Governor Ivey Champions Alabama Manufacturers On National ‘Made In The USA’ Day

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey

MONTGOMERY, Alabama — July 2, 2024 — Governor Kay Ivey praised Alabama’s robust manufacturing sector today in honor of ‘Made in the USA’ Day, highlighting its role in driving economic growth statewide through high-quality jobs and products in demand worldwide.

Governor Ivey emphasized Alabama’s status as a powerhouse in U.S. manufacturing, ranking in the top 5 states for manufacturing job concentration. The sector contributes approximately 17% of the state’s Gross Domestic Product, with an economic output exceeding $40 billion annually.

“Some of the best products found around the world are produced right here in Alabama,” said Governor Ivey. The ‘Made in Alabama’ badge has become a globally recognized symbol of unbeatable craftsmanship and unmatched quality.”

The Ivey Administration continues to prioritize initiatives that support and expand the manufacturing sector, including workforce development programs, investment in infrastructure and fostering a pro-business climate. These efforts have resulted in significant job creation and economic development across the state.

“Alabama’s manufacturers exemplify the best of American industry, and their contributions are vital contributors to our state’s economic resilience and national industries. ‘Made in the USA’ Day is celebrated every day here in Alabama because our state is a recognized leader when it comes to producing world-class products,” added Governor Ivey.

‘Made in the USA’ Day, celebrated on July 2, boosts sales of locally made products and honors the companies and individuals behind them.

With over 275,000 people employed at more than 4,000 enterprises, Alabama’s manufacturing landscape is both diverse and dynamic. The state serves as a key automotive manufacturing hub, a leader in aerospace and a top U.S. producer of steel and advanced materials.

Alabama is home to many renowned manufacturing brands and successful homegrown companies, as well as smaller producers turning out first-class consumer items.

“Alabama’s manufacturing sector has witnessed remarkable growth across numerous industries, benefiting communities and families statewide,” said Ellen McNair, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. “Manufacturers statewide are dedicated to excellence and innovative advancements that propel Alabama toward a more prosperous future.”

Moreover, manufactured goods represent a substantial portion of Alabama’s exports, totaling a record $27.4 billion in 2023, shipped to 190 countries. Last year, Alabama became the top auto-exporting state for the first time.

“Alabama is a hub for manufacturing. Thanks to Governor Ivey’s leadership and the hardworking men and women of this state, we continue breaking record after record,” said Manufacture Alabama President and CEO Jon Barganier. “Not only do our manufacturing industries positively impact Alabama through their $40 billion annual economic impact, but they provide great opportunities for our people. Through these good paying jobs, more Alabamians are able to live, work and raise a family here.”

According to the National Association of Manufacturers, average annual wages in Alabama’s manufacturing sector exceed $82,000 — significantly higher than the state average.

Posted: July 6, 2024

Source: The Office of Alabama Governor Kay Ivey

Hailin Xu Appointed New CEO Of The Saurer Group

ARBON, Switzerland — July 1, 2024 — Effective July 1, 2024, Hailin Xu will become the CEO of the Saurer Group, succeeding Dr. Uwe Rondé, who is leaving the company at his request.

Hailin Xu

Hailin Xu joined the Saurer Group in 2018 as Senior Vice President and Managing Director of the Global Open End Product Line.

Born in China and now a Swiss citizen, he brings extensive management experience and high intercultural expertise. Hailin Xu holds a degree from the Faculty of Chemical Engineering at Tsinghua University in Beijing, China. He also has a Master’s degree from the China Institute of Atomic Energy and a Master’s in Business Administration from Lancaster University in the UK and the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland.

Before joining Saurer, Hailin Xu worked for the ABB Group in Switzerland from 2008 to 2018, serving as Vice President of Global Supply Chain for the Transformer Division.

“Given the drastic changes in the world and the many challenges and opportunities Saurer is facing, we are very pleased that with Hailin Xu we have been able to attract an internationally experienced manager with extensive knowledge in the strategic direction of the product and service business,” says Xueping Pan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saurer Group. “He also deeply understands Eastern and Western cultures, enabling him to promote synergies even better.”

For personal reasons, Dr Uwe Rondé has resigned from his positions as Group CEO, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, and other related positions. The Supervisory Board would like to thank Dr. Uwe Rondé for his great contribution to the company’s development during his tenure.

Posted: July 6, 2024

Source: Saurer Intelligent Technology AG

New European Initiative To Promote The Textiles, Clothing, Leather And Footwear Industry (TCLF) Skills Development At Regional Level – Launch Of The TCLF SkillBridge Project.

BRUSSELS — July 5, 2024 — Today, European Apparel and Textile Confederation (EURATEX) together with The Confederation of National Associations of Tanners and Dressers of the European Community (COTANCE) and  European Footwear Confederation (CEC) hosted the Textiles, Clothing, Leather And Footwear Industry (TCLF) SkillBridge Stakeholder Event, an important step towards forming regional skills partnerships by bringing together various stakeholders from industry, education, and public sectors.

Co-financed by the European Commission, TCLF SkillBridge aims to establish and nurture regional partnerships between TCLF industries, regional authorities, and local universities and VET providers. The project will target up to 25 European regions with a strong concentration of textile, clothing, leather or footwear industries.  This regional focus will allow the development of specific action plans related to reskilling and upskilling, which meet the needs of each target region.  The project will support the creation of such partnerships, facilitate community exchanges for knowledge sharing, and provide support to SMEs, enabling them to upskill and reskill their workforce in tune with the evolving demands of the industry.

The TCLF SkillBridge project complements 2 other initiatives – AEQUALIS4TCLF and METASKILLS4TCLF – which have already been launched under the Erasmus+ Programme. As a result, the industry has now a coherent set of instruments across the EU to address the skills challenges.

During the event today, stakeholders from the Emilia Romagna Region, ATEVAL, and Verband der Deutschen Lederindustrie e.V. gave insights in their experiences in skills collaborations in their regions. An interactive session then followed, where stakeholders discussed how to successfully establish such regional partnerships under the Pact for Skills.

Dirk Vantyghem, EURATEX Director General was excited to host the event as coordinator of the TCLF SkillBridge project: “This project confirms the importance of working at regional level, close to the SMEs and understanding the specificities of each region. We hope TCLF SkillBridge will act as a trigger to mobilise relevant stakeholders to co-invest in their TCLF industries.”

In this relation, Carmen Arias, Secretary General in the European Footwear Confederation (CEC), added: “By investing in education and training that align with the region’s economic priorities, policymakers can ensure that workers have the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the evolving labour market. As CEC, we will continue helping these industries build a competitive advantage and position themselves in the global market.”

COTANCE Secretary General, Gustavo González-Quijano: “In the SkillBridge project, COTANCE is leading the charge by offering tailored mentorship to TCLF stakeholders aimed at guiding their regional skills partnerships towards developing educational strategies for higher levels of sustainability and competitiveness in their respective industries. Working closely with partners across Europe, we are united in our mission to drive the EU leather, textiles, clothing, and footwear sectors towards a greener, more resilient and innovative future”.

Posted: July 5, 2024

Source: European Apparel and Textile Confederation (EURATEX)

 

The New RE 4-1 Elastomeric Raschel Machine From KARL MAYER For Greater Competitiveness In The Commodity Market

OBERTSHAUSEN, Germany — July 2, 2024 — KARL MAYER launches its RE 4-1, a new Raschel machine for the extremely efficient production of highly elastic textiles. With this newcomer, the global player is expanding its successful Elastomeric series and supplementing the established RE 4-1 as part of its two-product line strategy. With an excellent price-performance ratio, the machine fulfils the requirements of the volume business in particular. It is also in no way inferior to its counterpart for the premium sector in terms of speed and quality.

Sascha Müller

“The RE 4-1 is particularly interesting for our customers in price-sensitive markets such as China and Türkiye. It offers highly efficient production of standard Power net articles at an extremely competitive price,” explains Sascha Müller, Product Owner Global Lace & Raschel at KARL MAYER.

RE 4-1

A 170″ version of the machine has already been on sale in China for several months. The pre-release got off to an extremely successful start. Encouraged by the feedback from the market, KARL MAYER has developed an RE 4-1 with a working width of 190″ and will be offering both models to its global customers from middle of July 2024.

Technical equipment: perfect for basic Power net

The RE 4-1 can be ordered with E 28 and E 32 gauges. The 170″ version is also available with E 36. The standard equipment includes KAMCOS® 2, batching device 18 E, Carbon fibre technology and N-pattern drive for controlling the guide bars: stitch-forming GB 1 to GB 3 and inlayGB 4. There are also optional features, including sensors for measuring the yarn tension, laser stop, batching device 34 A, LED lighting and an installation kit.

Product portfolio: everything for the lingerie volume market

Power net

With its technical configuration, the RE4-1 is optimised for the production of elastic and non-elastic standard fabrics, especially for the underwear sector. One of the top products of the Raschel machine with its high productivity and short amortisation time is elastic Power net. This open-meshed, airy fabric has become an indispensable part of the lingerie and clothing sector. It is often used in the wings of bras as well as for inserts in sports leggings, shirts, jackets and swimwear, where it provides delicate control and comfort. Power net can also be found in semi-technical applications, for example as outer and inner pockets for rucksacks and clothing.

Raschel Locknit

In addition to Power net, Raschel Locknit, Sleek net and Satin net are also part of the production repertoire of RE 4-1. The fabrics with a decreasing density from Raschel Locknit to Satin net also play a role in underwear and clothing production.

Satin net

For their production, filament yarn is threaded in the front two guide bars and elastane in the back ones.

Launch according to plan

The new Elastomeric machine was presented to a number of exclusive customers, particularly from Türkiye, at ITM 2024 in Istanbul and was very well received. There were numerous discussions during the exhibition, some of which were in-depth and advanced. The exchange at the ITM showed that KARL MAYER is on the right track with the RE 4-1.

A RE 4-1 has been available for performance demonstrations in the KARL MAYER (CHINA) showroom in Changzhou since June of this year. You can register informally for an appointment for viewing the machine by sending an e-mail to Xia Peng at peng.xia@karlmayer.com. The Product Owner Local Lace &Raschel at KARL MAYER is looking forward to welcoming his guests and to many interesting conversations.

Posted: July 5, 2024

Source: KARL MAYER GROUP

 

Gordon Boggis, CEO Of Carnegie, Named To Fast Company’s Impact Council

NEW YORK, NY — July 2, 2024 — Gordon Boggis, CEO of Carnegie, a leader in sustainable textiles and acoustical management solutions for the commercial industry, has joined Fast Company’s Impact Council. Carnegie’s Outdoor Biobased Xorel, the world’s first and only plant-based, commercial-grade indoor/outdoor textile, was also honored as a Fast Company Innovation by Design honoree, recognized in the “Bio Design” category for products that use organic matter or are directly inspired by nature.

Gordon Boggis, CEO of Carnegie

The Fast Company Impact Council is a collective of the most innovative leaders in business. Members meet several times a year for roundtable discussions focused on finding innovative solutions to today’s most pressing and complex business problems . These gatherings focus on the role companies and council members can play in shaping the future by steering their industries towards more efficient, equitable, and sustainable operations. Fast Company amplifies members’ impact by publishing their thought leadership and tapping their expertise to inform the publication’s coverage of innovation across the business world.

“I am honored to join Fast Company’s Impact Council, a unique forum that brings together visionary leaders dedicated to addressing some of the world’s most critical challenges through innovation and collaboration,” said Boggis. “At Carnegie, we believe in the power of design to make a positive impact on people and the planet. Being part of this esteemed council is a testament to our commitment to sustainability and innovation. I look forward to contributing to the conversations and initiatives that will help shape a more sustainable future for all.”

As CEO of Carnegie, Boggis has been instrumental in continuing the brand’s 70+-year commitment to responsible innovation. Carnegie continues to be the first and only 100% PVC-free textile and acoustic solutions company in the industry. During Boggis’s tenure, the company has maintained its status as a certified B Corporation (B Corp), a designation that requires the highest environmental standards of verified environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. Carnegie has been B Corp-certified since 2014 and was recertified in 2022, a process that requires a rigorous and holistic evaluation of the company’s achievements in the environmental and social spaces.

Before joining Carnegie in April 2021, Boggis led companies across various industries, focusing strongly on textiles, innovative materials, health and wellness, and purpose-driven and environmentally sustainable businesses. He’s passionate about harnessing the talents of companies to be a force for good and deliver positive environmental change.

In alignment with Boggis’s vision for the company, Carnegie launched Outdoor Biobased Xorel in December 2022, the world’s first plant-based, fossil fuel-free, commercial-grade outdoor textile. Rising above any unsubstantiated greenwashing claims, Outdoor Biobased Xorel is the first and only indoor/outdoor textile to achieve Cradle to Cradle Gold and Living Product Challenge certifications. Sourced from rapidly renewable sugarcane, it has a significantly lower environmental footprint than any fossil fuel-derived product while maintaining Xorel’s legendary performance qualities. For each ton of sugarcane used to produce Outdoor Biobased Xorel, 2.5 tons of carbon is captured and sequestered, making it a climate-positive product.

“The Impact Council represents the ideal version of Fast Company’s readers,” says editor-in-chief Brendan Vaughan. “These are some of the more creative, mission-driven people in business, with some of the most original ideas about how to solve big problems and build the future. It is our great pleasure and privilege to bring this community together.”

For more information about Carnegie, visit www.carnegiefabrics.com.

Posted: July 5, 2024

Source: Carnegie / Fast Company

Jones Family Of Companies Announces New Hires And Fourth-Generation Investment

HUMBOLDT, Tenn. — June 24, 2024 —The Jones Family of Companies is delighted to introduce some of its recent hires, including the fourth generation of the Jones family.

William Jones Joins the Family Business

William Jones

The newest addition to the Jones Family of Companies is William Jones, who joins the team as Business Development Manager. A graduate of Texas Christian University’s Neeley School of Business, he studied Supply Chain Management and has worked in management consulting. Specializing in middle market clients, he developed a deep understanding of what makes small- to mid-size businesses successful.

“As a fourth-generation family member, I am honored to join the lineage of those who have come before me in building and shaping our family business,” said William.

Recently, William earned his MBA from Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management, where he concentrated on strategy. Through this experience, he refined his ability to navigate complex business challenges. He is excited to return to Jones and contribute to its continued success.

“I am committed to upholding the values and traditions of our family business while also bringing fresh insights and innovative solutions to the table.”

Wells Smith Joins Cades

Wells Smith

Cades Engineering & Mechanical Consulting Solutions, one of the Jones Family of Companies, recently welcomed Wells Smith to the team as Regional Sales Manager, based out of Memphis, TN.

Wells is a native of West Tennessee, having grown up in Jackson, TN, and earned a degree in business finance from Birmingham Southern College. As the Regional Sales Manager, he will oversee connecting clients with a wide variety of industrial consulting services, from risk management to production line installation. His clients will range from local Tennessee and Mid-South enterprises to textile manufacturers nationwide.

“I’m excited to join the Jones family, a company that values each employee while also keeping each customer’s needs first and foremost,” said Wells. “My approach brings a passion for building meaningful relationships and helping others succeed. My vision for Cades is to establish the company as the go-to for industrial and manufacturing maintenance needs.”

Wells’ clients will range from local Tennessee and Mid-South enterprises to textile manufacturers nationwide.

Leo Franzinetti Returns to Jones

Leo Franzinetti

Additionally, Jones is pleased to welcome Genova, Italy native Leo Franzinetti to the team as Senior Business Analyst. Leo was previously part of the Jones team and left to pursue higher education. He earned a degree in applied mathematics/computer science from Virginia Military Institute and a master’s degree in data analytics from George Mason University and now returns to the Jones team.

“I found a passion for mathematics and how to apply it through the use of programming languages and tools such as Microsoft Excel,” Leo said. “As Senior Business Analyst, part of my regular duties involve working alongside the business staff to support their IT needs and help assess the impact of project changes on business operations.”

In addition, Leo helps develop automated reporting and forecasting tools to enhance communication and data efficiency, as well as staying current with industry standards, trends, and best practices through the industry and other professional networks.

Blake Barrett Joins Jones

Blake Barrett

Last but certainly not least, Jones is excited to welcome Blake Barrett to the team as a Financial Analyst. Originally from Greenville, IN, Blake began his academic journey at Lincoln Trail College in Illinois, where he earned his associate’s degree. He then transferred to Union University in Jackson, TN, where he completed his bachelor’s degree in accountancy. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in accountancy.

“I am excited to bring my skills and knowledge to the Jones Family of Companies full-time and contribute to the ongoing success of this remarkable organization,” Blake said. “I look forward to leveraging my background in accountancy to help strengthen and support our financial operations.”

A Bright Future Ahead

As Jones continues to modernize and prioritize a solid business foundation for the future, adding younger employees to the team is cause for celebration.

“I’m delighted to have young blood coming aboard,” said Ralph Jones, III, CEO and Chairman of the Board. “Their enthusiasm and fresh ideas are important and underscore my dedication to keeping Jones Family of Companies at the top of our industry for generations to come.”

Posted: July 5, 2024

Source: Jones Family of Companies

Leadership changes At C&A Europe: Edward Brenninkmeijer Appointed Interim CEO 

DÜSSELDORF, Germany — July 3, 2024 — The C&A BV Supervisory Board today announces that Giny Boer is stepping down as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of C&A Europe to focus on non-executive opportunities.

Since joining C&A Europe in January 2021, Giny Boer has successfully led the business out of the COVID-19 pandemic, established a consistent brand proposition across 17 European countries, initiated the refurbishment and modernization of more than 800 stores and positioned C&A Europe for its next phase of transformation.

Allan Leighton, Chairman of C&A BV Supervisory Board said: “We are grateful to Giny Boer for bringing her energy, vision and 25 years of retail expertise to the transformation of C&A Europe. Any transformation on this scale is challenging, but to lead that coming out of the pandemic and at a time of extraordinary change for fashion retail, deserves special credit. We thank Giny for her dedicated service, her great commitment to the brand and the company, her lasting achievements and valuable contribution and wish her every success for what comes next.”

Giny Boer, outgoing CEO of C&A Europe, said: “It was a true privilege for me to work for this iconic brand C&A. I am proud that together with the teams I strengthened the image of C&A through modernization. We did this while staying true to the DNA of high-quality and affordable fashion, produced in a sustainable way. I am leaving with the confidence that with the achievements of the past almost four years, we have set the sails for a continued sustainable growth for C&A in an ever challenging environment.”

As of today Edward Brenninkmeijer, will act as interim Chief Executive Officer while a search for a permanent successor takes place. Over the last decade, Edward Brenninkmeijer served as CEO of C&A Brazil, Mexico and China, as well as led C&A Europe as an interim CEO before Giny Boer joined the company.

Posted: July 5, 2024

Source: C&A Europe

Per Olofsson Takes The Helm Of US-based Textile Machinery And Manufacturing Equipment Supplier SYMTECH

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — July 5, 2024 — On January 5, 2024, Per Olofsson purchased US-based Textile Machinery Representative SYMTECH, Inc. Olofsson is the third owner of Symtech and is focused on providing the best possible customer service through great partnerships of primarily European manufacturers for its US and Canada based customers.

Symtech was founded by Hans Balmer in 1986 in Spartanburg, S.C. as a distributorship for textile machinery.  From the beginning, Symtech has offered machine manufacturers an economic solution to bring their products and technologies to the North American Textile Industry.

Symtech is a full-service provider with knowledgeable and competent product managers, complete after sales service, including spare parts, repairs, and well-trained field technicians.

In 2007, after founder Hans Balmer passed away, Erwin Holbein became President and later acquired Symtech. During Holbein’s tenure, Symtech continued to renew and extend its’ product line, adding high-quality suppliers to serve the ever-changing North American marketplace.

Per Olofsson

Per Olofsson – CEO, SYMTECH, Inc.

Olofsson is a Swedish citizen with a master’s degree in Supply Chain & Operations Management and an MBA in Management. Olofsson started his career in contract manufacturing of plastic and metal components and their assemblies for handheld devices (mobile phones) which brought him from his native country to Hungary, China, and India for greenfield and brownfield plant establishments.

Since 2013, Olofsson has been active in the textile machinery industry, first as Managing Director and Head of Operations for Rieter India, which serves as one the main manufacturing locations for the Rieter group. Later, Olofsson became the Head of Global Operations of Rieter, based out of Switzerland.

From 2021 till January of 2024, Olofsson served as the CEO of Schaerer Schweiter Mettler (SSM). In February of 2024, Olofsson started in his current role as CEO of SYMTECH, Inc., Spartanburg S.C.

For more information please visit: https://www.symtech-usa.com

Posted: July 5, 2024

Source: SYMTECH, Inc.

Kirei Releases HyperFly Products: The HyperFly Cloud And The HyperFly Baffle Decorate Ceilings And Control Noise In Style

SAN DIEGO, CA — July 1, 2024 — Kirei, a provider of sustainable acoustic design materials, is pleased to announce the HyperFly Cloud and HyperFly Baffle, two elegant and remarkably effective sound-absorbing ceiling fixtures. Part of the Hyper Sonic Collection from Carnegie Acoustic Solutions, the recycled PET products empower designers to transform spaces through innovative design and balanced acoustics.

The new Kirei HyperFly products include:

Kirei’s HyperFly Cloud in Vanilla and Kirei Ink Pine

HyperFly Cloud: An elegant, show-stopping acoustic cloud that welcomes lighting, color pops, and print to leave an unforgettable impression from above. The cloud comes in two standard sizes. Array-NRC: 0.35-0.40.

HyperFly Baffle in Cayenne

HyperFly Baffle: A unique stunning acoustic baffle that adds visual excitement to any ceiling through texture, color, and print while working cooperatively with lighting and other essential ceiling elements. The patent pending baffle comes in three standard sizes. Array-NRC: 0.55-0.60.

Kirei’s HyperFly products are available in over 35 through-panel PET colors and can also be custom-printed with Kirei Ink, an in-house printing service offering remarkably realistic quality. Designers can seamlessly blend the natural beauty of botanicals with subtle or striking stonework from more than 50 prints across Kirei Ink’s four collections, or print any custom color, pattern, graphic, or material onto the products.

Kirei products are all made from 60% recycled post-consumer plastics so designers can be sure that every product they specify diverts plastic bottles from the waste stream. All of the products meet or exceed CDPH standards for VOCs and are Red List Free and Declare Label qualified/certified. They are inherently Class A fire-rated, carry an HPD and EPD, and qualify for LEED and WELL building credits.

Kirei’s HyperFly Clouds in Nutmeg

“Acoustics can amplify a space by creating impactful moments. Whether it is a dynamic ceiling moment of colorful clouds or dramatic uses of multiple installations that accentuate the height or length of the room, they can magnify the space and feel like an art installation. With the breadth of products and the ability to custom print on Kirei’s show-stopping PET products, there is no limit to design inspiration,” says Dana Pucillo, Vice President of Acoustic Solutions at Carnegie.

When designers specify Kirei products, they can utilize Carnegie Acoustic Design Services, a complimentary support service with an in-house team of design professionals to help curate bespoke product selections to meet project design specifications, performance needs, and budget requirements. Design Services provides sample packages tailored to project requirements and expertly executed design layouts and renderings. An acoustic consultant is also available for projects with demanding acoustic performance requirements.

For more information, please visit www.carnegieacousticsolutions.com and www.kireiusa.com.

Posted: July 3, 2024

Source: Carnegie Acoustic Solutions, a division of Carnegie

OrthoLite® Expands European Market Presence, Boosting Production, Innovation And Speed-To-Market Manufacturing  

AMHERST, Mass. — July 1, 2024 — OrthoLite®, the global supplier of branded, high-performance,  comfort footwear solutions, announces an expansion of its European hub, OrthoLite Europa (OEU).

OrthoLite’s increased commitment in Europe furthers the company’s unique global vertical integration strategy and investment in its owned and operated facilities. The company continues to bolster best-in-class manufacturing practices and consistencies throughout its manufacturing regions, which enables OrthoLite to assert near total control over its supply chain and production.

“Our commitment to invest in our global manufacturing footprint brings agility and reliability for OrthoLite’s brand partners and our T1 factory partners,” said Richard Bevan, VP of Global Operations for OrthoLite. “Our factory in Spain is a crucial European hub for our EU-based partners. Our production demand continues to grow and  we continue to build excellence in capacity, customer service, advancing technologies, and unmatched responsiveness as a strategic supply partner.”

OEU’s expansion enhances capacity, innovation and local- for-local insole production solutions for OrthoLite’s European brand partners. Continued investments into the latest technologies will support manufacturing innovation, infrastructure, as well as capacity expansions and operational efficiencies. The factory will expand lean line production, add more automation, and continually modernize the facility and tooling requirements.

OrthoLite brand partners can expect the highest levels of service and quality supported by OrthoLite’s ongoing commitment to invest in its European production. A host of new technologies will support brand-ready customization and expand installed capacities within the EU to meet the growing demand for more technical designs and premium quality materials in footwear.

Since 2021, OrthoLite quadrupled capacity for European Union (EU) footwear production in its facility in Almansa, Spain. The OEU facility provides greater production capacity as well as artisan craftsmanship and specialization in leather-based solutions for the EU-based partners that OrthoLite serves with its insoles. OrthoLite Europa is especially relevant for speed-to-market. From Spain, OrthoLite can deliver to any point in Europe within two to four days.

OrthoLite invested in the team in Almansa for the local talent and technical skill set in leather working as well as the facility’s proximity to other countries working with leather in Europe. Almansa is known as the shoemaking capital of Spain, with 400 years of history in the artistry and trade of footwear.

The OEU facility primarily serves “Made in the EU production” targeting the fashion, luxury, dress, work, outdoor, trail, hike, comfort casual, and athletic footwear brands with top quality insoles as well as leather and other technical insole products, including:

  • Leather and textile lamination
  • Heel cups, wedges, and both molded and die cut insoles
  • Artisan leather insoles for premium fashion brands
  • ESD applications and in-house testing utilizing the SATRA TM240-2001 test protocol
  • OrthoLite O-Therm™, the first and only aerogel-infused, open-cell PU foam cold and heat block solution that can be applied not only as an insole but also a strobel layer or lining.
  • GRS and RCS certified products
  • Investments in additional lean lines and localized foaming

OrthoLite exists to serve and resource its family of over 550 global footwear brand partners. As the business of footwear manufacturing continues to dynamically change and demand continues to grow for specialized, sustainable innovations, OrthoLite’s commitment to build and deliver solutions expands.

Posted: July 3, 2024

Source: OrthoLite

1...204205206...2,565Page 205 of 2,565

Sponsors

Breaking News

Load more

Digital Issue

2025 Quarterly Issue Number III

View Latest Digital Issue

FEATURED ARTICLES

© Copyright 2017 Textile Industries Media Group, LLC.