NCTO Praises House For Passage Of Trade Promotion Authority

WASHINGTON — June 18, 2015 — The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) applauds House passage of legislation to renew Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) earlier today. TPA establishes congressional negotiating objectives and consultation mechanisms involving international trade agreements currently being negotiated by the U.S. government.
 
Additionally, TPA formalizes consultation mechanisms between Congress and the Executive Branch on trade agreements as they are being negotiated. It is critical that the Executive Branch work closely with Congress to develop trade agreements that fully incorporate the interests of American textile workers and the middle class.
 
“We want to thank those members of Congress who supported the passage of Trade Promotion Authority,” stated NCTO President Augustine Tantillo. “These members are helping to ensure that we have direct and meaningful input into trade negotiations and thus helping to provide a strong outcome for U.S. textile manufacturers.”
 
With House passage of TPA, the bill goes to the Senate for consideration.  As TPA continues to work its way through Congress, NCTO looks forward to continued collaboration with both the Executive Branch and Congress to develop trade agreements that fully represent the interests of U.S. textile manufacturers, which employ 499,500 workers nationwide.
 
Posted June 23, 2015

Source: NCTO
 

Techtextil North America 2015 Exceeds Records From The Last Three West Coast Editions.

ATLANTA, Ga. — June 22, 2015 — The twelfth edition of Techtextil North America took place June 2-4, 2015 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas. This was the fourth edition of Techtextil North America hosted outside of Atlanta held in the even years, and the first show hosted in Texas. The change of venue has proven to have been better suited for visitors and exhibitors.
 
The two in one event showcased the co-location with JEC Americas resulting in a dynamic synergy creating the largest technical textiles, nonwovens, textile machinery, composites show in the United States during 2015.
 
The 2015 Techtextil North America show hosted 145 exhibitors from 18 countries. The co-located event with JEC Americas attracted 2,821 visitors from around the world representing SpaceX, Nike, Yeti Coolers, NASA, Dow Chemical, Varsity Sports and more. Techtextil North America 2015 produced an 98% increase in net square footage, 96% increase in exhibitors and increased 39% in visitors over the last edition held in Anaheim, California in 2013.
 
World-Class Symposium 2015
Held concurrently with the exhibition, the 3 day symposium contained 10 sessions with 33 industry expert presentations that covered the topics of new fiber developments, protective textiles, medical textiles, aerospace, tensile structures, and nonwoven advancements, smart textiles, and raw materials/sustainability along with graduate student poster presentations.
 
The symposiums received high marks and many were standing room only. Visitors had the opportunity to interact with the presenters during Q&A providing an open dialog exchange of knowledge.
 
“The sessions were simply fantastic. We had a full house all the time, with some people standing in the back during some sessions. Some of the speakers I invited were first-time speakers for Techtextil, and our speakers were incredibly impressed with the organization and professionalism — the whole event!” declared moderator Dr. Behnam Pourdeyhimi, Executive Director, The Nonwovens Institute.
 
Attendee Statements
“Techtextil North America embraces multiple disciplines in the Technical Textiles markets, offers visual confirmation of innovation at its accompanying trade show, while sparking ideas and project proposals during the concurrent Symposia.  It is amazing how much you can learn at one venue in such a condensed timeframe.  Thank you for advancing my education!”  Mary Lynn Landgraf, Senior International Trade Specialist, OTEXA, U.S. Department of Commerce
 
Scott Carroll, JX Nippon ANCI, Inc., states “The Techtextil North America Symposiums in Houston were outstanding. Each session was very informative.”
 
Exhibitors were pleased with the high quality of attendees
Fernando Merino, ERT says “We are here promoting automotive solutions and it’s working. We have made lots of contacts with Latin American visitors and those from New York too. The show was very good.”
 
Karl Kitze, KSL/DAP America Inc., adds “We have had a bunch of new customers interested in our textile machines that we are showing at Techtextil North America. The past two days have been good and we have gained new welding customers. We will definitely be back next year in Atlanta exhibiting in the German Pavilion.”
 
Greg Braxton, Zimmer Austria comments, “Techtextil North America in Houston has produced quality leads and contacts. We will be back in Atlanta in 2016.”
 
Techtextil North America 2016
The thirteenth edition of Techtextil North America, the only trade show in the Americas dedicated to technical textiles and nonwovens, will be co-located with Texprocess Americas and JEC Americas, May 3-5, 2016 at the Georgia World Congress Center. Techtextil North America and Texprocess Americas are set to attract more than 8,000+ visitors, host 700+ exhibitors and feature two world-class symposiums with more than 20 sessions over the 3 day event.

Posted June 23, 2015

Source: Messe Frankfurt Inc.
 

World of Wipes® International Conference Attracts Record Attendance To Atlanta

CARY, N.C. —  June 23, 2015 — INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, wrapped up its ninth annual World of Wipes® International Conference, June 16-19, with the presentation of the World of Wipes Innovation Award to The Clorox Company and record conference attendance.  
 
This year’s event held at the InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta Hotel drew over 500 people to Atlanta to discuss their business in wipes and attend the valuable presentations, surpassing all prior WOW conferences.  
 
The successful WOW 2015 explored topics, issues, trends, forecasts, regulations, and advances affecting the global nonwoven wipes market with a focus on flushability, specialty materials for industrial wipes, fragrances, and wet wipe preservatives. WOW is the only event of its kind devoted solely to the entire wipes value chain.
 
“We are delighted with this year’s record attendance demonstrating the vibrancy and strength of this important nonwovens segment,” said INDA President Dave Rousse. “Both industry veterans and newcomers to WOW 2015 benefitted from the many networking opportunities, educational presentations, and panel discussions on the very latest topics affecting the industry. Attendees took away in-depth knowledge on the drivers impacting wipes now and into the future to take their wipes businesses to new heights.”
 
WOW conference speaker highlights included a presentation on game-changing consumer trends and forecasts by Carman Allison, Vice President of Consumer Insights, Nielsen Canada; and a panel of experts discussing the latest in flushable wipes and legislation, moderated by Jan O’Regan, Director of Strategic Initiatives at Cotton Incorporated.
 
Participants connected face-to-face with hundreds of wipes professionals during receptions, table top displays, networking breaks, and Dining with Thought Leaders.
 
Preceding the conference, INDA’s WIPES Academy was presented by Rob Johnson, PE, Principal, Smith, Johnson & Associates. The Academy is the first and only comprehensive wipes training for the entire wipes supply chain.
 
World of Wipes Innovation Award Presented to Clorox ScrubSingles
INDA also presented the winner of the World of Wipes Innovation Award to Clorox ScrubSingles Kitchen pads, selected by conference attendees in voting, following presentations by each of the finalists. Other finalists were Brawny Industrial® FLAX Cloths from Georgia-Pacific and DuraDry® by Polymer Group Inc. (PGI).
 
The winning ScrubSingles Kitchen pad is a hybrid wipe and sponge loaded with Clorox® cleaner. The ScrubSingles formulation and nonwoven has been optimized for generating foam, allowing users to clean while minimizing fear of damaging surfaces.
 
The annual award recognizes the product that most expands the use of nonwovens and demonstrates creativity, novelty, uniqueness, and technical sophistication within the entire nonwoven wipes value chain.
 
INDA announced WOW 2016 will be held June 7-10, 2016, at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers, in Chicago.

Posted June 23, 2015

Source: INDA
 

Gerber Technology And Speakers From Aeropostale And Randa Accessories To Present At PI Apparel

NEW YORK CITY — June 23, 2015 — Gerber Technology is excited to announce that guest speakers Meg Munits, director of application development at Aeropostale, and Robyn Howard, senior PLM manager at Randa Accessories, will speak about the benefits of PLM for businesses at this year’s PI Apparel 2015 Conference in New York on June 23 and 24. The annual conference attracts many of the world’s leading fashion, apparel and footwear brands and executives. Over the two-day event, industry experts will discuss how modern technology can help address opportunities and challenges surrounding product lifecycles.

Meg Munits is a guest speaker for the session entitled, “How Can PLM Help Facilitate Fast Fashion?” on June 23 at 11:15 a.m. in Room 1 at the Union League Club. Munits will speak about how Aeropostale is leveraging YuniquePLM to shorten cycle times by centralizing and sharing data. Implementation of the software with the company’s cross-functional product development teams enabled Aeropostale to bring its collections, namely the Bethany Mota line, from concept to delivery in a matter of months.

On June 24, Robyn Howard from Randa Accessories will speak in the session, “How can PLM Facilitate a Truly Global Brand?” In the session, delegates will learn how global companies are able to navigate uncertainty, innovate and adapt to changing realities as well as new market opportunities. Randa Accessories, the leader in lifestyle accessories, has taken a comprehensive and enthusiastic approach to align the people, processes and technologies across its departments in 11 countries.

YuniquePLM is web-based product lifecycle management software that helps the fashion and apparel industries communicate effectively, accelerate workflows and eliminate errors. Its latest enhancements include a new development calendar and line planning function, as well as 3D file support and mass sample request development.

Posted June 23, 2015

Source: Gerber Technology
 

Statement By U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman On Senate Vote On Trade Promotion Authority

WASHINGTON — June 23, 2015 — Today, the U.S. Congress made clear that the United States intends to lead on trade, deliver more, good middle class jobs and unlock opportunity for American workers, farmers, ranchers and small businesses across the country.
 
A bipartisan majority of the Senate has now joined a similar majority in the House in demonstrating that there is broad support for U.S. leadership in establishing the rules for trade. Based on this support, the U.S. can speak with one voice as we move forward to final passage and with trade agreements such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (T-TIP).
 
Through its actions over the past week, Congress has given us its marching orders, including unprecedented requirements for transparency and consultation, and we look forward to continuing our work with Congress as we carry them out.
 
Now it’s time for Congress to follow through with legislation that helps train American workers, supports American manufacturing and renews vital programs that help spur sustainable economic development from Africa, to Haiti, to developing countries across the world.
 
Within reach is an opportunity to shape tomorrow’s global economy so that it reflects both our values and our interests.  Working with Congress, a broad range of stakeholders and the American public, we look forward to delivering on that promise.

Posted June 23, 2015

Source: USTR
 

The Rupp Report: Shipments Of New Textile Machinery Down Slightly

Over the past few months, economic trouble in Greece in its possible exit from the Euro zone, the so-called “Grexit,” have clouded the global economy and created some difficulties for the Euro. And the latest news from Europe confirms this Grexit isn’t impossible in the near future. No one knows if money printed by the European Central Bank will help the textile industry make favorable investments, or is it just another tool for the banks to gamble? I’m sure, dear reader, you know the answer.
 
So all these small and big problems, in line with the rising costs in China are also reflected in the 37th annual International Textile Machinery Shipment Statistics released by the Switzerland-based International Textile Manufactures Federation (ITMF). The report covers spinning, draw-texturing, weaving, large circular knitting, flat knitting and finishing machinery. According to ITMF, the 2014 survey has been compiled in cooperation with some 110 textile machinery manufacturers, representing a comprehensive measure of world production.
 
Overall Decline
According to the 2014 statistics, shipments declined in most of the textile machinery segments. In a nutshell: Deliveries of new short-staple spindles fell by 15 percent from 2013 to 2014. On the other hand, shipped long-staple spindles and open-end rotors enjoyed an increase of 70 and 2.6 percent respectively. The increasing importance of man-made fibers is clearly demonstrated in the number of shipped draw-texturing spindles: shipments of single heater draw-texturing spindles for polyamide filaments grew by 76 percent; although shipments of double heater draw-texturing spindles fell by 12 percent. Furthermore, shuttle-less weaving machinery shipments dropped by 14 percent, and new large circular knitting machines also dropped by 22 percent year-on-year. In contrast, shipments of flat-knitting machines rose by 31 percent.
 
Short-staple Spindles
According to the ITMF’s report: “Shipments of new short-staple spindles fell by 15 percent in 2014 year-on-year and more than reversed the increase of 10 percent in 2013. The level of short staple spindles declined to 9.8 million spindles, the lowest level since 2009 and also lower than the ten-year-average of 10.9 million. Most of the new short staple spindles (91 percent) were shipped to Asia, whereby shipments fell by nearly 17 percent year-on-year. Thereby China, the world’s largest investor of short-staple spindles, experienced a decline of nearly 29 percent. Four of the five largest investors for short-staple spindles originate from Asia. Including China these are India, Vietnam and Indonesia. Shipments to Turkey, the fourth largest investor, increased by 5 percent in 2014, the third consecutive increase.”
 
Long-staple Spindles
The ITMF report continues: “Global shipments of long-staple (wool) spindles increased by 70 percent from 80,800 in 2013 to 137,650 in 2014. That is the strongest increase since 2012. The majority of long-staple spindles (69 percent) were shipped to Europe. Thereby, shipments to Turkey rose to 67,000, which is equivalent to a share of 49 percent of global shipments. Within Europe Belarus and Italy came second and third with shipments numbering 21,216 and 10,584 spindles. In 2014, shipments to Asia increased marginally by 0.2 percent to 29,000 spindles. While North and South America did not receive any shipments of long-staple spindles, shipments to Africa amounted to 432.”
 
Open-end Rotors
“Shipments of open-end rotors improved moderately in 2014 by 2.6 percent after they declined in the previous two years. The number of shipments reached 454,720, the highest level since 2011 and well above the long-term average of 402,669. Nearly 67 percent of worldwide shipments of open-end rotors were destined for Asia; however, the pace is declining. Shipments to Asia fell by 13 percent after declines of 13.9 percent and 11.9 percent in 2013 and 2012 respectively. Also, in South America shipments declined (-9.3 percent). In contrast, shipments to Europe and, especially, North America saw strong increases of nearly 27 percent and 402 percent respectively.”

This is in-line with the stronger textile industry in the United States, particularly in cotton spinning. There is certainly more to come about this at the next ITMF congress to be held in San Francisco in September 2015.
 
Texturing Machinery
In the texturing machinery segment, ITMF reported: “Global shipments of single heater draw-texturing spindles (mainly used for polyamide filaments) increased by 76 percent from 2,600 in 2013 to 4,576 in 2014. With nearly 57 percent Asia is the region where most of the single heater draw-texturing spindles were shipped to follow by Western Europe with 20 percent and South America with close to 15 percent.
 
In the segment of double heater draw-texturing spindles (mainly used for polyester filaments) the downward trend continued and global shipments fell by 12 percent on an annual basis to 443,352. However, the pace of decline moderated somewhat compared to 2013 when shipments fell by nearly 30 percent. Asia’s share of worldwide shipments amounted to close to 88 percent. Thereby, China remained the largest investor accounting for 60 percent of global shipments.”
 
Weaving Machinery
ITMF said: “In 2014, worldwide shipments of shuttle-less weaving machines fell by 14 percent to 71,667 units, the third decline in a row. … As in previous years the main destination of shuttle-less weaving machines was Asia amounting to a share of 97 percent of worldwide deliveries.” This decline certainly reflects the slowdown of the Asian economy in general, and the Chinese slowdown in particular. Investments are executed more carefully at the moment. It will be interesting to see what the industry — in this case, Shanghaitex exhibitors — tell the Rupp Report about the situation in China.
 
Of the 71,667 units, “shipments of water-jet shuttle-less looms dropped by 30 percent to 24,220, the third fall since 2012.” This is not a surprise because water-jet weaving machines are mainly at work in Asia for mass production of fabrics made of filament yarns. “Shipments of air-jet looms also declined though this was the first fall after four years of increases. The number of shipped air-jet looms contracted by 19 percent to 20,176 in 2014. In contrast, deliveries of rapier/projectile loom shipments rose by 14 percent from 23,828 in 2013 to 27,271 in 2014, the highest level since 2006.” This fact was confirmed in various discussions with suppliers of these machines. Rapiers and projectiles — manufactured by one producer,  Italy-based Itema — are enjoying good business.
 
“… the percentage of the three subcategories is relatively even. Water-jet looms measure 36 percent of shipments to Asia, 35 percent are rapier/projectile looms and 29 percent are air-jet looms. In Europe and North America, 73 percent and 54 percent of shipments are for rapier/projectile looms, while the share of water-jet looms is only 7 percent and 11 percent respectively.”
 
Large Circular Knitting Machines
In the area of knitting machinery, ITMF reported: “Global shipments of large circular knitting machines fell by 22 percent from 36,575 in 2013 to 28,502 in 2014, the lowest level since 2009. Also for this category Asia is the world’s leading investor. Nearly 88 percent of all circular knitting machines are shipped to Asia and with a share of 60 percent (close to 17,000 shipments) of worldwide deliveries China is the single largest investor. India and Turkey rank second and third with 2,464 (8.6 percent) and 1,325 units (4.6 percent) respectively.”
 
It could very well be that these numbers reflect an increasing trend towards smaller lots and more flexible production. Flat knitting machines are much easier to handle than big circular machines, including the production output.
 
Flat Knitting Machines
This idea is reflected in the results for flat knitting machines. ITMF said: “2014 was a good year for this segment as global shipments grew by 31 percent to 46,100 machines. This was the first increase since 2011. Again, Asia received the highest share of shipments. Over 85 percent of all deliveries went to Asia with China being the largest investor with a share of 42 percent equivalent to over 19,000 units. Including China, four of the five largest investors for flat knitting machines are Asian countries. Second and third are Bangladesh (11,312 units) and Vietnam (1,956). Turkey ranks fourth with 1,879 machines and India fifth with 1,840 units.”

Also China is facing strong competition and has to adapt it production policies towards more flexibility, smaller lots and improved quality.
 
June 16, 2015

Business & Financial: More Thoughts On Imports

By Robert S. Reichard, Economics Editor

Incoming textile and apparel shipments seem to again be on the increase. In the first quarter 2015, for example, volume totals were running better than 7-percent above the previous year — thus continuing the advances reported during 2014 when imports sported an almost as large 5-percent increase. Even when it comes to China, modest shipment gains now seem to have replaced an earlier flattening out. All this raises a key question: Do these latest numbers point to a new round of big import gains, or is it all just a short-term aberration? TW feels it’s the latter, blaming increases on two temporary factors — recent significant gains in the value of the dollar and a rising gross domestic product (GDP) trend. On the dollar score, recent strength has tended to lower prices for American buyers of textiles and apparel. But now, there are signs that the dollar may be losing some of its buoyancy. Next, consider the relatively strong economy. Recent GDP gains have undoubtedly beefed up demand. But here too, there are signs of change. True, GDP is still rising. But any new gains won’t reach the 3-plus rate that many analysts had been predicting for the current year. Nor are recent Wall Street gains — another purchasing power plus — likely to continue. Finally, some attention should be paid to a few long-term developments that would also seem to point to putting a lid on imports. The two most important of these: More U.S. manufacturing interest in reshoring and continuing double-digit increases in foreign supplier labor costs.

The Reshoring Impact
Looking first at companies returning production to U.S. shores: Up until recently, the evidence on this score had mostly been anecdotal. Not so anymore. A.T. Kearney, a major global consulting firm, provides a lot more solid proof of this trend and the textile industry’s involvement in it. The firm’s latest reshoring study finds that 12-percent of the more than 700 companies in Kearney’s reshoring database are now in the apparel sector. That’s only slightly fewer than the 15-percent readings noted for both the transportation equipment and electrical machinery/appliance sectors. Kearney analysts also note that apparel participation was much higher than they expected. Commenting on this, one key apparel executive adds that reshoring is making more and more economic sense — noting that the foreign price advantage usually given for choosing an overseas supplier can be quite misleading. The reasoning: A lower base price isn’t always better. That’s because to get a cheaper foreign quote in the Far East, one often is forced to opt for large production runs. These runs are so big that companies often end up with lower sell-through rates, so low that the imported goods has to be unloaded at cut-rate prices. Moreover, there are a lot of other factors cited for considering domestic production including quality enhancement, faster turnovers, better brand image, and the growing preference on the part of American consumers to buy made-in-U.S.A. products — even when such products cost a bit more.

The Labor Cost Impact
As noted earlier, our projections for an eventual leveling off in imports also is based on rapidly rising foreign supplier labor costs. To be sure, talk of completing eliminating the still rather substantial U.S.-overseas pay differential is little more than wishful thinking. As such, a large percentage of the industry’s lost markets will never return. On the other hand, it’s evident that this pay gap has narrowed to the point where it’s now a lot more likely that domestic manufacturers will consider additional U.S.-made production, particularly in areas where niche-type products are involved. Moreover, if there’s any doubt on the extent of this changing labor cost picture, just compare recent American and competing overseas pay rate trends. The numbers show that the U.S. hourly compensation rates for both textile and apparel companies have inched up less than 2-percent annually over the past five years. That’s actually less than offsetting productivity advances — thus indicating that the textile industry’s unit labor costs actually have been edging lower. Compare this to the steady tattoo of double-digit increases reported in China, and most other Far Eastern supplier countries in recent years and it’s easy to see why American producers are increasingly taking new hard looks at their overall global sourcing strategies.

June 2015

EVS Expands iBar Sales In China, Receives Significant Order For 12 iBars From Hailide

CAESAREA, Israel — June 16, 2015 — Elbit Vision Systems Ltd., a pioneer in the science of camera-based automatic vision inspection for textile fabrics and technical webs, announced today that it has received a significant order of 12 additional iBar systems from Zhejiang Hailide, a major manufacturer of high quality technological and advanced materials. This order is the result of a successful 5 iBar systems trial installation on the company’s tire cord looms.

Mr. Gao, President of Hailide, commented: “In order to maintain our position as a leading technical and composite supplier, we made the decision to invest in state-of-the-art technology to ensure the quality of our products. Over the past few months, we have been working closely with EVS, testing their iBar system on our tire cord production floor. The collaboration has been excellent, and we have been particularly impressed with the results which demonstrated an exceptionally strong ROI. These iBar systems paid for themselves in only a few months by increasing our overall product yield and reducing waste. We expect these new machines to play a significant part in bringing our customers an unparalleled top-quality end product. We look forward to expanding our collaboration with EVS in the near future.”

Mr. Sam Cohen, CEO of EVS, commented: “We are very pleased with the success of the iBar systems and believe this order marks the beginning of the escalation of our land-and-expand strategy. This important new partnership with Zhejiang Hailide and the potential business it represents certainly validates our marketing plan. As we expected, the iBar brings an immediate return on investment which will lead customers to quickly replicate this success to large numbers of machines following initial trials.”

Posted June 16, 2015

Source: EVS
 

Kraig Biocraft Laboratories Signs Memorandum Of Understanding With Provincial Government Of Vietnam To Mass Produce Spider Silk

LANSING, Mich. — June 15, 2015 — Kraig Biocraft Laboratories Inc., a developer of spider silk based fibers, announced that after a series of meetings with Vietnam’s central and regional governments, it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU). This MOU outlines a framework for the creation and rearing of transgenic silkworms in Vietnam. Pursuant to the MOU, Kraig Labs and the Vietnamese provincial government will jointly develop a cooperative plan for the development and production of Kraig Labs trangenics in Vietnam.

“This MOU represents a breakthrough for Kraig Labs and potentially the silk industry. The Central and Provincial Government officials in Vietnam with whom we have held extensive meetings share our passion and vision for reinvigorating the silk industry. This new relationship should bring new opportunities for both the Company and Vietnam. The goal is commercialization of our disruptive technology for the technical textile markets,” said Company CEO Kim Thompson. “Vietnam offers specialized silk infrastructure which is ideal for expanding our operations. Vietnam’s tradition of quality silk production makes it an excellent fit for our transgenic silkworms. This cooperative effort will further serve to support our recombinant silk technology, its many applications and end markets.”

The Company is continuing to work with the provincial government to develop advanced research and development facilities in Vietnam, as well as pilot production of transgenic hybrids. Negotiations for a final agreement incorporating the terms of the MOU are expected to conclude in the third quarter of 2015.

Posted June 16, 2015

Source: Kraig Biocraft
 

People

AATCC — the Association of Textile, Apparel & Materials Professionals based in Research Triangle Park, N.C. — announced the winners of its 2015 AATCC Concept 2 Consumer® Student Design Competition. First place was awarded to Ornella Santoni, Drexil University for her Fold Me Away – Tech Me Away submission. Armani Dodd, Drexel University took second place for Illusion. Honorable mentions also were awarded to Brenna Conner, Kansas State University, and Emily Kopcik, University of Delaware.
 
Australia-based Alexium International Group Ltd. has appointed Steve Gravlee senior sales associate, Nicole Graver technical sales representative, and Reginald Didier head of product development. The company also added U.S. Brigadier General Stephen Cheney to its Board of Directors as a non-executive director.
 
Jon Arendt has joined Helsinki-based Suominen Corp. as product manager.
 
Diamond Springs, Calif.-based Miller Weldmaster West Coast has named James Nute sales manager for the alternative distribution team. Nute is responsible for sales and service in the company’s eastern sales territory, and also will implement the sales and marketing transition of the Sinclair Equipment product line into Miller Weldmaster.
 
Australia-based Impression Technology Pty. Ltd. has named Bruce Van Greunen sales and technical manager, Pigment.inc UK, its European, Middle East and Africa sales division.
 
Hunter Douglas, Pearl River, N.Y., promoted Ron Kass to CEO effective July 1. Kass replaces Marv Hopkins who is retiring.
 
Winston-Salem, N.C.-based Coville Inc. has appointed Scott Willis COO.
 
Microban International, Huntersville, N.C., has made the following appointments: Robert Gunn, managing director, Europe; Martin Szeto, managing director, Asia; and Renato Souza, senior sales director, Latin America.
 
Southfield, Mich.-based JVS honored Randy and Craig Rubin, inventors of Crypton® fabric, with the JVS Business Leadership Award during its Strictly Business Networking and Awards Luncheon.
 
Switzerland-based Santex Group named Jude Britto head of sales for technical textiles and emerging technologies for India-based Santex Engineering India Pvt. Ltd.
 
Scott Hart has joined the sales team at Martin Patrick Evan Ltd. Hart is responsible for territory in Southern California.
 
The Memphis, Tenn.-based National Cotton Council (NCC) announced the following 12 members as participants in the Emerging Leaders Program for 2015-16: Producers — Rafe Banks, Brandon Brooks, Matt Coley, Paul Minzenmayer, Sutton Page and Brad Williams; Ginners — Phillip Kidd and Todd Waters; Merchants — Cory Barnes and Ken Burton; Warehouser — Joe Cain; and Marketing Cooperative — Vicki Dorris.

June 2015

1...1,7391,7401,741...2,521Page 1,740 of 2,521

Sponsors

Breaking News

Load more

Digital Issue

2025 Quarterly Issue Number II

View Latest Digital Issue

FEATURED ARTICLES

© Copyright 2017 Textile Industries Media Group, LLC.