PARIS — March 6, 2014 — Lectra, the world leader in integrated technology solutions dedicated to industries using soft materials—fabrics, leather, technical textiles and composite materials—is pleased to announce the appointment of Céline Choussy Bedouet as Marketing Director for Automotive, Furniture, Technical Textiles and Composite Materials. Based in Bordeaux-Cestas (France), she reports directly to Daniel Harari, Lectra CEO.

“In five years, Lectra’s market share has risen from 15% to 60% in the automatic fabrics cutting for automobile interiors. Céline has two priorities: the first is to promote the automatic cutting of leather interiors to strengthen our leading position in the automotive market, the second is to increase Lectra’s presence in the furniture, technical textiles and composite materials markets where we now have an enhanced offer,” said Daniel Harari. “Céline’s experience, her marketing skills and her knowledge of our markets will enable her to provide support to our teams throughout the world.”

“Lectra today has many assets: consulting expertise based on lean manufacturing fundamentals, intelligent industrial equipment, integrated software suites covering the entire chain, from design to production, as well as outstanding customer care. Lectra’s offer has no equivalent on the market, which provides a major competitive advantage,” said Céline Choussy Bedouet. “Our goal is to help our clients boost their margins by allowing them to capitalize on value creation and control their costs.”

Céline Choussy Bedouet has a rich and diverse marketing experience, including strategic, operational marketing, field, channel and partner marketing. She started her career in 2000 at Dassault Systèmes where she held several senior positions over 8 years, including marketing project manager, strategic partnership supervisor and channel development manager. In 2005, she went to Charlotte, North Carolina in the United States to head up Dassault Systèmes’ strategic partnership with Microsoft. In 2008, Céline Choussy Bedouet joined Autodesk as marketing manager for Europe. Later on, she was in charge of global manufacturing marketing campaigns before joining Lectra.

Céline Choussy Bedouet has a master’s in management from ESC Bordeaux (Bordeaux Management School), France.

Posted March 6, 2014

Source: Lectra
 

WASHINGTON, D.C. —March 5, 2014 — The U.S. textile industry has seen a surge in foreign direct investment over the past 8 months. No less than 8 foreign companies have made public announcements over that period to invest more than $700 million in new U.S. textile facilities and equipment. These investments are projected to provide approximately 1,900 new jobs in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Louisiana.

The United States has become an increasingly attractive option for textile manufacturers looking for competitive energy, transportation, and fiber costs. Beyond these basic economic factors, a key driver for this recent investment surge has been the success of U.S. trade policy in the textile sector. Over the past 25 years, the U.S. has completed a series of free trade agreements that include a Yarn-Forward Rule of Origin for textile and apparel products. As the name implies, the Yarn-Forward rule requires that yarn, fabric, and assembly production steps be completed in the FTA region in order to qualify for duty-free preference into the United States. This rule has served as a catalyst for record breaking exports of U.S. yarns and fabrics that are eventually processed into finished apparel and textile home furnishings in FTA partner countries. These goods are then shipped back to the U.S. duty free for purchase by U.S. consumers.

The Yarn-Forward rule has helped the U.S. textile industry become the third largest exporter of textile products in the world. U.S. exports of all textile products were nearly $17.9 billion in 2013. Over the past 10 years, U.S. textile exports have grown dramatically, from $12.7 billion in 2003 to $17.9 billion in 2013, a 40.6% increase over that period.

The single largest investment announcement, approximately one-quarter of a billion dollars, came from Gildan Activewear Inc., based in Montreal, Canada. Peter Iliopoulos, Senior Vice-President of Public and Corporate Affairs at Gildan highlights the benefit of a strong Yarn-Forward rule for American textiles stating “The Yarn-Forward rule was a significant factor in Gildan’s decision, announced in September of 2013, to make an additional investment of approximately $250 million in U.S. yarn spinning operations. We have designed our supply chain in order to most effectively leverage preferential treatment under U.S. trade agreements. Consequently, we want to ensure that our products are always eligible for such preferential treatment.”

This investment of approximately $250 million will be made by Gildan over its 2014 and 2015 fiscal years in order to build two new yarn spinning facilities in North Carolina, one in Salisbury and another one in Mocksville. Each one is expected to be over 500,000-square-feet in size. The venture is slated to create approximately 500 new jobs in Davie and Rowan Counties, NC.

In addition to Gildan’s announcement, the U.S. textile sector continues to see a positive trend in foreign direct investment. Since August of 2013, textile companies from India, Mexico, and China
have announced new investment plans in the United States. These projects will generate a
projected 1,368 new U.S. jobs beyond the 500 associated with Gildan’s investment.

“This massive investment surge and the creation of approximately 1,900 much needed
manufacturing jobs is a concrete example of how Yarn-Forward has made a major contribution
to the U.S. economy and workforce. You need look no further for how sound provisions in trade
agreements can make a real difference in our economy,” stated Augustine Tantillo, President and
CEO of the National Council of Textile Organizations.
 

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Key Facts about the U.S. Textile Industry

• The U.S. textile industry is a large manufacturing employer in the United States. The overall textile sector – from textile fibers to apparel – employed nearly 499,000 workers in 2013.
• Textile companies alone employed 231,000 workers.
• The U.S. government estimates that one textile job in this country supports three other jobs.
• U.S. textile shipments totaled more than $56.6 billion in 2013.
• The U.S. textile industry is the third largest exporter of textile products in the world. Exports of all textile products were nearly $17.9 billion 2013. Total textile and apparel exports were a record $23.7 billion in 2013.
• Nearly two-thirds of U.S. textile exports during 2013 went to our Western Hemisphere free trade partners. The U.S. textile industry exported to more than 170 countries, with 23 countries buying more than $100 million a year.
• The U.S. textile industry supplies more than 8,000 different textile products per year to the U.S. military.
• The U.S. is the world leader in textile research and development, with private textile companies and universities developing new textile materials such as conductive fabric with antistatic properties, electronic textiles that monitor heart rate and other vital signs, antimicrobial fibers, antiballistic body armor for people and the machines that carry them and new garments that adapt to the climate to make the wearer warmer or cooler.
• The U.S. textile industry invested $17.7 billion in new plants and equipment from 2001 to 2011. And recently producers have opened new fiber, yarn and recycling facilities to convert textile waste to new textile uses and resins.
• The U.S. textile industry has increased productivity by 24 percent over the last 10 years, making textiles one of the top industries among all industrial sectors in productivity increases.
• In 2013, textile workers on average earned 145% more than apparel store workers ($577 per week vs. $235) and received health care and pension benefits.

Posted March 6, 2014

Source: NCTO

WASHINGTON — February 19, 2014 — United States Trade Representative Michael Froman today welcomed the Executive Order of the President “Streamlining the Export/Import Process for America’s Businesses.”  The President’s action will reduce the costs of trade, support new jobs, and allow companies to ship American-made goods around the globe at a faster rate.  It follows the breakthrough agreement reached with U.S. leadership at the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) 9th Ministerial Conference in December, in which Members made binding commitments to expedite movement, release and clearance of goods, improve cooperation among WTO Members on customs matters, and help developing countries fully implement the obligations. 

“This Executive Order helps to clear the way for American businesses large and small to compete and win in the global marketplace.  The United States is a leader in facilitating trade around the world, but the President’s action ensures that the elimination of red tape begins here at home,” said Ambassador Froman.  “In December, World Trade Organization Members committed to smart steps that will ease the flow of trade and make it possible to support more jobs and families through international commerce.  Today, we’re ensuring that American companies and workers face fewer hurdles sending Made-in-America goods to global customers.”

The Executive Order mandates the completion of an International Trade Data System (ITDS) by December 2016.  This new electronic system will cut red tape and reduce paperwork for U.S. firms operating in world markets and employing workers here at home.  

More information on the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement can be found here www.ustr.gov/about-us/press-office/fact-sheets/2013/December/WTO-Trade-Facilitation-Agreement.

Posted February 25, 2014

Source: USTR

ASHEBORO, N.C. — February 7, 2014 — AEC Narrow Fabrics, formerly known as Asheboro Elastics, has announced a name change for its TESA plant located in Honduras, Central America. TESA – Telas Elasticas, S. de R.L. was acquired by AEC Narrow Fabrics in April 2012 and has expanded AEC’s product line and development capabilities. Now renamed AEC – Honduras, this operation is focused on the manufacture of jacquard and intimate apparel elastics.

 “We are very pleased about the positive changes that have been made at the former TESA plant with regard to capital investment, equipment refurbishing, quality enhancements and lead time/service level improvements,” commented Robert Lawson, President of AEC Narrow Fabrics. “These improvements are so comprehensive that most of our customers and visitors say they do not even recognize our Honduran plant as the old TESA. Our new name, AEC – Honduras, acknowledges our improvement investments and aligns our Honduran plant’s name more closely with all of our locations.”

AEC – Honduras’ woven capabilities combined with knitted production from the AEC plant in El Salvador, plus knitted and woven elastics and rigid tape production from its Asheboro, North Carolina plants, position AEC as the most capable, full-range narrow fabrics producer in North and Central America.

Posted February 25, 2014

Source: AEC Narrow Fabrics

COLUMBIA, S.C. — February 18, 2014 — Toray Industries, Inc., a Tokyo-based manufacturer of fibers and textiles, plastic resins, films and carbon fiber composite materials, has selected Spartanburg County, S.C. for its next global facility. The $1 billion investment over the next decade is expected to create 500 new jobs and represents one of the largest initial capital investments in South Carolina’s history.    

Toray has acquired approximately 400 acres in Spartanburg County for its future business expansion. The site is located along Highway 290 in Moore, with access to Interstates 26 and 85. The Spartanburg facility will offer proximity to major customers in both the United States and in Latin America.

According to a Toray announcement released Monday, the company plans to actively invest its resources to meet demand for its advanced material business base. Toray had already been considering a plan to locate a new, high-performance carbon fiber production facility to serve as a major supplier to the aerospace industry.Toray is the world’s largest producer of carbon fiber, which has applications ranging from golf clubs to aircraft to natural gas pressure vessels.

Toray’s acquisition of the commercial land in South Carolina is part of the company’s strategic business expansion in growth fields and growth regions, which includes North America and Latin America, in addition to Asia.

Toray views the United States as a key expansion market for the company due to the revival in manufacturing that is pushing demand for advanced materials, particularly those used in the aerospace and energy-related industries. Aerospace in South Carolina is a burgeoning industry, with more than 200 aerospace companies employing around 20,000 South Carolinians.

QUOTES

“South Carolina offers Toray Industries an ideal location for our next North American manufacturing facility. Here we will have proximity to major customers, both in the U.S. and in Latin American markets. We appreciate the great working relationship we have established with the state and local officials, and we look forward to becoming part of the South Carolina business community.” -Akihiro Nikkaku, president of Toray Industries

“It is truly a great day when we get to announce something this significant. Toray Industries’ $1 billion investment and 500 new jobs will be a real game-changer for the Upstate and all of South Carolina. We congratulate Toray for their decision to come to Spartanburg County, and we look forward to helping them find continued success and opportunities to grow here in our state.”  – Gov. Nikki Haley

“South Carolina is well-known as both a manufacturing powerhouse and a top location for foreign-owned firms to set up operations. Toray’s decision to invest here underscores our growing expertise in composites and advanced materials as well as our global reputation as being just right for business.” -Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt

“We are pleased to have Toray join our ever-growing family of international companies in Spartanburg County. Toray’s selection of our community for this significant investment continues to demonstrate Spartanburg’s ability to compete on the global stage.” – Jeff Horton, Chairman of Spartanburg County Council

“We are extremely excited to welcome Toray to Spartanburg County. We know who the golden goose is here in Spartanburg, and that is business and industry. For two decades, we have had an excellent partner in BMW, and we expect Toray to have a similar effect in our region. This is the result of a great partnership between Toray, the State of South Carolina and Spartanburg County, and we appreciate the efforts of the Department of Commerce over the years to see this project to fruition.” – David Britt, Chairman of Economic Development Committee, Spartanburg County Council

“Toray’s selection of Spartanburg is a great example of our community’s public/private partnership in recruiting quality companies. Our core team of economic development professionals has worked tirelessly to provide Toray with the needed information to come to this decision and we are appreciative of all the efforts made locally to ensure we got to this point.” – Russ Weber, Chairman of the Spartanburg Economic Futures Group Board of Directors

FIVE FAST FACTS

    * $1 billion capital investment represents one of the highest initial investments in the state’s history.
    * The state officials expect 500 new manufacturing jobs to be created in Spartanburg County.
    * Based in Tokyo, Japan, Toray is the largest producer of carbon fiber in the world.
    * The facility will be a major supplier of advanced materials to the aerospace industry.
    * The new facility will be located on approximately 400 acres along Highway 290 in Moore, S.C., with access to I-26 and I-85.

Posted February 25, 2014

Source: S.C. Department of Commerce