SPARTANBURG — August 30, 2013 — Make plans to visit ZIMMER AUSTRIA and ZIMMER AMERICA at Floortek
in Dalton, Georgia. Come see the latest in ChromoJET digital printing technology!

Visit us at Booth 140!

Northwest Georgia Trade & Convention Center

September 10th to 12th, 2013

  

ZIMMER AUSTRIA is a worldwide leader among the producers of machines for textile and carpet
finishing (digital carpet printing systems, flat screen and rotary screen printing, coating,
steaming, washing, drying).

ChromoJET is a printing system using high speed valves which are computer controlled. The
pre-mixed pressurized spot colors are injected with high precision deep into the pile without any
machine parts touching the surface. Deepest color penetration and excellent print definition are
the result.

• Wall-to-Wall Carpeting;
• Carpet Rugs;
• Carpet Tiles;
• Mats; and
  
• Needled Felt.

Come meet Bob Patterson, sales manager US; Thomas Klöbl, ChromoJET sales manager for Zimmer
Austria; and Martin Rieder, service technician ChromoJET.

They will be available to answer any questions at the booth.

Posted September 2, 2013

Source: Zimmer America

Shaw Industries Group Inc. — a Dalton, Ga.-based floor covering provider and subsidiary of
Berkshire Hathaway Inc. — will invest $85 million to build a modular carpet tile manufacturing
facility in Adairsville, Ga., and add 500 jobs.

The company will begin construction on the facility — which will comprise 600,000 to 700,000
square feet of manufacturing and warehouse space — in 2014. Six additional Shaw facilities are
located nearby, including another carpet tile manufacturing facility in neighboring Cartersville.

“Through the combination of product innovation, design and sustainability, we have grown to
become the largest producer of carpet tile in North America,” said Vance Bell, Shaw Industries
Group Chairman and CEO. “We have expanded our existing Cartersville carpet tile facility to its
maximum so the Adairsville plant will allow for continued longterm growth in this important product
segment. We will also soon open a new carpet tile plant in China to service the Asia market.” “The
steady comeback of the floor covering industry in North Georgia continues to reflect the resurgence
of the global economy,” said Georgia Governor Nathan Deal.

The Shaw expansion follows other large carpet mill expansions in North Georgia, including
Dalton-based Engineered Floors LLC’s announced plans to build two plants and a distribution
facility, and add 2,000 jobs
(See ”
Engineered
Floors To Expand In Georgia, Add 2,000 Jobs,”
TextileWorld.com, May 7, 2013).



September 3, 2013

The PCI Fibres Conference 2013 will take place November 7 and 8 at the JW Marriott Hotel, Pacific
Place, in Hong Kong. Topics include the supply of the various fiber raw materials and the situation
in the Asia-Pacific region.

The PCI Consulting Group, of which PCI Fibres is a founding member, is an association of
companies, each focusing on a particular area of the fibers and intermediates industry. Together,
the companies provide integrated consulting services covering the fibers and intermediates chain
and the related plastics industries, with a perspective ranging from refinery to finished product.
For many years, PCI Fibres leaders have been appreciated lecturers presenting the latest fiber
trends at the annual International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) conferences. Once a
year, PCI organizes its own conference, this time in Hong Kong.

Program Targets Marketing Issues

The conference will feature speakers discussing various markets for acrylics, carbon, nylon,
polyester, polypropylene, elastane and viscose; as well as their primary feedstocks and
intermediates. The program specifically targets marketing issues. Topics to be covered through a
number of papers include the supply of the various fiber raw materials, including polyester
recyclate. Some specific topics to be covered include, among others:

• fibers review;
• nylon 6: value chain — key developments;
• the new consumer market;
• economics and strategic review;
• nylon fibers: global segment opportunities;
• new developments for carbon fiber in the automotive industry;
• polyester staple markets in the Americas;
• consequences of China’s cotton policy on man-made fibers; and
• prospects for caprolactam.

Coverage also will include a discussion of wool from a prominent industry expert and of cotton
from a PCI Group expert. In addition, a prominent commentator from Hong Kong will provide a
strategic view. A panel discussion on the supply chain from feedstock to fiber and a workshop
covering the topic of excess fibers capacity and its resolution will round out the conference.

Growing Global Fiber Demand

According to the latest edition of the PCI Fibres Red Book, titled “World Synthetic Fibers
Supply/Demand Report 2012,” global demand for all forms of textile fiber, both natural and
manufactured, grew in 2012 by 4 percent to 82.1 million metric tons (mt), including 1.06 million mt
of wool — down by 2.5 percent, 22.9 million mt of cotton — down by 2.2 percent, and 58.2 million mt
of man-made fiber — up by 6.8 percent. Among man-mades, demand was lower for acrylic, nylon staple
and carpet yarn; while cellulosic staple demand grew by 19 percent, and nylon and polyester
filament grew by almost 9.5 percent.

PCI reports that in spite of increasing uncertainty worldwide with regard to economic
recovery, it projects that demand across all fiber types will grow a little more strongly in 2013 —
by 4.5 percent to an estimated 85.8 million mt. Wool is expected to recover by about 2 percent and
cotton by nearly 4 percent, while man-made fibers will grow by a further 5 percent.

The survey covers both consumer demand and textile mill consumption for wool, cotton and the
manufactured fibers. The analysis breaks the world into 13 regions, and also looks at capacity and
production for the primary man-made fibers — acrylic, nylon and polyester — in approximately 70
countries.

Since 2001, global fibers demand has registered a 4-percent average annual growth. Global
fibers demand for 2013 is projected to grow by as much as 4.5 percent, and PCI does not expect that
rate to ease until 2015, by which time it expects China’s demand pattern will be better defined and
there should be lower impact stemming from monetary stimulation around the world.

China In The Focus

Not surprisingly, discussions on China are likely to dominate the conference in Hong Kong.
According to PCI estimations, the Chinese market now accounts for 30 percent of worldwide consumer
demand for fibers and 53 percent of worldwide textile activity. It accounts for 33 percent of
worldwide mill consumption of wool; 35 percent of cotton consumption; and 61 percent of
manufactured fibers consumption.

Beyond 2020, PCI projects that China’s consumer market share will shrink in the face of
weakening Chinese demand and stronger growth in other markets. However, China continues to be a
major investor in new capacity vis-à-vis raw materials, fibers and textiles.

“But there are concerns that China’s consumer market for fibres products, if considered on an
‘apparent’ basis as the net of production and exports, might be over-heating,” PCI Fibres reports. “
Per capita demand in China for 2012 is put at 18.4 kilograms (kg) versus a global average of 11.7
kg, with South Korea at 21.3 kg, Taiwan at 21.1 kg and Japan at 21.0 kg. Can China as a whole
overtake these markets in the near future, or are its figures, particularly for man-made fibers,
inflated by over-investment? And if any correction is to take place, will this be by a reduction in
Chinese fibres production, which could throw the global petrochemicals industry out of balance, or
by an increase in exports, which could affect textile activity throughout the developing world,
especially in South-East Asia?”

About PCI Fibers

PCI Fibres provides monthly, quarterly and annual reports covering the major manufactured
fibers and raw materials for acrylic, nylon, polyester and viscose as well as related products. The
modeling system applied tries to make allowance for the ups and downs of stock levels along the
supply chain. Material in this pipeline is only visible with any ease in the early stages of
processing before being converted into other products such as apparel. Everything at the industrial
level might point to a market moving purely in line with apparent demand, but stock-movement along
the pipeline, sometimes involving vast quantities, can be extremely influential.

PCI Fibres is a founding member of the PCI Consulting Group, which was formed in 1988 to
provide a comprehensive service on the markets for petrochemicals, fibre intermediates and related
industries. This scope was expanded to cover feedstocks, broader petrochemicals, related plastics
and the textiles industry.

Source: PCI Fibres

Graph 1

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here to view Graph 1 in a new window

Graph 2

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here to view Graph 2 in a new window

Graph 3

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here to view Graph 3 in a new window

August 27, 2013

BIRKENHEAD, United Kingdom — August 22, 2013 — The prospect of a record crop in India, which has
benefited from timely and plentiful Monsoon rains, has resulted in an overall increase this month
in Cotton Outlook’s world production forecast for the 2013/14 season. The gain for India (which
could still prove to be an underestimate) more than offsets a further reduction for the United
States, where drought has limited production in West Texas, and too much rain has dented prospects
in the South Eastern states.

Although some retrospective adjustments have resulted in changes to Cotton Outlook’s
consumption data, the gain in consumption between 2012/13 and 2012/14 is still projected as a
rather pedestrian two percent. The cotton textiles sector in China continues to be hampered by the
government’s cotton policies, and recent economic developments in India and certain South East
Asian countries have been far from helpful.

World cotton stocks are beginning to rise.

Click
here to view the table in a new window



Posted August 27, 2013

Source: Cotton Outlook

DALTON, Ga. — August 22, 2013 — Scott Humphrey, president and CEO of the World Floor Covering
Association (WFCA) will serve as MC for the FloorTek Expo VIP Breakfast on Tuesday, September 10 at
7:30 am. Mr. Humphrey was with Shaw Industries for 24 years as head of its dealer-aligned network
program prior to his appointment as head of the 3,000+ member flooring organization in April of
this year.

 

“I’m a big fan of FloorTek Expo because it supports the design, manufacturing and technology
side of our industry from the hub of it all – Dalton, Georgia,” said Mr. Humphrey. “I’m looking
forward to introducing (HGTV star and designer) Vern Yip as the keynote speaker at the breakfast
and spending time at the show.”

 

Exhibitors can still get tickets for the VIP Breakfast by contacting the American
Floorcovering Alliance office at 706-278-4101.

 

Attendees may contact exhibitors for tickets to the VIP Breakfast and can register for the
show at Floor-Tek.com. FloorTek Expo will be held September 10-12 at the NorthGeorgia Trade &
Convention Center in Dalton, Georgia.

Posted August 27, 2013

Source: FloorTek Expo

NEUMÜNSTER, Gremany —  August 22, 2013 — At this year’s Floor Tek Expo — being held in Dalton,
Georgia USA, between September 10 and 12 — Oerlikon Neumag will be showcasing solutions for the
efficient production of BCF carpet yarns (Booth 135).

When applying hot-melt adhesives, the focus lies above all on the evenness of the
application. However, The focus on information will be on the BCF S+ system. The three-end S+
combines the advantages of the established S5 and Sytec One machines in a high performance,
efficient and user-friendly plant with proven components. As the successor of the state-of-the-art
S5, the S+ convinces with an efficiency of 99% and thus cost savings for raw material. The S+
achieves highest yarn qualities with a productivity increase and with virtually the same utilized
energy.

Since 2012, the S+ has also been available for the polyester process. This is an important
innovation considering that, polyester is globally becoming increasingly significant in the BCF
process vis-à-vis polypropylene and polyamide.

With continuous development efforts and industry feedback, Oerlikon Neumag focuses on
improvements on the machines, the components and the processes. “This knowledge is applied in new
solutions for an improved performance in BCF”, Michael Rübenhagen, Sales Director BCF, explains
Oerlikon Neumag’s market share in excess of 70% worldwide by the fact that Oerlikon Neumag was able
to further expand their already strong market position, above all in the main markets of USA and
Turkey.

Posted August 27, 2013

Source: Oerlikon Neumag

CUYAHOGA FALLS, Ohio — Aug. 22, 2013 — Beyond color and additive masterbatches, Americhem Inc.
takes a value engineering approach to product design, finding the best mix of properties and
services to boost speed-to-market, product quality, process efficiency and overall customer
satisfaction. The company will detail its holistic, value engineering capabilities at FloorTek Expo
(booth #141), Sept. 10-12, in Dalton, Ga.

“Value engineering means we are more than just a supplier-we are raising the bar on what
customers can and should expect from their masterbatch supplier,” said Mark Downey, sales director,
Americhem. “We design products that center on our customers’ needs, including their processes,
equipment, end-use requirements and desired physical properties, helping them create success with
their customers from the plant floor to the showroom floor.”

Americhem’s value engineering model is a comprehensive approach that expands beyond product
design to also include educational opportunities, trends reporting and process integration.
Combined with superior technical guidance and exceptional service, Americhem is committed to
helping its customers succeed.

“Education is a key component of our value engineering model,” said Downey. “That’s why
we’re excited to bring our popular Americhem U series to FloorTek.”

In conjunction with FloorTek, Americhem is offering a special Americhem U 
presentation, “Discover the World of Polymeric Additives,” presented by Dr. Vaman G. Kulkarni on
Sept. 12, at 11 a.m. Dr. Kulkarni is one of Americhem’s industry experts with extensive knowledge
of fibers, polyester and additives.  Seating will be limited, so interested attendees should
email Susan Ellis at sellis@americhem.com or call 706.279.3465 to RSVP.

For more on Americhem’s value-engineering model visit FloorTek booth #141 or browse
www.americhem.com.

Posted August 27, 2013

Source: Americhem

Some people think that China is not only a country, but also a big factory. Especially in textile
production, China has the image of being a land of extremely large companies with tens of thousands
of employees in every factory. For the last two decades, this image has been nourished by the fact
that customers from the West could only order big or very big quantities of textile products; and
consequently, the exports from China flooded over the globe.

On the other hand, in Western countries, textiles are still a business of more small and
medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). An excellent example is Italy, particularly the Italian textile
machinery industry. According to information from the Association of Italian Textile Machinery
Manufacturers (ACIMIT), most of the 150 member companies are small and medium-sized, very
straight-thinking companies, working for many generations in the same business.

New View In Sight

This up-to-date orientation toward “only big is beautiful” could change soon: The recent
small dent in the textile industry and other business sectors of the Middle Kingdom shows also a
current trend to smaller lots and more flexible production. This was and is the chance for
neighboring countries to take some business away from China to other small tigers around the big
tiger nation. Some days ago, is was officially announced that China’s Cabinet is willing to provide
more support to small and even micro-sized businesses through increased financing innovation and
credit for the private sector.

Eight Targets

The State Council has released eight detailed targets and explains that the credit growth
rate for SMEs cannot be below the national average lending rate. At the same time, the gradual
amount shouldn’t be less than the amount that was borrowed last year. On this subject, Tan Yaling,
head of the China Foreign Exchange Investment Research Institute, made a remarkable comment: she
said that “policy makers have made a point of reiterating the policies to show the government’s
resolution in supporting small and micro-sized businesses.” She added that all eight targets, or
policies, have already been issued.

These targets include the recent doing away with the value-added tax for businesses whose
monthly revenues fall below 20,000 yuan, among other steps. However, Tan emphasized the most
important issue for small Chinese companies is credit access. Many Chinese banks do not want to
provide loans to companies if interest payments won’t provide a large return. However, this is not
only a problem for SMEs in China, but in Western countries as well.

Communication

In most businesses, communication is the key word. Of great importance, Tan said, is to
coordinate the interaction between small financial institutions and SMEs. As she pointed out:
“Financial institutions over the course of their developments have not addressed the SME financing
woes or just ignore their demands. This time the State Council has specifically cited small
financial institutions to tackle the problem faced by SMEs.” This is quite a clear statement.

And the next move, which is very well-known in the Western banking world, is to request that
private banks, financial leasing enterprises and consumer financial companies establish branches in
locations near concentrations of small businesses. In addition, policymakers have promised make
greater efforts to ensure that small businesses are not hit with “unreasonable charges.”

Reshuffling The Cards

Many of the above-mentioned details and problems could also be tackled in the West; for
example, “unreasonable charges” by the banks sounds very familiar. The recent economic slowdown has
led the Chinese government to turn its attention toward small business expansion as it tries to
increase domestic demand and employment. Chinese officials have probably realized that SMEs are
still the pillar and cornerstone of a healthy economy.

It may be surprising to Western people that 99 percent of Chinese companies are small or
medium-sized enterprises. And furthermore, they account for 80 percent of all jobs in cities and 60
percent of the country’s economic output.

The shift in Chinese financial policy is quite remarkable and could activate the business
environment in the Asia-Pacific Rim. It may reshuffle the cards of competitiveness among countries
in the region when it comes to entrepreneurship, flexibility and just-in-time delivery in the
Chinese textile industry.

August 20, 2013

India-based Rajashree Polyfil — a nylon and polyester filament yarn producer and a division of
Century Enka Ltd. — has commissioned C.A. Litzler Co. Inc. — a Cleveland-based manufacturer of
machinery including oven and drying equipment — to design and build a 80 mpm Tire Cord Dipping
Line.

Litzler reports the line offers benefits including multiple tension zones that provide
maximum flexibility for elongating or relaxing the material to meet specific processing criteria; a
line speed of 60 meters per minute (m/min) at maximum tension, with the ability to increase speed
to 80 m/min at reduced tension; speed and tension control accuracy of ±0.1 percent to achieve
control of critical material processes; and improved spreader design for better control of low
ends-per-inch fabric.

The line is the second Rajashree Polyfil has ordered from Litzler over the past three years.

August 20, 2013