FibeRio, VF Partner To Develop Apparel Fabrics

McAllen, Texas-based FibeRio Technology Corp. has partnered with Greensboro, N.C.-based VF Corp., to engineer and bring to market performance apparel fabrics using its proprietary Forcespinning® nanotechnology process. VF plans to incorporate FibeRio’s technologies and know-how at its three Global Innovation Centers that focus on advancements in apparel, footwear and jeanswear. According to FibeRio, a nanofiber’s high surface area and smaller pore size improve the characteristics of fibrous materials bringing performance improvements with lighter weights at lower cost. (For more information on nanofibers, please see “A Driving Force For Textile Innovation,” TW, this issue).

“VF’s Global Innovation Center strategy is centered on the pursuit of disruptive design and materials that will meaningfully redefine the future of apparel and footwear for our consumers,” said Dan Cherian, vice president, VF Global Innovation Centers. “Our partnership with FibeRio is a great step toward the co-development of proprietary, high-performance nanofiber materials that will help push the boundaries of performance and explore the creation of new apparel and footwear market categories.”

May/June 2015

Performance Fibers Sells Asian Operation To IVL, Changes Name

Huntersville, N.C.-based Performance Fibers has completed the sale of its Asia-based fiber operation to Indonesia-based Indorama Ventures PCL (IVL). IVL purchased the business, including all of its Asian manufacturing sites and the rights to the Performance Fibers name, from Sun Capital Partners Inc., Boca Raton, Fla. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Performance Fibers Asia is a leading producer of tire fabrics in the region and operates the second-largest production facility of its kind in China, according to IVL.

“The sale of our Asia operations fits well with and enhances our consolidation of resources to focus on our core business and accelerate our corporate transformation initiatives,” said Wahid Tawfik, CEO, Americas and Europe, Performance Fibers. “The sale will further strengthen our financial position and, more importantly, accelerates our modernization quality and innovation investments.”

In conjunction with the sale, Performance Fibers has changed its name to DuraFiber Technologies Inc. “With such impressive improvements across the company, the name change to DuraFiber Technologies communicates to our customers, suppliers, and investors that we have made a significant transformation in our business and are moving forward with a renewed commitment to operational excellence,” said Frank Papa, CEO, DuraFiber Technologies. 

May/June 2015

Madeira Adds 28 New Colors To Frosted Matt Embroidery Thread

LACONIA, N.H.  — May 8, 2015 — With an eye towards increasing an already healthy customer base for its matte finish, Frosted Matt embroidery thread, Madeira recently added 28 new colors to the line, bringing the total number of colors available to 189. Frosted Matt is a 40 weight embroidery thread with no reflection, and a very substantial ability to stand up to the UV rays of the sun. When Frosted Matt first came into the market several years ago, sewing threads were used to embroider where subtle, matte finish or tone-on-tone was desired. Madeira set about introducing the first true matte finish, high quality thread designed for commercial embroidery machines.

“There were embroiderers who truly embraced Frosted Matt,” explains Madeira USA president Shirley Clark. “Not only is it unique in its appearance, compared to other lustrous or shiny threads, but it sets the industry standard for standing up to sunlight. This makes sense for those embroiderers who work on items that withstand long exposure to the sun, like patio cushions, boat covers, umbrellas, dog and horse accessories. Also, the tone-on-tone effect of the matte finish against high quality fabric is very high end in appearance.”

Due to requests that came from Frosted Matt customers worldwide, Madeira decided it was time to increase the number of colors available in its range of 2,700 yard cones. Its popularity stems from its ability to withstand heavy laundering, maintain its colorfastness in extreme exposure to sunlight, offer clarity and/or shading and to create very small lettering and fine detail.  A new color card, Item #100-111, contains windings of all 189 brilliant colors of this Oeko-tex certified embroidery thread, Item #940-color number.

Posted May 12, 2015

Source Madeira
 

APJeT Partners With VF Corp. To Explore Uses for Innovative Fabric Finishing Technology In Apparel, Footwear

RALEIGH, N.C. – May 11, 2015 – APJeT Inc. today announced it will work with VF Corp. to explore potential uses for its textile finishing technology. The technology, which adds high performance finishes to fabrics without the use of water or heat, is part of a program to help VF test next generation manufacturing processes for greater flexibility within its supply chain.
 
“Our work with VF is a response to the need for technology-based solutions that improve the textile manufacturing process,” said APJeT CEO John Emrich. “We see incredible opportunities for waterless applications of finishes and look forward to exploring these possibilities with VF.”
 
The collaboration between APJeT and VF is a result of VF’s Global Innovation Center strategy. VF operates three centers in the U.S. employing teams of scientists, engineers, designers and other experts to develop advancements in apparel, footwear and accessories for its 30-plus brands.  
 
“We are obsessed with creating innovative, compelling products that exceed consumer expectations,” said Dan Cherian, Vice President, VF’s Global Innovation Centers. “Through partnering with APJeT, we believe the long-term potential to reduce our reliance on conventional manufacturing processes and advance our product innovation agenda will be greatly enhanced.”
 
Posted May 12, 2015

Source: APJeT
 

IVL Completes Acquisition of Bangkok Polyester

BANGKOK, Thailand — May 11, 2015 — Indorama Ventures Public Co. Ltd. (IVL), a producer of intermediate petrochemicals, is pleased to announce that is has successfully concluded the acquisition of Bangkok Polyester PCL in Rayong, Thailand. The acquisition raises Indorama Ventures polyester (PET) capacity share in Thailand from 43 to 58 percent.

Bangkok Polyester is a significant exporter of PET to Japan, which is currently the world’s largest importer of PET, and enjoys zero import duties from Thailand. The acquisition will increase the Indorama Ventures’ market share in an important regional territory. The acquisition of Bangkok Polyester is in line with the company’s strategy of vertical integration as it is located close to the company’s PTA facilities in Rayong and therefore improves the overall cost synergies and supply chain of the company.

Group CEO Aloke Lohia said: “This acquisition is of significant synergistic value to us and will further allow us to work even more closely with customers in Thailand and in Japan. Our multiple sites in Thailand as well as in the region with a full portfolio of regular and differentiated PET offers us a unique positioning and superior risk mitigation. I can assure all our customers that they can expect to continue receiving the highest quality of service and reliability.

 “Our continued investment into Thailand reflects our commitment to the Thai economy and local employment. We are inheriting a highly professional team and we look forward tremendously to welcoming them onboard,” said Mr. Lohia. “As part of a truly global company, the team can expect to get more growth opportunities and develop both personally and professionally.”

Posted May 12, 2015

Source: IVL
 

Europlasma Taps Global Zendustry As New Sales Representatives

PHOENIX — May 12, 2015 — Global Zendustry is proud to announce that it has been named a sales representative for Belgium-based Europlasma, a world leader in low pressure plasma technology, which includes best-in-class hydrophobic and oleophobic coatings and application machinery designed to protect devices across multiple markets.
 
Global Zendustry, Phoenix, will help expand Europlasma’s efforts of licensing and selling its processes and equipment, targeting North American customers with a manufacturing base in China, reaching into such manufacturing industries as consumer and commercial electronics, automotive, medical devices, aviation, and textiles.
 
“As Europlasma has been quickly advancing nanocoating technologies the past decade, we were at the point where we needed to expand our sales network with an experienced and well-respected sales team which is based in North America, but has a strong link to manufacturing countries such as China,” explained Filip Legein, Europlasma’s managing director. “Rex Whitehead at Global Zendustry has the resume and extensive contacts to fulfill this important role. Potential companies would now be able to successfully utilize our nanocoating process for the benefit of their products and, ultimately, their customers. We look forward to a successful and long-term relationship with Global Zendustry.”
 
Europlasma was founded in 1993, and has dedicated all 22 years of its history to the development of low pressure plasma technology. Europlasma’s nanocoating solutions are marketed under the “Nanofics” brand name. “Nanofics” refers to nanoscaled functionalization into the core of complex shaped materials and products. It is Europlasma’s patented and patent pending nanocoating technology platform, first applied on industrial scale in 1996. Europlasma offers innovative nanocoating technology at a pricing model that becomes attractive to mainstream products, whereas Europlasma is unique in building large scaled production equipment that will allow the nanocoating technology to spread to an industrial scale. Europlasma’s best-in-class nanocoatings are used by a growing number of blue chip companies across multiple markets. In electronics Nanofics technology is widely used to corrosion protect or splash-proof handheld devices such as smartphones and tablets, bluetooth speakers, and wearable electronics such as smart watches, earbuds, or headphones. Nanofics oil repellent nanocoatings improve the efficiency of filter media for HVAC and respirator masks. And a growing number of players in personal protective, outdoor or sporting use Nanofics to make textiles water repellent in a durable and environmentally friendly way.
                                    
“We are proud to be working with such a highly respected and innovative company such as Europlasma,” said Whitehead, Global Zendustry principal and an industry veteran with more than 25 years of experience in sales, marketing, and product development with some of the world’s leading manufacturers. “Its new hydrophobic and oleophobic nanocoating process has many wide-ranging industrial uses, most notably protecting products and components from the slightest amount of moisture intrusion which would have otherwise ruined the internal electronic components or the structural integrity of the product itself.”
 
Whitehead added that Europlasma’s dry and clean technology is an environmentally friendly alternative to wet chemical processes. “And, the controlled processing environment enables high-quality, high-yield production requirements, making it a cost effective solution for manufacturers,” he concluded.
                
Posted May 12, 2015

Source: Global Zendustry
 

Gerber Technology Enhances Operator Experience or Z1 Cutter

TOLLAND, Conn. — May 4, 2015 — Gerber Technology, a provider of integrated solutions for apparel and industrial markets, introduced upgrades on two software technologies: Axis™ 2.1 controller software for the GERBERcutter® Z1 automated cutting system and the CutWorks® 9 design, nesting and cutting software.

The Z1 cutter is a prime solution for single-ply cutting in a wide range of applications, including apparel, furniture, transportation and other industrial fabrics. It now features Axis 2.1 controller software, allowing users to optimize workflow with an intuitive user interface that provides simple step-by-step guidance throughout the entire cutting process, greatly reducing operator errors and increasing throughput. “The new user interface in the Z1 cutter is much simpler and user-friendly,” said Tom Gordon, Gerber director of industrial products. “Users now have this holistic, well-rounded experience with a quick and easy learning curve.”

The Axis 2.1 software also provides Z1 users the option to take advantage of several powerful new features, including a variety of new reporting capabilities and vacuum regulation. “In addition, the Z1’s intelligent variable vacuum regulator is a game changer for our customers concerned with energy consumption,” said Gordon. “The new system regulates the vacuum according to the task at hand – even minimizing vacuum and power consumption when the cutter is idle.”

In conjunction with the release of Axis 2.1, Gerber’s new CutWorks 9 software is now available. CutWorks 9 features enhanced AccuMark®, Gerber’s pattern design, grading, marker making and production planning software, integration featuring color coded kit assignments and comes standard with all Gerber single-ply cutters including the Z1, Taurus II, DCS 1500, and DSC 2500.

Posted May 5, 2015

Source: Gerber Technology
 

Dow Microbial Control And Strategic Partners Collaborate To Bring Next Generation Medical Scrubs To Market

MIDLAND, Mich. — May 5, 2015 — Dow Microbial Control, a business unit of The Dow Chemical Co. and Strategic Partners Inc. (SPI) — a designer, manufacturer and distributor of comfortable, functional and fashionable medical apparel and lab wear in the United States — are collaborating to develop the next generation of medical scrubs and lab coats. The new product offerings will feature SILVADUR™ Antimicrobial, a breakthrough Dow product that helps reduce, inhibit and minimize the buildup of bacteria on apparel, which can cause odors and affect garment life and fit.
 
“Market research clearly shows that healthcare professionals have a growing concern about bacteria on their clothing and value medical scrubs and lab coats with antimicrobial protection,” says Karel Williams, global strategic marketing associate director, Dow Microbial Control. “In our view, the best possible way to meet their needs and give them greater peace of mind was for Dow, a recognized marketplace leader in antimicrobial technology, to work closely with SPI, the leader in producing and marketing garments worn by medical professionals.”
 
Business management and technical teams from Dow Microbial Control and SPI have extensively tested the performance of scrubs and lab coats treated with Silvadur, according to Williams. Third-party evaluations of more than 300 fabric samples validated Silvadur’s ability to meet or exceed SPI’s high standards for efficacy against a broad spectrum of bacteria; durability; effects on the feel, finish and appearance of fabrics; impact on the environment and other criteria.
 
“We are excited to lead a new era of healthcare apparel with Dow’s proven antimicrobial technology as part of SPI’s new CERTAINTY™ technology brand,” says Mike Singer, chief executive officer of SPI. With uniform distributors across the U.S., the nation’s healthcare professionals will have access to our new Code Happy™ brand, Infinity™ by Cherokee® collection and Dickies® and Cherokee professional lab wear that will appeal to their sense of style, comfort and function.”
 
Silvadur Antimicrobial has consistently gained share in a range of apparel and textile markets since its introduction in the fall of 2012 because it answers the pressing marketplace need for an efficient and effective antimicrobial. Among Silvadur’s features that distinguish it from traditional microbial control systems is a patented, “intelligent” microbial control mechanism that reduces the cost to treat apparel, while providing long-lasting performance. In September 2013, R&D Magazine recognized Silvadur as one of the 100 most technologically significant products introduced over a 12-month period.

Posted May 5, 2015

Source: Silvadur
 

Derick S. Close Named Leader Of The Year By N.C. State College Of Textiles

RALEIGH, N.C. — April 30, 2015 — The North Carolina State University (NCSU) College of Textiles named alumnus Derick S. Close the 2015 Leader of the Year on April 23. The award honors a textile industry executive who has shown outstanding leadership qualities that have moved the textile industry forward in innovative ways. Each year, members of the Kappa Tau Beta leadership fraternity and Phi Psi professional textile fraternity choose the award recipient who best represents the goals and ideals of the two College of Textiles student-led fraternities.

A native of Fort Mill, S.C., with more than 30 years of experience in the textile industry, Close is the CEO and owner of Springs Creative Products Group, Carolina Manufacturing, and Springsteen Logistics. He earned his bachelor’s of science degree from the NC State textiles management program in 1982 and went on to receive his master’s degree in business administration from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill in 1990.

Close helped initiate the Centennial Scholarship program in 1999. These awards, among the highest valued scholarships offered at NC State, allow the College of Textiles to attract exceptionally talented students. In 2000, he was honored as the outstanding alumnus of the College of Textiles and in 2011 the NC State University Board of Trustees awarded him the Watauga Medal which recognized his significant contributions to the advancement of the university.

“Derick is a remarkable visionary leader with a passion for advancing the textile industry. He has demonstrated his commitment to helping our students become the next generation of textile leaders through both the opportunities he affords our students and the example he sets for them,” said Dr. David Hinks, interim dean of the College of Textiles. “His company, Springs Creative, regularly hires College of Textiles summer interns and we have many graduates who go on to find permanent work there. Moreover, Derick epitomizes the kind of transformational leader that we prepare all of our students to be, one with a view to move society forward but who always seeks opportunities to give back.”

Throughout his career, Close has held leadership positions with a variety of university and community organizations. He is a board member and past president of the North Carolina Textile Foundation and served as a member of the Board of Trustees for North Carolina State University. He was also a member of the Board of Governors for the University of North Carolina System and a board member of UNC Global. A resident of Charlotte, N.C., he served as president of Leadership Charlotte and as a board member of the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority. Currently he serves on the NC State University Endowment board and the NC State Student Aid Association.

In accepting the award Close cited his family’s historical ties to the textile industry and the impact the College of Textiles has had on his professional growth and career choices. “The College of Textiles is part of my family, and this award means as much to me as any other I have received. Thank you for this honor,” he said.

Close is a partner in the Carolina Panthers NFL franchise and a longtime supporter of Wolfpack athletics. He helped chair several fundraising efforts, including the Goal Line Drive committee to upgrade and renovate Carter-Finley Stadium. He recently donated a lead gift to the Wolfpack Club to support the construction of the Close-King Indoor Practice Facility which sits adjacent to Carter-Finley Stadium. 

Posted May 5, 2015

Source: NCSU College of Textiles
 

Huntsman And Pürsan Pigment A.Ş. Form Strategic Alliance To Tap Growth Potential In Turkey

SINGAPORE — May 1, 2015 — The Textile Effects division of Huntsman Corp. and Pürsan Pigment A.Ş announced today that they have entered into a joint venture agreement for the manufacture, formulation and sale of textile chemicals and dyes in Turkey. The joint venture takes the already established long term partnership between the two companies to a next strategic level of collaboration, and will operate under the name Huntsman Pürsan Chemicals.  

In welcoming the joint venture, Paul Hulme, President Textile Effects said:  “Huntsman is a recognized global market leader and innovator in textile dyes and chemicals.  We are  impressed with Pürsan’s proven success, and are excited to partner with the team.  The strategic alliance between our two companies will strengthen our position in the industry and enable us to enhance our service offerings and solutions to our customers.”

“This joint venture is exciting as it offers increased speed and flexibility to our customers with expanded local manufacturing capabilities and facilities. It represents both our organizations’ strong commitment to provide customers with a single source for the best in textile dyes and chemicals sales and service,” commented Ajay Kanwar, Commercial Director – South Asia, Middle East, Turkey and Africa.

Hakki Kagan Biter, President, Pürsan Pigment A.Ş commented: “We are extremely happy and proud to be associated with this partnership and with an established international brand like Huntsman.  Together we will strengthen the competitive position of the Turkish textile sector which is contributing one of the highest export and employment in Turkey.”  “The joint venture will bring together a powerful combination of proven innovation from Huntsman and a heritage of strong customer focus and trust built through the years from Pürsan,”  continued Biter.   

The joint venture is expected to come into effect in June 2015, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

Posted May 5, 2015

Source: Huntsman Textile Effects
 

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