BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Michigan — January 27, 2016 — The Crypton Companies and Nanotex®, leading providers of performance fabrics in contract, home furnishing and apparel, today announced the appointment and promotion of two seasoned executives to help continue its commitment to research and growth. Michael Grigat has been hired as the new Vice President of Research and Development and Hardy Sullivan has been promoted to Vice President of Market Development. Both work in the company’s Kings Mountain, N.C. research and manufacturing facility.

Grigat joins Crypton from Rudolf-Venture Chemical Inc., where he was the Technical Director responsible for market expansion of the company’s chemical product range in the United States, upgrading environmental and product safety procedures and the planning and coordination of a new plant site.

“Michael has extensive knowledge of surface protective polymers and we look forward to leveraging his know how to constantly improve upon our existing technology as well as create new performance platforms to offer our customers the most advanced products in the world,” says Craig Rubin, Chairman of Crypton. “Hardy’s new role is vital to Crypton and Nanotex as we expand globally. Having led the introductions of Wick+Block(TM) to the NFL and the award-winning Crypton Revl(TM) vinyl, he has a proven track record for expanding Crypton’s offerings.”

Grigat’s responsibilities at Crypton and Nanotex include overseeing all aspects of chemistry development. He will work closely with suppliers to develop “best in class” performance, utilize his extensive industry knowledge to create new, cutting edge formulations that will provide the framework for both Crypton and Nanotex to bring leading performance properties to the industry.

Prior to Rudolf, Grigat held senior positions at several major chemical companies including Clariant and Hoechst-Celanese, where he led the research and product development of new fluorine-based protective agents, specialty polymers and textile specialty chemicals. Grigat holds several patents for treating textiles, carpets and floor coverings. He is an active member of the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC).

In his new role, Sullivan will be responsible for identifying and developing new markets and applications for all Crypton Technologies. In addition to his focus on Market Development, he will maintain responsibility for advancing Crypton’s sustainability efforts.

Posted January 27,2016

Source: PR Rocket

ZURICH, Switzerland — January 2016 — According to the International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF), the global yarn production increased in Q3/2015 quarter-on-quarter, the third increase in a row. Thereby, output in Asia and North America grew. In Europe and South America, in contrast, it fell on a quarterly basis. Also on an annual basis, the global yarn production in Q3/2015 improved in tow with increases in Asia and North America. Europe and South America reported falling yarn production year-on-year. Global yarn stocks in Q3/2015 rose quarter-on- quarter as well as year-on-year. Thereby, all regions reported that stocks were increased. Yarn orders in Europe and South America fell in Q3/2015 quarter-on-quarter as well as year-on- year.

Global fabric production rose in Q3/2015 against Q2/2015 due to increases in Asia. In Europe and South America fabric production fell. On an annual basis global fabric output improved moderately. Thereby, Asian output increased, while fabric production in Europe and South America fell. Worldwide fabric stocks in Q3/2015 were reduced quarter-on-quarter. Year-on- year, however, they grew due to increases in Asia and South America. In Q3/2015, European fabric orders decreased quarter-on-quarter and increased on an yearly basis. Fabric orders in South America fell both on a quarterly and yearly basis.

Estimates for global yarn and fabric production for Q4/2015 are positive in most of the reporting regions. Asia, Europe and South Africa expect output of yarn and fabric to increase in the last quarter of 2015, while South America estimates negative developments.

The global outlook for yarn and fabric production for Q1/2016 is negative. While Europe expects an unchanged yarn and fabric production for the first quarter of this year, Asia is somewhat skeptical about Q1/2016.

In Q3/2015, global yarn production rose by nearly 3% quarter-on-quarter after a strong rise of close to 14% in Q2/2015. Thereby, Asian yarn output rose by 3.5% quarter-on-quarter and by 2.6% in North America. In Europe and South America, however, output fell by 7.6% and 12.3%, respectively. Global yarn output grew by 4.7% in Q3/2015 versus Q3/2014. The annual percentage change of yarn output in Asia amounted to nearly 6% and to 4.5% in North America. In Europe and South America yarn production fell by 10.6% and 18% year-on-year, respectively.

Global fabric production increased by nearly 2% in Q3/2015 against the previous quarter. While European and South American output fell by 4.7% and 16%, respectively, Asian fabric production improved by 3.5% quarter-on-quarter. Year-on-year, global fabric output grew moderately by 0.5%. Thereby, Asian production increased by 1.7%, while output levels in Europe and South America were reduced by 0.8% and 15%, respectively.

Global yarn inventories in Q3/2015 increased by 6% quarter-on-quarter with increases of 5.7% in Asia, 3% in Europe and 9.5% in South America. In Q3/2015, the annual percentage change of global yarn inventories recorded an increase of nearly 11%. Thereby, yarn stocks grew by 10% year-on-year in Asia, by 0.6% in Europe and by 28% in South America.

Worldwide fabric stocks fell by 2.4% in Q3/2015 versus Q2/2015. Stocks in Asia, Europe and North America were increased by 0.4%, 0.2% and 0.8%, respectively. In South America, they fell by 9%. On a yearly basis global fabric inventories in Q3/2015 rose by 1%. Thereby, they grew by 0.7% in Asia and by 4.5% in South America. In North America fabric stocks remained unchanged year-on-year and in Europe they fell by 0.5%.

In Q3/2015, European yarn orders fell by 5% quarter-on-quarter and by 3% year-on-year. In South America they fell by over 18% quarter-on-quarter and by 58% year-on-year. European fabric orders in Q3/2015 fell by 1.6% quarter-on-quarter and increased by nearly 6% year- on-year. South American fabric orders in Q3/2015 fell by 22% quarter-on-quarter and by nearly 32% year-on-year.

Posted January 27, 2016

Source: ITMF

COLUMBIA, S.C. — January 25, 2016 — 3i Products Inc., a company that specializes in the manufacturing and distribution of indoor and outdoor cushions and pillows, is establishing operations in Lancaster County. The $3 million investment is expected to create 100 new jobs in Lancaster, S.C. over the next five years.

A newly established firm, 3i Products has acquired an existing 27,000-square-foot building, located on more than 15 acres off Chester Highway in Lancaster to house its new operations. Providing the company with close proximity to Interstate 77, the facility will allow 3i Products to efficiently serve its growing customer base.

Anticipated to be fully operational in the second quarter of 2016, hiring for the 100 new positions is expected to begin in April 2016. Those looking to join the 3i Products team should contact ReadySC at www.sctechjobs.com.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development has approved a $150,000 Rural Infrastructure Fund grant to Lancaster County to assist with the cost of real property improvements related to the project. Additionally, AdvanceSC committed a $50,000 grant to Lancaster County to assist with building upfit in support of the project.

“3i Products is very excited about our move to the Lancaster area and looks forward to opening our new facility and bringing new jobs and growth to the area. We appreciate all the work of the local members of the County, Governor Nikki Haley and her team in the State of South Carolina for making this project a reality.” –3i Products, Inc. Chairman of the Board Tim Chen

“Each time a company decides to move here, it reaffirms the fact that Team South Carolina’s approach to attracting businesses and building a world-class workforce is working. We’re excited to welcome 3i Products to the South Carolina family and to celebrate the 100 new jobs this investment will bring to Lancaster County.” –Gov. Nikki Haley

“South Carolina’s positive business climate and excellent workforce continues to attract businesses of all types to our borders. This includes newly-established firms, like 3i Products, Inc., which has chosen Lancaster County for its new facility, bringing 100 new jobs to the local community.” –Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt

“We welcome 3i to Lancaster County and to South Carolina. We are all very excited to see existing structures return to productive use and appreciate 3i’s investment in capital and in putting Lancaster’s citizens to work. We are also appreciative of the combined efforts of the city, state and county to help provide the infrastructure needs to make this investment possible.” –Lancaster County Council Chairman Bob Bundy

Five Fast Facts

3i Products is establishing operations in Lancaster County.
The newly-established firm will manufacture and distribute indoor and outdoor cushions and pillows.
3i Products has acquired an existing 27,000-square-foot building located on 15+ acres off of Chester Highway in Lancaster to house its new operations.
Hiring for the 100 new positions is expected to begin in April 2016.
Those looking to join the 3i Products team should contact ReadySC at www.sctechjobs.com.

Posted January 26, 2016

Source: South Carolina Department of Commerce

WASHINGTON — January 21, 2016 — The Walmart Foundation and the U.S. Conference of Mayors today announced this year’s U.S. Manufacturing Innovation Fund grant recipients at the 84th Winter Meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors in Washington, D.C.

Five leading research and academic institutions were awarded a total of $2.84 million in grants by the fund for their work focused on innovations in textile manufacturing. The fund, which focuses on the development of domestic manufacturing with a specific goal of advancing the production or assembly of consumer products in the U.S., will provide a total of $10 million in grants over the course of five years. This is the second round of funding under this grant.

The grant recipients were selected for their ability to address two key challenges that currently present barriers to increased domestic manufacturing. These challenges are:

• Reducing the cost of textile manufacturing, including home textiles and apparel, in the U.S. by addressing obstacles throughout production.
• Improving common manufacturing processes with broad application to many types of consumer products.

“Through these grants we hope to help remove the barriers to revitalizing and growing U.S. apparel manufacturing, while creating more sustainable production processes,” said Kathleen McLaughlin, president of the Walmart Foundation and chief sustainability officer for Walmart. “The U.S. Manufacturing Innovation Fund is part of Walmart and the Walmart Foundation’s broader commitment to foster new economic growth and opportunity and create stronger communities.”

“America’s mayors work every day to create good jobs for the people who live in our cities and metro areas. The five projects we’ve recognized today will lead to manufacturing jobs in their respective cities and eventually, across the country,” said Tom Cochran, CEO and executive director of the U.S. Conference of Mayors. “We are proud to partner with Walmart and the Walmart Foundation to support these important efforts.”

The 2016 Walmart U.S. Manufacturing Innovation Fund grant winners are:

• Clemson University for energy and effluent reduction through innovative dyeing of polyester fabrics
• Oregon State University for environmentally conscious dyeing of fabrics using continuous digital printing and drying of biopigment inks
• University of Texas at Austin for on-loom fabric defect inspection using contact image sensors
• North Carolina State University for developing a non-stop tying-in process/approach to improve weaving efficiency
• Cornell University for recycling post-consumer textile waste and a raw material substitute for new textiles

Support for the Innovation Fund is part of Walmart’s broader commitment to help revitalize U.S. manufacturing. In January 2013, Walmart announced a commitment to buy an additional $250 billion in products that support U.S. jobs by 2023.

These commitments represent a significant investment that will help accelerate the pace of U.S. manufacturing. By making production in the U.S. more cost-effective and efficient, the global retailer believes it can bring American consumers more American-made products and ultimately create jobs in communities across the country.

Posted January 25, 2016

Source: Walmart