PARIS — December 4, 2012 — Lectra, the world leader in integrated technology solutions dedicated to
industries using soft materials-textiles, leather, industrial fabrics, and composite materials-is
pleased to announce that Façonnable has successfully implemented Lectra Fashion PLM to streamline
collection development and preserve brand heritage, both prerequisites for driving a strategy of
top line growth.

Founded in the 1950s by Jean Goldberg, Façonnable was acquired by M1 Group in 2007. The
world-renowned company with a global presence is enjoying a new era that brings with it a long-term
vision to increase brand equity. Façonnable’s brand value is firmly rooted in style, quality and
fit; preserving this chic French Côte d’Azur foundation while developing new lines for men and
women and expanding into new territories is central to the company’s strategic growth plan.
However, it requires organization and structure that Façonnable strived to enhance.

Façonnable chose to implement Lectra Fashion PLM throughout product development to improve
communication and monitor development in a way that would keep brand strategy consistent from
design to final product. With strategy clearly defined and communicated from step one, Façonnable
can now develop collections knowing that quality standards are clear and that selections will
accurately reflect the brand in core regions as well as new territories.

Company-wide change to align business strategy with creative vision

The motivation to adopt Lectra Fashion PLM came from organizational challenges which
threatened to undermine product quality, deliveries, and business development. “There wasn’t a
standard workflow before; this is now 100% controlled,” says Peter Nyhan, Merchandising Director,
Façonnable. Lectra Fashion PLM has aligned the business and creative departments to help strengthen
the brand and enable growth.

Lectra Fashion PLM has had an impact at every level of Façonnable’s organization, from Line
Planning to Production, helping to monitor collection development and keep pace with the company’s
strategic goals. “With Lectra Fashion PLM, we now have a common thread running through the company
that allows us to be more professional and more precise,” says Amélie Serri, Product Manager,
Façonnable.

“The main reason we sought a PLM solution was to streamline the product development process
in the context of seasonal calendars,” explains Allison Smith, Calendar and Special Project
Manager, Façonnable. This not only saves time and confusion, it is helping Façonnable achieve their
financial objectives as well. “One of the biggest improvements has been the ability to control cost
from the beginning,” explains Guilaine Ipert, Director of Production, Façonnable.

“We are pleased to count such a prestigious brand among Lectra’s fashion customers,” says
Daniel Harari, Lectra CEO. “Like us, they are building the future on their legacy. We hope to
continue to play a key part in their development through our full range of advanced solutions.”

Posted December 11, 2012

Source: Lectra

BUFFALO, N.Y. — December 6, 2012 — Eastman Machine Company, manufacturer of cutting machines,
automated cutting systems, material handling equipment, and software solutions announces the
release of JetPRO™, its latest automatic cutting system accessory. The inkjet printing system is
applicable for customers in the aerospace, automotive, composite and industrial fabrics industries.

JetPRO ™ is an inkjet drop-on-demand printer and is an optional gantry mounted upgrade for
Eastman’s conveyor and static table systems. The system allows full speed character printing with
an ink color and formulas available for most surfaces. JetPRO is the answer to fast throughput
printing compared to more traditional pen or airbrush marking options. It joins the line-up
alongside Eastman’s exclusive EasiMark airbrush system, and EasiLabel, a system to apply adhesive
labels directly onto the material.

• X,Y printer
• Selection of scalable fonts and barcode
• Set character height from ∏” through 2-1/2″.
• Printing angles include 0, 90, 180, 170, and 360 degree
• Printing Speed: 2.5 cm/s — 100 cm/s (actual print speed may vary between porous and non-porous
  materials)
• Ink: 1 color – Consult factory for color/formula availability (aerospace formulas
  optional)
• Variety of colors (pigmented and non-pigmented ink available)
• Manual height adjustment to raise and lower the head
• Reservoir for ink is 1 liter
• Available as an optional accessory for the conveyor and static table systems (cutPRO models
  only)

Posted December 11, 2012

Source: Eastman

ONTARIO, Canada — December 5, 2012 — Kaumagraph International Ltd., a Canada-based company,
announced today the acquisition of British Kaumagraph Transfers (BKT) of Manchester, United
Kingdom. The strategic acquisition strengthens the position of Kaumagraph in Europe and the Middle
East while increasing overall capacity to service current and future business.

“Purchasing BKT has provided us with much of the infrastructure and manpower to sustain our
growth,” said Ken Dunlop, president and CEO, Kaumagraph International. “We can now turn our
attention toward expansion in developing markets.”

A leader in specialty heat transfer technology for textiles, Kaumagraph has experienced
significant growth over the past 18 months servicing large brands particularly in the denim sector.
The company is forecasting another strong growth period over the next 12-18 months with expansion
plans for facilities in both Asia and Central America.

Posted December 11, 2012

Source: Kaumagraph International

WASHINGTON, D.C. — December 6, 2012 — United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk announced today
that the United States has requested the World Trade Organization (WTO) to establish a dispute
settlement panel regarding Argentina’s trade restrictive measures applied to all U.S. goods
imported into Argentina. These measures include the broad use of non-transparent and discretionary
import licensing requirements that have the effect of unfairly restricting U.S. exports. Argentina
further disadvantages U.S. exports by requiring importers to agree to undertake burdensome trade
balancing commitments in exchange for authorization to import goods. The European Union, Mexico and
Japan have also requested the establishment of panels on these matters.

“Argentina’s persistent use of protectionist measures broadly impacts all U.S. exporters of
goods to Argentina,” said Ambassador Kirk. “It is vital to American workers that our exporters
obtain fair and equal access to foreign markets, as required by our trade agreements. Today’s step
reflects the Obama Administration’s commitment to ensuring that our trading partners play by the
rules so that our companies can compete on a level playing field.”

The United States requested formal consultations with Argentina on August 21, 2012. The
United States and Argentina held consultations on September 20-21, 2012, but the consultations did
not resolve the dispute.

Background

Since 2008, Argentina has greatly expanded the list of products subject to non-automatic
import licensing requirements. Import licenses are required for approximately 600 eight-digit
tariff lines in Argentina’s goods schedule. The affected products include, but are not limited to,
laptops, home appliances, air conditioners, tractors, machinery and tools, autos and auto parts,
plastics, chemicals, tires, toys, footwear, textiles and apparel, luggage, bicycles and paper
products. In February 2012, Argentina adopted an additional licensing requirement that applies to
all imports of goods into the country.

In conjunction with these licensing requirements, Argentina has adopted informal trade
balancing requirements and other schemes, whereby companies seeking to obtain authorization to
import products must agree to export goods of an equal or greater value, make investments in
Argentina, lower prices of imported goods and/or refrain from repatriating profits.

Through these measures, Argentina appears to have acted inconsistently with its WTO
obligations. In particular the measures appear to violate Article XI:1 of the General Agreement on
Tariffs and Trade 1994 (GATT 1994), which generally prohibits restrictions on imports of goods,
including those made effective through import licenses. The measures also appear to violate various
provisions of the Agreement on Import Licensing Procedures which contains requirements related to
the administrative procedures used to implement import licensing regimes.

Posted December 11, 2012

Source: USTR

Samson, the worldwide leader in performance rope announces a major expansion of their Ferndale,
Wash., manufacturing facility and corporate offices. The new space significantly expands the
facilities of the Research and Development department while providing additional lab and
manufacturing space. Long committed to maintaining the most advanced Research and Development
organization in the industry, the expansion provides a central R&D Center housing the entire
department for better group collaboration, more streamlined testing and enhanced interaction with
production. A new training room with the capacity to house large groups is included in the
expansion plan. The additional manufacturing space allows for more efficient warehouse layout for
quick and accurate order fulfillment, better forklift traffic patterns and enhanced facilities for
production personnel. The expansion is projected to be complete by the end of 2013.

Posted December 11, 2012

Source: Samson

From the beginning, Italy has been one of the major suppliers of textile machinery for the global
markets. At ITMA, the Italians always have one of the biggest country representations. In the next
few weeks, the Rupp Report will take a closer look at the Italian textile machinery industry. Here
is a first glimpse:

Going Across The Borders

As the Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers (ACIMIT) recently reported,
“The year 2013 will be marked by a push towards internationalization.”
(See ”
ACIMIT Targets The Sector’s
Internationalization,”
TextileWorld.com, November 27, 2012.) As everybody knows, 2015 is in sight,
and ITMA Europe will take place in Milano.

As reported last week, the promotional initiatives will cover some ten countries:
Bangladesh, China, Ethiopia, Germany, India, Indonesia, Mongolia, South Africa, Turkey and Vietnam.
The instruments to promote the sector will include technology symposiums organized overseas and
training courses for foreign operators in Italy, mentions ACIMIT president Sandro Salmoiraghi.

ACIMIT also will be promoting awareness for its “Sustainable Technologies” project in India
and Bangladesh. Initiatives will include a symposium presenting “Made in Italy” sustainable
technologies in Bangladesh, which will be promoted both in India and Bangladesh.

Evergreen Jeans

As with most of the European textile machinery suppliers, the Italian manufacturers are
mostly small and medium-sized enterprises. This is the case for classic textile machinery as well
as for special equipment for the apparel industry. The Italian manufacturer Vi.Be.Mac., based in
Verona, is one of these typical Italian companies, producing specialized machinery for the apparel
industry in general, and for denim jeans manufacturing in particular.

Sales & Marketing Manager Simone Bianchi mentioned during a recent visit to the
company’s premises that Vi.Be.Mac.’s machinery is specialized for the production of jeans, dockers
and military garments. The company started in the 1980s as a service center for Singer sewing
machines and celebrated its 30th birthday in 2010. From the very beginning the company focused on
the production of jeans. In the company’s early days, this focus was quite a risk, but today, it
could be considered a lucky decision. The innovative founder, Carlo Guerreschi, holds a few patents
for sewing technology, particularly for jeans manufacturing: the puller system, the dynamic
pressure control (DPC) of the company’s feed-off-the-arm machine, a low-running-cost pocket setter
and the first automatic belt-loop setter.

The Brain Trust

The intelligence and knowledge of the company is focused in its Jeans-tech consulting
department. It is based on the modular system and includes company analysis, organization of
production lines, logistics organization and management operation, plus personnel training and
motivation. According to Bianchi, the main focus is to provide comprehensive service and support
optimized development of apparel production, resulting in reduced costs of management and
production. A lot of emphasis is put on the word “intelligence” – which at Jeans-tech includes
elimination of all risk factors – as well as existing production lines and also relations with the
involved workers, and, finally, the adequate technologies to define the customer’s strategy and
provide improved results and reduce cost factors.

Close To The Customers

Vi.Be.Mac. does not sell directly to the end-users. The reason is obvious: The company wants
to control the after-sales service, which is guaranteed through authorized dealers in more than 55
countries. A further service center at the technical headquarters in Italy responds to customer
requests in 24 hours.

The innovative Vi.Be.Mac. provides an excellent example of a company that is helping to
boost Italy’s textile machinery industry. As Salmoiraghi said at ACIMIT’s recent Board of Directors
meeting: “The number of newly associated firms [30 joined ACIMIT in 2011-12] represents an
encouraging sign for the entire sector. The economic situation is indeed difficult, and also bears
witness to the deep level of uncertainty permeating forecasts for 2013.” He concluded, “Both the
association and its members will work together to achieve common goals capable of providing a
further boost to our industry.”

December 4, 2012

WEST BERLIN, N.J. — December 3, 2012 — Thwing-Albert’s FP-2255 will be replaced with a new model
the FP-2260 Friction/Peel Tester. The new instrument will now run with MAP-4 materials testing
software allowing for more powerful reporting and compatibility with newer operating systems.

Measuring the coefficient of friction and peel strength with the FP-2260 has just gotten
easier for adhesives, corrugated, foils/metals, medical materials, nonwovens, packaging, paper,
paperboard, plastic film, and rigid plastics. The new software has already been in use with the EJA
Vantage Series universal testing machines. Now, the FP-2260 will follow suit. This makes the
transition one step closer to one software package to power all Thwing-Albert instruments.

There are a few innovative features that will simplify testing and increase accuracy for
this new Friction/Peel Tester. The FP-2260 can now recognize the load cell automatically so no
manual setup is required and room for setting errors are eliminated. Additionally, you can now
capture up to 250 data points per second using the MAP-4 software. This allows for more accuracy in
the results and advanced reporting.

The Friction/Peel Tester has always been versatile with accessories available to evaluate a
range of properties including coefficient of friction (COF), 90 degree peel, 180 degree peel and
tensile strength. A heated platen option has been offered for many years and now that platen has
also undergone updates for even more accuracy.

Customers interested in materials testing for their product development can continue to rely
on quality testing machines manufactured by Thwing-Albert. The FP-2260 is available now for
customers looking to add a valuable, new instrument to their testing operations for measuring the
coefficient of friction and a variety of peel test applications.



Posted December 4, 2012

Source: Thwing-Albert

ARLINGTON, Va. — December 4, 2012 — Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP), in
partnership with Accordia Global Compliance Group and in collaboration with several Pakistani trade
bodies, will offer 5 fire safety training courses in Karachi and Lahore during December 2012.

This will mark the first time that an international training workshop addressing the crucial
industrial needs of fire safety and risk assessment is being organized in Pakistan by WRAP. These
courses will be highly beneficial to the industry by providing essential education on creating safe
working conditions in export-oriented production units.

The sessions will focus on fire prevention and will cover a range of topics including
Pakistani fire laws, fire safety protection, fire spread combustion, routine fire prevention
measures, effective response during fire, and risk assessment. Instructions on how to formulate an
evacuation plan will also be included, along with practical fire-fighting demonstrations and an
introduction to the internationally-practiced “5 Step Risk Assessment Process.”

“We have seen a lot of positive results with the fire safety training we developed for
Bangladesh and are looking forward to launching this highly successful course in Pakistan. The
recent tragic fires in the region serve as sad reminders of how critical this issue is. WRAP is
dedicated to promoting safe, lawful, humane, and ethical manufacturing and to helping factories
prevent such tragedies from occurring,” said Avedis Seferian, WRAP’s President CEO.

The day-long courses will be held in Karachi on December 17, 19, 20 and 22 and in Lahore on
December 18. Registration details can be found at www.wrapcompliance.org/pakistanfiretraining.



Posted December 4, 2012

Source: WRAP

BOULDER, Colo. — November 28, 2012 — Outlast Technologies, leader in heat and moisture management,
has developed the first polyester fiberfill with phase change materials (PCM) to proactively
regulate the sleep environment. The new PCM polyester fiberfill can be blended with other fibers
and is suited for bedding products with synthetic fillings. The main benefit: regulating
temperature by proactively managing the microclimate between the skin and the blanket, a key
element to a restful night¹s sleep.

 

“We’ve reached an important milestone with the development of this PCM polyester fiberfill,
allowing us to expand our portfolio of Outlast®technology applications,” said Greg Roda, COO,
Outlast Technologies. “Our new PCM polyester fiberfill can be used as filling for comforters and
sleeping bags and helps to actively balance temperature and humidity during the night.”

“Initial consumer reaction to the Outlast fiberfill has been positive,” said Guy Eckert, EVP
of the Home Division. “We recently commissioned a study on the PCM polyester fiberfill that showed
a comforter with Outlast PCM polyester fiberfill can reduce absolute humidity by 48% compared to a
traditional comforter.” The result: a soft and plush bedding product with the added value of
temperature regulating technology that works continuously to manage heat and moisture while
reducing sweat production. When less humidity is created inside the bed, the user sleeps more
soundly with fewer instances of waking due to the uncomfortable build-up of humidity.
“Traditionally, consumers have been taught to layer their beds with sheets and blankets, however
this works against the body¹s ability to cool down,which is needed in order to fall asleep.² said
Eckert. “All of our products help the natural cooling process for a more restful night of sleep.”

How Outlast Technology Works:

Outlast technology utilizes PCMs that absorb, store and release heat for optimal thermal
comfort. Any product containing Outlast® technology has the ability to continually regulate the
skin’s microclimate. As the skin get shot, the Thermocules™ absorb the heat; as the skin cools, the
Thermocules release the heat to maintain a balanced temperature.Outlast® technology is not a
wicking technology; wicking reactively manages moisture by pulling sweat away from the skin.
Outlast technology proactively manages heat while controlling the production of moisture before it
begins. That¹s the Outlast®difference.

Benefits of Outlast products at a glance include: 

• Absorption of excess body heat
• Management of moisture
• Reduction of overheating
• Reduction of chilling
• Reduction of perspiration

Continuous adaptation to thermal changes

“As a leader in phase change materials, our products have great sell-through and can help
drive sales for retailers,” said Eckert. Outlast continues to offer a true, winning benefit to its
customers and retailers by providing an added value that improves comfort in the sleeping
environment. To experience the Outlast difference and for more information on the multiple uses for
the PCM polyester fiberfill, visit Outlast at Outdoor Retailer¹s Winter Market from January 23-26,
2013 at booth #39197.

Posted December 4, 2012

Source: Outlast Technologies

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — November 27, 2012 — Microtrace, the original taggant company and leader of the
taggant technology evolution for over 26 years, announces the availability of the world’s first
multiple level security yarn — Microtaggant® Security Yarns.

Easily incorporated into woven labels, fabrics, ribbons and any other woven structure,
Microtaggant Security Yarns offer the highest level of security against counterfeiting. Benefits of
Microtaggant Security Yarns far exceed all other security yarns; they are a tailor made security
solution, are uniquely encoded specific to each customer or application, offer multiple levels of
security and are easily authenticated in the field with inexpensive readers and detectors.

“For years the sewn garment industry has expressed great interest in Microtaggant
Identification Particles,” says Brian Brogger, Vice President of Microtrace, “However, due to the
size of the Microtaggant particle, they could not be incorporated into multifilament yarns and
applied efficiently. After several years of development, we are pleased to offer the first security
yarn with multiple levels of security- Microtaggant Security Yarns.”

Microtrace Security Yarns can be dyed any color and behave like a standard multifilament
yarn that can be used in any woven structure.

Microtaggant® Identification Particles

Microtrace Microtaggant® Identification Particles are a microscopic, traceable,
anti-counterfeit technology. In basic form, Microtaggants are a unique numeric code sequence in a
multiple colored layer format. In more complex forms, Microtaggants deliver multiple layers of
security through the incorporation of various materials such as up-converting phosphors, UV
fluorescence, UV afterglow, etc. into the structure of each Microtaggant particle. The combination
of multiple taggant technologies makes the Microtaggant very difficult if not impossible to
replicate.

Microtaggant Identification Particles act as virtual fingerprints, resulting in positive,
error-free identification every time. This technology enables employees or investigators to do
on-the-spot field testing, providing positive, instant identification and verification of materials
with inexpensive readers and detectors. Some customers use a single code for yes/no identification
or authentication and other customers use tens or hundreds of unique codes to identify contract
manufacturer, market product is intended for, time of manufacture, etc.

Posted December 4, 2012

Source: Microtrace