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

PHENIX CITY, Ala. — February 13, 2014 — Vectorply Corporation is pleased to announce the expansion of its advanced product manufacturing capabilities with the installation of a new Liba Max 5 machine. The state-of-the-art Liba Max 5, is the first machine of its type in North America. The new Max 5 will expand Vectorply’s domestic capacity for manufacturing multiaxial, spread tow carbon fiber reinforcements. The installation of the Max 5 is Vectorply’s most recent addition to its already broad range of carbon multiaxial fabric capabilities. This new machine has the capability to make some of the lightest weight non-crimp carbon fiber fabrics in the world. The investment was made to support Vectorply’s growing domestic customer base utilizing carbon multiaxial fabrics.

Posted February 25, 2014

Source: Vectorply Corp.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — February 24, 2014 — Polymer Group Inc. (PGI), the world’s largest nonwovens manufacturer, announced today that it will make a strategic investment of approximately $8 million to upgrade machinery and expand its manufacturing plant in Waynesboro, Va. PGI will also hire up to 20 new employees, continuing its ongoing commitment to invest in new technologies to better serve its customers and drive global growth.

This strategic investment in the Waynesboro plant, along with the recent acquisition of Fiberweb, expands PGI’s spunmelt capabilities and increases PGI’s filtration portfolio to include production and development assets for two nanofiber technologies. Once the investment is complete, PGI will be one of the only nonwovens companies able to produce every component needed to make synthetic composites for enhanced mechanical filtration applications. Using these synthetic composites, PGI will initially target the HVAC, Facemask, Fluid Power and Automotive Cabin Air markets.

“Filtration is a core business for PGI, and we’re dedicated to accelerating growth in this critical segment,” said J. Joel Hackney Jr., CEO, PGI. “The investment in Waynesboro will allow us to continue on our path of innovation in the technologies we use to serve the filtration segment, as we work to create a safer, cleaner, healthier world for our families and communities.”

By the end of Q2 2014, PGI will refurbish more than 20,000 square feet of the Waynesboro plant, upgrade an existing research and development machine used to create proprietary filtration technology, install two additional assets and improve the existing quality lab with state-of-the-art equipment.

Last year, PGI acquired Fiberweb to become the world’s leading manufacturer of nonwovens with an established presence across hygiene, healthcare, wipes and industrial segments. Fiberweb has unique offerings in filtration, with more than two decades of experience creating innovative products. With the acquisition and the investment, PGI’s filtration segment is one of the strongest in the industry.

“This is an investment into PGI proprietary technology to expand our capabilities in filtration and bring new innovations to our customers,” said Scott Tracey, President, Americas, Global Wipes and Tech Specialties for PGI. “We will be able to explore new opportunities for filtration as we continue our path of global growth.”

The City of Waynesboro is providing tax reimbursement incentives for all new machinery and tools purchased for this project. The new additions are scheduled to be completed by July 2014.

Posted February 25, 2014

Source: PGI

COLUMBIA, S.C. — February 11, 2014 — Anderson County is slated to see an influx of 125 jobs in 2014 as Orian Rugs, a family owned manufacturer of machine woven area rugs, announces a $13 million expansion at its South Carolina facility.

The $13 million expansion adds to the bustling growth Orian has experienced at their Anderson County headquarters over the past 35 years. Since Orian’s opening in 1979, the company has acquired three sister companies, McThree Carpets and Bajong Carpets, both in Belgium, and Sofiteks in Turkey.   Additionally, Orian has grown into a 550,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility, with 500 employees in Anderson prior to the expansion with operations on a global business level.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits for the project.

QUOTES

“Orian is excited to announce this additional investment in our Anderson, SC manufacturing facility. We appreciate the commitment that the local and state governments have made to support manufacturing and encourage us to continue to grow here in South Carolina. Orian is very proud to be a leader in the North American rug business, driven by our dedicated workforce in Anderson, and we look forward to future opportunities here in Anderson County.” -Wim De Pape, president of Orian Rugs

“Orian was built from the ground up in South Carolina and continues to expand within our state. We are excited they are continuing to grow in South Carolina with a $13 million investment, creating 125 new jobs.”  -Gov. Nikki Haley

“To see a company start in South Carolina and rise to the global business level is nothing short of amazing. Orian’s continuous choice to build and expand right at home is a strong testament to the business-friendly culture South Carolina demonstrates with each and every company that chooses to do business here.” -Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt

“We are very excited Orian Rugs made the decision to expand in Anderson County.  They could have chosen to expand anywhere in the world and chose Anderson.  Over the past 35 years, Orian has been a wonderful economic asset to our county.” -Lt. Col. Tom Allen, Retired -Anderson County Council District 4 representative

FIVE FAST FACTS

$13 million investment and 125 jobs.
Opened its doors in South Carolina 35 years ago and have since acquired three sister companies in both Belgium and Turkey (i.e., McThree Carpets, Bajong Carpets and Sofiteks).  
Orian has grown into a 550,000 sq. ft. state of the art facility operating on a global business level.
Orian currently employs more than 500 employees in the Anderson area.
Began as a family-owned rug company that originated in Anderson, SC.

Posted February 25, 2014

Source: S.C. Department of Commerce

ZURICH — February 25, 2014 — Global yarn production increased in Q3/2013 in comparison to the previous one as a result of higher output in Asia, North and South America while production fell in Europe. Year-on-year global yarn production was up as well with all regions recording higher output levels. Worldwide yarn stocks were slightly lower due to lower inventories in South America, Asia and Europe. On an annual basis, global yarn stocks were up with all regions recording higher inventories. Yarn orders in Europe and Brazil rose in Q3/2013. Compared to last year’s quarter, yarn orders were higher in Europe, but lower in Brazil.
 
Global fabric output was up in Q3/2013 as a consequence of higher production in South America and Asia, and despite lower output in Europe. Year-on-year fabric production rose in Asia and Europe, but dropped in South America. Fabric stocks were slightly higher globally as a result of higher inventories in Europe and Asia, while stocks were reduced in South and North America. In comparison to last year’s quarter, worldwide stocks feel due to lower inventories in South and North America, with stock up in Europe and Asia. Fabric order in Europe rose in Q3/2013, but decreased in Asia. On an annual basis, fabric stocks were up in Brazil and Europe.
 
Estimates for yarn production for Q4/2013 are positive in Asia and Europe, and unchanged in North and South America. Estimates for fabric production for Q4/2013 are positive in Europe and North America and unchanged in Asia and South America. The outlook for yarn production for Q1/2014 is slightly positive in Asia and unchanged in Europe and South America. The outlook for fabric production for Q1/2014 is positive in Asia and South America, and unchanged in Europe.
 
In comparison to the previous quarter, world yarn output rose in Q3/2014 by 2.8 percent due to higher output in South America(+3 percent), Asia (+2.9 percent), as well as in North America (+2.3 percent) despite a reduction in Europe (-2.8 percent). In comparison to Q3/2012, global yarn production rose by 2.3 percent as a result of higher production levels in South America (+5 percent), North America (+4.7 percent), Europe (+3.1 percent) and Asia (+2.2 percent).
 
Compared with the previous quarter, global fabric production rose in Q3/2013 by 2.9 percent with South America and Asia recording the highest outputs of 4.3- and 3.7-percent respectively, while Europe’s production fell by 7.2 percent. Year-on-year global fabric production was up as well (6.6 percent) with Asia recording a production jump of 9.3 percent and Europe of 3.2 percent, while South America recorded a slump of 19.5 percent.
 
Global yarn inventories were slightly down (0.6 percent) in Q3/2013 due to lower stocks in South America (-3.3 percent), Europe (-0.3 percent) and Asia (-0.2 percent). On an annual basis, global yarn inventories rose by 9.4 percent with all regions reporting higher stocks (Asia 10.3 percent; Europe 0.6 percent; and South America 0.4 percent).
 
Global fabric stocks in Q3/2013 increased slightly by 0.3 percent resulting from higher inventories in Europe (+1.3 percent) and Asia (0.5 percent), and despite lower stocks in South America (-0.6 percent) and North America (-0.2 percent). Global fabric stocks were down year-on-year by 4.8 percent resulting from lower stocks in South America and North America (-22.3 percent and -2.1 percent respectively). Fabric stocks in Europe and Asia on the other hand rose by 1.5 percent and 1.1 percent respectively.
 
Yarn orders in Europe and Brazil were up in Q3/2013 by 36.9 percent and 2 percent respectively. Compared to last year’s quarter, yarn orders surged in Europe by 35.6 percent, but dropped in Brazil by 11.1 percent.
 
In Q3/2013, fabric orders rose in Europe by 1.2 percent, but were down in Brazil by 0.1 percent. On an annual basis they were up in Brazil by 8.8 percent and in Europe by 4.1 percent.

Please click graph to view larger version

 
Posted February 25, 2014
 
Source: ITMF
 

ATLANTA — February 18, 2014 – Exposition Development Company, Inc. (ExpoDevCo) and Billian Publishing Inc.’s Textile World Magazine, announced today they have signed a collaboration agreement to jointly produce a new annual conference: Textile World Innovation Forum, to include the Textile World Innovation Award.
 
The Textile World Innovation Forum 2014 will be a two-day, high-level conference and targeting management personnel in engineering, processing, plant operations, research and development, and quality control.  The Forum will offer these professionals unique insights into diverse areas of textile manufacturing such as: fiber, spinning, knitting, weaving, nonwovens, dyeing, printing, finishing, apparel manufacturing, and special-interest areas that may be adapted to their own operations.

The inaugural two-day conference will be held September 15^th and 16^th, 2014, at the Cobb Galleria in Atlanta and will culminate with the presentation of the Textile World Innovation Award. Textile World Magazine will present this prestigious award to a leading textile company in recognition of its outstanding efforts and accomplishments in product invention and innovation. 

David Audrain, President & CEO of ExpoDevCo, commented: “The textile manufacturing industry in North America is seeing significant growth again in many sectors, and this conference will bring together the leading managers responsible for this continued growth. We have the utmost respect and admiration for the Billian team and their Textile World publication, and we believe that this is a great time to bring back the Textile World Innovation Award.”
 
Jim Borneman, President, Billian Publishing, and Publisher/Editor in Chief, Textile World, added: “The Textile World Innovation Award has a long history of honoring notable innovators in the industry.  This year, there are several strong contenders. The idea of paring the award and a high-level forum dedicated to innovation is a great opportunity for industry leaders. Often in our careers in textiles, we become siloed as specialists — this is an opportunity to reconnect with innovation from fiber to finished product.”

Posted February 18, 2014

Source: ExpoDevCo/Billian Publishing