Often things change in an editorial calendar … or something happens. That’s why journalists are
virtually always in a hurry to get answers immediately and to be on time for publication.

Currently,

Textile World
and

Textiles Panamericanos
are working on a country survey among the most important companies belonging to CEMATEX (the
European Committee of Textile Machinery Manufacturers) member associations. Companies in
Switzerland, Italy, Germany and France will be the first countries to have a look at it. The
results will be published in

TPA
and also will be published online at

TextileWorld
.com and

TextilesPanamericanos
.com.

Missed Opportunity

As usual, for this kind of work, the questionnaire was sent out with the request to mail back
the answers as soon as possible – which means three to four days. Some did send back the answers;
some didn’t.

Mostly, the explanation for not being able to participate is the following sentence: “Sorry,
our CEO is not available at the moment. As soon as he’s back in the office, we will let you know
the answer — in about one week’s time.” Fair enough. Hopefully these companies will not complain
when they are not mentioned in the survey. Deadlines are deadlines. But a missed opportunity is
just one side of the coin. The other side is quite tricky.

Starting A — Negative — Avalanche

Picture this, dear reader: In your production, one of your workers had an accident. Or, as
another example: In most countries, a strike in a mill can occur for whatever reason. A walkout of
the workers will provoke immediate questions, which lead to public information. Or, as an even more
dramatic situation: Something happened with a garment made of your yarns or fabrics. The lady who
wore the garment attended a party, and it caught on fire from a cigarette or lighter. She was
severely hurt, and the public impact will be huge and loud. The list of situations that may require
a clear statement from the management can be extended endlessly. All of you, dear readers, know at
least one or two examples. This is the first act of the – now public – drama.

After you have solved the immediate problem, the public is always knocking at your door — and
“public” here means, first of all, the daily newspapers and the TV stations. They want to talk to
you, but “Sorry, our CEO or responsible person is not available at the moment. As soon as they are
back in the office we will let you know” — and so on. And this is the next act of the drama and the
trigger to your real big problems.

Why? Because today, we are an interlinked society and live in a world of social media, and
social media never sleeps. The Internet and its different platforms such as Facebook or Twitter are
so powerful that your inability to give an answer right away will immediately kick off a negative
avalanche
(See ”
The
Rupp Report: Beware of Communication,”
TextileWorld.com, October 23, 2012). Then, you will truly be in deep trouble.

Be Prepared

Every company must be prepared for every problem that can occur, no matter whether it’s on a
local, national or global scale. The understanding and the perception of the public today is that
you and your enterprise have a solution prepared for every situation. How is your company
organized? Does a crisis management plan exist? A company strategy cannot be executed without even
a simple but efficient crisis management. The solution for that is not so difficult. Just follow
your common sense and picture yourself in a similar situation. What do you want to know? In this
context, the following questions are important:

• Who is the overall responsible person for the whole case?
• Who can help?
• Where is help?
• Who is involved in this plan?
• Is everybody aware of this plan?
• Does everybody have a written crisis management manual and know his/her responsibilities?

And, more importantly, who is talking to the public? There must be a Mr. Speaker, not only in
a parliament. And probably not just one person — a deputy must be designated, just in case —
remember the missing CEO. And there are some traps into which you can fall.

Traps

Journalists, even if you don’t like them at all, are just doing their jobs like all of us.
And their job is to get an answer to their questions. A number of journalists from daily newspapers
or TV stations have an attitude of behaving sometimes like a prosecutor. Their reaction and
behavior depends very much on your own ability to calm down these people and talk to them
explaining the situation carefully but truthfully.

There is not enough room in the Rupp Report to write down a full crisis management plan.
However, crisis management with a maximum grasp is essential for your company’s image. If you want
to share with the global readers of the Rupp Report some situations that happened in your own
company, please share your thoughts by writing to
jrupp@textilworld.com. If requested, the Rupp Report
will not disclose your name or your company’s name. This exchange of information could probably
deliver some answers to your questions … just like the missing survey about your company. And the
question remains: Is a CEO always needed to answer questions — at least from the trade press?

January 22, 2013

LUBBOCK, Texas and GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala — January 2, 2013 — The dream of a high school diploma
became reality recently for 98 employees of Denimatrix in Guatemala City, Guatemala. Denimatrix is
part of the Textile and Apparel Division of Lubbock, Texas-based Plains Cotton Cooperative
Association (PCCA). More than 500 family members, friends and guests attended the graduation
ceremony.

The Rotterdam School in Guatemala oversees the fully accredited program and provides teachers
and the curriculum. Denimatrix provides a Continuing Education Center at its facility where classes
are held after business hours and on weekends. More than 370 Denimatrix employees were enrolled in
the program in 2012, and after graduating, they are eligible to apply for admission to a
university. Since 2009, 301 employees have earned their diplomas.

“We believe the best way to improve society and provide better opportunities for our
employees is through education,” said PCCA President and CEO Wally Darneille. “It is remarkable how
many of our employees are involved in continuing their education,” he added, “and making this
opportunity available is another example of our commitment to social responsibility.” Denimatrix
makes it possible for the employees to pay for their tuition through payroll deductions.

“This accomplishment takes great dedication and motivation, and it is nothing short of
remarkable,” said PCCA Vice President of Administration and Human Resources Jim Taylor. “These
employees attend the school voluntarily, on their own time, at their own expense, and often travel
long distances to be in class. Meanwhile, they work at Denimatrix, have families to care for, and
must study to prepare for their lessons.”

Teachers address all educational levels from elementary through high school while offering
higher-level courses in subjects including computer science, management, accounting, secretarial
skills, and English as a second language.

Denimatrix was one of three recipients of the 2010 Award for Corporate Excellence presented
by the U.S. State Department for its environmental stewardship and corporate social responsibility
(CSR). Earlier this year, the company was named Exporter of the Year in the Textiles and Apparel
category by the Guatemalan Association of Exporters (AGEXPORT) for its 25 percent growth in the
value of jeans exports with quality, creativity and innovation and for its unique CSR program.

Denimatrix was formed in 2009 by PCCA to produce high-fashion denim jeans. PCCA is a
farmer-owned cotton marketing cooperative with 10,000 active members in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas,
and New Mexico. Its Textile and Apparel Division, comprised of Denimatrix and American Cotton
Growers (ACG) Denim Mill in Littlefield, Texas, is the only fully vertically integrated supply
chain for denim fabric and jeans in the Western Hemisphere.



Posted January 22, 2013

Source: Denimatrix

SINGAPORE — January 16, 2013 — Huntsman Textile Effects and DyTech Taiwan announced today a
collaboration that is set to drive sustainable excellence and world-class standards of high quality
dyes and specialty chemicals for the Taiwan textile industry.

Huntsman Textile Effects will work closely with DyTech Taiwan, as its agent in Taiwan, to
deliver sustainable, high performing processing and effects chemicals that have low environmental
impact, with significant reductions in energy consumption and production time.

Commenting on this partnership signed in Taipei, Mr Kent Kvaal, Vice President of Global
Sales and Technical Services at Huntsman Textile Effects said, “The Taiwanese textile industry is a
strategic and promising market for Huntsman Textile Effects. We believe our partnership with the
experienced DyeTech Taiwan team will help to bring world-class, environment friendly technical
service solutions to our Taiwanese customers and we look forward to a successful collaboration with
them, both within and beyond Taiwan.”

Added Mr. Andrew Chen, Director of DyTech Taiwan, “We are very excited about this partnership
with Huntsman Textile Effects and believe this collaboration will create a new benchmark for the
Taiwan textile industry in the areas of sustainability and differentiation, which are key
ingredients to becoming a preferred supplier to key customers.”

The Taiwan textile industry has long been a strategic sourcing destination for leading
sportswear brands. An important component in the global textile market’s supply chain, the industry
has been seeking for ways to reposition itself in the face of increasing global competition.
Capitalizing on the nation’s culture of innovation and creativity, the industry has targeted
different segments to enhance its branding and to invest in energy-saving facilities and processes.
Taiwan was the 26th biggest textile importing country in the world in 2010 with imports amounting
to US$1.3 billion.

Huntsman Textile Effects is the global leader in developing total textile solutions across
all aspects of the textile chain and is committed as the global leader in developing sustainable,
high performing processing and effects chemicals that have low environmental impact with
significant reductions in energy and time.

Posted January 22, 2013

Source: Huntsman Textile Effects

ELKTON, Md. — January 15, 2013 — Massif, in partnership with the Military Fabrics Division of W. L.
Gore & Associates, announces the commercial introduction of Massif® Battleshield™ and Massif
Battleshield X™ fabrics, two revolutionary new nylon-faced, flame resistant, water resistant
laminates for the military and tactical markets. Nylon garments have a long history of field-proven
outdoor performance, yet have never before provided adequate flame resistance. Massif Battleshield
and Battleshield X fabrics offer a shift in FR protection by combining filament nylon-faced
laminates with exceptional FR protection.

Massif Battleshield and Battleshield X fabrics provide excellent durability, water
resistance, breathability, flame protection, stretch, and warmth-to-weight ratio. There is simply
nothing like the Battleshield fabrics on the market; they perform as well as other non-FR outdoor
fabric in the industry and provide exceptional flame protection.

Massif Battleshield and Battleshield X feature GORE® FR stretch technology, which
dramatically increases breathability while simultaneously improving water repellency and water
entry pressure. The result is an extremely durable, highly breathable fabric with a superior
warmth-to-weight ratio that is very water resistant and fully flame resistant.

“Gore has played a pivotal role in providing best in class durable, breathable and
environmentally protective products to the U.S. military,” says Mark Miller, Product Specialist at
Gore. “We are excited to be working with Massif and bringing this product line to the warfighting
community. Unlike any other flame-resistant, water resistant softshell fabrics, Massif Battleshield
and Battleshield X fabrics featuring GORE® FR stretch technology compete with the very best
technical performance softshell fabrics on the market today.”

Over the past year, every branch of the United States military has been evaluating either
Massif Battleshield or Battleshield X fabrics. “We’re getting some very exciting feedback from our
military partners,” said Dave Bywater, Vice President of Government Sales at Massif. “It’s
gratifying to be able to provide garments and fabrics that increase comfort and durability, improve
life cycle costs, and provide the best flash-fire protection possible for our soldiers.”

Some of the key benefits of Massif Battleshield and Massif Battleshield X fabrics are:

• Breathability/Comfort — With unsurpassed breathability, Massif Battleshield and Massif
  Battleshield X fabrics can dramatically increase the warfighter’s overall comfort. In high-activity
  situations Massif’s unique fabrics, in combination with Gore’s breathable, stretch membrane, reduce
  overheating and chilling from moisture retention and reduces user fatigue, ultimately keeping
  soldiers dryer, safer, and more effective in a wider range of situations and temperatures.
• Durability -—The nylon face fabric of Massif Battleshield and Massif Battleshield X fabrics
  provide superior durability when compared to traditional FR fabrics on the market today. In fact,
  for its weight, Battleshield is likely the most durable FR fabric on the market today. This extreme
  durability can significantly reduce life cycle costs as compared to other FR materials.
• Weather Protection/Water Resistance — Massif Battleshield and Massif Battleshield X fabrics
  provide exceptional water resistance by combining Gore’s breathable, stretch membrane with a
  technically superior face fabric that will not absorb or retain water as with conventional
  cellulosic-based fabrics.
• Stretch/Functionality — With multidirectional stretch, a key feature of any high- quality
  outdoor garment, Massif Battleshield and Massif Battleshield X fabrics offer excellent mobility and
  comfort.
• Flame Resistance/Burn Protection — These truly revolutionary synthetic fabrics have all of the
  benefits of high-quality outdoor softshell fabrics while meeting the stringent requirements of ASTM
  F2302/ASTM D6413 and showing extremely low Burn Injury Prediction when tested on a manikin per ASTM
  F1930.

Massif will begin using Massif Battleshield and Massif Battleshield X fabrics in its Massif®
Elements™ Tactical Jacket. Plans for using these fabrics in US military and tactical garments are
underway.

Posted January 22, 2013

Source: Gore & Associates

DALTON, Ga. — December 2012 — Manufacturers Chemicals LLC has introduced the “Levechrome” system
for dyeing polyester. The system builds color beginning at low temperature gradually developing
full shade and then at boil will transfer completely on tone. These properties yield unparalleled
uniformity and reproducibility. The system is ideal for carpets, apparel, yarn dyeing, space
dyeing, and printing. It is suitable for atmospheric or pressure dyeing.

In initial production trials it was observed that dye carrier could be reduced 45%, leveling
agent eliminated, and other process auxiliaries drastically reduced, and the cycle time was
shortened.

Mike Junkins of Manufacturers commented; “We were astonished with the potential savings in
energy, chemicals, and cycle time. It is possible to save more that the dye cost so it is like
getting your colors free. Even with the overall savings, perhaps the larger impact is
environmental. The Levechrome process can slash chemical usage, reduce reworks and save energy.”

Posted January 22, 2013

Source: Manufacturers Chemicals

MILAN — December 2012 — By the signing of the agreement between the Association of Italian Textile
Machinery Manufacturers (ACIMIT) and the DKTE’S Textile & Engineering Institute, Ichalkaranji
Dist. Kolhapaur, Maharashtra State, both the parties have agreed to implement the establishment of
Italian Technology Centre for the benefit of Textile Sector in India.

The project includes providing on free using basis of textile machinery by interested
manufacturers for a maximum period of 3 years, training activities provided by the same Italian
Textile machinery companies adhering to the initiative, the distribution of ACIMIT’s digital
technology manual containing Italian state-of-the-art technology, and the awarding of scholarships
to three students selected by a committee of DKTE’S faculty in order to help them to pursue their
professional training. 

The project will be coordinated by a working group representing ACIMIT, which agrees to
participate in all engagements held both in Italy and India, and an Indian counterpart, Raretech,
which will be responsible for coordinating all onsite activities.

The technology training center is a part of a larger initiative called Machines Italia,
financed by the Ministry for Economic Development (MiSE), which has entrusted its organization to
Federmacchine (the Federation of Italian Manufacturers of Capital Equipment). Machines Italia in
India aims to lend its support to the internationalization efforts of companies in the sector, in
one of the world’s most intensely developed industrial areas.

“Through this technology training centre, ACIMIT’s President Mr. Sandro Salmoiraghi
summarized, ACIMIT intends to strengthen the profitable relationship which already exists with
India’s textile industry.” The market in India is currently the third most important destination
for our exports (over the first half of 2012, we exported 58 million euros worth of machinery).
“This initiative aims to increase everyone’s awareness, continues Salmoiraghi, of the important
synergy with the territory’s textile manufacturers, represented by the world of academia. The
benefits in terms of image will be felt not just by individual participating Italian businesses
supplying machinery, but for the whole of Italy’s textile sector.”

The Director General for Internationalization Policies and Promotion of Exchanges of MiSE,
Pietro Celi, expressed his satisfaction for the realization of the Technology Center, “an
expression of the desire and capabilities of the private and public sectors to interact and
operate, in complementary way, to support Italian businesses and strengthen our competitiveness in
global markets.” 

The Member of Governing Council of DKTE’S Textile and Engineering Institute and Former
Minister of Textiles, M.S., Mr. Prakash Awade has promised all the help and support for the
successful implementation of the project and expressed hope that this training centre equipped with
state of the art Italian textile machinery will go a long way in catering to the needs of the
textile industry in India and strengthening the ties between the two Countries, Italy and
India. 



Posted on January 22, 2013

Source: ACIMIT

MINNEAPOLIS — January 10, 2013 — Zepol Corporation, the leading trade intelligence company, reports
that U.S. vessel imports have risen a slight 1.2% in 2012. This was a total of over 17.6 million
TEUs (twenty-foot-containers) imported, or roughly 200,000 more containers than 2011. Slow and
steady growth seems to be the consistent pattern for the year as import volume still has not
returned to 2007 or 2008 levels. Zepol has seen a large spike from 2009 to 2010 and then a
plateau-like trend for the past three years, although 2012 was an especially unique year for U.S.
imports. 

“In the past 12 months there have been strikes at the ports, hurricanes, and shifts in
manufacturing. Not to mention that in a post-recession economy, U.S. companies are running their
businesses much more conservatively.” says U.S. trade expert and CEO of Zepol Paul Rasmussen, “It’s
no wonder that 2012 imports were less than dramatic and certainly not back to the massive
consumption seen in 2007.”

A Closer Look at U.S. Imports for 2012:

1. What countries does the United States import the most from?– U.S. imports from
Asia increased 0.2% from 2011 but it’s nowhere near the increase seen from Europe which rose 6.4%
in 2012. China, the leading exporter to the United States decreased in TEU exports for the second
consecutive year by 0.4%. Although, South Korea, the second largest exporting country, increased
1.2%. Japan and Germany, the third and fourth largest exporting countries to the United States,
also had some significant growth in 2012, rising by 2.2% and 8.7%, respectively.

2. What were the top U.S. ports in 2012? – The Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach
are the busiest ports in the country and both have posted slight decreases from 2011 by 0.7% and
2.3%. On the other hand, the Port of Newark/New York, the nation’s third largest port, increased in
2012 by 1.6%. Notable increases in traffic were also seen from the Port of Norfolk, Virginia by
10.3% and the Port of Charleston, South Carolina by 7.4%.

3. Which carriers brought in the most goods? – As for the ships that carry all
these goods to the United States, Maersk Line was the top carrier again for 2012 and increased in
TEUs from 2011 by 7.9%. Mediterranean Shipping Company was the second largest carrier in 2012 and
rose a slight 0.6% from 2011. APL Co. ranked third and had a solid increase in TEU imports by 5.1%.

Source: Zepol Corp.