MFG.com And National Tooling And Machining Association Agree On Strategic Partnership To Help Accelerate Reshoring And Job Creation In The United States

ATLANTA — May 17, 2012 — MFG.com, the world’s leading marketplace for the manufacturing of
engineered made-to-order parts, textiles and packaging today announced a strategic partnership with
the National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA). The objective of the partnership is to
accelerate reshoring and job creation in the United States.

MFG.com and NTMA share a common vision to see a revitalized and strong job shop market in the
United States. By working together, MFG.com and NTMA will use their complimentary assets and
credible voices to evangelize the benefits of reshoring, hosting online and offline events where
members can meet OEM’s wanting to reshore, provide thought leadership, best practices and trend
data.

“We are at a critical moment in time for America manufacturing,” said Roger Atkins, Chairman
of the Board, of NTMA. “There is tremendous momentum in the market right now; it is incumbent upon
all of us, and especially the association representing job shops in America to make sure the
momentum continues, is sustainable and that all of our members benefit from this rising tide.
MFG.com is by far the largest and most credible online marketplace for the manufacturing industry
and has a lot of resources and connections to bring to bear in this fight for America’s economic
future. The leadership at MFG.com is equally as passionate and dedicated as we are at NTMA about
doing our parts to create a vibrant and sustainable job shop market in America.”

“NTMA is a powerful association with the ability to influence and champion the revival of
manufacturing in the United States. We are pleased to support NTMA and its’ members to help them
capitalize on the strong demand for machining and die / mold making services in the U.S” said Mitch
Free, Founder & CEO of MFG.com. “I began my career as a machinist and completed a tool and die
apprenticeship program. Needless to say, helping the success of job shops in America is something I
am passionate about as they are the engine of our economy and the key to the quality of life we
enjoy as Americans.”



Posted on May 21, 2012

Source: MFG.com

Safety Of Nano-Products For Human Beings And The Environment

BONNIGHEIM, Germany — May 11, 2012 — Nano-particles (Greek: nanos = dwarf) are now being used to
create fascinating products with totally new functionalities. These include textiles from which
dirt simply runs off or which have an anti-bacterial effect. But as is the case with every new
technology, this one must also be safe to use. It is therefore of interest to both manufacturers
and users of such high-tech products that nano-particles are harmless for both human beings and the
environment over the entire life cycle of the products.

To this end in December 2010 the “TechnoTox” research project was launched with the objective
of performing a situation-based risk assessment of textile nano-products. The project is sponsored
by the German state of Baden-Württemberg and is based on an initiative of AFBW e.V. (Allianz
Faserbasierte Werkstoffe Baden-Württemberg) and is studying in detail the questions surrounding
textile nano-technology.

The German Council on the Environment (SRU) published the following statement in2011 on the
use of nano-materials: “To date there has been no scientific proof to the effect that
nano-materials, as manufactured and used today, lead to damage to the environment and to health.”

However, since an increasing use of nano-functionalised textiles is expected in the future in
addition to possible uses of new nano-materials which have not yet been considered in previous risk
assessments, there is still a need for meaningful test methods on the effects of nano-materials and
their toxicological properties.

The “TechnoTox” project is studying whether nano-functionalised textiles are safe for human
beings and the environment. Data on behaviour, retention and on the biological effect of
nano-functionalised fibre-based materials in relation to environmental conditions is being prepared
and a situation-based risk assessment is being carried out. During the project methods are also
being developed which have made possible the proof and characterisation of nano-particles alongside
the analysis of their human and eco-toxicological risk potential in relevant environmental media.

The project is being run in close cooperation between science and industry. The project
partners involved are the Institut für Textil- und Verfahrenstechnik Denkendorf (ITV), the
Hohenstein Institute for Textile Innovation and several industrial companies.

Through their participation in the project all participants want to drive forward their own
developments in nano-technologically modified textiles and ensure their safety from a risk
perspective based on the accompanying and complementary test methodology.

An interdisciplinary approach is secured through the involvement of commercial companies.
This is being implemented using the example of the textile chain of companies in Baden-Württemberg.

The objective of this project is to expand the competitiveness of the innovative companies
which are producing nano-products plus also to process nano-materials or nano-technologically
functionalised materials as well as to support the responsible utilisation of nano-technology.

The project is using a complementary solutions-based approach in which physical materials
studies on exposure are directly coupled to effect-related biological studies.The results of the
studies are aggregated and assessed for any correspondence of effects (of the effective
concentration for example).

The determination of particle properties and effects on real products enables a comprehensive
hazard and risk assessment to be made for nano-technology functionalised fibre-based materials in
consumer products.



Posted on May 22, 2012

Source: Hohenstein Institute

Hohenstein To Present Nano Silver Findings At AATCC/STRC Joint Conference

BURLINGTON, N.C. — May 8, 2012 — Dr. Sam Moore of Hohenstein Institute America will present interim
findings from a long term study of the effects of nano silver particles on the environment. The
presentation will be made at the joint conference of the American Association of Textile Chemists
and Colorists (AATCC) and the Southern Textile Research Conference (STRC) to be held May 20-22,
2012 at Litchfield Beach & Golf Resort in Pawley’s Island, SC. The conference is titled
Sustainability, Innovation & Opportunity in the Textile Industry. Dr. Moore’s presentation is
“Nano Silver Particles, Environmental Impact and Policy” and will be given on May 22. Registration
information and details about other presentations can be found on the AATCC website.

Nano silver particles are used in antimicrobial treatments for many kinds of products. When
applied to apparel and textiles, these treatments control odors, material degradation, and other
detrimental effects microbes can have on fabrics. However, questions have been raised about the
environmental impact when these nano silver particles are released from fabrics through washing and
every day wear and tear. Because no definitive information was available to assess the
environmental risks, the German Ministry of Education and Research formed a partnership of 16
institutions, businesses, and regulatory authorities to generate the data. Hohenstein, as a leading
textile research and testing institute, was invited to participate. The three-year “UMSICHT” study
launched in May 2010 and is managed by the University of Bremen. Dr. Moore’s presentation will
include the latest findings from this study along with an update on the EU’s environmental policies
regarding nano silver. 

Additional information about the “UMSICHT” study can be found at
http://www.umsicht.uni-bremen.de/index%20engl.htm.

Posted on May 16, 2012

Source: Hohenstein Institute America

U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk Statement On Entry Into Force Of The U.S.-Colombia Trade Agreement

WASHINGTON, D.C. — May 15, 2012 — This afternoon, United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk
celebrated the entry into force of the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement.

“Today, the historic U.S.-Colombia trade agreement is in effect. It brings benefits to
businesses of every size in both of our countries,” said Ambassador Kirk. “This is good news for
U.S. entrepreneurs, workers, farmers, ranchers, manufacturers, and service providers who are ready
to export more U.S. goods and services to Colombia’s growing market. Similarly, it’s good news for
Colombia, which stands to gain in terms of economic growth, jobs, and permanent access to the
world’s largest market here in the United States.

“This historic trade agreement also affirms the strong and deep relationship between the
United States and Colombia, one of our closest friends and allies in the hemisphere,” he
continued.  President Obama and President Santos were unwavering in their shared commitment to
secure a historic trade agreement that boosts trade and jobs and that works for businesses and
workers in both our countries.”

Ambassador Kirk also noted that the U.S. and Colombia will continue to work together on the
Action Plan Related to Labor Rights.  He was joined by Colombian Ambassador to the United
States Gabriel Silva and House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Chairman Kevin Brady who also made
remarks highlighting the value of the Agreement for workers in both countries. Ambassador Kirk’s
full remarks may be found
here.

Detailed information about the immediate benefits of the agreement for American workers and
businesses is available
here.

Posted on May 15, 2012

Source: USTR

The Rupp Report: ITMA Asia + CITME 2012 Ante Portas

Since the closing of ITM Texpo Eurasia in Istanbul, Turkey, on April 24, there is one event
remaining for the global textile industry: ITMA Asia + CITME 2012. Several weeks ago, the Rupp
Report informed its readers about the great success of the pre-registration of the show, which has
added floor space at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC), where the event will take
place June 12-16, 2012
(See ”
The
Rupp Report: Successful ITMA Asia + CITME 2012 Anticipated,”
TextileWorld.com, April 17, 2012).

Will The Chinese Come?

For almost every Western supplier of textile machinery, China is still the most important
sales market in the world. It is also very clear that the Chinese customers didn’t show up at ITMA
in Barcelona Spain, in September 2011, nor at ITM Texpo Eurasia 2012. Why should they do so? They
will have their own home game in June.

Well, as mentioned at the beginning of this article, the success with pre-registrations for
the show is a fact. But will they come to see the best of the global textile machinery industry?
Nobody knows at the moment. China is facing some problems with its economy. This also was reported
by the Rupp Report some weeks ago
(See ”
The
Rupp Report: China Is Concerned,”
TextileWorld.com, February 28, 2012).

Some Turmoil

Over the last months, China has faced some unusual new problems and difficulties. Mainly
Western countries pushed China to devaluate its currency. Other problems are that exports have
dropped, but energy and raw material prices have risen tremendously, as they have in many other
countries.

On the other hand, China’s gross domestic product registered 8.9 percent year-on-year growth
in the fourth quarter of 2011. This is the slowest pace since the first half of 2009. So, China has
to solve a lot of problems in the current year. However, the forthcoming ITMA Asia + CITME 2012
seems to be a successful event in spite of the everlasting question about the rhythm of the ITMAs
in Europe and Asia. Furthermore, according to the latest statistics show that China’s textile
machinery foreign trade grew year-on-year by 25.6 percent, totaling US$7.6 billion in 2011.

Intellectual Property Rights

One issue that is always in the center of attention when talking to Western producers of
textile machinery is product piracy. In the April 17 Rupp Report, this issue was posed to Daphne
Poon, regional marketing communications director with show organizers MP International Pte Ltd.
This report provoked some feedback among the Western textile machinery community. “Wishful
thinking” was one of the polite comments to her statement that “the general regulations of ITMA
Asia + CITME 2012 also clearly state that all exhibitors must respect, and are liable for ensuring
protection of, the intellectual property rights of other exhibitors and of third parties — such as,
for example, patents, trademarks, copyrights and such — when displaying their products at the
show.” And her answer regarding any infringement of this was also very clear: “If it is proven to
the show organiser that an exhibitor has infringed the intellectual property rights of another
exhibitor or a third party, the organiser is entitled to remove the exhibit/s causing the
infringement and to stop the offending exhibitor from continuing with his participation.” So far,
so good: This is an official opinion.

Have Your Say

However, how are the exhibitors of the Western world thinking about this and other issues
regarding the forthcoming ITMA Asia + CITME? In the next few days, the Rupp Report will send out a
questionnaire to opinion leaders asking about their expectations and their thoughts about the
forthcoming event. Among other items, the recipients will provide answers to questions such as,
“What is the biggest change you see in business this year prior to ITMA Asia? Or, another important
question: Are the mills receptive to new technology, or are they on the sidelines? A very important
topic is the green movement. Are sustainability and traceability a desired reality for the
customers? Or is it just wishful thinking? In times of a difficult financial environment, what are
the conditions the industry is experiencing that are most influencing its business, or even the
customers?

It will be interesting to see the answers to these and many other questions. They will be
published on this page in the next few weeks. Any feedback is always welcome. Ni hau, see you in
June at ITMA Asia + CITME 2012.

May 15, 2012

NAT, Lenzing Sign Joint Development Agreement

Naturally Advanced Technologies Inc. (NAT), Vancouver, Canada, and Lenzing AG, Austria, have
entered into a joint development agreement under which the two companies will evaluate the blending
of NAT’s enzymatically processed CRAiLAR® Flax fiber with Lenzing’s Tencel® and Lenzing Modal®
regenerated cellulosic fibers. Potential applications for any yarns that might be developed include
fashion and sport performance.

“This is an important development for CRAiLAR Flax in that, to-date, both of our commercial
and exploratory partnership agreements have been focused on how CRAiLAR can blend at varying levels
with natural fibers for apparel, home and industrial applications,” said Ken Barker, CEO, NAT.
“With Lenzing, we can now evaluate the opportunity to expand the host fibers with which CRAiLAR can
blend to identify new performance attributes, applications and industries. This is truly a new
frontier for the future of our natural fibers, and working with the global leader Lenzing creates a
very powerful industry platform in both sustainability and performance. This partnership will have
applications in industry sectors where polyester fibers have been the norm, in addition to our
existing applications as a sustainable complement to cotton.”

The two companies intend to develop a range of yarns that: stress the fibers’ sustainability
attributes; leverage the water absorption and wicking properties of each fiber to offer
alternatives to current materials used in athletic and sport performance apparel; and develop a
blended yarn featuring Crailar and Lenzing’s fibers to offer to the women’s fashion market.

May 15, 2012

Twitchell Celebrates 90th Birthday

This month, Dothan, Ala.-based Twitchell Corp. — a manufacturer of fibers, textiles and coatings
used by global manufacturers of roller shades, pool and patio furniture, awnings and screens,
contract interior products, geotextiles, safety products, automotive interiors and disposable
operating room supplies; as well as the U.S. military — celebrates 90 years in business.

Since 1922, Twitchell has been a leader in quality yarns and fabrics across a variety of
industries. A niche focus, product innovation and flexibility drive the company’s success
(See ”
Reinventing
Twitchell,”
Textile World, March/April 2006).

Although Twitchell has been around for almost a century, its commitment to its customers
hasn’t changed. Jeff Register, CEO and president, Twitchell, says customer service will always be
an important part of Twitchell.

“Our customers are a large part of what has kept Twitchell alive for 90 years, and we are
forever grateful,” Register said. “Twitchell will continue to make customer service a priority for
the next 90 years,” he added.

Twitchell celebrated its 90th birthday internally with an employee cookout May 3. Lori Ward,
a representative from Congresswoman Martha Roby’s office presented Twitchell with a Congressional
Record; a proclamation was read from Dothan Mayor Mike Schmitz; and a resolution was made by Matt
Parker, president of the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce, to declare May 3 “Twitchell Day.”

“Making it to 90 years has nothing to do with luck,” Register said. “It has everything to do
with our employees. We wanted to take the time to recognize and thank our employees, and make sure
they remember how important they are to Twitchell.”

Twitchell



(front row, left to right): Hayne Hollis, Lori Ward (representative from Congresswoman Martha
Roby’s office), Twitchell President Jeff Register, Dothan Mayor Mike Schmitz, Twitchell CFO Billy
Shellhouse, and Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce President Matt Parker

(back row, left to right) Barry Kraselsky, Twitchell VP Operations, and Tim Gilmore

May 15, 2012

BGF Announces Development Partnership With Innegra Technologies, LLC

GREENSBORO, N.C. — May 9, 2012 — BGF Industries, manufacturer of technical fiber materials for
global markets has formed a strategic partnership with Innegra Technologies to develop woven
products utilizing Innegra S™ fiber.

Innegra S is the lightest structural fiber available on the market today and provides
exceptional toughness in a composite structure while also reducing weight. In both glass and carbon
composites, Innegra S improves composite performance of at a while reducing overall cost.

BGF’s President, Robby Dunnagan, stated, “Innegra S fiber is an innovation born of extensive
research and development efforts and we are very pleased to collaborate with Innegra on this new
endeavor”.   Dunnagan added, “We are confident that Innegra S fiber is uniquely suited to
complement our extensive product offerings in the composites market and other markets we serve. We
look forward to a prosperous and enduring future with Innegra Technologies for their Innegra S
applications”.

The world-wide demand for lighter weight, less costly materials has created explosive growth
for new composite applications and also exposed some weaknesses in the materials available to meet
the market’s rigorous high performance requirements.  High fuel and energy costs have
intensified the need for even lighter weight composites. The inherent rigidity of typical high
modulus fibers has somewhat limited the applications available.  Innegra S fiber delivers an
ultra-lightweight fiber (0.84 g/cc) with excellent energy absorption for increased impact
resistance and damage tolerance. Combining this fiber with high modulus fibers using state-of-
the-art reinforcement technologies will drive the growth of new composite applications. 

Mark Smith, Innegra’s CEO commented “BGF’s long history in the composite fabric weaving
industry has allowed them to be “tuned in” to the needs of the industry.  This combined with
state-of-the-art manufacturing and research facilities make them an exciting partner in our
commitment to align ourselves with companies who are willing to take the lead in composite
application development.”



Posted on May 15, 2012

Source: BGF Industries

Biomedical Structures Introduces Breakthrough Medical Textile Weaving Capabilities For Artificial Tendon And Ligament Applications

WARWICK, R.I. — May 8, 2012 — Biomedical Structures LLC (BMS), a developer of biomedical textiles
for medical devices and other advanced clinical applications, today announced its advanced new
tapered medical textile solution for tendons, ligaments and other orthopedic applications. BMS’
advanced weaving capabilities provide a high-precision medical textile solution able to match human
anatomical construction of tendons and replicate performance.

Complementing BMS’ current tapering and bifurcation capabilities for very fine fabrics, the
new weaving techniques allow for the creation of more lifelike structures that imitate natural
tendon and ligament performance better than ever before. BMS shapes bio-absorbable and permanent
fibers to resemble the human anatomy of tendons by developing precise dimensions and load-bearing
performance characteristics within a functional shape that mirrors natural geometries. For
tendon/ligament repair applications that require sutured tissue and subsequent re-growth of natural
cells to replace the damage, this textile engineering approach has the power to enable a new class
of implant solutions.

BMS’ high-precision medical textile R&D and advanced new weaving equipment for synthetic
polymers, including fibers such as polyester, UHMWPE, PLLA and more, are behind this capability,
which enables enhanced strength and flexibility of even the finest fibers for a new level of
combined durability and natural movement. For artificial tendons and other orthopedic repair
applications, this protection against stretch and control of tempered movement is extremely
important to successful recovery and sustained performance over time. Recent figures cite nearly 32
million repetitive and traumatic tendon/ligament injuries reported annually, a figure expected to
increase as the population ages, and current synthetic replacements available are limited.

“BMS’ continual investment in cutting-edge equipment designed to enhance our biomedical
textile production capabilities has delivered in a transformative way for device engineers looking
to the next-generation solution for orthopedic repair,” said BMS CEO Dean Tulumaris. “Medical
device OEMs will now be able to create synthetic tendon and ligament repair structures that match
human anatomy more closely than ever before. As we marry our expertise in tapering very fine fibers
for cardiovascular applications with deep experience in orthopedic reconstruction and repair device
support, we are excited to bring this breakthrough capability to the market.”

BMS will exhibit its artificial tendon technology and other medical textile capabilities at
Booth #1350 at MD&M East in Philadelphia from May 21-24. The company’s full expertise includes
knitting, braiding, weaving, and non-woven technology utilizing a broad array of biocompatible
absorbable and non-absorbable materials for devices, drug delivery and surgical systems in
orthopedics, cardiology, bariatrics, cosmetic surgery and veterinary medicine.

Posted on May 15, 2012

Source: BMS

KPS Partners Portfolio Company American & Efird Global Acquires Full Ownership Of Joint Ventures

NEW YORK CITY — May 11, 2012 — KPS Capital Partners, LP (“KPS”) today announced that its portfolio
company American & Efird Global (“A&E” or the “Company”) has acquired the outstanding
two-thirds share ownership of A&E Sri Lanka and A&E Bangladesh (the “Joint Ventures”) from
its two joint-venture partners, Brandix Lanka Limited and Brandot International Ltd.  A&E
now owns 100% of both businesses. Financial terms of the transactions were not disclosed.

A&E is the largest U.S. manufacturer and the world’s second-largest manufacturer and
distributor of premium quality industrial sewing thread, embroidery thread and technical textiles.
A&E thread is used by producers of apparel, automotive components, home furnishings, medical
supplies, footwear and certain industrial products.  A&E owns or operates 23 plants and
employs 11,000 associates around the world directly or in partnership with joint venture
partners.  KPS acquired A&E from Harris Teeter Supermarkets, Inc. (NYSE: HTSI, formerly
Ruddick Corporation) in November 2011.

Michael Psaros, a KPS Managing Partner, said, “Our objective is to make A&E the premier
manufacturer of industrial thread globally. These two acquisitions strengthen A&E’s global
footprint, significantly streamline and integrate A&E’s Asian operations, and positions A&E
to benefit fully from the considerable growth in these local markets. We intend to grow A&E
aggressively both organically and through acquisition.”

Fred Jackson, Chief Executive Officer of A&E, said, “Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are very
important, high-growth markets for our Company over the long term, and we are tremendously excited
about the opportunity to increase our presence in both countries. Our ability to take full control
of the operations in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will strengthen our unparalleled ability to provide
our customers with the highest quality thread and consistently superior service throughout this
strategic region.” 

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP served as legal counsel to A&E and its
affiliate and Goodwin Procter LLP served as legal counsel to Brandot International Ltd.

Posted on May 15, 2012

Source: KPS Capital Partners LP

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