AmeriPride Services Announces Director Appointments And Promotions

MINNEAPOLIS — September 19, 2016 — AmeriPride Services today announced several new director appointments and promotions.

Kristin LeBre was appointed to the role of director of US Labor Relations and HR. LeBre is an experienced senior legal counselor with expertise in labor and employment law, compliance and litigation management. She started her career at Winthrop & Weinstine and has served as in-house counsel for several public and privately-held companies, including ShopNBC, Musicland, Nash Finch and Fingerhut. LeBre has a J.D. from the University of Iowa, and is currently active in the Minnesota Association of Corporate Counsel and has served on the Minnesota State Bar Association Employment Law Governing Council.

Kathy Jennings has been promoted to senior director/operations controller. Jennings oversees accounts payable, accounts receivable, general accounting and payroll teams, as well as a variety of special projects to standardize and centralize back-office processes. She was recently named to the Finance & Commerce ‘Top Women in Finance’ List, which recognizes women who are making notable contributions to their professions, their communities and society at large. She is also an enthusiastic leader in the company’s community outreach and volunteer programs, including the annual MS150 ride.

Todd Schlachter has been appointed as director of direct sales and will now lead this function across the US and Canada. He and his team will work to enhance and promote AmeriPride’s direct sales capabilities while presenting an integrated rental and purchase solution for customers. Schlachter started with the company in 1994 and has excelled in various service and sales positions during his tenure, most recently as a sales director in the Eastern US and Canada. He works out of the company’s Canadian headquarters in Toronto.

“Our people are our most important asset,” said Bill Evans, president and CEO at AmeriPride. “I am very pleased with these recent organizational changes and confident that these appointments will help us continue to find success and profitable growth in our key markets.”

Posted September 19, 2016

Source: AmeriPride Services

SPESA To Host Dual Conferences In San Antonio, Texas: Advancements In Manufacturing Technologies Conference And Annual Executive Conference

RALEIGH, N.C.  — September 14, 2016 — The Sewn Products Equipment & Suppliers of the Americas (SPESA) will hold dual, back-to-back events at the Marriott San Antonio Riverwalk in San Antonio, Texas. On November 2-3, SPESA will host the Advancements in Manufacturing Technologies Conference and will immediately follow it up with its annual Executive Conference on November 3-5. Attendees can participate in either one or both events.

About the Advancements in Manufacturing Technologies Conference

Seventh in the series, the Advancements in Manufacturing Technologies Conference is designed to help manufacturers of sewn products improve their quality and manufacturing efficiencies while, at the same time, reducing their lead-times required for production. The Conference showcases the technical knowledge and expertise of leading equipment and technology suppliers in a non-commercial, educational-only event. Registration is open to all sewn products industry professionals at its dedicated website www.spesaTechConference.com.

About the annual Executive Conference

In keeping with the Executive Conference ‘Localization and Globalization’ event theme, attendees will learn from and share with industry, government, and education leaders on a wide range of current issues and trends including domestic and regional manufacturing, advanced technologies, economics, and government legislation. Registration is open to all sewn products industry professionals at its dedicated website www.spesaExecConference.com.

According to SPESA Chairman Mel Berzack and president of Sewn Products Equipment Co., “Too often industry professionals have to deal with conflicting events, tight calendars, tight travel budgets, and long travel distances. By compacting these dual events into one week at a mid-continent destination point between the East and West Coasts we have made it easier on everyone.”

“Our 2016 conferences are designed to provide industry executives with updates on technology advancements along with wide-ranging perspectives on how they can succeed and grow in a fast-changing marketplace,” explained SPESA President Benton Gardner. “In addition to a great lineup of speakers and panelists, attendees will enjoy a networking receptions, dinner, and general session networking breaks. We encourage all industry stakeholders to attend and share in these special dual events.”

Presentation Highlights of the Dual Conferences

Advancements in Manufacturing Technologies conference — November 2-3

  • ‘Exploring Collaboration in A Globalized Apparel Product Development Process’ – Tukatech
  • ‘Advancements in Apparel and Fashion Product Development’ – EFI Optitex [USA]
  • ‘Sewing Quality Must Be Engineered into Your Products to Achieve Best Results’ – A&E
  • ‘How Upfront Labor Costing Can Improve Your Bottom Line’ – Methods Workshop
  • ‘Remote Possibilities – Extending the Boundaries of Supply Chain Visibility’ – Gerber Technology
  • ‘Why Speed to Market Matters… And What You Can Do to Get Faster’ – Alvanon, Inc.
  • ‘The Potential of Technology Creating Disruption!’ – Sewn Products Equipment Co.
  • ‘The Purpose of Proper Planning in the Cutting Room’ – Morgan Tecnica America
  • ‘A Call for Change’ – Lectra
  • ‘Still Searching or Already Stitching Again? INH – Ideal Needle Handling’ – Groz-Beckert
  • ‘Real-Time Visibility: The Key to Improved Manufacturing Operations’ – CGS, Blue Cherry Shop Floor Controls
  • ‘Innovate! How Successful Manufacturers Lead Change in Disruptive Times’ – Henderson Sewing Machine Co.
  • ‘Advancements in Vision Sewing Technology’ – Brother International Corp.
  • ‘Selecting the Correct Needle’ – Schmetz Needle Corp.
  • ‘Welding – A Sewing Alternative?’ – DAP America
  • ‘SAN and MR Needles for Advancement in Production of All Sewn Products’ – Groz-Beckert
  • ‘It’s Not Rocket Science, It’s How Addressing the Basics Will Help Make You Successful’ – A&E

Executive Conference – November 3-5

  • ‘Leading with Honor: Leadership Lessons from the Hanoi Hilton’ – Lee Ellis, Colonel (Ret.) – US Air Force
  • ‘Local for Local: Under Armour’s Vision for the Future of Manufacturing’ – Jami Dunbar, Vice President – Lighthouse Apparel – Under Armour
  • ‘Impact of U.S. Election on Textile & Sewn Products Trade Policy’ – Jon Fee, Senior Counsel – Alston & Bird LLP
  • ‘The San Antonio Shoemakers Story’ – Nancy Richardson, CEO – San Antonio Shoemakers
  • ‘Localization: Industry Reshoring and Resurgence’ – Mary Lynn Landgraf, Senior Int’l. Trade Specialist, U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Textiles & Apparel (OTEXA)
  • ‘Globalization’ – Han Bekke, Chairman of the Board – MODINT (Dutch Trade Association for Fashion, Interior and Textiles) and Incoming IAF President (International Apparel Federation)
  • ‘SPESA Speaks’ – Ed Gribbin, President – Alvanon, Inc.

Posted September 16, 2016

Source: The Sewn Products Equipment & Suppliers of the Americas (SPESA)

ITMA Asia + CITME 2016 Exhibitor Preview: Graf + Cie

RAPPERSWIL, Switzerland — September 16, 2016 — The company Graf is a manufacturer of clothings for flat cards and roller cards.  Graf will introduce several innovative solutions for the processing of man-made fibers at ITMA in Shanghai.

EasyTop

Flexible flat clothings are one of the key components in a carding machine. To ensure an evenly high quality of the carding sliver, they have to be replaced regularly. For this process the card needs to be stopped. To keep these down-times as short as possible, Graf now offers a new flat top system, which can reduce the stoppage time by up to 70 %. The so-called EasyTop is applied on flat bars designed for magnetic attachment. The flat tops, equipped with a  metal carrier, are attached securely and precisely by means of a magnetic connection. They resist even highest carding forces and guarantee for a high reliability in operation. The EasyTop system can be used for aluminium flat bars with magnetic attachment technology from all manufacturers. EasyTop are available for working widths of 40“, 51” and 60” in a selection from the well-known and proven types of flat clothings for man-made fibers, the so-called InLine-X and RSTO series, each in the ‘M’-version.

Hipro metallic wire

Thanks to innovative geometry, excellent material and first-class processing, Hipro metallic card clothings ensure top performance and precision together with an exceptionally long working life. Hipro metallic card clothings are suitable for all standard man-made fibres in the nonwoven sector and also for wool. They can be used on the following rollers: doffer, worker, stripper and condenser rollers. These excellent, robust clothings are available with normal profile and as interlinked clothings.

X-Comb

Graf will also present new products for the combing process. The X-Comb segments can be used on comb-bodies requiring individual segments from other manufacturers and thus now make the leading Graf technology also accessible for these conventional combs.  The combing segments are made from metallic clothings that undergo a special surface treatment, which substantially reduces the running-in period.

Posted September 16, 2016

Source: Graf

ITMA Asia + CITME 2016 Exhibitor Preview: Bräcker

PFÄFFIKON, Switzerland — September 16, 2016 — Bräcker — a specialist for key components in ring spinning machines and part of Rieter Premium Textile Components — will present a variety of new products at ITMA Asia 2016 in Shanghai. The company will demonstrate the ability, to generate additional customer value, by utilizing its expertise in ring spinning.

The new STARLETplus traveler from Bräcker with its improved coating shows a better resistance against corrosion. This is of high importance in challenging spinning conditions like high humidity or aggressive fibers. As a result the service life can be extended up to 50 %. These travelers, which are suited for the entire yarn count range, are especially recommended for viscose, CO/CV blends, PES, and dyed fibers. During the entire service life the yarn quality values remain constant.

Another highlight at ITMA Asia will be the redORBIT spinning rings, which are designed to produce high quality yarns at top speeds. The system consisting of spinning ring, ring holder, and support ring is a cost-optimized solution for ring spinning machines. It allows increased speed and thereby a higher production. There is no thermal damage when processing synthetic fibers, because of the optimized heat conduction between traveller and ring. The new redORBIT spinning rings offer a ring spinning solution with optimal price/performance ratio.

Other products, which Bräcker will present at ITMA Asia, will include TITAN spinning rings, PYRIT and ZIRKON travelers, and the well-known range of BERKOL cots and aprons.

Posted September 16, 2016

Source: Bräcker

ITMA Asia + CITME 2016 Exhibitor Preview: Novibra

BOSKOVICE, Czech Republic — September 16, 2016 — Novibra will present several innovative solutions for spinning mills at ITMA Asia in Shanghai.

Spindles in modern ring spinning machines reach speeds of up to 25,000 rpm. In these high-speed applications energy consumption is an important issue. Novibra is now introducing the new LENA (Low Energy consumption and Noise Absorption) high-speed spindles. LENA design has been developed from well-proven Noise Absorbing System Assembly (NASA), which ensures minimum neck bearing load, vibration and noise level at high speed. The unique wharve diameter of 17,5 mm and the footstep bearing diameter of 3 mm lead to a lower energy consumption. LENA is designed for tube lengths up to 200-210 mm.

Another new product presented at ITMA Asia is the clamping and cutting crown CROCOdoff, which is also available as the version CROCOdoff Forte for coarse yarns. The crown is operated by the spindle speed and has been designed for machines with autodoffer. The improved design of the “teeth” guarantees a reliable clamping and cutting of the yarn. In addition, the CROCOdoff reduces the risk of yarn breakage during start-up, decreases energy consumption, minimizes material loss and reduces maintenance. CROCOdoff is suitable for the use with new machines as well as an upgrade for existing machines.

Posted September 16, 2016

Source: Novibra

ITMA Asia + CITME 2016 Exhibitor Preview: Suessen

SÜSSEN, Germany — September 16, 2015 — At ITMA Asia, Shanghai, Suessen will exhibit various new components for ring and rotor spinning machines. All innovations are aiming for optimal yarn quality and high productivity, while costs are reduced at the same time.
Suessen is part of Rieter Premium Textile Components.

In ring spinning one of the highlights will be the EliTe®CompactSet Advanced, a compact spinning system, which can be installed on nearly all types of ring spinning machines. The system includes various innovations resulting in better yarn quality and increased productivity. A typical example is the “flip-over technology”: as the fibre path within the drafting system is off-centred, the use of top roller cots and aprons can be doubled. The main goal of this and the other innovations is increasing lifetime of the components and reducing maintenance costs. The EliTe®CompactSet can be equipped with the optional EliTwist® enabling the production of compact two-ply yarn on ring spinning machines. EliTwist® is highly suitable to spin two-ply core yarns.

Suessen will also present various new Premium Parts for rotor spinning machines. The new TwistTrap Navel is a modified navel with a patented twist-retaining element. The navel, which is applicable to all types of spinboxes, provides an additional false twist, which results in better spinning stability. The production increases by 10 % to 15 % due to the possible twist reduction. Another new Premium Part is the PS7 TwinDisc. There is substantially less flexing work between rotor shaft and disc, as the width of the disc is reduced from 10 mm to 7 mm. Due to the lower energy consumption – up to 11 W are possible depending on the rotor speed – the pay-back period of this innovative component is very short.

Posted September 16, 2015

Source: Suessen

Clinician-Turned-TV-Journalist Highlights TRSA Healthcare Conference Agenda

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — September 15, 2016 Headlining the agenda for TRSA’s upcoming members-only Healthcare Conference and Plant Tour will be Manny Alvarez, M.D., senior managing health editor of Fox News, offering insights into the future of health science and patient care. “Dr. Manny” will guide attendees in foreseeing the impact on healthcare laundering of the big-picture issues that drive the U.S. patient census.

The clinician-turned-journalist’s remarks will resonate with attendees whether your company is dedicated to the healthcare market or just getting started. His presentation, like others at the conference (Nov. 30 to Dec. 1 in Nashville), will lead you to improve business practices that translate healthcare industry growth to a better margin in your operations.

Dr. Alvarez remains active in patient care, with his most recent credentials including:

Chairman, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Science, Donna A. Sanzari Women’s Hospital, Hackensack University (N.J.) Medical Center
Examiner, American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology
Adjunct Professor, School of Medicine, New York University

Formerly a health science reporter for Telemundo, Dr. Alvarez shifted to Fox in 2005. Lively, jovial and engaging, he communicates valuable health-related information and provides insider insight into medical research. He has published several research papers on various health-related topics and these books for consumers:

  • The Checklist: What You and Your Family Need to Know to Prevent Disease and Live a Long and Healthy Life
  • The Hot Latin Diet: The Fast-Track Plan to a Bombshell Body

Also highlighting the conference agenda: a visit to NOVO Health Services, Nashville, a plant opened in February. The 44,000-square-foot (38,500, production; 5,500, office) facility processes 25,000 pounds per day, employing 50. It features a tunnel washer, six washer-extractors and fully automated systems for clean and soil conveying, press-to-dryer shuttling and dryer-to-finishing conveying.

A session before the tour will acquaint attendees with principles that guided NOVO and ARCO/

Murray Construction in creating a maximum-throughput processing environment. You’ll learn how they mapped steps, sized systems to keep production moving and otherwise deployed industry best practices including optimizing use of building height. After the visit, a panel of the plant’s management will accompany attendees back to the conference host hotel (Omni Nashville) to lend further insight into the operation.

Other discussions and presentations will draw on the experience and expertise of TRSA members, the most heavily invested textile services professionals in the healthcare market. Panel topics include:

Evolving Market-Driven Services
Quality Product Innovations
Looking Ahead—Emerging Customer Trends

General and breakout session topics:

Cart Cleaning and Infection Prevention
Exceeding Customer Expectations
Identifying Critical Control Points (CCPs)
Integrated Delivery Networks (IDNs)
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
TRSA Activities Update

The day before the conference, sessions for leadership and participants in TRSA’s Hygienically Clean certification program will take place at the Omni. These will consist of meetings of the Hygienically Clean Advisory Council and the Hygienically Clean Healthcare. An invitation-only gathering of member company laundry operator CEOs will take place that evening.

Posted September 15, 2016

Source: TRSA

Terry Crump Retires, Vince Trotta Takes Over As Director of Sales

FERNDALE, Wash. — September 15, 2016 — Samson reports that after 18 years of service, Terry Crump has announced his retirement and will step down as director of sales on September 30, 2016. Vince Trotta has been named as Terry’s successor, joining the Samson team in June of 2016. Terry will remain on staff through the end of February 2017 to support Vince during the transition.

Terry’s first position with Samson, in 1998, was General Manager of First Washington Net, in Blaine, Washington. During his tenure, his roles at Samson included: Commercial Fishing Category Manager, West Coast Regional Sales Manager for Commercial Marine, General Sales Manager for Commercial Marine, and most recently, Director of Sales for the Americas.

Terry and his team have contributed significantly to Samson’s growth. “The focus on end-user needs, customer service, and application solutions has always been a key driver for our team, and we are well-positioned to continue on this growth path under the leadership of Vince Trotta.”

“Terry’s contributions to Samson will stand the test of time,” said Joe Mazzacano, VP of Sales and Marketing for Samson. “He’s long been recognized as a technical expert, an advocate for his customers, and an inspirational leader by his peers inside and outside of the company.”

Vince’s career includes 19 years at GE in the locomotive, mining, and aircraft engine businesses. His most recent job was working for Boart Longyear, a multi-national company selling exploration drilling equipment, tooling, and services to mining exploration companies. At Boart, as Director of North American Sales, Vince led a large sales team that repeatedly exceeded plan, launched many new products, and implemented comprehensive market strategies and selling processes. Well-versed in technology and products with similar value propositions as synthetic rope, Vince’s education and experience are an excellent complement to Samson. Vince holds a degree in Electrical Engineering from West Virginia University.

“After visiting key customers during my transition with Terry, it is clear they rely on Samson’s innovation, product quality and after-sales support to make their operations the most productive and safest possible,” says Vince Trotta. “These same customers and prospective customers are challenging us to continue this innovation and service; leading to new growth opportunities at Samson. I am excited to lead the experienced Americas sales team to develop and serve these customers, as Samson also identifies new customers and grows into new markets to expand our product and service base.”

Posted September 15, 2016

Source: Samson

INDA Marks 25th Anniversary Of Filtration International Conference & Exposition With Record Exhibition Space Booked And Complimentary Admission Day

CARY, N.C. — September 15, 2016 — INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, is celebrating the 25th Anniversary of its annual Filtration International Conference & Exposition with record exhibition space booked and by offering a complimentary admission day for attendees.

INDA expects more than 1,500 industry participants and 140-plus exhibitors to showcase their latest innovations in 18,400 square feet at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia. Booth space was increased in response to the strong demand.

Filtration 2016 International Conference & Exposition will take place Nov. 8-10. New this year, complimentary admission to the exhibit hall will be offered to industry participants on Nov. 10.

“The unwavering strength of the Filtration International Conference & Exposition demonstrates the importance and staying power of the filtration segment as it responds to seismic shifts in our industry and the world around us,” said INDA President Dave   Rousse. “This event continues to show its tremendous value in connecting industry pioneers, providing clear solutions to needs, and presenting the latest on important industry topics.”

Pure Need Program

Focused on the theme of “Pure Need,” which reflects the solutions-orientation of the exhibits, the conference will feature presentations by industry thought leaders in the areas of Pure Science, Insights, Standards, Need, and Facts.

Alfred Weber, President and CEO, MANN+HUMMEL International and GmbH & Co. KG will deliver the keynote address on “Filtration Meets Digitalization,” followed by a full slate of presentations from top scientists, researchers, engineers, product developers, business leaders, and government officials on Nov. 8 from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Filtration Exposition kicks off Nov. 9 from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and will be highlighted by an industry reception on the show floor from 5 to 6 p.m. where INDA will commemorate the important 25th year milestone with a special recognition. The complimentary admission day on Nov. 10 from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. will wrap up the event.

“H&V has been an exhibitor, presenter, and organizing committee member at the Filtration Show for years.  As a filtration media manufacturer, the Filtration Show remains an important venue to showcase our products and network with present and prospective customers,” said Catherine Aikman, Corporate Communications Manager, Hollingsworth & Vose. “Even in this digital age, the personal interaction possible only at the show makes it critical to our marketing effort.”

“INDA and the annual Filtration International Conference and Exposition are vital to our success and growth in this market,” said Daniel E. Oberle, Director Global Market Development, Henkel Adhesive Technologies. “The conference offers a comprehensive and compact view of the entire industry in just a few days, helping to ensure the needs of the industry and the technology developments are properly aligned.”

Brian Vancrum, Vice President & General Manager, CLARCOR Industrial Air, said participation in the event allows his company to “connect with current customers and suppliers while developing new customers, and learning about new technology and the evolving competitive dynamics in our industry segment.”

“Filtration 2016 is an extremely valuable forum for charting the future direction of our industrial filtration business,” Vancrum said.

The event also fulfills the educational needs of participants with a one-and-a-half day course Nov. 8-9 on Nonwoven Filter Media led by Christine Sun, Ph.D., Principal, Filtration Technologies International.

Posted September 15, 2016

Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

FTA With Vietnam Set To Boost European Retailers

BRUSSELS, Belgium — September 15, 2016 — The EU’s free trade agreement with Vietnam will boost European growth and job creation in the retail sector, as well as the development of Vietnam, according to EU trade negotiators, experts and business leaders. Speaking at an event by the Mission of Vietnam to the EU and BusinessEurope on September 14 in Brussels, the chief negotiators and ambassadors from both sides were joined by leading EU trade association representatives in urging for the speedy ratification and entry into force of the agreement.

“The EU retail sector has a double interest in Vietnam as it is our second largest source of fast-moving consumer goods after China and because of growing interest for investment in retail stores in Vietnam,” said Pierre Gröning, trade policy director at the Foreign Trade Association.

The scale of the potential gain for the sector is enormous. “For retail, the FTA with Vietnam is more important than TTIP [with the US], CETA [with Canada] and the Japan agreement combined,” said Gröning.

EU retailers currently import 8 percent of fast-moving consumer goods from Vietnam, a figure still well behind the 50 percent imported from China, but growing fast and set to get a boost from the elimination of tariffs under the FTA, which would lower costs for importers and European consumers.

Among key export items, garments and textiles witnessed an increased turnover of $15.5 billion, up 4.2 percent year-on-year in the first eight months of 2016, and footwear ($8.6 billion, up 8.1 percent). Even without the FTA, EU clothing imports from Vietnam increased by 3.2 percent in 2015. Given the sensitivity of the sector, the full elimination of the tariffs will be staged over seven years. Rules of origin conditions for garments will require the use of fabrics produced in Vietnam, with the only exception being of fabrics produced in South Korea, another FTA partner of the EU.

The Vietnamese market is also increasingly attractive to European producers and retailers. The FTA will give tariff-free access to a market of 90 million consumers — with a middle class expected to reach 30 million by 2020 — to European products including cars and motorbikes, pharmaceuticals and alcoholic beverages. Goods produced in Vietnam will have duty-free access to the 630 million plus strong Asian Economic Community and with the impending Trans-Pacific Partnership to the largest free trade area in the world.

“Vietnam is a very attractive destination for investment,” said Vietnamese Vice-Minister for Trade and Industry Tran Quoc Khanh. “Anything produced in Vietnam enjoys tariff-free export to most of world.”

The agreement is also expected to boost Vietnam’s development, already considered an exceptional success story, with per capita income rocketing from $100 in 1986 to $2,100 in 2015. “Development has been driven by economic growth and economic growth has been driven by exports. We [the EU] pushed for a move from development aid to trade and Vietnam responded,” said EU Ambassador to Vietnam Bruno Angelet.

The first comprehensive trade agreement the EU concludes with a developing country, the FTA includes a strong chapter on sustainability.

Posted September 15, 2016

Source: Mission of Vietnam to the EU

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