Stefan Lux, The New Managing Director Of KM.ON GmbH

OBERTSHAUSEN, Germany — September 16, 2024 — As of September 1, 2024, Stefan Lux has taken over as the managing director of KM.ON GmbH. The computer science graduate has taken over the role from Carla Janz, the KM.ON head of Human Resources, who served as interim director after the departure of Maximilian Kürig. He will also lead the KM.ON Business Unit of the KARL MAYER GROUP.

Stefan Lux brings a successful and varied professional background to the role.

After successfully completing his degree in Technical Computer Science at the Technical University of Dresden, he gained extensive experience as a product manager for semiconductors and digital solutions in the consumer and automotive markets at various companies. Fourteen years later, Lux joined Kässbohrer Geländefahrzeug AG (PistenBully), where he established and managed a new business unit for digital solutions. In this position, he was responsible for developing and implementing the global sales and marketing strategy as well as the product roadmap.

Over the past three years, Lux has headed up the IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) division at WIKA Alexander Wiegand SE & Co KG. There, he built a new business unit and doubled turnover by developing and implementing a holistic product and sales strategy that ranges from wireless sensors to cloud-based applications as digital software solutions (SaaS).

As managing director of KM.ON GmbH, Lux will take over responsibility for the strategic direction and operational leadership of the company. His expertise in building and launching business units, his management experience and his in-depth knowledge of digital solutions and technologies will make a decisive contribution to the further development of KM.ON GmbH and the reliable achievement of its strategic goals.

Posted: September 16, 2024

Source: KARL MAYER GROUP

TRSA Celebrates 59th Annual Executive Management Institute Commencement

HYATTSVILLE, Md. — September 16, 2024 — The Textile Rental Services Association (TRSA) proudly hosted the 59th annual commencement of its Executive Management Institute (EMI) on August 15. The event, held at a conference center near the University of Maryland, celebrated the achievements of 26 graduates from this four-year educational program. Nearly 170 students from all four classes, along with faculty, staff, and guests, attended the ceremony.

The Year IV graduates represented a diverse group of executives from national, regional, and independent commercial laundries across North America, as well as several supplier-partner company representatives. TRSA President & CEO Joseph Ricci presented the graduation certificates, followed by reflections from Brian Kimmel of Kimmel Corp., Upper Sandusky, Ohio. Kimmel praised his fellow graduates as “great ambassadors from this industry” and expressed his gratitude for being part of the program.

Kimmel also acknowledged the contributions of Year IV faculty members Dan Gonder and Eric Kurjan. He highlighted Kurjan’s emphasis on the importance of developing skills for individual and company success, quoting Kurjan’s advice on finding the right team players who are “hungry, humble, and smart.”

The camaraderie and openness among the students were evident throughout the program. Kimmel noted, “The trust that we have with each other, it’s real. We have some lifelong friends, and it took four years to build.”

The commencement program featured fewer speeches and skits compared to previous years, with the Year IV group standing out with a parody of “Family Feud.” Kimmel and fellow graduate Emily Hauber of CITY Clean and Simple, Oelwein, Iowa, entertained the audience with their humorous take on the EMI experience.

Jim Underwood, Year III instructor, paid tribute to the late Les Frankfurt, a Holocaust survivor and psychology professor who co-founded EMI Year III. Underwood emphasized Frankfurt’s lasting impact on the program and the importance of caring in leadership, a sentiment echoed by Kimmel in his closing remarks.

TRSA President & CEO Joseph Ricci concluded the ceremony by recognizing the dedication of the EMI faculty, who volunteer their time and expertise to support the program. Ricci emphasized the long-term growth and development that EMI fosters, stating, “You are the future of this industry. Your employers invest in you because they believe in your potential.”

Posted: September 16, 2024

Source: The Textile Rental Services Association (TRSA)

Lectra Announces A Strategic Partnership With Six Atomic

PARIS — September 16, 2024 — Lectra announced today a strategic partnership with the Singapore-based company Six Atomic.

As a player in the fashion, automotive and furniture markets, Lectra contributes to the Industry 4.0 revolution by providing software, cutting equipment, data analytics solutions and associated services to brands, manufacturers and retailers.

Founded in 2020, Six Atomic develops and sells SaaS solutions based on Artificial Intelligence, particularly generative intelligence, to streamline and accelerate the garment design and development process for the fashion market.

Through its technologies and approach to garment design, Six Atomic aims to automate time-consuming and low added value product development tasks. Six Atomic’s solutions empower fashion brands to better leverage their patternmakers’ expertise and underutilized data assets — particularly by enabling the creation of modular pattern libraries, and rapid pattern grading. This comprehensive approach enhances team collaboration and efficiency throughout the garment ideation and development phases, reducing the time required to finalize collections.

“We are delighted to partner with Lectra, a key player in the fashion industry that aligns with our vision for product development in the Industry 4.0 era,” declared Taime Koe and Marc Close, co-founders of Six Atomic. “Lectra’s experience, global presence, and customer base will enable us to accelerate the time-to market of our solutions.”

“Six Atomic is an innovative company that combines Artificial Intelligence expertise with a deep understanding of fashion design and product development processes,” said Maximilien Abadie, chief strategy officer and chief product officer of Lectra. “The teams at Six Atomic and Lectra will work together on developing technological innovation for fashion companies.”

This strategic partnership involves the acquisition of a minority stake of about 18 percent in the capital of Six Atomic, through a capital increase of $2.5 million. Lectra has options to gradually increase its stake in Six Atomic to support its development.

Posted: September 16, 2024

Source: Lectra

Isaac Dabah, CEO Of Delta Galil Industries, Honored By Bizportal With Special Business Achievement Award

CAESAREA, Israel — September 16, 2024 — Delta Galil Industries Ltd. — the global manufacturer and marketer of branded and private label intimate, activewear, loungewear and denim apparel for ladies, men and children — today announced that its CEO, Isaac Dabah has been honored with a special award by Bizportal, Israel’s premier digital financial news platform. Dabah received the award in recognition of Delta Galil’s strong business growth under his leadership at Bizportal’s annual economic conference in September.

“I’m honored to receive this award and share this recognition with all of our employees who demonstrate such dedication and resilience even during challenging times,” Dabah said. “At Delta Galil, we are steadfastly committed to our customers and stakeholders, to pursuing innovation in design and production, and to supporting local communities worldwide, all of which have been key to our business success over the years.”

Dabah was one of five prominent Israeli business leaders who were honored by Bizportal. According to Avishay Ovadia, Bizportal’s editor-in-chief, Dabah was selected for the honor based on his entrepreneurial spirit, innovative initiatives and record of success leading Delta Galil’s successful growth trajectory over many years.

Posted: September 16, 2024

Source: Delta Galil Industries

 

Indo Count Acquires Fluvitex USA, A Pillow & Quilt Manufacturing Unit, To Expand Global Footprint

MUMBAI — September 16, 2024 — Indo Count Industries Ltd., a global bed linen player, today announced a strategic move to strengthen and grow its Utility Bedding segment.

Indo Count Global (ICG), a 100-percent U.S. based subsidiary of Indo Count has acquired Fluvitex USA Inc., a part of Masias Invest S.L., a Spain-based textile machinery firm since 1944. Fluvitex is a Pillow & Quilt manufacturing company based in Columbus, Ohio, with an annual production capacity of 5 million Pillows of different types and 1.5 million quilts. Fluvitex’s strategic location allows efficient distribution across the USA and Canada with a revenue potential of more than $50 million.

ICG has signed a definitive agreement for acquiring 81 percent stake of Fluvitex USA from its promoter shareholder – Masias Invest S.L., with an exclusive option to purchase the remaining 19 percent stake within the next 5 years, i.e. by September 30, 2029. The acquisition is funded by internal accruals and debt.

Mohit Jain, executive vice chairman, commented: “Acquiring Fluvitex is a critical move as it allows Indo Count to establish a fully integrated Utility Bedding business in the USA. Fluvitex’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility and its strategic location will significantly enhance our ability to serve North American customers with a broader product range. This, along with the recent Wamsutta brand acquisition, represents a key milestone in Indo Count’s strategy to build a globally comprehensive Bedding portfolio.”

The acquisition is a pivotal step in Indo Count’s journey and is a stepping stone to establish a manufacturing footprint in the USA, thus enabling the Company to offer a diverse range of bed linen products, including pillows, quilts, decorative pillows and other.

Posted: September 16, 2024

Source: Indo Count Industries

Polartec Wins 2024 R&D 100 Award For Power Shield™ Pro

SPARTANBURG, S.C.— September 13, 2024 — Polartec, a Milliken & Company brand and the creator of innovative and sustainable textile solutions, is proud to announce that its Power Shield™ Pro fabric, which incorporates Biolon™* plant-based nylon, has won the prestigious 2024 R&D 100 Award in the Mechanical/Materials category. This global competition, now in its 62nd year, recognizes revolutionary scientific and technicological innovations from 16 countries. Winners are selected by an expert judging panel of 56 well-respected industry professionals from across the world.

Building on the performance legacy of Polartec® NeoShell™ – a 2012 R&D 100 Award winner – Polartec Power Shield™ Pro is a planet conscious** weather protection shell fabric technology, made with Biolon nylon. The highly durable, extremely breathable non-PFAS monolithic membrane construction provides 20/20 breathable waterproof protection (20k mm water resistance (ISO 811) / 20k g/m2/24hrs breathability (JIS L1099, B1). As a result, it stops rain and snow getting in, while allowing body moisture to escape. Made to withstand wear and tear for resilience you can rely on, its 48 percent plant-based content also lowers carbon footprint by up to 50 percent and reduces reliance on fossil fuels without impacting human food sources.*▲ All of which proves that expedition-grade weatherproof performance can be achieved with more sustainable practices.

Indeed, Polartec Power Shield Pro is a first-of-its-kind weather protection made from renewable, non-GMO plant-based nylon and an innovative non-PFAS membrane. In addition to being soft, flexible and highly versatile, it offers exceptional durability while delivering a 50-percent lower carbon footprint than virgin nylon 6,6, the gold standard against which other nylons are measured. In addition, its chemical free composition is created in a bluesign® certified facility, ensuring its more responsible and sustainable manufacturing. And by mimicking the strength and pliability of traditional nylon, Power Shield Pro ensures long-lasting protection in addition to setting a new benchmark for environmentally-friendly performance fabrics.

Ramesh Kesh, senior vice president – Government & Defense and Polartec at Milliken & Company, said, “We are honored to receive such a prestigious award. Power Shield™ Pro exemplifies our commitment to pushing the boundaries of sustainable textile innovation. This recognition highlights that with the right technology, we can deliver high-performance materials that are also environmentally responsible while advancing eco-engineering trends that will define the future of our industry.”

“Power Shield Pro not only advances weather protection but does so while significantly reducing environmental impact,” said Karen Beattie, director of Product Management at Polartec. “Our dedication to sustainability doesn’t stop with raw materials. The Power Shield Pro membrane technology is based on molecular diffusion, ensuring high durability and extending the life of garments. This ultimately helps reduce the need for frequent replacements, further lowering the carbon footprint of outdoor apparel.”

* Biolon™ is a trademark of Milliken & Company.

**The Biolon™ nylon plant-based content within Power Shield™ Pro reduces reliance on fossil fuels and lowers carbon footprint by up to 50% compared with virgin Nylon-6,6.

*▲ Biolon™ plant-based inputs account for about 45-48% of the nylon in our fabrics and membranes, which lowers carbon footprint and reliance on fossil fuels by 50%, without impacting on human food sources.

©2024 Polartec, LLC. Polartec® is a registered trademark of MMI-IPCO, LLC. Biolon™ is a trademark of Milliken & Company.

Posted: September 13, 2024

Source: Polartec, a Milliken & Company brand

Business Meeting With Chinese Delegation At The KARL MAYER GROUP

Group photo from left to right:
Xia Lianhong, Party Secretary and Director of Dezhou Municipal Commerce Bureau,
Gao Jigang, Deputy Secretary-General of the Dezhou Municipal Party Committee and Director of the Municipal Party Committee Office, Wang Dashan, Deputy Secretary of the Party Working Committee and Director of the Management Committee of Tianqu New District, Jiang Guiting Chairman of Jingjin Equipment Co., Ltd., Tian Weidong, Secretary of the Dezhou Municipal Party Committee and Director of the Municipal People’s Congress Standing Committee and from the KARL MAYER GROUP Dr. Helmut Preßl, CFO, Dieter Gager, Vice President Sales & Marketing of Warp Preparation Business Unit, Kevin Socha, Managing Director of KARL MAYER (H.K.) among others and Gabriel Chiu, Regional Sales Manager at Warp Preparation Business Unit

OBERTSHAUSEN, Germany — September 13, 2024 —

The KARL MAYER GROUP welcomed important visitors from China to its headquarters in Obertshausen, Germany, on September 7. A delegation of government officials from the city of Dezhou in Shandong province and entrepreneurs took advantage of their seven-day business tour through Germany and Serbia to make a detour to the innovative global market leader. To deepen cooperation between the province and Europe, this was the aim of the travelers, including Weiding Tian, Party Secretary oft the Dezhou Municipal City, Dashan Wang, Party official from the Tianqu New District, and Guiting Jiang, chairman of Jingjin Equipment Co Ltd.. The company is a top manufacturer of solutions for industrial filters in China. It has been using warp preparation machines from KARL MAYER for almost a decade to manufacture high-quality textiles for its products. Major investments in new machines have just been made.

The guests were welcomed and given a tour of the company by CFO Dr Helmut Preßl, vice president, Sales & Marketing of KARL MAYER’s Warp Preparation Business Unit Dieter Gager and Kevin Socha, managing director of KARL MAYER (H.K.) among others. Guiting Jiang took the opportunity to gain an impression of the innovative strength and modernity of his partner’s production capacities. In display were the latest warp knitting machines at work and future-oriented fields of application for the textiles produced on them, the latest generation of warp preparation technology and the comprehensive training opportunities offered by the company’s own Academy. The performance demonstration was convincing. “Our guests were impressed by our potential, support options for a wide variety of aspects and, in particular, the motto of our company founder ‘What we do, we do right’, which still applies to us today,” said Gabriel Chiu, Regional Sales Manager at KARL MAYER’s Warp Preparation Business Unit.

As a sign of great mutual trust, an agreement on technical co-operation between Jingjin Equipment Co. Ltd. and the KARL MAYER GROUP was signed on the following Monday. In future, the textile machinery manufacturer intends to provide its Chinese customer with technical warp preparation innovations for its special field of application at a very early stage of the market launch. Jingjin Equipment Co. Ltd., on the other hand, intends to give priority to KARL MAYER machines for modernisation and expansion projects. The signing of the contract took place in Munich at the “Dezhou Multinational Cooperation Excange Symposium” demonstrating that. “With our signature, we are expressing our long-term commitment to each other and to the development of innovations that will boost the textile industry,” explains Dieter Gager.

Posted: September 13, 2024

Source: KARL MAYER GROUP

Discover The Latest Innovations Of The Trützschler Group At ITMA Asia 2024

TCO 21XL

MÖNCHENGLADBACH,, Germany — September 13, 2024 — From October 14 to 18, Trützschler Group will present its machines and technologies in spinning, card clothing and nonwovens. Don’t miss this opportunity and visit us at Booth C11 in Hall 7.

Trützschler Spinning

At this year’s ITMA Asia, Trützschler Spinning will present the newest carding technology for China. Details about this innovation will be disclosed at the show. Visitors should not miss the opportunity to experience this new technology first hand. Experts from Trützschler’s Spinning business unit will also present the third generation of our Integrated Draw Frame, the IDF 3. And of course, our teams will also stand prepared to give up-close insights into the world’s first 12-head comber, the TCO 21XL. These innovations achieve higher efficiency, lower energy consumption, digitalization and intelligent automation for fiber processing in spinning mills. Our technological expertise enables customers to boost value and profit by producing sliver with higher levels of quality at outstanding production speeds.

Trützschler Nonwovens

Representatives from our Nonwovens business will showcase solutions for more sustainable wipe materials made of pulp and other fibers from renewable resources. This includes results from our trials of bamboo pulp combined with viscose/lyocell fibers to make fine baby, body and flushable wipes with mechanical, haptic and visual properties comparable to traditional paper-grade NBSK (Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft) pulp. Bamboo is fast-growing and can be harvested after just three years. That makes it a more sustainable alternative to pulp from softwood trees like pine, spruce or larch because those trees take decades to grow – so harvesting them has a larger negative impact by depleting forest resources.

Our teams will also put a spotlight on Trützschler’s market-proven technologies for Wet-Laid/Spunlace (WLS) and Carded/Pulp (CP). These processes have proven effective in creating cost-efficient, biodegradable nonwovens for flushable wipes and single-use wet wipes.

Trützschler Card Clothing

Last but not least, Trützschler Card Clothing (TCC) will present a wide range of their comprehensive service portfolio, demonstrating how the combination of expertise in clothings, wires and service will bring machinery performance to the next level.

We’re counting down the days! Get your ticket and see you in Shanghai!

Posted: September 13, 2024

Source: Trützschler Group SE

NCTO Calls White House Announcement On Actions Limiting De Minimis A Step Forward Calls For Comprehensive Action To Address Abuse Of De Minimis

WASHINGTON, D.C. — September 13, 2024 — National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) President and CEO Kim Glas issued a statement on today’s White House announcement and fact sheet that outlined executive actions to curtail de minimis shipments in addition to other key measures on enforcement and domestic procurement.

Statement by NCTO President and CEO Kim Glas:

“We appreciate the administration’s actions announced today, which represent a step forward in helping mitigate the impact of the de minimis provision.

“We have called on the administration to use its existing executive authorities to limit the severe damage to our industry created by the de minimis loophole. Today, the administration announced rulemaking to limit de minimis treatment for all imported products subject to U.S. trade remedies and penalties, including the Section 301 tariffs. This is an important, common-sense reform and critical first step. We amplify the need to expedite rulemaking to the fullest extent possible and appreciate their strong engagement with our industry. The administration also announced requirements for additional information on de minimis shipments and other enforcement measures.

“Further, the administration underscored the need for a comprehensive solution beyond this action announced today – underscoring the magnitude of the problem, and the inability to effectively enforce our laws with the flood of de minimis packages coming in daily and the need for an urgent solution. We share that same sense of urgency. We are calling on Congress and the administration to work together to immediately close this disastrous loophole once and for all.

“The U.S. textile industry, a strategic supplier of goods to the U.S. military and PPE is experiencing severe demand destruction fueled by de minimis shipments flooding our market with cheap, illegal imports because of this nonsensical outdated trade loophole. De minimis has facilitated illegal and forced labor products to our doorsteps at the cost of American jobs and our manufacturing sector.

“The flood of boxes coming into the United States under an outdated 1930s trade provision rewards Chinese e-commerce platforms and cheaters with a free trade agreement. It makes detecting illegal products effectively impossible. De minimis hides a black market of goods and puts people and consumers at risk. Half of the 4 million de minimis boxes a day are estimated to be textile and apparel goods – which is why we greatly appreciate the administration calling for the global exclusion of trade sensitive items – including textiles and apparel – from de minimis treatment given the sensitivity of the sector and rampant cheating. If enacted and effectively enforced, this will help significantly bring down the volume of these goods to better detect fentanyl and other illicit and dangerous products and help U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) do its important work in the field with our law enforcement officers. Time is of the essence because there is so much at stake.

“We also underscore the need for Congress and the administration to immediately eliminate this disastrous loophole once and for all in the coming weeks. We will continue pressing for comprehensive reform given the urgency of the crisis – not just for our industry which has lost 19 plants this last year — but for all industries and consumers and families impacted by this loophole.

“Finally, we applaud the administration’s directive on developing a plan for immediate textile and apparel procurement. This is critical to our industry, and we stand ready to supply more goods to the U.S. government. We also appreciate the administration’s stepped-up textile and apparel enforcement efforts over the last few months and their ongoing engagement with this critical industry. Today they announced their efforts to date.  We want to thank Department of Homeland

Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, DHS, and the CBP team for prioritizing this at such a critical time.”

Posted: September 13, 2024

Source: National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO)

Freudenberg Apparel Launches Film Bonding Series: A New Dimension In Sew-Free Garments

WEINHEIM, Germany — September 12, 2024 — Freudenberg Performance Materials Apparel (Freudenberg Apparel) is pleased to introduce the innovative Film Bonding series. This new line of solutions is expertly designed for advanced sew-free bonding applications, enhancing the manufacturing process with modern efficiency and precision. In conjunction with this launch, Freudenberg Apparel is expanding its Net Bonding and Dot Bonding series, further broadening its range of seamless adhesive solutions to cater to the specific demands of the Stretch Active, Intimate, and Athleisure wear segments.

Introducing the Film Bonding series and the expanded Net Bonding series

Freudenberg Apparel’s Film Bonding series features a film structure with a high-quality adhesive, delivering robust shear bond and recovery. This enables garments to conform to the body’s shape while retaining their shape and integrity after stretching, significantly improving durability and wearer comfort. By eliminating bulky seams, the Film Bonding series also provides a clean, smooth finish to fabric surfaces.

Freudenberg Apparel´s Film Bonding series product in tape form.
Source: ©Freudenberg Performance Materials

Available in tape form, Freudenberg Apparel’s Film Bonding solutions accommodate a wide range of weight requirements from 90 to 220 g/m², including thin options under 80µm. The series offers an array of TPE and TPU variants with varying softness levels from medium to very soft, reducing reliance on traditional stitching and making them ideal for various applications, including stitch-free seam bonding on briefs, bras, vests, and leggings.

Complementing the Film Bonding series, Freudenberg has introduced an innovative oval net structure to its TPE polymer adhesive Net Bonding series. This new structure, in addition to the existing Diamond and Hexagon patterns, offers a diverse selection of net structures suitable for a wide array of applications. The expanded weight range of 50-240 g/m² for the Net Bonding solutions provides versatility for creating breathable, elastic, and well-controlled garments in leggings, sports bras, and intimate apparel.

Freudenberg: Pioneering innovation in bonding technology

Freudenberg Apparel´s Net Bonding series product in oval structure.
Source: ©Freudenberg Performance Materials

Freudenberg Apparel’s commitment to innovation is driving the evolution of traditional bonding methods. By harnessing the power of the TPE polymer in its bonding solutions, the company has achieved an optimal blend of softness and elasticity. These advanced TPE polymer bonding solutions are designed to operate at lower melting temperatures, ensuring strong bond strength without compromising fabric integrity.

For further insights into the features and benefits of the Film Bonding series, Net Bonding series, and Dot Bonding solutions, visit our website at FREUDENBERG ACTIVERANGE-Film Bonding Solutions (freudenberg-pm.com).

Posted: September 13, 2024

Source: Freudenberg Performance Materials Apparel (Freudenberg Apparel)

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