SATO Launches IoT Printing Solution

TOKYO — August 3, 2015 — SATO, a global provider of Auto-ID solutions that empower workforces and streamline operations, announced that it launched the CL4/6NX-J series, the world’s first Internet of Things (IoT) label printer service1 compatible with SATO Online Services (SOS), a cloud-based maintenance solution.
 
SOS is a maintenance service developed to provide virtual customer engineers that are always available around the clock. The service monitors label printers 24 hours a day 365 days a year to identify problems and provide support before they occur to ensure stable operations for customers. By analyzing logged data with the permission of customers, SOS enables improved operating rates and efficiency. The solution will be rolled out gradually, first in Japan and eventually in the United States, Europe and the APAC region.
 
CL4/6NX features universal functionality and design with plug-and-play connectivity and multiple languages so anyone around the world can easily use in any work environment and infrastructure. As global demand for standardized and optimized operations grows, the SOS ready CL4/6NX-J solution offers remote monitoring and preventative maintenance to eliminate unplanned downtime which can seriously impact business.

“This game-changing real-time solution delivers great value to customers by minimizing printer downtime,” said Kaz Matsuyama, President and CEO of SATO Holdings. “We are very excited to bring a new level of sophisticated support to offer stable operations and peace of mind for our customers.”
 
SATO plans to expand its lineup of label printers with SOS compatibility in the future.
 
*1 SOS utilizes Heroku and Salesforce Service Cloud from the Salesforce1 Platform, developed by global CRM platform leader Salesforce.com.

Posted August 4, 2015

Source: Sato
 

Natural Fiber Producers Cooperative Is Bringing Commercial Dehairing Services Back To The U.S.

HOMEDALE, Idaho — July 29, 2015 — As recently reported in Alpaca Culture magazine, “some of the biggest news in the domestic natural fiber scene, Natural Fiber Producers’ introduction of a new commercial dehairer will soon allow American fiber producers access to one of the most powerful and sophisticated dehairing machines available in the world today.”*

The commercial hybrid dehairing machine, Model No. DJ56, manufactured by Italy-based Cormatex has been purchased by Natural Fiber Producers. Taking up 500 sq. ft. of floor space, the machine boasts a 5-ft. width and 67-ft. length.

The machine has the ability to process at variable speeds according to the needs of each type of fiber, and process 20 – 65 pounds per hour. Size, output capability, adaptability, and versatility make this dehairer the most cost-efficient piece of machinery for competitive fiber producers in the textile marketplace today. It is one of only 4 in the world, and the only commercial dehairing machine in the United States.

Natural Fiber Producers (NFP) began the journey toward acquiring the commercial dehairing machine in 2014. “The initial plan was to house the machine at Mountain Meadow Wool in Buffalo, WY”, NFP President Brian Willsey explained. “Mountain Meadow Wool was instrumental in helping us identify the best total assembly for the dehairing machine. Through their questions and research, it was determined that the most efficient assembly would include an automatic feeder in front of the dehairing train. Unfortunately, that increased the overall length of the machine beyond the space MMW had available for the equipment.” Serendipitously, U.S. Natural Fibers (USNF) was in the process of building a 12,000 sq. ft. facility that would also house a historical scouring train. It became a natural fit for the two organizations to begin a collaborative effort. The machine was initially secured with a generous down payment from NFP member/owners, and subsequently funded through Springfield State Bank, and the Kentucky Agricultural Finance Corporation with backing by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. With the loan closed and shipping details secured, the machine has begun its journey to the U.S. to be installed before the end of August in at USNF new facility in Springfield, Kentucky.

Since all U.S. commercial dehairing machines were lost in the 1980s to overseas organizations, Natural Fiber Producers has become the provider of the missing piece of the textile puzzle in the United States. The inability to access the crucial step of dehairing domestically for the last 40 years has caused many of the luxury fiber producers as well as U.S. textile manufacturers to outsource their production to overseas processors. With the news of the machine becoming operational, the first order has already been placed. The Buffalo Wool Co. has 8,000 lbs. of buffalo on the floor of the Springfield facility waiting to be processed into a soft, usable fiber. Other groups are already following suit. While producers continue to make improvements in the fiber quality of their animals through herd management and breeding programs, the fact is that most fibers are greatly improved with dehairing which enables them to become luxury textiles. Having this machine in the U. S. provides that opportunity, reinforces the growth of Made in America and Buy Local, and provides more U.S. jobs across the United States textile industry.

The dehairing machine left Italian waters for its cross-Atlantic voyage, departing on July 19, 2015. Once the machine clears customs, transport will continue to its final destination in Springfield, Kentucky. Cormatex is scheduled to send a crew for installation, testing, and training purposes in August.

This historical event of bringing commercial dehairing back to the USA will be a game-changer for the U.S. textile industry.

* Johnston, Meyla Bianco, “Bringing the First Commercial Dehairer to the United States”, Alpaca Culture, June 2015: 44.

Posted August 4, 2015

Source: Natural Fiber Producers
 

ACIMIT Reports Textile Machinery Orders On The Rise For The Second Quarter, Iran Now The Main Export Target

MILAN, Italy — July 29, 2015 —Orders of textile machinery for the second quarter of 2015 confirm the positive trend already under way during the first three months of the year. Raffaella Carabelli, President of ACIMIT: “Increased orders on the domestic market are an unexpected but welcome development: a good omen for ITMA 2015. Abroad, we’re very optimistic on Iran.”
 
For the second quarter of 2015, orders of Italian textile machinery, as compiled by ACIMIT, the Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers, recorded a 15% increase over the same period of last year. The value of the orders index for this period amounts to 99.4 points.
 
Orders have made a definitive move in foreign markets (+21% over the same quarter for 2014), marking a fourth consecutive period of growth. Italy remains under observation, but is showing sure signs of a recovery. Indeed, domestic orders have risen 7% compared to the second quarter of 2014.
 
“This growth for the Italian market is somewhat unexpected” states ACIMIT President Raffaella Carabelli, “It’s highly likely that the incentives implemented by the Government may have contributed to this light recovery in our sector. The rest was certainly achieved by the healthy situation of various sectors downstream from our own.” With ITMA 2015 so imminently close, the global trade fair scheduled in Milan on November 12 – 19, businesses are waiting on the innovations that will be presented in Milan. “The recovery of our domestic market is certainly a good omen for ITMA, where 450 Italian exhibitors will be present – 27% of the total number of companies.”
 
As for foreign markets, official data from ISTAT confirm a recovery for the first four months of the year in various textile machinery importing Countries. India, for one, has resumed its growth trend (+6% over the first quarter of 2014), and there’s been a surprising rise in exports to Bangladesh (+187%), with EU markets also appearing to show good form. “We’re waiting for a recovery from China, where investments in machinery are still low compared to a year ago,” observes Carabelli. “But ACIMIT has mainly been targeting the market in Iran.”
 
“For years,” ACIMIT sources explain, “Iran was a benchmark for Italy’s textile machinery industry. International sanctions have effectively halted the flow of machinery exports towards Iran, penalizing many Italian manufacturers. The recent agreement on the nuclear issue opens up a window for a recovery in investments in textile technology by Iran’s textile sector, after years in which the process of industry modernization has been slowed by a regime of sanctions.” The negative trend for Italian exports was stopped in 2014. Sales of Italian textile machinery grew 170% compared to 2013, amounting to 14 million euros.

Posted August 4, 2015

Source: ACIMIT
 

Cordura® Brand Gears Up With Mountainsmith

WICHITA, Kan. — July 31, 2015 — INVISTA’s CORDURA® brand announces its latest collaboration with outdoor pack company, Mountainsmith. The new Mountainsmith packs feature Cordura HP fabrics and will be on display at the Cordura brand booth #39213 at the Summer Outdoor Retailer Show in Salt Lake City, Aug. 5-8. To view the entire latest line of Mountainsmith packs, visit the Mountainsmith booth #20015.
 
“Cordura fabrics are the perfect combination of durability, versatility and reliability. For more than 45 years, people who love the outdoors have relied on Cordura fabrics to be as rugged as they are,” said Luke Boldman, lead designer at Mountainsmith. “Based on high-tenacity fiber technologies, Cordura fabrics are known for their resistance to tears, rips, abrasions and punctures. It’s no wonder that Mountainsmith is proud to build products made with Cordura fabric and why so many adventurers are proud to carry it anywhere they go.”
 
The latest Mountainsmith packs featuring Cordura fabrics include the Mountainsmith Day Lumbar Pack and the Lariat 55 – Women’s Backpack. They will be available in January of 2016 domestically and in exclusive international areas, including Japan.
 
The Mountainsmith Day Lumbar Pack has been a staple of gear closets for over 35 years. The 2016 line is built with 610 D Cordura HP plain weave fabric and can handle the expeditions of the hiker and traveler with construction designed to resist the rugged elements that accompany extreme adventure. This pack provides best-in class performance for today’s traveler at a value price of $89.95.
 
The Mountainsmith Lariat 55 – Women’s Backpack was created with 350 D Cordura HP fabric and showcases a multi-ripstop structure, allowing the female voyager to feel confident that her belongings are protected, no matter the adventure. The pack is designed for the most ultimate, stylish adventures and is priced at $219.95.    
 
“Mountainsmith’s dedication to functional packs combined with best in class Cordura fabric durability results in a new line of stylish and quality backpacks for today’s active lifestyle consumer,” said Cindy McNaull, Global Cordura Brand and Marketing Director.
 
Posted August 4, 2015

Source: Invista
 

Herrmann Ultrasonics Celebrates Its 25-Year Anniversary

BARTLETT, Ill. — July 31, 2015 — In 1990, Thomas Herrmann, the son of Walter Herrmann, who founded Herrmann Ultraschalltechnik GmbH in 1961, established Herrmann Ultrasonics Inc. in the Chicago area. Hermann Ultrasonics, Inc. is proud to recognize a milestone year in observance of their 25th anniversary.

Herrmann Ultrasonics has been focused on providing ultrasonic welding technology for various markets such as the medical, automotive, consumer, electronics, food and also the hygiene industry. The company has become the technology leader in ultrasonic welding by developing the most advanced products, providing ULTRASONICS ENGINEERING expertise and total solution offerings.
 
Continuous growth of its PLASTIC, PACKAGING and NONWOVENS divisions has allowed the company to establish Technology Centers throughout North America. The 20,000 sq. ft. facility, located in Bartlett, IL has been managed by Uwe Peregi since 2006. This modern and advanced facility allows Herrmann Ultrasonics to provide feasibility studies and trial runs in one of the three laboratories. Fast tooling delivery is standard due to in-house vertical integrated 3D tooling design and CNC manufacturing.
 
In honor of the significant occasion, Herrmann Ultrasonics will launch an anniversary edition of the proven HiQ MEDIALOG ultrasonic welding machine. This welder was inspired by Executive VP & General Manager Uwe Peregi and is mostly used by medical device manufacturers. A new look, cleanroom-friendly surfaces, additional safety features and exhausts to control particles contribute to the uniqueness of the HiQ MEDIALOG. The machine also includes the operator interface FSC, which meets the requirements of FDA CFR 21 part 11.
 
Herrmann Ultrasonics, Inc. is very proud of the growth and achievements in the North American market over the past 25 years. The company looks forward to remaining the technology leader in ultrasonics in the next decade and beyond.

Posted August 4, 2015

Source: Herrmann Ultrasonics
 

BTK Textile Implements And Goes Live With Datatex Now Suite Of ERP Solutions

MILAN, Italy — July 28, 20975 — Datatex has announced that BTK textile in Shakhty, Russia, has gone live successfully with its full NOW ERP suite of solutions in in high-tech (smart) textile manufacture.

The selection of the Datatex solutions was made after receiving responses to its RFP from  the world’s leading ERP solutions, and included very detailed sessions of presentations, system demonstrations and question and answer sessions. From BTK textile part selection team was made out of consultants, executives and the group IT team.

The implementation process was more challenging than average as it involved a totally new business process which was being created while implementing so procedures could be modelled and modified in real time.

The system covers all customer related activities, all production planning and machine scheduling, production management and control up to the level of data collection from each machine including automated real time fabric inspection.

Datatex also was required to set up all required local Russian documents to accompany the sales and purchasing cycles which are now in full operation. The system and outputs are provided both in English and in the Russian language and characters.

NOW also manages inventory items at all levels at the required detail, standard pre-costing, actual costing of each order and detailed process quality assurance.

The on-budget and on-time project was successfully executed by a very professional BTK textile team of application engineers, IT team and a group of dedicated Datatex consultants who helped implement the system while guiding the business process definition process from its birth.

Commenting on the successful ERP implementation, Vered Dotan, Datatex head of operations said that this is a very good example for how an industry specific solution, implemented with total management commitment and a dedicated team leads to a running solution that not only manages all logistics and execution of the company’s activity but will also optimizes its process and business results. All this based on very strict customer service requirements and extremely tight quality demands of this specific industry. Vered added that BTK textile can now be proud of world class performance in all the above aspects.

Posted August 4, 2015

Source: Datatex
 

Q-Lab Corp. Celebrates Milestones In China

WESTLAKE, Ohio — July 31, 2015 — Q-Lab Corp., the worldwide leader in accelerated weathering and corrosion equipment and exposure test services, announced that 2015 marks the 10th anniversary of its representative office, Q-Lab China.  It also commemorates 30 years of sales in China through its extensive sales and distribution network.

Coinciding with these anniversaries, Q-Lab is proud to announce that Q-Lab China is now officially a Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise. This achievement allows Q-Lab China to expand its ability to serve Chinese customers, providing faster response on replacement parts and calibrations through its ISO 17025 accredited facility.

Q-Lab first began selling its industry-leading testers (like the QUV accelerated weathering tester) into the Chinese market in 1985. Due to overwhelming demand, the company opened a technical support office in Shanghai in 2005, which has grown steadily in staffing ever since. Q-Lab China holds many seminars and webinars each year and its employees maintain an active and leadership role on dozens of local, technical GB standards committees.

Doug Grossman, President of Q-Lab Corporation, said, “The 10th anniversary of our office in China represents a tremendous milestone for the company. Over the past decade, we’ve reinforced our reputation as ‘the most trusted name in weathering’ in this important region. I am extremely proud of our China team, our distribution partners, and their accomplishments – they have made the name ‘Q-Lab’ synonymous with superb quality, unparalleled technical expertise, and exceptional service.”
 
Posted July 31, 2015

Source: Q-Lab Corp.
 

The Rupp Report: Quo Vadis ITMA Europe?

Everybody who is involved in textile machinery knows that ITMA Europe, as it is known today, will be held from November 12-19, 2015, at Fiera Milano Rho in Milan, Italy. The show will happen later than is usual because from May 1 to October 31, the World Expo is being held at the venue.
 
Many people in the industry are still wondering if everything will go well later this year in Milan. The Rupp Report has expressed its doubts in some already published reports. Over the past months, lots of information has arrived at the desk of the Rupp Report reporting about all kind of organizational challenges facing ITMA 2015.
 
Italy Is Inviting
The Rupp Report received an invitation from the Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers (ACIMIT) regarding a press gathering for the international textile media to learn about the forthcoming ITMA 2015. The international textile trade press would receive some firsthand information about the progress of the forthcoming event — at least, that was the guess. The program was very promising. First on the agenda was a visit to Expo Milano. Most of the attending journalists were certain to get some information about the ongoing work for ITMA at this fairground, and possibly visit the halls of ITMA 2015.
 
Italy Is Successful
The event started with some excitement: The same day, ACIMIT was celebrating its 70 year anniversary with its member companies. This occasion presented the opportunity to shake hands with many Italian industry leaders and friends. ACIMIT can be proud of its achievement: Italian textile machinery sales in 2014 were 2.3 billion euros, with exports accounting for around 1.94 million euros. Exports to Asia amounted to 41 percent in 2014; and exports to Europe 40 percent, with a further 16 percent sold within Italy itself. In the first three months of 2015, sales of Italian machinery within Europe increased by 9 percent; with those to France, up 29 percent; to Germany, up 23 percent; and to Portugal, up by 100 percent.
 
Exports of textile machinery represent 84 percent, going to some 130 countries. In the first quarter of 2015, Italian exports of textile machines were divided as follows: Asia with 42 percent; followed by Europe with 41 percent; Latin America, with 7 percent; North America, with 5 percent; and Africa, with 5 percent. In the same period, the biggest contribution to Italian exports of textile machinery came from China, valued at 58 million euros. China is followed by Turkey with 47 million euros, Bangladesh with 31 million euros and India with 25 million euros.
 
Italian textile machinery exports by category for the first quarter of 2015 show the following split: 22 percent spinning machines; 8 percent weaving machines; 14 percent knitting machines; 29 percent dyeing, finishing and printing machines; 24 percent accessories; and 3 percent other machines.
 
While China remains the biggest destination for Italian machines, exports to the country fell by 25 percent in 2014, and dropped by a further 14 percent in the first three months of 2015. A full recovery in exports to China, however, is anticipated for the remainder of 2015.
 
Italy Is The Largest Exhibitor
At the press conference, ACIMIT President Raffaella Carabelli said that some 30 percent of the total exhibition space at this year’s ITMA is reserved by Italian machinery manufacturers, which equates to 430 companies occupying 31,000 square meters of space. And she added that this would be an increase of over fifty percent compared to the last ITMA 2011 in Barcelona. The textile machinery sector, Carabelli added, is moving towards more competitive production processes, where reduced production costs, through savings in the consumption of water, energy and raw materials, are combined with greater attention to environmental issues.
 
Alessandro Liberatori, director of the machinery division of the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) in Rome, said in his short speech that Italy is the second largest exporter of machinery in Europe with exports of around 200 billion euros annually. ITA is heavily supporting ACIMIT’s activities. “The role of generating public support for internationalization is our key role, and the support of international fairs is crucial to this,” said Liberatori. “The last ITMA in Barcelona attracted over 100,000 people from 150 countries, and we are sure we can increase this significantly in Milan this year.”
 
Italy Is Quiet
However, there was no news about forthcoming exhibits at the next ITMA 2015. This was of course no news because no one is disclosing any novelty at the moment. In this context, three specialists from the industry talked about possible news and trends. Mentioned was a detailed history about knitting technology developments by Lonati and Santoni over the past 20 years, yet without mentioning any names.
 
Another speaker mentioned considerable savings in fabric dyeing in terms of reducing water, energy and dyestuffs consumption, and also of the significance of digital ink-jet printing. As a matter of fact, this technology was driven to a certain extent by Italian technology and provides just-in-time production, low energy consumption, waste reduction and easy operation.
 
Italy Is Not Responsible
There was still little news about ITMA 2015. The people from ACIMIT are not able to answer questions about it beyond their participation. It is somewhat strange for an old horse of this industry who has attended ITMA shows since 1987 in Paris. For decades, it was virtually common sense for an ITMA in Europe that the corresponding textile machinery association in the host country would help organize the event. However, with the start of ITMA Asia in 2001, this is not the case anymore. ITMA Europe is today organized by a company from Singapore. There is no doubt about it — this company is a professional show organizer. But CEMATEX should ask itself if this is the right way to maintain the high level of ITMA in Europe. The Rupp Report has heard rumors from exhibitors that there are some mainly logistical problems with Milan for ITMA 2015.
 
Another question mark is also the fact that ITMA Europe 2015 has organized many events during the show. The question remains if exhibitors who pay a lot of money for this event are very happy with the fact that many visitors – and their own people — are absorbed in a lot of events and away from the show floor. Quo vadis ITMA? Where are you going?
 

ITMA Year City
1 1951 Lille, France
2 1955 Brussels, Belgium
3 1959 Milan, Italy
4 1963 Hanover, Germany
5 1967 Basel, Switzerland
6 1971 Paris, France
7 1975 Milan, Italy
8 1979 Hanover, Germany
9 1983 Milan, Italy
10 1987 Paris, France
11 1991 Hanover, Germany
12 1995 Milan, Italy
13 1999 Paris, France
14 2003 Birmingham, England
15 2007 Munich, Germany
16 2011 Barcelona, Spain
17 2015 Milan, Italy
18 2019 ??????????

Première Vision New York Leading The Way To Bold Innovation In Design

NEW YORK CITY — July 24, 2015 — A total of 306 exhibitors from the world’s finest mills, textile design companies and accessories manufacturers packed New York City’s Pier 92 for the 31st edition of Première Vision New York on Tuesday and Wednesday, July 21st and 22nd, 2015, welcoming New York and the North American fashion design community while celebrating new product releases for the Fall/Winter 2016/17 season. Attendance was at an all time high with 4,246 visits in two days, up 6 percent from the January 2015 edition of the show.

To be noted an increasing presence at the show of Canadian visitors, up 35 percent over last January’s show.
Brands who attended the show included 3.1 Phillip Lim, Aeropostale, Alexander Wang, Alice + Oliva, Ann Taylor, Anthropologie, Aritzia, Badgley Mischka, Banana Republic, Bcbg, Bergdorf Goodman, Billy Reid, Brooks Brothers, Calvin Klein, Carolina Herrera, Chico’s, Citizens Of Humanity, Club Monaco, Coach, Diane Von Furstenberg, Donna Karan, Elie Tahari, Forever 21, Gap, Helmut Lang, Hickey Freeman, J Brand, J.Crew, John Varvatos, Le Château, Lilly Pulitzer, Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Narciso Rodriguez, Nautica, Nike, Nordstrom, Opening Ceremony, Perry Ellis, Public School, The Men’s Wearhouse, Theory, Todd Snyder, Tory Burch, Vera Wang, Yigal Azrouel, etc.

“I appreciate coming here for the forecasting and the mood of the season, especially seeing the first approach to color for winter,” said Director of Design for his own collection, Christoforos Kotentos. “The consumer doesn’t want another white T-shirt–that’s everywhere–people will spend money on something that has a twist, an edge. It’s about quality. I’m seeing so many wonderful fabrics that have a modern appeal due to the influence of technology.”

“I’m excited about seeing innovative fabrics from some of my regular mills, but it’s always fun to see new brands and new mills doing cool and exciting things,” said Luis Fernandez, Creative Director of CRAFT ATLANTIC. “I’m seeing a lot of innovation in the wool category, laminated wools, and those that are made waterproof and breathable, all great attributes to have for fall.”

“We found inspiration and direction at the show, specifically finding fleece and pique fabrics,” said Creative Director Jeff Jacobs and the team from SLATE & STONE. “We come here first to find color direction for the season.”

The Fall/Winter 16/17 version incorporated the fashion and business leadership the industry has grown to expect from Première Vision New York, including Trend Tasting seminars, presented by P.V.’s Deputy Fashion Director Sabine Le Chatelier, on color and product highlights forecasted for the Fall Winter 16/17 season. Cocktails and refreshments were served at a dynamic party on the Pier’s outdoor terrace overlooking the Hudson River at sunset.

A Tuesday evening roundtable focused on anticipating a new fashion system, and featured P.V’s own Le Chatelier as well as Philip Fimmano, Director of Trend Union/Edelkoort, Inc.; Nicolò Zumaglini, CEO of Lanificio Subalpino and Marie Saint Pierre, fashion designer of her eponymous brand. The roundtable, moderated by Brazilian fashion consultant Olivia Merquior, provided insightful commentary on the direction of fashion trend, resisting the traditional marketing model to fostering innovation and creativity, and embracing the fashion industry’s role in design leadership. The importance of industry collaboration, communication and training was emphasized by the panel; as was the recognition of growing consumer interest in sustainability and humane work conditions for garment laborers in the purchase decision-making process.

Annelie Schubert, Grand Jury Prize Première Vision 2015 Winner of the Hyères International Festival of Fashion and Photography, was feted at the show with an area showcasing several of her award-winning garments, as well as large-scale fashion sketches. Schubert was also in attendance, meeting and greeting American press and fashion luminaries, as well as connecting with Première Vision exhibitors who provided the fabrics and accessories incorporated into her work.

Exhibitors were enthusiastic by the generally upbeat and excited vibe of the show. Accessories company Reca Group’s U.S. Sales Manager Paolo Diacci, said: “I’m excited about how truly global the industry has become. We are seeing customers at Première Vision New York from all over the world, particularly South America.”

Bruno Hansen of Brazilian studio Elaia, said: “This is our first time here, and we had a great day on Tuesday, and people are buying! We’re very pleased with the results. We are seeing a very positive reaction to our bright strong colors, particularly from the California market.”

Harry Vostantzoglou of Vostex, also a first-time exhibitor, concurred. “We’ve had a very successful show, and are prepared to do the next edition, as well,” he said. “We found we were right on-trend with our offerings of ethnic-style ribbons featuring gold and shiny yarns, and introducing printed elastics with jacquard effects.”

Luca Fioravanti of Nuovatess/Sally Tomato, said: “We’ve had an overall good experience, seeing great interest in the soft hands and drape of our cupro knit product, particularly for ‘fashion’ clients, while leather effects are of particular interest for our ‘casual’ customers.”

Overall the July 2015 edition of Première Vision New York offered amazing energy and innovation to the market, and we are already looking forward to the January 2016 program. Watch for the talented designer David Hart to be featured as Première Vision’s spokesperson in its exciting new international communications campaign. David is one of the designers chosen from the New York, Istanbul, Sao Paulo and Paris regions, because they each embody their area’s culture and creative flair. A Maryland native, David won a Fashion Group International Scholarship Award at 17 years old, and is a Fashion Institute of Technology graduate. He’s designed for Anna Sui, Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren, launching his neckwear line in 2009, and his first menswear collection in 2013.

Posted July 28, 2015

Source: Premiere Vision
 

Sawgrass Industrial Is Joining Forces With Kiian Digital And J-Teck3 To Create The Largest Industrial Digital Sublimation Group In The World

COMO, Italy — July 24, 2015 — Sawgrass Industrial, the business division of the Sawgrass group operating in sublimation and pigment inks for industrial applications, is joining JK Group, the company which includes the brands Kiian Digital and J-Teck3, to extend the group’s technology capabilities.

As a division of the Sawgrass group — well known innovator and pioneer in digital sublimation with a large portfolio of intellectual property rights — Sawgrass Industrial is a leader in the high-end market of digital sublimation and water-based pigment inks with a wide portfolio of brands, including SubliM and M-Inks. The main applications addressed by Sawgrass Industrial’s products are fashion, sportswear and home décor. Sawgrass Industrial is present mainly in Europe and the Americas, serving key clients both directly and through dealers.

Kiian Digital, J-Teck3 and Sawgrass Industrial have in common a track record of innovation, quality, reliability and are regarded as trusted commercial and technical partners of companies that supply top brands in over 100 countries worldwide. Together they create the largest industrial digital sublimation group with leading technologies, a global presence and a world class manufacturing capability for textile applications.

The Sawgrass Industrial acquisition further enlarges JK Group’s portfolio of advanced inks which are compatible with a wide variety of digital print heads including plotters and high-speed machines. JK Group will maintain its focus on high quality industrial standards and on driving market expansion internationally.

JK Group President, Dennis Wilby, stated, “Following the combination of Kiian Digital and J-Teck3 last year, the addition of Sawgrass Industrial takes the JK Group into a global leadership position in the digital sublimation sector and at the forefront of the textile pigment inks market development.”

JK Group CEO, Alberto De Matthaeis, concluded, “We believe that the synergies of working together will add significant value to the three brands while retaining their independence with separate sales, customer service and product development.”

The CEO and Founder of Sawgrass, Nathan Hale, explains, “We built the digital sublimation business starting in 1988 and expanded into industrial markets a decade ago.  Now that digital mass production is a reality for printing onto textiles, this is a perfect time to form a strong alliance to deliver on what was just a dream.”

The CEO of Sawgrass Europe SA, Dr. Mickael Mheidle, who has led the start up in Basel (Switzerland) in 2006 and the Sawgrass Industrial Division since 2009 and will continue to manage the commercial efforts of the Sawgrass Industrial brands in Europe, stated, ”I am glad to become partner of the JK Group which will significantly increase the market potential of our brand. We will continue to deliver the same outstanding products and technical services to our customers on a platform of increased investment and strategic focus.”

Sawgrass Technologies will continue to operate as an independent company serving the needs of digital printing applications on printers less than 42 inches addressing non-industrial customer needs.

A binding agreement between the parties has been signed and the transaction is expected to complete by the end of July.

Posted July 28, 2015

Source: JK Group
 

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