Auburn Manufacturing Welcomes DOC Ruling Imposing Duties On Chinese High-Performance Fabric

MECHANIC FALLS, Maine — August 30, 2016 — Auburn Manufacturing, Inc. (AMI) welcomes the August 25, 2016 preliminary antidumping determination by the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) that Chinese manufacturers have been selling amorphous silica fabric (ASF) in the United States are unfairly low prices. ASF is used to insulate and resist extreme heat in industrial applications.

The unfair pricing of these imports allows Chinese producers to sell ASF at artificially low prices in the U.S. market, unfairly undercutting U.S.-made products. DOC calculated a preliminary antidumping margin of 162.47 percent for all companies, and will instruct U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to collect cash deposits on all imports of Chinese ASF in an amount equal to 162.47 percent of the import’s declared value. Not only will importers be required to pay the additional 162.47 percent antidumping duty cash deposit on future entries, but DOC ruled that 162.47 percent antidumping duty cash deposits will be owed going back to product imported in the beginning of June 2016. These antidumping duty cash deposits will be in addition to the countervailing duty (CVD) cash deposits the DOC has required on Chinese imports since the end of June 2016 to offset unfair subsidies by the Government of China.

For one of the two Chinese producers examined, the DOC concluded that the producer failed to cooperate in the investigation. As a result, the DOC rejected all of that company’s data. The DOC also cited other questionable statements and documents submitted by that Chinese producer that prompted the DOC to refer certain matters to CBP for a follow-up investigation. Ordinarily, as a penalty for non-cooperation the DOC would have imposed an AD margin on that producer equal to the margin of dumping that AMI alleged in the petition. However, the DOC concluded that data submitted by the other Chinese producer showed dumping at even greater magnitude than alleged in the petition, so the DOC decided to apply the higher margin to the uncooperative Chinese producer.

Kathie Leonard, president and CEO of AMI, called the imposition of provisional AD cash deposits a very important step in curbing the tremendous increase in Chinese ASF imports. “We’re not out of the woods yet, but at least we see some daylight ahead of us,” Leonard said. “We’ve proved that the Chinese price isn’t a result of cheap labor when making advanced textiles like ours. It’s based on unfair pricing by Chinese producers and subsidies provided by the Chinese government to encourage exports — specifically aimed at the U.S. market.”

As the largest American producer of industrial grade ASF, AMI is the principal supplier of the product to the U.S. Navy. These duties will allow AMI to remain a viable supplier to the Navy and its subcontractors. “With these provisional antidumping duty cash deposits in place — up to 267 percent with countervailing duty included, we’ll be back on a level playing field, and that’s all we need to compete,” said Leonard. “Our quality and service are already well above that of the importers, and the market knows that. The volume of business we’ve lost is only because of unfairly low prices of the Chinese product due to unfair trade practices. With the Department of Commerce’s help, we’ve now confirmed that.”

Final determinations of both investigations are scheduled for mid-January 2017. For both AD and CVD duties to be imposed, the U.S. government must determine not only that dumping and/or subsidization is occurring, but also that there is “material injury” (or threat thereof) by reason of the dumped and/or subsidized imports. The injury determination will be completed by the U.S. International Trade Commission the end of February 2017.

Posted August 30, 2016

Source: AMI

ITMA Asia + CITME 2016 Exhibitor Preview: Trützschler

MÖNCHENGLADBACH, Germany — August 30, 2016 — In Shanghai, all four divisions will exhibit their innovations on 550 m².

1.    SPINNING

Many machines for spinning preparation will be exhibited for the first time in Asia.

TC 15 — 15% more productivity

A whole range of individual measures ensures a performance increase of 15% compared to the predecessor machine. One example is the new web doffer with significantly reduced tension drafts. The result: Increased sliver evenness and improved running behaviour.

T-MOVE — Space saving and increased efficiency

The new can filling station does more than just save space.  The new moving head allows a can change at high delivery speeds. This improves card efficiency. The service life of the cans increases because they do not have to be moved during can change. Naturally, T-MOVE is designed for the new JUMBO CANS.

TC 10 — The most successful card in China

Made in China – for China. The Card TC 10 is the card for the Chinese market. This Trützschler card in the traditional working width of one metre has been specifically designed for the Chinese market.

IDF 2 — Considerable savings due to process reduction while simultaneously improving yarn quality

With the Integrated Draw Frame IDF 2 it is possible to produce cotton rotor-spun yarns in the entire yarn count range without additional draw frame passages. These cost savings are simple to achieve without compromising yarn quality.

TD 9T — TWIN breaker draw frame – The new concept

The Trützschler TWIN draw frame has no efficiency coupling of the two deliveries. This results in approx. 15% increased overall efficiency compared to double head draw frames.

TD 8 — New can changer for the established autoleveller draw frame

Now, for the first time, there is also an underfloor can changer for small cans. This simplifies the operation significantly.

TD 8C — Single head technology with the space advantages of a double head draw frame

The space-saving COMPACT installation of the leveller draw frames is achieved without the disadvantages of conventional double head draw frames.

TCO 12A — Comber for automatic lap change and automatic piecing

More flexibility is not possible. The Toyota-Trützschler combing mill offers manual, semi-automatic or fully automatic flap transport. The Comber TCO 12A is equipped with an automatic lap change with automatic piecing.

JUMBO CANS — Increased economic efficiency and quality improvement

The new JUMBO CANS with 1,200 mm diameter hold 43% more sliver than regular cans with 1,000 mm diameter. The new Trützschler cards, draw frames and combers have been designed for this new, more economic can format.

This means less can transports and increased efficiency of the downstream machine due to longer runtimes in the creel. The quality is improved by a reduction in sliver piecings. Depending on the size of the spinning mill, this results in several hundred thousand piecings less per year.

T-BLEND — Higher precision at twice the production

When dealing with fiber blends, the accuracy of weighing systems is unbeatable. The new Trützschler development T-BLEND also relies on accurate weighing instead of indirect volumetric measurement methods. Based on a series of measures it was possible to double the performance per weigh pan. The new Modular Fiber Blending System T-BLEND combines maximum precision and high production.

T-SCAN — Five technologies work hand in hand for highest separation rates

In the new Foreign Part Separator T-SCAN TS-T5, five detection technologies ensure an all-time high separation efficiency:

F-module — Detection of coloured parts

G-module — Detection of shiny parts

P-module— Detection of transparent and semi-transparent parts

UV-module — Detection of fluorescent parts

LED-module — Detection of smallest thread-shaped parts

T-DATA — Quality data with Trützschler sensor technology

The quality and production data system T-Data processes more than just the regular data. Trützschler sensors are used to determine neps in the card sliver, distances of carding elements or actual energy consumption of the machines. The web-based T-DATA ensures mobile availability of all these data.
2. NONWOVENS

Trützschler Nonwovens puts emphasis on machines and concepts that are particularly sought-after in the Chinese market. The division provides information on new components as well as progress in processes and products.

A modular system for fiber preparation

Established components and new developments are the modular systems available to customers to arrange their individual fiber preparation. For nonwoven installations, the joint development with Trützschler Spinning includes bale opening, high-precision and simultaneously high-productive weighing units as well as the advanced conveyor belt with blending opener.

Nonwovens from the thermobonder – now also structured

A patent-pending, exchangeable structuring shell allows the production of bulky webs with permanent 3D structures during bonding in the through-air thermobonder.

SkyWind – a master roll winder for spunlace systems

Hydroentangled wipes are often produced on large systems. For this area of application, Trützschler Nonwovens developed the master roll winder SkyWind. Equipped with surface drive, it is characterised by robustness, simple operation and high availability.

Wet-in-wet process – nonwovens with special characteristics

Flushable wipes, standard cleaning cloths, coating substrata and technical felts are only a few examples of the end uses for wet-laid and hydroentangled webs. Meanwhile the second Voith-Trützschler system has been successfully put into operation in China.

3. MAN-MADE FIBERS

Trützschler Man-Made Fibers informs about two new developments in the area of carpet yarn systems. The first one is a high-performances, three-end machine concept and the second one an inline system for the production of BCF quality yarns from recycled polyester.

M30 – 3 BCF bobbins in one sweep

The M30 is the latest member of the symTTex system family. The 3-end machine completes the range of 2-end and 4-end BCF machines. Thus, the optimal machine configuration for every application can be custom-made.

R-PET BCF – Carpet yarns made from bottle flakes

Trützschler Man-Made Fibers and EREMA Engineering Recycling Maschinen und Anlagen GmbH have entered into a cooperation in the area of recycled materials, particularly R-PET. For the new inline BCF solution, EREMA supplies a VACUREMA basic system and secondary components that produce a de-contaminated polymer melt. The downstream spinning positions from Trützschler Man-Made Fibers spin the material into high-quality carpet yarns.

4. CARD CLOTHING

In the area of spinning, our flats selection has been expanded by two products for special applications:

NOVOTOP 58

is optimally suited for the application in the area of fine combed yarns at production speeds of up to 65 kg/h and machine width of one metre. A significant positive influence of the carding process is achieved by improvements in terms of tooth geometry, wire height, surface smoothness and the wire tips themselves. The air flow in the carding zone between cylinder and flat is optimised. This also significantly reduces fiber adherence and fiber breakage.

NOVOTOP 30

The flat clothing NOVOTOP 30 has been newly developed for the processing of coarse and/or dyed fibers and reclaimed fibers for rotor spinning.  It is ideally suited for use with yarn counts below Ne 10 and realises high production speeds.

The flat types NT 30 and NT 58 are available as MAGNOTOP and CLASSICTOP.

GX1 cylinder clothing

Our new GX1 clothing has been specifically developed for use in the area of carded and combed cotton. Thanks to improved fiber guidance it allows an optimal fiber transfer and thus significantly better nep separation.

This new development results in a considerably improved raw material utilisation.

Cylinder clothing with 717 ppsi

Our newly developed clothing with 717 ppsi achieves particularly good carding results for coarse to medium-coarse fibers, especially in the area of reclaimed fibers. Here it allows an optimal fiber transfer and greatly reduces fiber adherence.

NOVOBOND

In the area of Nonwovens we are presenting our new NOVOBOND clothings.

The use of this clothing on the condensed roller is recommended when processing PES and PP with CV blends. The special geometry of the tip ensures a very good web adherence up to high speeds. The NOVOBOND clothings are available with 96 ppsi up to 244 ppsi.

Posted August 30, 2016

Source: Trützschler

FRX Polymers’ Nofia® Flame Retardants Obtain Accreditation From Oeko-Tex® Association

CHELMSFORD, Mass. — August 29, 2016 — Several Nofia flame retardant grades from FRX Polymers Inc. — a producer of polymeric, halogen-free flame retardant solutions — have earned accreditation by the Oeko-Tex Association, an international association of independent research and testing institutes focused on enhancing both product safety and sustainable production in the textile industry.

FRX Polymers’ Nofia OL1001, OL3001, OL5000, OL9000, and HM1100 have been added to the Oeko-Tex list of approved flame retardants. This list contains active chemical products which have been inspected by independent toxicologists and assessed as harmless to human health when used as indicated and intended. FR additives that are used in fabrics or in coatings that are applied to fabrics require Oeko-Tex approval (white list) to be compliant in many end-use applications.

“The accreditation of Nofia flame retardants on the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 list is another global achievement that recognizes the material’s high performance and sustainability advantages for the plastics industry,” said Dr. Jan-Pleun Lens, Vice President, Research and Applications, for FRX Polymers.

The chemistry to produce Nofia materials offers the possibility to tailor these phosphor-based products to a wide range of compositions and molecular weights. By varying the process reaction conditions (time, temperature, pressure, and catalyst), either oligomers or polymers of high MW can be produced.

Nofia HM1100 is supplied as a transparent pellet and can be added directly to the extruder when spinning polyester fibers or to molten PET between the PET plant and fiber spinning plant. Secondary processes like dip coating, used with traditional FR additives, are no longer required. As a result, inherently flame retardant staple, mono-filament, texturized, and fully drawn yarns and bulk continuous filaments can be produced. Nofia phosphonates are already widely used in fiber applications including flame retardant technical textiles, carpets, wire and cable braiding, and wigs and hair extensions.

Adding the polyphosphonate component separately to the polyester has further advantages, according to Dr. Lens. The phosphor content in the fibers can be varied from the traditional 6,000 ppm up to 25,000 ppm, so applications with relatively strenuous FR specifications can be targeted. A range of polyester sources including recycled PET can be used to produce environmentally and economically favorable FR polyester fibers.

FRX Polymers is the developer and producer of halogen-free, non-migrating FR materials of low concern to human health and the environment, under the brand name Nofia. The company is currently in the high growth phase of commercializing its unique family of polyphosphonate homopolymers, copolymers, and oligomers. These halogen-free flame retardants are tough and transparent, and possess high melt flow. In addition to their use in fibers and textile applications, Nofia phosphonates are being sold as polymeric flame retardant additives, flame retardant engineering plastics, and as reactive flame retardant additives for thermosetting resins in consumer electronics, building and construction, and transportation markets.

Nofia phosphonates are produced using sustainable green chemistry principles such as a solvent-free production process, no waste by-products, and near 100% atom efficiency. FRX Polymers’ portfolio includes an extensive and growing patent estate. To date, the company has nearly 200 patent applications, of which 99 applications have been granted. The company has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the EPA’s Environmental Merit Award, the Belgium Business Award for the Environment, and the Flanders Investment of the Year Award. FRX Polymers was recognized three times on the Global Cleantech 100 list, and has been a three-time Frost and Sullivan Award winner for Innovation and Customer Value Leadership.

Posted August 30, 2016

Source: FRX Polymers Inc.

The SIGVARIS Group Completes Acquisition Of BiaCare

WINTERTHUR, Switzerland — August 29, 2016 — SIGVARIS is excited to announce it has completed its acquisition of BiaCare’s business, located in Holland, Mich. Sigvaris’ North American headquarters is located in Peachtree City, just south of Atlanta.

Renowned in the industry for innovative medical compression product lines such as CHIPSLEEVE and COMPREFLEX, BiaCare brings to Sigvaris an assortment of products that have already gained the trust of physicians and therapists worldwide.

“BiaCare has a strong reputation for being a pioneering leader in the design and production of medical short stretch wraps, compression garments and other garments for patients in need of therapy options,” says Scot Dubé, president and CEO for Sigvaris North America.  “We feel that BiaCare’s core product assortment is strongly aligned with Sigvaris’ commitment of providing the best products in the market in terms of comfort, quality, fit and therapeutic value.”

“The addition of BiaCare products also strengthens SIGVARIS’ market position in both North America and globally by providing an opportunity for SIGVARIS to serve even more patients under a single brand,” Dubé adds.

BiaCare’s advanced line of compression products are designed to treat lymphedema, lipedema and chronic venous insufficiency, making Sigvaris a world-wide go-to brand for patients with veno-lymphatic diseases and disorders.

“BiaCare and Sigvaris are perfectly aligned, not only in our passion to see patients with complex edema have better outcomes and an improved quality of life, but also, in a common culture of teamwork and continuous innovation based on feedback from the patient and clinical communities,” said Dan Karadsheh, vice president of the BiaCare Corporation.

Keith Hoffman, president of the BiaCare Corporation agreed: “BiaCare is excited to become a part of the Sigvaris family. This acquisition significantly increases our ability to provide physicians and therapists the compression solutions they need, utilizing the well-established Sigvaris brand.”

Andreas Schönenberger, CEO of the Sigvaris Group said, “By acquiring BiaCare, the Sigvaris Group continues its long-term strategy of expanding its product assortment for patients in need of medically-complex therapy options. In this rapidly growing market segment, Sigvaris will maintain its place as a global leader in terms of both innovation and compression therapy.”

Posted August 30, 2016

Source: SIGVARIS

AmeriPride’s Phoenix Branch Receives Healthcare Laundry Accreditation Council (HLAC) Certification

PHOENIX — August 29, 2016 — AmeriPride Services Inc. today announced its Phoenix branch received accreditation from Healthcare Laundry Accreditation Council (HLAC) Board of Directors, verifying that the plant meets the highest standards in processing textiles used in hospitals, nursing homes and other healthcare facilities. HLAC is an independent, non-profit organization that inspects and accredits laundries that process textiles for the healthcare industry.

“This achievement shows our ongoing commitment to healthcare customers by demonstrating that our production facility meets all HLAC guidelines for processing healthcare garments and other textiles,” said Ken Snyder, General Manager of the Phoenix branch. “We want our customers to have confidence that our facilities meet and exceed their expectations and adhere to industry standards for hygiene and safety.”

The decision to become accredited is completely voluntary and a commercial laundry must adhere to quality standards for its equipment, operations and personnel. Upon successful implementation of these criteria, a facility must then undergo rigorous testing and an onsite inspection. HLAC may administer unannounced inspections of accredited facilities to ensure ongoing compliance.

“Congratulations to AmeriPride and their Phoenix management team on achieving this accreditation,” said John Scherberger, HLAC President. “This milestone demonstrates the company’s dedication and commitment to serving the Arizona healthcare industry.”

AmeriPride’s Phoenix facility also recently received the Textile Rental Services Association’s ‘Hygienically Clean Healthcare’ designation, verifying that products cleaned in the plant meet hygiene standards appropriate for medical facilities. AmeriPride is the only laundry in Arizona that is both HLAC and TRSA Hygienically Clean certified.

Posted August 29, 2016

Source: AmeriPride Services Inc.

Indorama Ventures Louisiana Cracker Receives Important Construction Air Permit

BANGKOK, Thailand — August 29, 2016 — Indorama Ventures’ majority-owned Lake Charles, La., gas cracker that will produce ethylene from shale gas, has received an air permit from U.S. authorities signifying an important step forward in maintaining the plant’s startup schedule. The air permit, which is the main environmental permit required by the company in order to proceed with refurbishment of the cracker, allows the project to commence the repair and construction activities at the site a month ahead of the original target date. Ethylene from the cracker will feed the production of MEG (monoethylene glycol), which is used to make PET (polyethylene terephthalate). When complete, Indorama Ventures will become the most vertically integrated PET producer in North America.

The project received a water permit in June that allows the facility to discharge liquid effluent through its waste-water treatment plant. The project has also completed de-bottlenecking-related engineering and has ordered all its major long-lead-time equipment. Mechanical completion is expected in the third quarter of 2017 on schedule, followed by commissioning and startup in the fourth quarter of 2017.

Posted August 29, 2016

Source Indorama Ventures 

New Coating Line For Monforts Advanced Technology Centre

MÖNCHENGLADBACH, Germany — August 29, 2016 — A new complete coating line has been commissioned by Monforts at its Advanced Technology Centre (ATC) at the company’s headquarters in Monchengladbach, Germany, allowing customer’s in-house opportunities to undertake trials with Monforts complete range of coating heads under fully confidential, real production conditions.

Final trials on the coating line were completed in August for rotary screen printing.

The facility also offers trials for a complete range of options for coating applications including knife over air, knife over roller, magnetic roller and printing head coating options such as, for example, magnetic roller coating for lacquering or minimal application.

Fully enclosed, the coating line is set up for solvent flammable materials. Test can also be undertaken for PTFE at temperatures of up to 310° C and PTFE sintering.

The line caters for coating applications up to 1.8 m width, printing up to 1.6 m and magnetic systems up to 2m.

In addition to the new coating line, the ATC hall includes a full Thermex continuous dyeing range suitable for the Econtrol process: a Montex 6500 stenter for knitted fabrics with vertical chain return and equipped with Eco Applicator: and a Montex 8000 stenter for technical textiles – incorporating Eco Applicator, high temperature and an explosion-proof execution for treating fabrics with solvents.

Other facilities include a steam generator and complete utilities including a colour kitchen and fabric laboratory testing equipment.

Monforts technologists are also available for comprehensive customer’s advice on all aspects of coating, dyeing and finishing for technical and classical textiles providing full assistance for economic and ecological processes.

Training courses are also available for machine operators to run the machines under minimum use of dyestuff and energy input for best value added finishing results.

The hi tech, world class facility is another example of Monforts policy to fully support its customers in achieving the best possible solutions in finishing its fabrics efficiently under ecological and economic al conditions.

Posted August 29, 2016

Source: A. Monforts Textilmaschinen GmbH & Co. KG

Apex Logistics Relies On QuestaWeb Technology For Its Customs Brokerage Needs

CLARK, N.J. — August 29, 2016 — QuestaWeb Inc. — a provider of web-native, integrated global trade management software solutions — announces that Apex Logistics, a global supply chain solutions provider with a reach extending across six continents, is using QuestaWeb’s customs brokerage technology, including its specially designed accounting functionality for brokers, to power its customs operations. The solution also allows Apex customers to track and trace shipments as their products move globally.

Apex established its Customs Brokerage Services in 2013 and, from the start, turned to QuestaWeb technology. Across the past three years, QuestaWeb’s automated solution, in concert with Apex’s professional staff, has ensured that necessary government declarations are accurate and timely for imports and exports. Moreover, the software allows Apex to provide remote filing of all customs entries for all shipments moving into the United States, saving clients time and effort, while minimizing risk.

Tatyana Antonetty, General Manager of Customs Brokerage at Apex Logistics, said, “I cannot say enough good things about QuestaWeb. Their technology is excellent. Plus, they have several licensed brokers on staff who are very knowledgeable about all things related to customs. QuestaWeb is always up-to-date on all of the regulations, with software updates ready to go ahead of time. We were ready for the Customs and Border Protection move to the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) well before the mandatory use dates.”

Wayne Slossberg, Senior Vice President, QuestaWeb, said, “Apex Logistics is a firm on the move, expanding both its business and its reach globally. Part of the reason behind its success is the added value and services it offers. Such services allow the firm to level the playing field and compete with the ‘big guys.’ QuestaWeb is proud that its technology is part of Apex’s formula for success.

Posted August 29, 2016

Source: QuestaWeb

EFI to Relocate U.S. Ink-jet Center To New, State-of-the-Art Facility

FREMONT, Calif. — August 29, 2016 — Electronics For Imaging Inc. (EFI) announced it will move to a brand-new facility in Londonderry, N.H., to house its U.S. ink-jet business. The facility, which will be nearly a quarter-million square feet in size with room for additional expansion, is scheduled to be completed in early 2018. The facility will offer very close proximity to the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, which is less than one mile away.

The new EFI™ Inkjet center will allow consolidation of operations into a single facility and include research & development, manufacturing, warehousing, training and service for EFI VUTEk® and EFI Wide Format printers, along with worldwide sales and marketing management for EFI’s broader portfolio of narrow, wide- and superwide-format industrial inkjet printers and presses. A new, state-of-the-art customer briefing and demo center in the facility will house EFI Inkjet production printers for signage and graphics, textile and label applications, along with related EFI Productivity Software and EFI Fiery® digital front end workflow products.

“EFI’s annual Inkjet revenues are closing in on $500 million, and it is happening because our customers are capitalizing on new market opportunities using our expanding portfolio of industrial inkjet printers,” said Scott Schinlever, EFI Inkjet’s senior vice president and general manager. “With the growth we are witnessing in LED inkjet and other key production applications, we have outgrown our existing facilities.

“While we are extremely grateful to have been part of the very welcoming business community in Meredith,” Schinlever added, “relocating to the Manchester area comes with some key advantages to help us continue growing, including proximity to the tremendous pool of talent in the greater Boston metropolitan region.”

Making room for growth in an expanding digital inkjet printing market

The design of the facility is being modeled on the open concept the company has successfully implemented in its Silicon Valley, Calif., global headquarters. The facility will be more than 25% larger and much more efficient in layout than the multiple buildings used to house EFI’s current Inkjet operations in Meredith. Plus, the site in Londonderry includes space for additional expansion if needed. EFI is entering into a long-term ground lease with the City of Manchester, N.H., for the Londonderry site, as well as a lease for the building from BTMU Capital Leasing & Finance LLC, a subsidiary of MUFG, one of the world’s leading financial groups.

Londonderry, a suburb of Manchester, offers easy access to Boston Logan Airport in addition to the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport. Plus, the town is close to the many universities that help make the Greater Boston area a hub for technology research and expertise.

With $447.7 million in revenues in 2015, and growing an average of over 15% annually for the last 5 years, the EFI Inkjet business now accounts for more than half of EFI’s total sales. EFI’s complete printer portfolio, which includes industry-leading LED and UV inkjet narrow-, wide- and superwide-format technologies, along with aqueous textile and ceramic decoration products, gives customers profitable opportunities for “Imaging of Things,” delivering greater product customization and appeal in everything from signage and packaging to décor, apparel and industrial manufacturing.

Posted August 29, 2016

Source: EFI

Riddell Celebrates Groudbreaking On Kollege Town Sports Apparel Facility

ROSEMONT, Ill. — August 26, 2016 — Riddell officially began construction on a new Kollege Town Sports facility and held a groundbreaking ceremony yesterday at the site in Sun Prairie, Wis. The special event featured Riddell and Kollege Town senior leaders and employees, as well as customers, development partners and public officials. The Sun Prairie facility will support all aspects of Kollege Town’s apparel business, while also housing their “fanaKTive” graphics-based product line. A division of Riddell since October of 2015, Kollege Town manages Riddell’s growing apparel category.

The joint Kollege Town and Riddell team, in conjunction with its development partners, initiated the exploration process of identifying a location for a new facility at the beginning of 2016. While the search covered the greater Madison area, Sun Prairie was selected given the ties to the local community, room for future expansion beyond the current footprint, and other logistical considerations. The facility project received vital support from many public entities including the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), City of Sun Prairie, Dane County, and the Sun Prairie Area School District.

While the Sun Prairie project officially started this year, the plan for a new, state-of-the-art facility is many years in the making and was made possible through Riddell’s investment in our business,” said Tom Handlen, President of Kollege Town Sports. “It is very rewarding to know we will be providing our longstanding team at Kollege Town with a beautiful new facility to work from each day, which will help us continue to deliver the exceptional products and service our customers have come to expect.”

The Sun Prairie facility will span 102,125 square feet and will be located on over 13 acres adjacent to a developed business park. It will be responsible for sales, operations, production and warehousing for the apparel line and will host creative support and production for the wide range of fanaKTive products. Kollege Town will transition the activities of its current location in Windsor, Wisconsin to Sun Prairie beginning in the Spring of 2017.

“We have successfully leveraged Kollege Town’s significant expertise in the apparel industry to expand our capabilities and product offering since the acquisition last year,” said Dan Arment, President and Chief Executive Officer of Riddell and BRG Sports. “With the help of Kollege Town, we have strengthened our customer relationships and become better positioned to compete in the marketplace. The Sun Prairie facility will help us maintain this momentum and will be a welcomed addition to our operational footprint.”

The company’s key partners on the project include Avison Young (real estate consultant and construction manager), Incentis Group (public incentives consultant), Scannell Properties (developer), Heitman Architects (architect), and Wisconsin-based Sullivan designBUILD (design build general contractor) and Quam Engineering (civil engineer).

Posted August 26, 2016

Source: Kollege Town Sports, a division of Riddell

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