American Textile Company Reinforces Commitment To “American Made” With Expanded Focus In Southeast

DUQUESNE, Pa. — September 4, 2014 – American Textile Company, a leading provider of innovative sleep solutions since 1925, has doubled the size and expected employment of its Manufacturing and Distribution Center in Tifton, Ga.

The Tifton facility today employs 200, and American Textile expects to hire 100 more in the next three years. Today, hundreds of government officials, community leaders and partners attended a grand opening at the expanded 418,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility.

Elected officials praised the company for bucking industry trends and growing employment and sales with a strategy to manufacture and ship most items from four strategically located sites in the U.S., and for its focus on innovative sleep products, some of which were previously manufactured and shipped from Asia.

“The expansion of American Textile Company in Tifton solidifies the fact that South Georgia continues to be a great place for business,” said U.S. Rep. Austin Scott, R-Ga. “I applaud the company’s efforts to not only expand within the United States, but to continue its investment in the Eighth District and to create jobs in the state of Georgia.”

“It is clear by American Textile’s success here that they are well aware of the benefits of the location and broad community support, including a workforce and demand to meet their needs. It is great to see American Textile reinvesting in our state and in our people,” said U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga.

“Since opening, the facility’s presence has fueled growth and created good jobs, and the expansion will further build upon its positive impact on the local economy. This new addition is another testament to our state’s pro-growth climate that helps businesses succeed,” said U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga.

Brian Marlowe, President and CEO of the Tifton-Tift County Chamber of Commerce and the Tift County Development Authority, estimates that the American Textile plant’s economic impact since 2011 is $75-80 million.

“It’s exciting to see American Textile Company increase capacity and investment in our community while also creating new jobs,” Marlowe said. “The company has an enduring history of providing quality jobs and a solid civic presence in their respective communities. Their decision to expand operations in Tift County is a strong indicator that our competitive resources and business-friendly environment continue to create significant opportunities for growth in the manufacturing sector. We will continue to work with and on American Textile Company’s behalf to ensure their success.”

“American manufacturers have traditionally faced difficult decisions when balancing cost considerations with the desire to produce in America,” said Lance Ruttenburg, President and CEO of American Textile. “Now, consumer demand for American-made products, coupled with rising freight costs and overseas wages, has made it financially viable for companies to expand in the United States. We’re thrilled to be a part of this resurgence of the textile industry in the Southeast and have found Tifton to be the perfect fit for us.”

American Textile opened its Tifton operation in 2011, benefitting from close proximity to rail, airports and seaports. State assistance, local incentives, dependable utilities and access to a trained workforce contributed to the company’s quick expansion — doubling its workforce and adding 200,000 square feet two years ahead of schedule. Forty seamstresses previously employed with textile companies that closed, now work at the Tifton center.

American Textile is recognized by customers for innovation and attention to service, and has delivered growth of more than 14 percent annually for more than a decade. The company has opened more than 900,000 square feet of facility space over the past 10 years, including 418,000 in Tifton. Its products, including AllerEase® and EvenTemp™, are sold in more than 40,000 retail outlets throughout North America, with consumer demand for tens of millions of units annually fueling the need for the additional capacity.

“I believe we’ve built something very special here in Tifton, as it signifies everything we stand for — service, growth, community and quality. As we approach 90 years in business, American Textile’s future is as bright and the work we’re doing in the Southeast is proof there is a real desire for American-made textile products,” Ruttenberg said.

Supporting the Tifton Community
As part of the grand opening celebration, officials from American Textile presented a check for $70,000 to the Tiftarea YMCA to build a new lighted and fenced in quarter-mile track made of asphalt and recycled materials. A sheltered picnic area and a walking track and field inside the track will be available for children’s activities and adult aerobics. Construction on the American Textile Family Walking Track is expected to begin this month and will be completed by the end of 2014.

Posted September 11, 2014

Source: American Textile Co.
 

Heimtextil Takes New Approach: Theme Park And Trend Prognosis for 2015-16 Presented

FRANKFURT — September 9, 2014 — A new trend concept, new themes and a new kind of presentation: the Heimtextil management team introduced the new Heimtextil ‘Theme Park’ in two discussions broadcast around the world live on 1 September 2014. On behalf of the Heimtextil Trendtable, which is made up of six international agencies, Anne Marie Commandeur of Stijlinstituut Amsterdam presented the new large-scale project and outlined the Heimtextil trends for 2015/16. Trendtable members Mayouri Sengchanh of Exalis/Carlin International and Felix Diener also offered a prognosis for the textile interior-design trends of the coming season. Thus, representatives of the press and Heimtextil exhibitors had the chance to obtain an initial insight into the new trend themes around four and a half months before the international trade fair for home and contract textiles opens its doors from 14 to 17 January 2015.

‘Experience’ is the superordinate Heimtextil trend theme for 2015/2016. “Textiles are the perfect vehicle for inspiring, sensory and interactive experiences”, explained Anne Marie Commandeur of Stijlinstituut Amsterdam during the conference at Frankfurt Fair and Exhibition Centre. The conference also provided the setting for the presentation of the new Heimtextil Trend Book. “In both the book and the ‘Theme Park’ at the fair, we present a selection of spectacular projects, which can be experienced with all the senses.” For the first time, the Trend Book comes with ‘interactive print’ elements, which enable readers to obtain supplementary information in digital form by scanning the parts of the book marked and then watching animated images on their smartphone or tablet. Additionally, the trend prognoses are supported by an extensive website with detailed background information and project presentations at www.heimtextil-theme-park.com.

Four design themes show new ways
The first part of the Trend Book revolves around social, political, technological and artistic themes – all key themes that have a decisive influence on designers. The second section looks at trends that are set to have a direct influence on interior design and home textiles in 2015 and beyond. To this end, the trend experts proposed four design themes: ‘Sensory’, ‘Mixology’, ‘Discovery’ and ‘Memory’. The third part of the book is devoted to colour innovations and presents worlds of colour corresponding to the four design themes.

Spotlighting the retail trade, contract business, technology and sustainability
The new Heimtextil ‘Theme Park’ and its accompanying media emphasise the challenges and opportunities for the retail trade, the contract business and the tourist sector. The ‘Retail’ and ‘Hospitality’ blocks spotlight pioneering projects and are a source of ideas for new business concepts. Additionally, the focus of the trend prognoses is on technology and sustainability. A large number of young designers specialising in microbiology and computer sciences play an important role in the Technology and Sustainability blocks. By way of contrast, others work on projects involving low-tech handicrafts, recycling and re-use.

Reorientation of the successful Heimtextil trend concept
As the world’s biggest trade fair for home and contract textiles, Heimtextil has a special function as a trend barometer and benchmark for high-quality textiles characterised by excellent design and innovative functionality. Against this background, Messe Frankfurt launched the Heimtextil Trend Show back in 1991 and has expanded it continuously since then. Every year, the Trendtable of international experts filters out the most important general trends and provides valuable orientation and reliable trend prognoses for product developers, creative teams, furnishing experts and designers. For Heimtextil 2015, Messe Frankfurt is preparing a new, expanded trend concept called the Heimtextil ‘Theme Park’. Stijlinstituut Amsterdam is responsible for the concept and the presentation at the fair, as well as the accompanying book and the new website.

Heimtextil Theme Park
‘Experience’
Trends, 2015/2016 –
The design themes:

Sensory: the well-being factor
Designers create new products for the home, which appeal to our growing interest in tactile and sensory impulses. They find solutions via the link between science and design and thus increase our feeling of well-being. To this end, they use intelligent textiles with built-in responsive technologies that, for example, react to changes in the source of light. Inspiration also comes from the beauty and wellness industry. Super-sensory fabrics draw on the huge variety of tactile effects that excite our senses: light, feminine and transparent. As a sensory contrast, fabrics with polished surfaces or varnish-like lustre and uniformity are used together with paper surfaces and oily finishes.

Mixology: inter-cultural exchange
Variety is trumps. Cultural fusion has given rise to a modern ethnic heritage. From now own, experimentation and the interaction of different identities is the name of the game. Patterns, prints and colours collide almost chaotically with each other. African tribal design meets 3D rave motifs, retro with futuristic, digital with organic.

At the same time, people are enthusiastic about recycling and product hacking. New applications are found for waste materials with due consideration being given to material properties. The result is valuable design objects and – no less important – the feeling of independence from conformity of any kind.

Discovery: predicting the future
Designers are taking ever greater account of our planet’s valuable resources. They look over the shoulder of astrophysicists and investigate the properties of lunar rock and meteorites, the haptic qualities and dark strength of which are particularly fascinating. Observing the cosmos and the micro-cosmos, they come across dark, light-absorbent space black and stellar coruscation. Light plays a key role in this connection: it dazzles and illuminates, it sketches and plays tricks with the eye.

Memory: reflection and re-evaluation
People strive for a simpler, purer and more ethically correct way of modern life: away from consumption stress and rigid must-haves – towards favourites and a genuine feeling of well-being. The materials that decorate life together in the home will be honest, useful fabrics, e.g., denim, wool and linen. Familiar patterns stimulate the capacity for recall. Tomorrow’s designers will combine handicrafts and tradition with an innovative sense for modernity whereby their software abilities are an additional benefit. Thus, handicrafts and technology can join forces to create new, timeless values.

Posted September 11, 2014

Source: Messe Frankfurt
 

ICAC: Fifth Season Of Cotton Production Surplus

WASHINGTON — September 2, 2014 — In 2014/15, the world cotton industry is expected to enter its fifth consecutive season in which production exceeds consumption. World production is forecast to decline by 400,000 tons to 26.05 million tons while consumption could grow by 4% to 24.4 million tons, resulting in a surplus of 1.7 million tons. Since 2010/11, world production will have exceeded consumption by a cumulative 12.3 million tons and by the end of 2014/15, would reach nearly 14 million tons. Much of the surplus is held by the Chinese government, but this season, more of the surplus will shift to the private sector in China and other producing countries.

As a result of the cumulative surplus, world ending stocks are projected to increase to 22.2 million tons at the end of 2014/15 with ending stocks outside China forecasted to achieve a record 9.7 million tons. This expansion in world ending stocks outside China will put negative pressure on prices this season as China continues to liquidate its significant stocks. Sales from the Chinese reserve reached 2.3 million tons in 2013/14. During August, the Chinese government sold an additional 300,000 tons, decreasing the estimated quantity of cotton stocks held by the Chinese government to around 11 million tons. The Secretariat expects that over the next few years, the Chinese government will maintain sales from the reserve at a pace of 2-3 million tons a year.

In 2014/15, China and India will vie for the title of largest producer of cotton, as the full impact of this year’s monsoon on India’s yields is unknown. Due to the late arrival of the monsoon, the planting season was extended and area in India is estimated at 11.8 million hectares, up by 1.3% from 2013/14. Assuming a yield based on the 3-year average of 536 kilograms per hectare, India’s production is expected to decline by 4% to 6.3 million tons. In response to the ending of government support outside Xinjiang, China decreased area by 8% to 4.2 million hectares. China’s production in 2014/15 would decline to 6.4 million tons, assuming an average yield of 1500 kilograms of lint per hectare. After much needed rain arrived in this summer, the United States should see reduced abandonment and improved yields with production forecast to reach 3.7 million tons with an average yield of 933 kilograms per hectare.

While world consumption in 2013/14 experienced no growth from 2012/13, it is predicted to expand by 4% in 2014/15. Consumption in China could rise to 7.9 million tons in 2014/15, up from 7.5 million tons in 2013/14 given the fall in both international and domestic prices as well as improved demand overseas for downstream goods. India’s demand is projected to reach 5.3 million tons in 2014/15, which is the third season of demand growth.

World trade is projected to decline by 1 million tons to 8 million tons in 2014/15, which is largely accounted for by a 30% decrease in Chinese imports to 2 million tons. With bumper crops anticipated in the United States and India, these two countries will remain the largest exporters in 2014/15.

World Cotton Supply and Distribution
                                                 Million Tons                Change From Previous Month
                                                                                                     Million Tons

2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15
Production 26.68 26.09 26.05 0.00 -0.04 0.53
Consumption 23.39 23.33 24.37 0.07 0.04 -0.13
Imports 9.87 9.02 7.97 0.00 0.03 0.04
Exports 10.09 9.01 7.97 0.00 0.02 0.04
Ending Stocks 17.78 20.56 22.25 0.03 -0.04 0.62
Cotlook A Index 88 91 80*

*The price projection for 2014-15 is based on the ending stocks/mill use ratio in the world-less-China in 2012-13 (estimate), in 2013-14 (estimate) and 2014-15 (projection), on the ratio of Chinese net imports to world imports in 2013-14 (estimated) and 2014-15 (projection). The price projection is the mid-point of the 95% confidence interval: 66 cts/lb to 95 cts/lb.

Posted September 11, 2014

Source: ICAC
 

Dan Cherian Joins VF Corp. As Vice President To Lead Apparel And Footwear Innovation Centers

GREENSBORO, N.C. — September 11, 2014 — VF Corp. has announced that Dan Cherian has joined the company as Vice President, Global Innovation, Performance Apparel and Footwear. In this newly created role, Cherian will oversee VF’s Global Performance Apparel and Footwear Innovation Centers, where the company focuses on developing game-changing advancements in apparel, footwear and accessories for its 30-plus brands.
 
“Our goal is to shape the future of apparel and footwear,” said Steve Rendle, VF Senior Vice President, Americas. “VF has emphasized the importance of product innovation as a key growth driver for our company. Adding Dan to our team to lead our performance apparel and footwear initiatives further demonstrates our commitment to creating breakthrough, must-have products for consumers.”
 
Cherian joins VF from Nike where he was general manager of Nike’s Sustainable Business Lab, a business development and strategic partnership function. He has also worked for Pfizer Inc. and the Boston Consulting Group.
 
At VF, Cherian will set global innovation strategies, shape and manage the global product innovation portfolio, and lead all supporting activities taking place at VF’s Performance Apparel Innovation Center in Alameda, Calif., and Footwear Innovation Center in Stratham, N.H.
 
VF introduced its Innovation Center strategy in 2013 and began to elevate innovation initiatives with existing teams to support key projects. Now, under Cherian’s leadership, the company will assemble teams of chemists, scientists, engineers and designers for the Performance Apparel and Footwear Innovation Centers who will combine their expertise in technology and new materials with VF’s proprietary insights and deep understanding of consumer needs.

The knowledge acquired throughout VF’s three Centers, and the innovations that result, intend to enable VF to drive greater brand equity and value, and achieve long-term growth for its portfolio of consumer-centered lifestyle brands.

VF’s third Innovation Center is dedicated to jeanswear and is near the company’s world headquarters in Greensboro, N.C.
 
Posted September 11, 2014

Source: VF Corp.
 

Applications Now Being Taken For Texprocess Campus

FRANKFURT — September 2014 — Texprocess, the international trade fair for the processing of textile and flexible materials to be held May 4-7, 2015, is also offering support to young talents in the participating sectors. International universities, institutes and fashion academies can present their courses and programs of study at the Texprocess Campus free of charge. The closing date for applications is December 5, 2014.

“More than ever before, the materials processing industry needs experts from both inside and outside of Germany,” said Michael Jänecke, director, brand management technical textiles and textile processing, Messe Frankfurt. “That is why it is so important to us to foster the initial and further training of young people. At the same time, students who are about to graduate need a platform on which to introduce themselves to potential employers. Participants in ‘Campus’ can, therefore, get floor space free of charge, and, if they would like one, a free ready-made stand into the bargain.”

As well as the campus area, there is the Job Exchange at Texprocess, which provides information for school and university students about internships, thesis topics and vacancies for jobs available amongst the exhibitors. Additionally, to facilitate discussions, there is a meeting area as weel as an online job exchange. At the same time, all participants can visit, at no extra charge, the concurrently held Techtextil, the international trade fair for technical textiles and nowovens. Ticket vouchers available on request.

Posted September 11, 2014

Source: Messe Frankfurt
 

Morrison Reports Sales Activity in Q2 And Q3 2014

FORT LAWN, S.C. — September 4, 2014 — Morrison Textile Machinery Co. reports it has sold equipment to companies in Asia and Africa during the second and third quarters of 2014.

In Turkey, Modenim Denim Issletmeleri San selected Morrison’s 36 rope S250 Indigo Rope Dye Range, which features Spectrum™ Dye Boxes with Centre Point Dye Feed, Tri return dye circulation and composite side covers. All Wash and Dye Boxes will be provided with high efficiency MVX Nip.

Modenim also purchased a Morrison Integrated Denim Finishing Range. The line includes an S8 Compressive Shrinking Unit with automatic rubber belt compression control; GrindVAC™ to capture belt by-product when dressing the rubber belt; and Morrison On Call (M.O.C.), which is a smart Web-based remote access device allowing Morrison engineers single-click access to customer’s machines worldwide.

After evaluating the performance of the recently purchased Morrison MDS 450 Ball Warpers, GAP Guneydogu Tekstil, Turkey, placed an order for three additional machines to completely replace previously existing machines. GAP’s evaluation found that the ball warpers, which feature a programmable servo-driven linear traverse drive, provide significant production advantages.

GAP also purchased indigo rope wash and dye boxes along with digital AC range drive and FCS automation package for its existing Morrision Rope Dye Range. These upgrades enhance range control and expand process flexibility.

Thailand-based Absolute Denim Co. Ltd. selected a machinery package for its rope dye denim expansion, which includes the following components: 24 Rope S 220 Indigo Rope Dye Range featuring the recently introduced Spectrum Dye Box and pre dye steamer for sulfur (bottom) dyeing applications; and complementing MDS 450 ball warpers with magazine creels and MDS 550 rebeamers to meet initial production requirements.

India-based Kanoria Africa Textiles Plc selected a machinery package from Morrision Denim Systems for a new denim production facility to be located near Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The package includes: one 24 rope S250 Indigo Rope Dye Range featuring the newly designed Spectrum Dye Box and MVX , dye steamer and latest FCS process controls; one Integrated Denim Finishing Range featuring an S 8 Rubber Belt Unit, AutoGRIND™ and SanforTROL™; and complementing MDS 450 ball warpers with magazine creels and MDS 550 rebeamers to meet their initial production requirements.

All machines purchsed by Kanoria include M.O.C.

In India, Anuba Industries Pvt. Ltd. has purchased Morrison’s S 230 Indigo Rope Dye Range and Integrated Denim Finishing Range for a new denim production facility near Surat. The Dye Range for 24 ropes will include the Spectrum Wash and Dye Boxes with MVX Nip assemblies and sulfur bottom dye steamer. The Integrated Denim Finishing Range includes S8 compressive shrinking unit with automatic rubber belt compression control and GrindVAC to capture belt by-product when dressing the rubber belt.

Posted September 11, 2014

Source: Morrison Textile Machinery
 

Shima Seiki To Hold Private Show In Italy

TREVISO, Italy — September 9, 2014 — Shima Seiki Italia S.p.A., Italian subsidiary of leading Japanese computerized knitting machine manufacturer Shima Seiki Mfg., Ltd., will hold a private exhibition at its Treviso office later this month. This follows its successful showings at its headquarters and showroom in Segrate, Milano this March as well as its office in Carpi in June.

The exhibition will be a showcase for the company’s newest selection of computerized flat knitting machines. From the flagship MACH2X series with SlideNeedles mounted on four needlebeds to the new SWG-N2 series compact

WHOLEGARMENT® knitting machine with capability for industrial textiles, and the SRY series machines with loop pressers that produce unique knitwear with woven textures, the lineup is sure to impress with its highly advanced technology.

Demonstrations will also be performed on Shima Seiki’s SDS-ONE APEX3 3D design system that is at the core of the company’s “Total Knitting System” concept. With comprehensive support of all aspects throughout the knit supply chain, APEX3 integrates knit production into one smooth and efficient workflow from yarn development, product planning and design to machine programming, production and even sales promotion. Especially effective is APEX3’s capability to improve on the planning process with Virtual Sampling. Photo-realistic simulation capability minimizes the need for sam-ple-making, effectively reducing time, material and cost from the sampling process.

Exhibition Details
Date: Wednesday, 24th – Friday, 26th September 2014
Hours: 10:00AM – 5:00PM
Location: Shima Seiki Italia S.p.A. Treviso Office
Via Postioma 115, 31020 Villorba (TV), ITALY
Tel: +39-02-216621

Exhibited Technology
MACH2X153 18L WHOLEGARMENT® Knitting Machine
MACH2X173 8L WHOLEGARMENT® Knitting Machine
SWG091N2 15G WHOLEGARMENT® Knitting Machine
SRY123LP-SV12G Computerized Flat Knitting Machine
SRY183LP-SV14G Computerized Flat Knitting Machine
SDS-ONE APEX3 3D Apparel Design System

Posted September 9, 2014

Source: Shima Seiki
 

aden + anais Partners With The Woolmark Company To Release A Pure Merino Muslin Collection

SYDNEY, Australia — September 7, 2014 — Using materials certified by The Woolmark Company, US-based babywear brand aden + anais is taking luxury to the next level with their new Pure Merino Muslin collection.

A leader in the market and a company which prides itself on innovation, aden + anais has combined their award-winning muslin weave with pure Australian Merino wool to create a luxurious Merino muslin fabric, offering the ultimate in softness, breathability and temperature regulation.

Merino wool is naturally breathable, making it an efficient temperature regulator. It is soft and smooth on the skin, keeping children well-protected and comfortable all year round. It works by absorbing moisture vapour next to the skin to help children feel dry and less clammy. When the vapour moves away from the body and evaporates, it maintains a constant, comfortable temperature. Parents will also appreciate that Merino wool is naturally fire resistant. Every Merino fibre has a natural protective outer layer that resists dirt and helps prevent stains being absorbed; and, in true aden + anais easy-care fashion, each product is machine washable – making the Pure Merino Muslin collection a sensible choice.

As the leading custodian of wool quality standards, and by building the scientific credentials of wool, The Woolmark Company is working to ensure that only products of the highest standards and quality are provided for your loved ones.

Research studies have also revealed that sleeping on or under wool leads to a better night’s sleep, and that suitably selected fine Merino wool products are healthy for the skin, especially for those with the most sensitive skin.

“Over the years, we’ve grown to be recognised as the true innovators of muslin in the marketplace and I wanted to explore other fibres that would work with our signature muslin weave,” explains aden + anais co-founder and CEO Raegan Moya-Jones

“Merino wool just seemed like the perfect fit — it’s natural, breathable, and one of the loveliest fabrics I’ve ever felt.”

The aden + anais Pure Merino Muslin collection features a swaddle, sleeping bag, dream blanket™ and a security blanket. Each product comes in a sophisticated keepsake box with a picture frame built into the lid to house your favourite baby photos – the perfect way to preserve the luxury products and cherished memories from baby’s first years. These products also carry Woolmark Nurture certification, offering parents additional reassurance through strict testing which follows global industry standards. The diameter of the Merino wool fibre in certified Woolmark Nurture products has an upper limit for each product category to ensure the products are comfortable for babies. For instance, an aden + anais Merino muslin product is guaranteed to be made from Merino wool with a micron of 18.5 or finer, so will feel luxuriously soft against baby’s skin.

From September, the aden + anais Pure Merino Muslin collection will be available at international aden + anais stockists, as well as online at www.adenandanais.com

“The Woolmark Company is delighted to be working with an international leader in innovation, function and design,” says The Woolmark Company Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer Rob Langtry.

“Our global Mothers and Babies program works in three main areas — funding scientific research into Merino wool’s health benefits, innovative product development and creating awareness of the fibre’s benefits. The partnership and product development with aden + anais further illustrates that demand for Australian Merino wool is growing in the babywear market.”

Posted September 9, 2014

Source: The Woolmark Co.
 

The Rupp Report: The 90 Years Of Gerold Fleissner

Hardly ever, and as a rule, the Rupp Report does not discuss specific people. However, if a person is exceptional, there is no doubt that the author should write about it. The man to talk about is Gerold Fleissner who is celebrating his 90th birthday, and is most possibly one of the most eminent and influential personalities of the last century in the global textile machinery industry. And let’s also include his lovely and charming wife Elisabeth, who was, and still is, his life companion.
 
The Start
The celebration of this event is the right time to look back at an enterprise that influenced many people and products in the global textile industry. The Fleissner company was founded 1848 by Johann Christian Fleissner in Bohemia, Germany. In the next generation, Karl Fleissner began to produce steel constructions, lifts, centrifuges, household washing machines, dyeing equipment and other textile machinery.
 
From 1929 on with Gerold’s father Hans Fleissner, machinery for textile drying became the preferred sector and Hans developed the first perforated drum dryer and applied for a patent. This is where the through-air principle originated. More patents were granted to the company, and the name Fleissner became a global trademark. After the turmoil of World War II, the world wasn’t the same anymore. However, Hans Fleissner again founded the company anew from 1948 to 1951 in Egelsbach, Western Germany. An important step occurred in 1968, when Hans Fleissner handed over the company to his sons Heinz and Gerold. Heinz was responsible for the commercial management of the business, Gerold for the technical aspects.
 
Booming Years
In the mid-1960s, man-made fibers such as polyester, nylon, polypropylene and acrylic were developed. Fleissner already was successful in the rayon industry for many years, and this experience allowed Fleissner to breakthrough as the biggest global supplier for staple-fiber lines. In 1965, the North-American branch office of Fleissner Inc., in Charlotte, N.C., was founded.
 
After the death of his brother Heinz in 1984, Gerold took over the management of the entire company. The increasing importance of the Asian market forced Fleissner to open an office in Beijing, China, in 1993. By that time, Fleissner was represented with its own offices and other commercial agencies in more than 80 countries worldwide.
 
Nonwovens
In addition to the already expanded portfolio for man-made fibers, wool, woven and knitted goods and carpets machinery, Gerold Fleissner, with the support of his Vice President Alfred Watzl, continued develop nonwoven offerings. Fleissner became one of the leading manufacturers of processing lines for the nonwovens industry.
 
The development of the AquaJet hydroentanglement system allowed a completely new generation of nonwovens to be produced. A 100-centimeter (cm)-wide complete pilot line was installed in the technical center in Egelsbach to run customer trials at speeds of up to 500 meters per minute (m/min). To complement the portfolio, Fleissner acquired the Mohr company in Ansbach in 1995, becoming a leading producer of installations for the production of fiberfill wadding webs.
 
Through-Air Drum-Drying
The perforated drum-drying equipment, of which more than 40,000 drums already were operating, was further developed and optimized. Gerold Fleissner achieved the development in a  revolutionary manner with the high-tech through air drum to meet the high requirements of modern production lines. This opened a new production field for Fleissner; the drying of air-permeable filter papers and soft-tissue for toilet paper and kitchen rolls, with speeds of up to 3,000 m/min.
 
Cooperations
With entrepreneurial spirit and a vision, Gerold Fleissner strengthened the company`s position on the world market through several cooperation agreements. Contracts were concluded with United States-based Beloit for the delivery of complete tissue lines and with Denmark-based Danweb for the production of complete airlaid nonwoven lines.
 
An agreement struck with Georgia Pacific to use their patent for the production of hydroentangled sandwich products featuring fiber layers and airlaid pulp layers, made this such sandwich technology available to Fleissner customers for the exclusive production of low-cost standard and flushable wipes.
 
With the cooperation of world famous machinery suppliers, Fleissner was able to supply complete turnkey lines. Gerold Fleissner also attached special importance to today`s demands for machinery with advanced process control systems and non-polluting technology.
 
No Successor
Gerold and Elisabeth Fleissner did not have a successor. That’s why they decided in 2003, to sell the company to Zimmer AG in Frankfurt. Zimmer operated for more than 50 years in the area of plant engineering for the polymer- and fiber industries. In 2006, Zimmer sold Fleissner to Trützschler GmbH in Monchengladbach, Germany. The rest is Trützschler history and was many times reported by The Rupp Report.
 
However, Gerold Fleissner continued to run Fleissner Nonwovens Ansbach, the part of the Fleissner business that was not sold to Zimmer. He concentrated on complete conveyor belt oven lines for drying and thermo bonding of waddings. Because of his age, Fleissner finally decided to liquidate Fleissner Nonwovens Ansbach in 2009.
 
Happy Birthday!
On October 9, 2014, Gerold Fleissner will celebrate his 90th birthday. There are probably not many people that left such an impressive mark on the path of the textile machinery industry in the 20th century. Gerold Fleissner was a restless inventor, business man, leader of his company, but also is a human being and a personality of the highest class. He was always present up to the last minute at a machinery show, when other so-called important directors had already left the fairground to catch the next plane back home. And there was no show without his wife Elisabeth. She kept Gerold’s options open so he could fully concentrate on the company’s welfare. However, Elisabeth was also a great support to the company itself. The author remembers very well entering a Fleissner booth and being greeted by Mrs. Fleissner. She came along to shake hands, smiling and said: “Welcome Mr. Rupp. Sit down, please. Now you need a nice soup, you look hungry and exhausted.” She personally brought the soup to the table, sat down, and waited until the soup, cooked by her, was eaten. Never did she leave the table. And the pleasant chat continued with a cup of tea or coffee and “something sweet” as she used to say. Elisabeth Fleissner also will celebrate her 90th birthday in November.
 
Happy Birthday, Mr. and Mrs. Fleissner. The world of textile machinery was a little bit brighter when you were present. May you enjoy another wonderful decade together looking back on a rich and fulfilled life.
 
Jürg Rupp and the whole team of Textile Industries Media Group.

September 9, 2014
 

Biggest Exhibitor And Visitor Attendance At FESPA Mexico 2014

MEXICO CITY, Mexico —September 9, 2014 — FESPA Mexico 2014, held August 21-23, 2014, has been hailed the largest FESPA Mexico event to date, with 10,173 unique visitors attending the event across the three days.

FESPA Mexico 2014 is the most successful Mexico event yet in terms of both visitor and exhibitor numbers. The 10,173 visitor number is an increase of 27% on the 2013 event and 20% on the previous best attended Mexico event – FESPA Mexico 2012.

A total of 144 exhibitors, up 13% on 2013, lined the halls of Centro Banamex in Mexico City. International brands made up 30% of the show floor, a 10% increase on 2013.

The theme for this year’s event, ‘Connect with Print Innovation’, was illustrated during the show by the most comprehensive collection of technology and exhibitors ever seen at Mexico events. This year, there was a host of feature content for visitors to enjoy and absorb, as well as many opportunities to share knowledge and best practice.

The World Wrap Masters returned to FESPA Mexico 2014 for an action packed three days with 16 teams competing against each other to be crowned ‘Wrap Masters’. This year the teams had the added difficulty of wrapping not just cars, but mannequins, toilet seats and speakers. The feature was a popular show attraction and on the final day, Jim Miller of the USA and Phil Aqen of Canada were declared the winners.

The Connect Conference proved there is a strong appetite for sharing information and best practice in Mexico. The conference, which provided a global line-up of speakers, constantly drew in the crowds. Seminar highlights included 3D printing, POP innovation and outdoor advertising.

Garment Central, hosted by garment guru and FESPA favourite Charlie Taublieb, provided visitors interested in textile printing and garment decoration with workshops on screen and textile printing, including hands-on sessions and demonstrations.

The top designs from FESPA Mexico’s t-shirt competition, which ran prior to the event, were displayed onsite. The winning design went to Oscar Cruz Becerril, whose zombie t-shirt design received the most public votes.

Exhibitor feedback reinforced the positive vibe throughout the event, with exhibitors pleased with the optimism and buying potential of visitors.

Brian Phipps, V.P. & General Manager, Mutoh America Inc., provides his thoughts on the event: “Traffic was great, very busy. We received hundreds of leads from all over Latin America and we took deposits on several of our new Mutoh printers during the show. That is always a good sign when qualified attendees are willing to spend money on the show floor.”

Mark Vasilantone, President, Vastex Intl., comments: “Fantastic visitors on all three counts – quantity, quality, and geographic spread. We generated nearly 600 good qualified leads, and are in the process of qualifying several new dealers – these were our objectives for the show, and we have achieved both.”

Hugo A. Álvarez González, Gerente General, Sumiprint, summarised his time at FESPA Mexico 2014: “The traffic to our stand was wonderful. We generated good leads and got many new contacts. We will be participating at FESPA Mexico 2015.”

Ivan Carrozzo, Americas Sales Manager, MS Printing Solutions, comments: “FESPA Mexico 2014 was great. The level of visitors was high and with keen interest in new technology.”

Xavier Niebla O’Gorman, Operations and Technical Director, Delta E Cero, S.A. de C.V., adds: “FESPA Mexico 2014 was the best marketing platform to launch a new product to the market, customers had a first-hand look of the machine and were ready to buy.”

Chantal Purcelle, Marketing Projects and Events, Gildan, notes her experience of FESPA Mexico 2014: “I can’t say enough good things about the FESPA Mexico 2014 event. We had a great show this year with plenty of traffic and we are confident that this will turn into increased sales for the Gildan brand.”

Group Exhibition Manager at FESPA, Michael Ryan comments: “FESPA Mexico 2014 continues to grow each year. Visitors’ energy and excitement didn’t falter throughout the three days. It’s great to see the optimism flow through the halls in Mexico City, the relationships we’ve built and developed with our existing and new exhibitors over the seven years has helped the show grow and develop.

“We’ve already had incredible demand for space for FESPA Mexico 2015 from our 2014 exhibitors, as well as global brands who missed out securing a space at this year’s event. We are now focusing on the year ahead and providing the Mexican and Central American print communities with many more opportunities to develop and grow their businesses.”

Posted September 9, 2014

Source: FESPA Mexico
 

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