are being used to hurt U.S. industry, including textiles,” Tantillo finished.

A notice for public comments (82 FR 29622) was issued by the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) on June 29, 2017 pursuant to Executive Order 13796 signed by President Trump on April 29, 2017.  Documents associated with this matter are archived under Docket USTR-2017-0010.

NCTO is a Washington, DC-based trade association that represents domestic textile manufacturers.

  • U.S. employment in the textile supply chain was 565,000 in 2016.
  • The value of shipments for U.S. textiles and apparel was $74.4 billion last year, a nearly 11% increase since 2009.
  • U.S. exports of fiber, textiles and apparel were $26.3 billion in 2016.
  • Capital expenditures for textile and apparel production totaled $2 billion in 2015, the last year for which data is available.

Posted August 1, 2017

Source: The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO)

Gerber’s Partner Danit Peleg Launches First Commercially Available 3D Garment

TOLLAND, Conn. — July 27, 2017 — Similar to the way iTunes disrupted and personalized the way we all consume music, 3-D printed garments will revolutionize the way consumers buy clothes. Through the use of AccuMark 3D and YuniquePLM, Danit Peleg has brought a new limited edition bomber style jacket to market, available for purchase on her website danitpeleg.com. Each garment will be personalized with individual choices for color, lining and even a word embedded into the back of the jacket.

“We are excited to help Danit bring 3-D printed garments to the market and be a part of this incredible journey,” said Elizabeth King, vice president of digital solutions, community and eco-system at Gerber Technology. “Our creative partnership has helped define a workflow in AccuMark 3D for the benefit of our customers who will transform the industry in the coming years.”

Gerber and Danit have been partnering on the future of 3-D garments beginning with her senior project at Israel’s prestigious Shenkar College of Engineering and Design to her latest collection that was inspired by the painting “The Birth of Venus,” including the bomber jacket that is now available on her website. In a limited edition of 100, this is the first commercially available 3-D printed garment ever sold online. Customers have the opportunity to customize their own and Danit’s team will print and ship it to their home.

“With each collection, Gerber has helped me streamline my workflow to accelerate the 3D printed design process,” said Danit Peleg. “My vision of the future is that you will buy your 3-D print file and print your clothes at home or at a designated store.”

Posted July 31, 2017

Source: Gerber Technology

Prime Medical Outfits Florida Surgical Team In Chlorine-shielded SAF-T™ Scrubs

LARGO, Fla. — July 31, 2017 —The medical staff at SurgCenter Pinellas wasn’t sure they heard it right — put your navy blue surgical scrubs into the laundry with regular bleach and “wash ’em like they’re white.” The 25-person surgical team recently made the switch to SAF-T™ scrubs, a new line of healthcare apparel by Prime Medical that is made to be laundered and sanitized in good, old-fashioned, chlorine bleach without fading the color. But what was even more surprising is what happens to the scrubs after the wash.

“Each time SAF-T scrubs are washed with EPA-registered bleach, the patented fabric binds and retains a lasting shield of chlorine molecules,” says Jim Sampey, CEO, Prime Medical. “It’s an amazing breakthrough in fabric technology that is transforming scrubs into powerful tools to fight germs with every fiber. On the surface, SAF-T scrubs look like other surgical scrubs, but with the simple step of laundering with bleach, they’re powered with germ-killing protection that benefits staff and patients.” Prime Medical is a Largo, FL-based company that launched in June 2016 with a line of privacy curtains, bed linens, patient gowns, lab coats and towels — and is bringing its innovative products to leading-edge healthcare facilities in Florida and across the country.

Providing multispecialty surgical services since 2011, SurgCenter Pinellas was the first of its kind in the Tampa Bay area to offer total joint replacement services and spinal procedures in a private, outpatient setting. The SurgCenter Pinellas team maintains an impressive record of zero infections at their facility. So why invest in germ-killing scrubs? Rita Iwanski, RN, and administrator, says, “We don’t have any issues and we want to keep it that way. We maintain the highest standards of infection prevention — and SAF-T scrubs give us another layer to safeguard patients in every detail.” Iwanski says they put quality above all else at the 5,200-square-foot facility, which is certified by Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, Inc. (AAAHC)

In addition to the germ-killing protection of SAF-T scrubs, Iwanski believes the product will also save money in the long run. “The outlay is initially more, but we’re going to get it back in spades,” Iwanski said. “The staff definitely likes the infection prevention aspect and feeling like the scrubs are ‘theirs’ — not rental scrubs which don’t always fit well,” she said. “After a long day, they appreciate being able to wear the scrubs home without worrying about germs going along for the ride.”

Posted July 31, 2017

Source: Prime Medical

Imagink Quadruples Capacity With Durst Rho P10 200 6c + W Printer

LEATHERHEAD, England — July 31, 2017 — Imagink has quadrupled production capacity following investment in a Durst Rho P10 200 6c + W inkjet printer.

The fully integrated, end-to-end marketing communications solutions provider from Aylesford, Kent, specializes in Point of Sale and Point of Purchase. The investment was part of a £325,000 company-wide spend supporting a full refresh of its customer-centric approach.

Managing Director Mike Saunders, who established the company 10 years ago, said: “Last November we launched our online ordering service for clients. Using their PCs or their mobile phones they can order point of sale, no matter where they are, for next day delivery. This makes their lives easier and helps ensure consistency. It gives them clarity on on their stock levels and ordering volumes.” Clients are able to effectively control cost centers and their budgets.

It soon became clear that there was a need to fully support this service, and Imagink’s broader production, with a hardware investment, said Saunders. “We were becoming non competitive on longer runs purely on speed. We could compete on costs but not on time.”

“We went to Durst’s Austrian headquarters where we ran the press for three hours. The tests I did were based on quality — not just speed, but quality at whatever speeds were run. The Durst Rho P10 200 6c + W in terms of speed and quality was far better than I expected.”

As for the impact the Durst Rho P10 200 6c + W has made Saunders said: “We have a regular job that took three-and-a-half days on two systems and the Durst completed it in one shift. It has quadrupled our capacity. Now we can do everything on a single shift which has made savings on our overtime wage. Our wage expenditure is down between 10 percent and 15 percent and we have taken on two additional sales staff.”

He added: “It has exceeded my expectations. It is far superior than I first thought. I was surprised at its ease of use and the quick set up times. We can now offer the faster turnaround times our competitors offer. It is difficult to put a figure on return on investment but it has positively impacted our speed, quality and the range of sizes we can offer.” We can now print from business cards to a size of 2m x 4m (if available in the size), in one piece and up to 10mm in thickness.

One of the added benefits of the Durst Rho P10 200 6c + W was the white ink and that enabled Imagink to win work from the outset. “We had three roll-fed solutions with white ink and the Durst was our only flatbed solution offering the white ink so we have been picking up additional work due to quality on the white opaqueness,” says Saunders. “It has been a good asset to have.”

He concludes: “In terms of the installation it was probably the least problematic install we have ever had.”

Peter Bray, managing director of Durst in the United Kingdom and Ireland, said: “With extremely tight deadlines, companies such as Imagink rely on Durst technology to produce reliable, high volume and extremely high quality products that we’re delighted to be supplying to help businesses grow.”

Posted July 31, 2017

Source: Durst

Hygienix 2017 Program: Smart Hygiene, Market Disruptors And Odor Control

CARY, N.C. — July 31, 2017 — INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announced the Hygienix 2017 conference program will emphasize industry breakthroughs in critical areas for the Absorbent Hygiene and Personal Care Markets, November 6-9, 2017, at Renaissance Arboretum, Austin, Texas. This third edition of Hygienix is expected to gather more than 500 business professionals to connect, engage, and advance their business during three days of educational program content, tabletop displays, industry receptions, organized networking, and absorbent hygiene workshop training.

“The strong industry support of the first two editions of Hygienix indicates we are providing a valuable forum for all businesses involved in the absorbent hygiene and personal care products sector,” said Dave Rousse, INDA president. “We anticipate this year’s event to be just as dynamic and valuable. Hygienix is the must-attend conference for anyone looking to advance in the absorbent hygiene and personal care industry. We will be providing the latest market intelligence, product insights, and opportunities for important connections.”

The full program includes 24 presentations from globally recognized and innovative speakers from consumer, industrial and retail brands, continence associations, baby care products, feminine hygiene market research firms, and leading companies across the absorbent hygiene and personal care market supply chain to address critical advances in topics such as:

  • Incontinence Perspectives: Consumer and Institutional; Product and Positioning Opportunities;
  • Diapers: Smart and Sustainable;
  • Leading the Upcycling of Absorbent Hygiene Products;
  • Feminine Hygiene Disruptors;
  • Thin – Pulpless Absorbent Product Performance;
  • Cutting Edge Approaches to Odor Control; and
  • Game Changers: Machine and Technology Developments; Retail and Demographic.

A sampling of companies presenting new products, technologies, materials, skin health, and odor control include:

  • Absorbent Hygiene Products Manufacturers Association;
  • Advanced Absorbent Technologies LLC;
  • BASF Corp.;
  • Bemis Co. Inc.;
  • Bostik Inc.;
  • CenterBrain Partners Inc.;
  • Cotton Incorporated;
  • Evonik Nutrition & Care GmbH;
  • GP Cellulose LLC;
  • H.B. Fuller Co.;
  • The Honest Co.;
  • National Associations for Continence;
  • NatureWorks LLC;
  • Olfasense GmbH;
  • Price Hanna Consultants; and
  • The Procter & Gamble Co.

In addition, the program includes presentations from three award finalists for the prestigious Hygienix Innovation Award™ that recognize innovation in consumer or institutional hygiene end products using nonwoven fabrics in an expansive way.

Other program highlights include the presentation of the INDA Lifetime Service and Lifetime Technical Award, Dining with Industry Thought Leaders, tabletop displays, industry receptions, and a unique 2.5 hour workshop on Absorbent Hygiene Products, led by Carlos Richer, Richer Investments.

Posted July 31, 2017

Source: INDA

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