Bayer Materialscience And IAF Collaborate On Coated Fabrics

LEVERKUSEN, Germany — February 18, 2015 — Bayer MaterialScience and the International Apparel Federation (IAF) have entered into a collaboration aiming at significantly improving the innovation and sustainability in the apparel and footwear industry. As an important first step, both partners have recently run a number of INSQIN® series workshops which took place across three continents. Under the theme of “Setting New Standards for Material Innovation and Sustainability”, the workshops proved to be essential events for footwear and apparel brand owners that use polyurethane (PU) coated fabrics, for example PU synthetic leather. Textile coating experts from Bayer MaterialScience took the opportunity to introduce INSQIN – a novel turnkey solution for brand owners and manufacturers looking to achieve ambitious goals related to innovation and sustainability.
 
“With pure waterborne PU technology and rich textile coating application expertise, Bayer MaterialScience wants to inspire brand owners and manufacturers to explore new possibilities in the design and creation of ´magical´ PU-coated fabrics with INSQIN technology and related services”, says Nick Smith, Global Head of Textile Coating at Bayer MaterialScience. “And we wish to introduce our brand to the apparel and footwear industry through the collaboration with IAF and its members.”  
 
Waterborne PU technology for sustainable material innovation
Offering design freedom, durability and economy when compared to genuine leather, PU leather is increasingly becoming the material of choice for footwear, apparel and accessories. Whilst brand owners turn to PU technology for its unique combination of properties, they face challenges in dealing with the environmental side effects of mainstream PU technology. Large amounts of solvent are used in the current PU coating process, creating occupational hazards and environmental pollution risks.

INSQIN pure waterborne PU technology enables PU leather to be manufactured according to a new process that does not require the use of any solvents, and therefore eliminates all negative issues associated with their use. The technology presents a wide range of possibilities to enhance and transform fabrics, be it luxurious hand feel or unique textures and finishes for the fashion industry, or high performance materials required by sporting goods manufacturers, in applications as diverse as PU leather, functional fabrics or high-performance printing, to name just a few.
 
“Bayer’s presentation was very informative. Waterborne PU eliminates the problems associated with solvents once and for all, and it is the solution that we need in the long term. We will follow the industry’s adoption of the technology closely,” says Larry Lang, Senior Fabric Manager, Hermes-Otto International.
 
Secure supply chain transparency
The other hot topic covered during the INSQIN series workshop is how to secure supply chain transparency. The textiles industry is extremely complex and sometimes for manufacturers it is difficult to get visibility and direct access to brand owners interested in sourcing more sustainable materials. Also for brand owners, transparency about the origin and quality of fabric materials is often difficult to achieve.
 
Addressing these unmet needs, Bayer MaterialScience has also developed the INSQIN Partner Manufacturer Program that through professional third party audit verifies the management system and production processes of manufacturers using the technology.
 
Certified partner manufacturers of INSQIN benefit from technical support from Bayer MaterialScience for the implementation of waterborne PU technology in their units in order to speed up the commercial scale-up of the new materials. For footwear and apparel brands wanting to source new sustainable materials, the scheme provides them with manufacturers with proven credentials in sustainable manufacturing. Brand owners can easily identify textile materials produced with the technology via clear INSQIN labelling on packagings. Increasing supply chain transparency is a real source of peace of mind for brand owners in the footwear and apparel industries.

Posted February 24, 2015

Source: Bayer MaterialScience
 

Alvanon Announces Details Of First Ever Apparel Sizing, Fit And Development Project In The Middle East

DUBAI, U.A.E. — February 24, 2015 — Alvanon has announced details of the first ever garment sizing, fit and development project carried out in the Middle East.  The project was commissioned by Splash, the Middle East’s largest fashion retailer, in conjunction with its sister label Iconic, both owned by the Landmark Group, one of the biggest retail conglomerates in the Middle East, India and Africa.  Over the course of the two year project Alvanon conducted an empirical size survey with thousands of Splash and Iconic customers in six major retail outlets in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Jeddah, Riyadh and Qatar. As a result of the unique survey, the Splash and Iconic fashion labels have both launched their first “fit” accredited ranges based on new core body standards for their men’s and women’s apparel.  The new Splash and Iconic ranges are available in stores with immediate effect.

Alvanon validated the data from its comprehensive retail survey against official and publicly available medical and heath data from such sources as the World Health Organization. This data enabled Alvanon consultants to identify and quantify the range of different body shapes of men and women found in the Splash and Iconic fashion labels’ target consumer populations. Alvanon consultants then developed and supplied the technical fit mannequins, AlvaForms and pattern templates, AlvaBlocks, to ensure the new core body standards were accurately and consistently implemented and shared across the Landmark Group’s 300 manufacturing suppliers in such geographically diverse locations as China, India, Pakistan and Indonesia. 
 
As Rohit Nanda, chief operating officer- Iconic, explained: “We wanted a realistic, professional and accurate solution to our sizing and fit challenge for Splash and Iconic. This was a major undertaking. Splash alone retails up to 7,000 styles per season equating to millions of garments per year.”  Daniel Smith, head-quality Splash, added:  “Alvanon worked professionally with customers and store personnel within our stores to collect the data. From this data it has provided us with a fit standard implementation program comprising optimum size-charts, technical fit mannequins, fit models, key grade intervals, size ranges and alpha-numeric size correlations.  Additional tools, such as core pattern blocks were also developed and supplied.”
 
Ed Gribbin, president of Alvanon, who headed the survey commented: “This has been one of the most exciting and challenging projects we have ever embarked upon and the management teams at Splash and Iconic are to be applauded for their forward thinking and commitment to this project. By understanding the size and shape of their customers they are able to design clothes specifically for those consumers thereby significantly enhancing fit satisfaction while increasing customer loyalty and retail conversion rates.”

Posted February 24, 2015

Source: Alvanon
 

The Rupp Report: Successful Technical Textiles (Part II)

The Rupp Report takes a further look at the “Commerzbank Report”, from author Corporate Sector Analyst Jürgen Grebe with the Germany-based Commerzbank. This time, the focus is on more specific European facts and figures.
 
Modest Growth In Europe
Based on production levels from 2007 to 2013, the European technical textiles sector — including nonwovens and textile-reinforced fiber composites — have grown slightly more strongly than the gross domestic product (GDP). However, said Grebe, “Economic influences clearly had an impact in the crisis years of 2008 and 2009, causing a sharp drop of the production in all three sub-segments. The main factor here was the economic downturn in Europe as a consequence of the European debt crisis, as well as the global economic slowdown.”
 
Nonwovens A Key Factor
Growth in Europe also has been driven by the nonwovens segment, where production increased by more than 11 percent since 2007. Expected is a further moderate production growth of 2 percent this year. In the other (true) technical textiles segment, even stronger growth was reported up to 2011.
 
Overall, the report says, the expectation in terms of growth in the technical textiles segment seems to accelerate slightly in the short to medium term. This year, the production index could increase again by 2 percent.
 
Composites Back On Track
In contrast, the composites segment still has not regained its high level of 2007. Trends in the construction and automotive construction sectors — and particularly in the premium vehicle and truck segments — where lightweight components play a mostly important role and which had already declined sharply in 2008 — are likely to have had a greater impact here than for other technical textiles. For composites too, Grebe expects further moderate growth in Europe in 2014. “Given the progressive recovery in the abovementioned customer sectors, growth could be even higher than for other technical textiles,” he said.
 
Composites — a lightweight composite material, which consist of a textile reinforcing structure, mainly glass, but also increasingly carbon, aramid or basalt fibers — is embedded in a matrix material — often a duroplastic resin. If this involves pre-impregnated structures, so-called “prepregs”, these are mainly produced as reels and can be finished using various processes to form multilayered structures. A distinction also is made in terms of stability between so-called low and high performance composites. The fiber material and the length of the fiber determine the degree of firmness. Only short fibers are therefore used for low performance composites, while the production of high performance composites is based on the utilization of long or continuous fibers.
 
Table 1: Global Growth For Composites
 

Sector (million metric tons) Global Market
Share 2010 (%)		 CAGR 05-10
(%)
Construction 31 4.4
Vehicle construction, transport 19 4.9
Electrical engineering, electronics 16 5.4
Pipeline and container construction 12 5.2
Consumer goods, e.g. sports equipment 6 3.2
Shipbuilding 6 2.2
Wind energy 3 10.1
Aviation 1 8.9
Other 6 3.8
Total 100 4.4

Sources: Gherzi, estimates Commerzbank
 
The global market for technical textiles has grown strongly in recent years and the global importance of technical textiles is generally significantly underestimated.
 
Table 2: Global Market (in General) For Technical Textiles.

2011 Million Metric Tons % Billion USD %
Technical textiles 25.0 61 133 52
Nonwovens 7.6 19 26 10
Composites 8.0 20 94 38
Total 40.6 100 253 100

 Source: Gherzi, estimates Commerzbank
 
Based on various estimates, global market volume for technical textiles excluding nonwovens and composites amounted to around 22 million metric tons in 2012 or respectively $133 billion. Including nonwovens and composites, global market volume even exceeds $250 billion or 40 million metric tons. Based on fiber consumption in metric tons, the proportion of technical textiles is slightly more than 25 percent of total global textile production. In the last decade, global sales of technical textiles by the narrower definition — excluding nonwovens and composites — have grown by more than 30 percent. The global market volume will probably reach $160 billion by 2018.
 
Asia, headed by China, dominates the global technical textiles market in terms of volume, by value the picture shifts in favor of the developed markets and producers. China and India account for almost half of global production. Global market shares for technical textiles 2011 are
 

Region %                 
China 30
European Union 16
India 18
Rest of the world 17

Sources: CIRFS, Edana
 
Nonwovens have been the fastest growing segment in Europe and also worldwide.
 
Growth in nonwovens has been even stronger than for other technical textiles; sales and production have more than doubled in the decade before 2012. China also already overtook the United States as the world market leader for nonwovens in 2013, with a volume-related share of 28 percent of the global market and is also the global market leader for nonwovens.
 
The European composites market has shown only a sideways trend in recent years, although with marked regional differences.
 
There is a very varied picture for composites, which ultimately reflects the economic recovery in Europe and globally. While Germany-based producers have steadily increased their production following steep downturns in 2008 and 2009, production has declined in the last two years, particularly in Spain and France. Germany also is the European market leader for composites, currently accounting for about a quarter of global market volume. It is striking here that neighboring Turkey, as well as Saudi Arabia, viewed in isolation now account for higher production volumes respectively than any other European country – driven by high demand in the construction, tank and pipeline sectors.
 

Editor’s Note: Frankfurt-based Commerzbank AG would like to mention that “any information in this report is based on data obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but no representations or guarantees are made by Commerzbank Group with regard to the accuracy of the data. The opinions and estimates contained herein constitute our best judgment at this date and time, and are subject to change without notice.”

February 24, 2015

Clariant Delivers Strong Growth And Improves Its Operating Margins In An Adverse Environment In 2014

MUTTENZ, Switzerland — February 18, 2015 — Clariant, a world leader in specialty chemicals, today announced 2014 full-year sales from continuing operations of CHF 6.116 billion compared to CHF 6.076 billion in full-year 2013, an increase of 5% in local currencies, mainly driven by higher volumes (+4%). In Swiss francs sales increased by 1%.

The regional sales performance in local currencies was mostly positive. Clariant posted strong growth of 18% in local currencies in Latin America despite a slow-down in growth in Brazil. Sales in Asia increased 9% in local currencies driven by strong demand from Southeast Asia and India, the latter growing 24% in local currencies. Sales in North America increased by 3% as a slower start at the beginning of the year was compensated by a recovery of industrial demand during the year. Sales in Europe decreased by 2% given a slow business environment and a reduction of exposure to lower margin products. Sales in Middle East & Africa increased by 7% in local currencies.

In an overall challenging business climate, three out of four Business Areas achieved good sales growth in local currencies in a range of 6% to 8%. Care Chemicals recorded an underlying growth of 3% given the strength in Personal Care and Crop Solutions, despite a weak de-icing business. Reported growth was 1% given the pruning of lowmargin base products business. Catalysis & Energy posted good growth fueled by all major businesses and a good change-out cycle in the Petrochemical business. The sales improvement in Natural Resources was largely based on strength in Oil Services and Mining Services. In Plastics & Coatings all businesses contributed with mid-single digit growth, with Pigments contributing most to year-on-year progression.

At 29.0%, the gross margin was slightly up from the 28.7% recorded in the previous year. A favorable volume mix development and an improved operational efficiency offset the negative currency impact. Year-on-year, sales prices were marginally higher while raw material costs were slightly lower.

The EBITDA before exceptional items from continuing operations increased by 6% in local currencies, reaching CHF 867 million, up from CHF 858 million in the previous year (+1% in Swiss francs). The corresponding EBITDA margin improved to 14.2%, compared to 14.1% for the full-year 2013.

Exceptional items decreased to CHF 60 million versus CHF 104 million in the previous year. Exceptional items included a gain from a land sale in India, impairments linked to the divestment of the ASK Participation and the planned sale of Energy Storage as well as costs for implementing a lean service organization.

The net result from continuing operations decreased to CHF 235 million compared to CHF 323 million in the previous year. This was driven by higher tax expenditures compared to a lower base in 2013 which was positively impacted by divestment linked one-time effects.

Full-year operating cash flow increased to CHF 334 million compared to CHF 301 million in 2013. As expected, a strong cash flow generation in the second half-year reversed the cash outflow recorded in the first six months of 2014.

Net debt was reduced to CHF 1.263 billion from CHF 1.500 billion recorded at year-end 2013 and therefore below the targeted CHF 1.300 billion. The gearing, reflecting net financial debt in relation to equity, improved to 46% from 54% at the end of 2013.

The solid result allows the board of directors to propose to the Annual General Meeting an increased dividend of CHF 0.40 per share compared to CHF 0.36 per share in the previous year. The distribution is proposed to be made from the capital contribution reserve that is exempt from Swiss withholding tax.

Fourth quarter 2014 – Good underlying sales growth
In the fourth quarter of 2014, Clariant increased sales to CHF 1.586 billion up from the strong fourth quarter 2013 with CHF 1.563 billion. This corresponds to a growth of 2% in local currencies, driven by price increases. Despite some portfolio pruning, volumes matched the high base of the previous year period. In Swiss francs, growth reached 1%, as currency developments still had a slight adverse impact of 1 percentage point on sales.

Care Chemicals reported 1% higher sales in local currencies. On a like-for-like basis Care Chemicals grew 6% in local currencies, reflecting strong growth in Consumer Care, predominantly in Crop Solutions and Personal Care. Catalysis & Energy sales were flat in local currencies and decreased by 3% in Swiss francs compared to the high base of the same period in 2013, which was due to a rebalancing of orders between the third and fourth quarter of 2014. Sales in the Natural Resources Business Area grew 3% in local currencies and 1% in Swiss francs in the fourth quarter 2014. Sales in Plastics & Coatings increased 4% in local currencies and 5% in Swiss francs with all three businesses, Pigments, Masterbatches, and Additives, contributing to growth in local currencies.

At the regional level, Latin America achieved double-digit growth in local currencies. Asia/Pacific and North America increased sales, whereas Europe and the Middle East & Africa were below the levels observed one year ago.

The gross margin was slightly higher year-on-year, at 28.8% compared to 28.2% in the previous-year period. This was due to improved operational efficiency and a tempering negative currency effect. The EBITDA margin before exceptional items was at 14.6%, compared to 15.0% in the fourth quarter of 2013. This decline was due to a base effect in Natural Resources, mostly attributable to a positive contribution from the ASK Joint Venture in the fourth quarter of 2013. All other Business Areas experienced flat or higher EBITDA margins compared to the same period of the previous year.

Operating cash flow amounted to CHF 321 million, compared to CHF 261 million in the fourth quarter of 2013, reflecting the usual seasonal pattern with a strong cash flow generation in the second half-year.

Outlook 2015 – Focus on Performance, Growth and Innovation
Clariant expects an ongoing challenging environment characterized by an increased volatility in commodity prices and currencies. In emerging markets, the economic environment is expected to remain favorable but at a lower level and with increased volatility. Moderate growth should continue in the United States. However, growth in Europe is expected to remain weak. The combined effect of the appreciation of the Swiss franc with the weakening of the euro will impact Clariant’s sales and profitability in absolute terms but will be fairly neutral in terms of relative margins.

In 2015 Clariant will improve its operational efficiency by implementing a lean service organization; it will further improve its marketing excellence and will continue to launch innovations that generate value for its customers.

For 2015 Clariant expects low to mid-single digit sales growth in local currencies. In light of the volatile economic conditions, Clariant currently does not anticipate achieving its mid-term EBITDA margin target in 2015. However, the company will further increase its EBITDA margin before exceptional items above full-year 2014 and increase cash flow generation.

Clariant confirms its mid-term target to achieve a position in the top tier of the specialty chemicals industry. This corresponds to an EBITDA margin before exceptional items range of 16% to 19% and a return on invested capital (ROIC) above peer group average in 2015 and beyond.

“In 2014 Clariant grew above average once more, even though the economic environment was challenging and characterized by a continued lack of growth in Europe. Clariant increased its sales particularly in attractive high-margin markets, and was again able to improve its profitability, though some parts of the progress were masked by a negative currency effect,” said CEO Hariolf Kottmann.

“In 2015, we will continue on our successful path to transform our company into a leading specialty chemical company. We will improve operational efficiency by implementing a lean service organization and continue to focus on customers and innovation. For 2015 we expect continued sales growth, further progress of our EBITDA margin and an improved cash flow, despite an increasingly volatile economic environment.”

Posted February 18, 2015

Source: Clariant
 

Burlington Partners With PurThread Technologies To Provide Embedded Antimicrobial Protection To Fabrics

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — February 18, 2015 — PurThread Technologies Inc., maker of next generation antimicrobial fibers and yarns, announces a partnership with Burlington, a global diversified provider of textile solutions across performance and specialty apparel fabrics, active wear, advanced uniform fabrics, and technical fabrics, to provide antimicrobial and anti-odor protection to the global healthcare, industrial, and apparel markets.  

“Burlington is proud to continue its advanced R&D efforts to bring leading innovations in textile technology that provide real, lasting enhancements to our customers through our partnership with PurThread,” said Jeff Peck, President of Burlington. “Following rigorous testing, PurThread’s embedded antimicrobial is found to be extremely effective and durable, and we look forward to introducing PurThread’s benefits in our Burlington® brand fabrics.”

The foundation of this partnership is PurThread’s silver-embedded yarn, which was recently shown in a study by the University of Arizona to kill 99.99 percent of salmonella and other dangerous bacteria on its surface within two hours of contact. The silver, a safe, non-nano ionic silver salt, is EPA registered, and will power Burlington products made with PurThread’s antimicrobial and anti-odor protection.

PurThread is the first to embed silver into the fiber itself before it is spun into yarn and woven into fabrics. This novel technology yields intrinsic antimicrobial benefits that don’t wash off or wear away for the life of the fabric or change the fabric’s physical characteristics.

“We are excited to develop progressive antimicrobial products with one of the most well-known and respected textile manufacturers in the world,” said Lisa Grimes, CEO of PurThread. “This partnership will bring to healthcare and consumer markets the powerful, durable benefits of PurThread’s protective yarns in Burlington’s high-quality fabrics. Everyone wins.”

Developed with manufacturers in mind, PurThread’s technologies will integrate seamlessly with Burlington’s manufacturing process.

Posted February 18, 2015

Source: PurThread
 

Madeira Launches A New Cotton-Blend Embroidery Thread

LACONIA, N.H. — February 18, 2015 — New from Madeira to the Decorated Apparel Market is an embroidery thread that offers the rugged appearance of cotton with the durability of acrylic. At 50-percent cotton and 50-percent acrylic, Madeira’s new BurmilanaCo is a cousin to its popular 50/50 wool/acrylic blend, Burmilana.  The new BurmilanaCo is a 12 weight machine embroidery thread that offers a hand-embroidered look. Available in 72 colors, it is more economical than the wool blend, is easy to run and provides a beautiful, subtle stitch out. While 65 of its colors are solid, 7 are a soft, stylish mélange of related tones.

Madeira USA president Shirley Clark explains, “When we learned of the worldwide designers and decision makers that Madeira Germany has sent this new thread to, we knew we wanted to offer it to our customers here in the U.S. It is unique, bold, easy to run, and makes a very strong statement. For those who are fashion-minded, whether keeping up with trends or setting them, I think they will be extremely interested in seeing what this new specialty thread can produce.”

With a natural, soft hand, BurmilanaCo is an excellent choice for chenille embroidery, chain stitch, fringing, decorative seams and other special effects. Due to its thicker weight, the use of a #100/16 needle is recommended, as well as slightly tightening the tension on the embroidery machine. A sheet of full suggestions for optimal use is available from Madeira USA. BurmilanaCo has been tested and cleared to be free from any harmful substances by the international Oeko-Tex organization, receiving a Class 1 rating, which clears the thread for use on baby clothes.

Posted February 18, 2015

Source: Madeira USA
 

Surtex Presents Exhibitor Webinar Series Presented by Industry Experts, Topics To Help Maximize Show Success

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — February 18, 2015 — SURTEX®, North America’s premier exposition and conference for the selling and licensing of original art and design, will present a series of pre-show webinars designed to help exhibitors maximize return on investment and prepare for the event, which is slated to run May 17-19, 2015, at New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.  The multi-part webinar series will address essential exhibiting success strategies including booth design and display; marketing strategies and post-show follow-up.

“Our monthly exhibitor webinars are presented by industry experts who know how to get the most out of Surtex,” said Liz Crawford, vice president and group show director. “We are delighted to present this informative series to prepare exhibitors for a strong market presence and help with follow-up strategies.”

On February 19, “Maximize Your Surtex Success,” delivering action plans from preparing art to developing a marketing plan, will be presented by Dan Nazario, owner of Creativo and Trish Rivas, Surtex exhibitor marketing manager.  On March 12, “5 Tips For Bringing Your A-Game to the Show Floor” will be delivered by Tara Reed, licensed artist and founder of artlicensinginfo.com.  On April 2, “Booth Design and Logistics Bootcamp,” addressing ideas for effective booth design and budget basics, will be presented by Robin Zietz of Robin Z Studio and Keith Colavito, Surtex operations manager.

All webinars, which are free to Surtex exhibitors, will be held at 1:00 p.m. EST. Registration is available at www.surtex.com.  Webinar recordings will be available, upon request, through michelle.daniels@emeraldexpo.com.

Posted February 18, 2015

Source: Surtex
 

Yarn Market: Yarn Spinners Start Strong

By Jim Phillips, Yarn Market Editor

Yarn orders in 2015 have so far met expectations, continuing a run of stability that has seen the industry add capacity for the first time in decades.

“The ring-spun business remains very strong,” said one spinner. “Combed cotton ring-spun has very limited availability.  Several companies in the Western Hemisphere are growing their ring-spinning operations to take advantage of the demand.  I really don’t see that changing in the near future.  There are still not a lot of companies in the United States that produce combed-cotton ring-spun. For now, there’s just not enough combed-cotton ring-spun to go around. That’s actually created a pretty good situation for those companies producing the yarn.”

Another spinner noted:  “I see some producers in Latin America moving toward producing more cotton products.  With the price of cotton leveling off in the past few months and hovering around $0.60 per pound, I think you will see more companies returning to cotton. With cotton prices jumping all over the place the past few years, a number of customers transitioned from 100-percent cotton to blends. Now, some of those orders are moving back to all cotton.”

Cotton is expected to be in plentiful supply for the remainder of the year, which bodes well for continued growth, spinners say.  The downside is that, with an oversupply, the possibility exists that fewer acres will be planted for the next season, which could drive the price back up.

Average spot cotton quotations for the base quality of cotton (color 41, leaf 4, staple 34, mike 35-36 and 43-49, strength 27.0-28.9, uniformity 81.0-81.9) in the seven designated markets measured by the USDA averaged $0.6085 per pound for the week ended Thursday, February 12, up from $0.5956 the previous week, but down from $0.8435 reported the corresponding period a year ago.

Value-Add Products In High Demand
Products in high demand at the moment, especially in the specialty segment, are those that offer some form of value add. “The markets that we serve are continually seeking to differentiate themselves, which is extremely valuable for our R&D initiatives,” a specialty spinner said.  “Products that offer either a sustainability or a performance attribute are in demand. Texture is also a very desirable characteristic.” Another spinner agreed: “We’re not running lots of the same things these days.  It seems everybody wants something different.”

“In a commodities-based business, price always rules,” said one business analyst.  “But in a market where there are multiple choices from similarly priced competitive products, opportunities exist to separate from the pack.  Speed to market is, of course, a key factor.  And so is customer service, both before and after the order is placed.  Product quality is also a huge issue.  Few things ruin business relationships faster than a product that is not quite up to specs.  But a major intangible in business is the customer experience. How easy is it for customers to buy from you?  Is ordering simple, with clearly delineated expectations for both the manufacturer and the customer? In a commodities world, all else being equal, customers keep coming back to those companies they like to do business with.”

“We are able to keep our customers happy by having an aggressive delivery strategy,” said one Southeastern spinner.  “Our ability to get business often hinges on whether we can get product to our customers, particularly those in Central America, faster than anyone else.”

Said another:  “Our customers tell us they often have quality issues from offshore manufacturers.  Sometimes the product isn’t up to specifications.  Other times they get the wrong product entirely. Our customers know they are going to get exactly what they ordered when they buy from us.  This helps us tremendously, especially in those instances where we can’t quite match the price.”

U.S. exports remain strong, although the strength of the U.S. dollar is having some impact. “There are some countries that artificially devalue their currencies, which makes it hard for Made in USA products to compete fairly in a global marketplace,” noted one analyst. “Nevertheless, many companies still maintain an aggressive global presence.”

February 2015

Chomarat Increases Its Production Capacity In Multiaxial Glass Fiber Reinforcements

LE CHEYLARD, France — February 11, 2015 — Chomarat, one of the players in the global engineered textile sector, is expanding its Tunisian plant in Grombalia (30 mins. from Tunis) and has announced an increase in its production capacity of multiaxial glass fiber reinforcements for the wind turbine market.

Enhanced Means Of Production To Meet High Demand
These investments come in response to a new contract to supply over 10,000 tonnes to the wind turbine sector.

In 2014 Chomarat made similar improvements to its Taicang plant (near Shanghai) in China. The Group is now able to supply its multiaxial reinforcements across continents – Europe, Asia and the Americas.

“Increasing our production capacity and expanding our facilities is just the first step. We are going to pursue our development by offering a competitive range designed for the wind turbine sector and all other high-volume markets such as the transportation and marine industries,” said Raphael Pleynet, head of Chomarat’s Composites Europe business.

Growing Ambitions In Glass Reinforcements
The aim of the Group is to build on its expansion and these latest investments will strengthen Chomarat’s market offering on an international scale. “Chomarat has always been among the leading players in the design and manufacture of glass reinforcements for the construction, marine and sports & leisure sectors. Our recent investments in China and Tunisia reflect our determination to gain ground in both carbon and glass composites,” said Michel Cognet, Managing Director of Chomarat Group.

Posted February 17, 2015

Source: Chomarat
 

Burlington Introduces The Iconic Collection Of Merino Wool Fabrics

GREENSBORO, N.C. — February 10, 2015 — Burlington is pleased to introduce the Iconic Collection of highend luxurious fabrics for menswear. A collection of super fine Merino Wool fabrics, the Iconic Collection is designed in contemporary and traditional silhouettes — styled for today’s tailored gentlemen and crafted for elegant suits, blazers, and trousers.

The Spring 2016 Collection is available in both super 110s and 120s fine yarns featuring softness with a clean hand and smooth drape. The Collection is made up of Burlington “Made in Americas” fabrics manufactured in both the U.S. and Mexico. Fabric styles are available for immediate sampling.

“The Iconic Collection represents the finest fabrics, drawn from Burlington’s legacy in fine worsted wools and fashioned in new, elegant designs that embrace the style of today’s contemporary man,” says Peter Baumann, senior vice president merchandising, Burlington Menswear. “We are positioned to be the fabric supplier of choice to a broadened better and moderate men’s market, offering customers a choice of platforms and expanded fabric collections.”

Posted February 17, 2015

Source: Burlington
 

1...1,8351,8361,837...2,598Page 1,836 of 2,598

Sponsors

Breaking News

Load more

Digital Issue

2025 Quarterly Issue Number IV

View Latest Digital Issue

FEATURED ARTICLES

© Copyright 2017 Textile Industries Media Group, LLC.