According to information from a recent press briefing, Switzerland-based Oerlikon Group’s recovery
has continued and strengthened in the third quarter (Q3) of 2010. The number of incoming orders for
January through September 2010 increased by 39 percent to 3.2 billion Swiss francs compared with
the first three quarters of 2009. Order intake rose to 1.6 billion Swiss francs, compared to 1.1
billion Swiss francs the previous year. In spite of negative exchange rate effects totaling 131
million Swiss francs, turnover increased by 14 percent to 2.5 billion Swiss francs within the first
three quarters of 2010 compared with 2009.

“The results for this periodare considerably better than expected for the first nine months,”
said OC Oerlikon CEO Dr. Michael Buscher. “Since the upswing of OC Oerlikon became more important,
we can raise the forecast for the year as a whole.” For the entire year, the Group expects an
increase of 20 percent in sales and an operational profit.

The major reason for this revitalization and the increased turnover, says the company’s
management, is the strong and continuous recovery of most markets in which OC Oerlikon is active —
primarily the textile and automotive industries, but also the semiconductor market.

Textiles: Strongest Sector

Oerlikon Textile showed the biggest increase in the group’s segments: the increase in
turnover rose 56 percent up to 1.1 billion Swiss francs compared with the same period of 2009.
Other segments such as Oerlikon Coating — up 28 percent; Vacuum — up 32 percent; and Advanced
Technologies –73 percent — netted positive results.

In the first three quarters of 2010, Oerlikon Textile’s orders rose by 112 percent to 1.8
billion Swiss francs compared to the year-earlier period. Q3 2010 incoming orders decreased a
little compared with Q2 2010; however, they are still higher compared with the previous year.
Incoming orders at the end of Q3 2010 totaled 1.1 billion Swiss francs — lower than Q2 orders, but
a considerable improvement compared to 0.5 billion Swiss francs at the end of September 2009. The
book-to bill ratio for the nine-month period was 1.6.

Oerlikon reports that customers’ high willingness to invest is also seen in some important
projects Oerlikon Textile could gain, for example, one order totaling more than 200 million Swiss
francs for a man-made staple fiber plant and another order for a staple fiber plant with a daily
capacity of 300 metric tons, which will make it the largest plant of its kind worldwide. In this
favorable position, the greatest challenge for the textile segment is to complete the necessary
operational restructurings and structural adjustments as well as to build up in a flexible way the
required production capacities and supply chains.

Asia: Major Stimulus

Boosting the growth was the extremely strong demand in both the man-made and natural fibers
sectors, primarily in China, India, Turkey, Indonesia and Pakistan. Some bookings of incoming
orders go as far as the year 2012 — good news for the Oerlikon Barmag and Oerlikon Schlafhorst
business units. But also Oerlikon Neumag improves its performance considerably by the
revitalization of the bulk-continuous-filament carpet-fiber and staple-fiber markets. Oerlikon
Textile Components, as a component supplier for the entire textile machinery industry, also
profited from the general upswing in this sector. On the other side, Oerlikon Saurer did not show
any considerable rebound, particularly within the segments of twisting and embroidery.

The strongest impulses for the overall upswing came from Asia, whose share of turnover for
the first three quarters of 2010 increased to 43 percent compared with 31 percent the previous
year. The growth was also strong because the high volume of incoming orders of the first six months
convert now into turnover.

Better Forecast

This positive development of the first nine months as well as the high order backlog led
Oerlikon management to raise the forecasts for the year 2010. The company now anticipates a
turnover increase of some 20 percent, whereas the estimates after six months were only 15 percent.
Furthermore, an improvement in earnings results is also expected. CEO Michael Buscher assumes that
“due to the predominantly positive market development and our progress so far, we now anticipate an
operational profit for the year as a whole.”

For the fourth quarter of 2010, Oerlikon expects the continuation of the positive trend on
the group level, thanks to the fact that the incoming orders will stay on a high level and the
large amount of incoming orders will convert into real turnover.

October 26, 2010

The Veloci-Jet XL Direct Inkjet-to-Garment printer, manufactured by Fair Lawn, N.J.-based Equipment
Zone — a supplier of new and used digital garment printing equipment and supplies — has been
named the Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA) Product of the Year in the Direct to Garment
Inkjet Printers category. The printer offers a maximum printable area of 13 by 24 inches; can print
directly onto T-shirts, sweatshirts, canvas and other textiles; and features a shirt holder that
enables simultaneous printing of two shirts, and a “Closed” Bag Ink System that enables quick, easy
use. According to Equipment Zone, ink costs are up to 60-percent lower for the Veloci-Jet XL than
for comparable direct-to-garment printers.

“We are thrilled to have won the SGIA Product of the Year Award,” said Harry Oster,
president, Equipment Zone. “The Veloci-Jet XL printer shows our commitment to excellence. We want
our customers making money, with a printer that is world-class: fast print speeds, unmatched color
accuracy and excellent customer support.”

Equipment Zone offers the printer as a complete package, including art and raster image
processing software; and also offers the printer with its SpeedTreater Automatic Pretreatment
System.

October 26, 2010

Toho Tenax Europe GmbH — Germany-based subsidiary of Japan-based carbon fiber manufacturer Toho
Tenax Co. Ltd., part of the Teijin Group — has begun full operation of its fourth carbon fiber
production line at its plant in Oberbruch, Germany. Toho Tenax completed the 1,700-ton-capacity
Line 4 in August 2009, but postponed its startup because of declining demand for carbon fiber
resulting from the global economic downturn and also because of consequent adjustments to the Toho
Tenax group’s global production.

After seeing rising carbon fiber demand this year — especially for aircraft, sports, leisure
and industrial applications such as wind power generation — Toho Tenax started up Line 4 in
September. Carbon fiber global sales had decreased to about 23,000 tons in 2009, but the company
anticipates sales will grow by 15 percent annually beginning this year. Toho Tenax also reports it
will further meet rising demand by optimizing production in Japan, Germany and the United States.

October 26, 2010

Huntersville, N.C.-based Saertex USA LLC — a manufacturer of technical fabrics for lightweight
composite structures for green energy applications, and the U.S. subsidiary of Germany-based
Saertex GmbH & Co. KG — has announced it will invest $6.5 million over the next three years to
expand its facility, with the expectation of adding 178 jobs to its current workforce of 126. The
investment was funded in part by the One North Carolina fund, which offers financial assistance
through local governments to promote business investments and create jobs.

In addition to its Huntersville location, which opened in 2000, Saertex has subsidiaries in
France, Germany, Portugal, South Africa, India and China. The company produces and sells
technologies mainly for wind energy, aerospace, civil engineering, automotive and shipbuilding
applications. Saertex USA is expanding as a result of increasing demand for lightweight,
energy-saving components.

“Saertex USA appreciates the support of Gov. [Bev] Perdue and the State of North Carolina in
helping increase our footprint in North Carolina, while supporting wind and other green industries
in the United States,” said Dr. Christian Kissinger, general manager, Saertex USA. “We are
encouraged by the recognition and the vision of the State of North Carolina in promoting new
technologies like composites in the transportation and renewable energy sector. While we continue
to focus on bringing new technologies to the market that will create more efficient transportation
systems and wind turbines, it is the support of local, state and federal governments that will lay
the necessary groundwork.”

The company reports the average annual wage for new employees will be $41,506, not including
benefits.

October 26, 2010

Wichita, Kan.-based Invista is currently developing plans for an expansion in high-tenacity nylon
6,6 airbag fiber production at its facility in Shanghai. The company aims to double capacity at the
plant by 2013. The Shanghai plant is strategically located near major automotive supply chains.

“Invista built its Qingpu airbag fiber plant with expansion in mind,” said Jeff Brown, vice
president, Invista Performance Surfaces & Materials. “The additional investment to install more
machines based on our standard global platform will put us at the leading edge of quality, supply
capability and performance in a demanding market.”

Brown spoke at an Invista-hosted forum at the recent Cinte Techtextil China trade show in
Shanghai. “Global automotive production is projected to grow significantly in the coming years with
particular strength in Asia and South America,” he said. “In Asia, we have seen growing demand for
high-tenacity airbag fibers due to rising automotive safety standards as well as increasing airbag
fitment. China is on the leading edge of change in both areas.”

October 26, 2010

Kingsport, Tenn.-based Eastman Chemical Co. — a manufacturer of fibers, chemicals and plastics —
has agreed to sell its polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and purified terephthalic acid (PTA)
businesses and the related assets and technology of its Performance Polymers segment to
Charlotte-based DAK Americas LLC — a producer of polyester staple fibers (PSF), PET resins and PTA
monomers, and a wholly owned subsidiary of Mexico-based Alfa S.A.B. de C.V. The transaction, which
is subject to regulatory approvals, is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2010, with cash
proceeds totaling $600 million.

The acquisition includes three integrated petrochemical plants in South Carolina — one
producing PTA and the other two producing PET — that employ 415 people and have a total annual
capacity of 1.275 million tons. Alfa estimates that during the first half of 2010, the plants
realized $405 million in sales revenues and $46 million in pro-forma earnings before interest,
taxes, depreciation, and amortization.

DAK also will obtain intellectual property of the IntegRex™ PTA and PET technology along with
access to the business’ customer base.

“This strategic acquisition reinforces our presence in the North American PTA and PET
markets, where we supply some of the most important companies in consumer segments such as
beverage, food and personal care, which have traditionally been resilient to economic cycles,” said
Armando Garza Sada, chairman of the Board, Alfa. “With this acquisition, we demonstrate once again
our commitment to the PTA and PET value chains.”

According to industry analyst Alasdair Carmichael, president of Spartanburg-based PCI
Fibres-Americas, the acquisition also will have implications for the carpet industry. “The PCI
Group estimates that, after the acquisition is completed, DAK will be the largest producer of PET
resin in North America with a 41-percent share of U.S. capacity, and also will be the largest
polyester producer in the Americas,” Carmichael said. “This acquisition of Eastman’s PET business
will provide DAK with a strong position in PET resin for packaging and other uses, but also will
reinforce their supply position into the carpet industry.

“The carpet industry has rapidly increased its consumption of polyester bulked continuous
filament (BCF) in recent years, and the ‘chip’ source used for this has been a PET resin chip
rather than a regular polyester fiber chip, because PET resin has a higher intrinsic viscosity.
Much of the initial work to develop polyester BCF was done using Eastman PET resin, and the
eventual success achieved ensured that PET resin, rather than fiber chip, became the industry
standard. DAK has been active in the carpet market with PET resin supplies and also PSF for carpet
spinning,” he said, noting the company’s recent joint venture with Shaw to produce recycled flake,
or chip, from bottles
(See ”
DAK,
Shaw Form PET Recycling JV,” May/June 2009). “The expectation is that a portion of this
flake will be used in the production of polyester BCF,” he added.



October 26, 2010

MONTREAL, Canada — October  25, 2010 — Visual 2000 International Inc. announces that leading
Australian fashion and accessories retail group M Webster Holdings Pty Ltd has begun implementation
of the Visual PLM.net® software solution at its Sydney (AUS) headquarters and  Shanghai (CHN)
sourcing and production offices.  Owner of the popular Jigsaw, David Lawrence, and Marcs
brands, M Webster Holdings (MWH) will deploy the product lifecycle management (PLM) software across
more than 70 users in its design, merchandising, product development, sourcing, and other internal
functional departments as well as with its vendor partners in China. MWH expects the new system to
accelerate cycle times, increase visibility into business processes, and improve collaboration
among internal teams and with suppliers.

According to MWH Group Operations Officer Lyle Hudson, “We saw in PLM an opportunity to
centralize all product information and provide the process visibility our teams and vendors need to
make faster and better informed business decisions. After careful evaluation, we chose Visual
PLM.net because of its strong out-of-the-box capabilities and the flexibility it gives us to manage
our specific business needs. Visual 2000’s deep retail industry expertise will clearly benefit us
with a fast implementation and continued business and productivity improvements as we move
forward.”

By leveraging the comprehensive set of standard, fashion-specific tools included in Visual
PLM.net, MWH is advancing on a rapid implementation schedule with plans to go-live on the new
software in December.  Key vendor partners will be deployed in January with the balance coming
online in the spring of 2011.

 

“We applaud the efforts of MWH as they work to improve their concept-to-consumer
operations”, noted Charles Benoualid, vice president of research and development at Visual 2000.
“The speed of their implementation validates our commitment to building industry tailored solutions
that are comprehensive and easy to implement and use. We look forward to helping Webster as they
achieve their ambitious goals.”

Posted on October 26, 2010

Source: Vision 2000 International

Aston, PA, October 2010 – Amacoil has designed a parts scanning platform which moves in a
reciprocating motion pattern using the Uhing linear drive. The linear motion of the platform is
backlash-free. Reversal is automatic without requiring an electronic control system or reversal of
the drive motor. Additionally, the automatic reversal mechanism is designed to dissipate forward
momentum at the reversal points assuring smooth reversal without jarring or jerking.

A control knob on the assembly enables adjustments to linear speed — without clutches, cams
or gears — while the system is running. Length of travel may be increased or decreased using
adjustable end stops. There is no programming and no hydraulics or pneumatics. The only maintenance
required is periodic shaft lubrication.

Designed for a PCB measurement/cleaning process, the assembly may also be used for scanning
barcodes on parts and in other applications requiring repetitive back-and-forth movement.
Components are precision-machined to limit vertical and horizontal movement of the platform to
within ± 0.001 inches. Amacoil will customize the platform to meet specific application
requirements or OEM design needs.

Posted on October 26, 2010

Source: Amacoil Inc.

Lyndhurst, NJ — October 14, 2010 — RLM Apparel Software Systems Inc. announces that New
York-based fashion brand Alexander Wang Inc. has successfully implemented the RLM FashionManager
On-Demand enterprise software solution. The premier American designer has gone-live with the
cloud-based FM On-Demand software in its product development, manufacturing, distribution, and
financial management operations. Founded by celebrated designer Alexander Wang, the company has
quickly become one of the most prominent names in women’s apparel, footwear, handbags and
accessories. By replacing its in-house systems with RLM’s integrated, web-based software, Alexander
Wang is among the many creative companies that are also innovating in the management of their
business infrastructure. 

“We wanted a system that covered all of our business needs,” stated CEO Aimie Wang. “It did
not make sense for us to license and build costly interfaces for separate PLM, ERP, and financial
packages. We considered best-of-breed systems, but none offered distinct advantages over the RLM’s
fully integrated cloud computing solution.”

RLM FashionManager provides Alexander Wang with the integrated financial, manufacturing, and
distribution tools it needs to keep everyone in the organization as well as outside vendors working
from the same page. It also improves the company’s competitiveness and flexibility by improving its
ability to capture sample room costs, maintain accurate fabric and trim inventory levels, project
demand, and deliver its products on time.

“Since June, RLM has already implemented our merchandising, product development, trim, sample
room, sales, and credit management teams into the system”, continued Ms. Wang. “RLM’s Management
Console concept and system standards have also made it easy for everyone including new hires to
quickly learn the system and meet our rapid growth requirements.”

The cloud-based FM On-Demand provides access to Alexander Wang locations in New York and
across the globe through the internet; enabling Alexander Wang to leverage the benefits of the
software without the need for capital investments in computer hardware and a large IT staff.
Alexander Wang expects to add more system capabilities from RLM’s menu of more than 40 different
application modules to meet future growth.

Posted on October 26, 2010

Source: RLM Apparel Software Systems

ALBANY, N.Y.– October 25, 2010 — Momentive Performance Materials, a global leader in specialty
chemicals and materials, has started construction on a new manufacturing facility dedicated to
liquid silicone rubber (LSR) production in Leverkusen, Germany, already a major production site for
a number of the company’s silicone and sealant product lines.  The new facility will allow for
the increased production of LSR, needed to meet growing demand from global customers and emerging
markets. The first phase of the project will be completed by end of 2010. 

Over the course of the past two years, Momentive has launched a number of innovations in
elastomer technology that have fueled demand for LSR products.  These include a highly
transparent LSR (Silopren* LSR 7000 series that can replace thermoplastics in specific optical
applications; a fully fluorinated LSR that exhibits high resistance to fuels and flex fuels; a
fiber-reinforced LSR with unique physical properties; and a silver-based antimicrobial LSR
(StatSil* antimicrobial elastomers, that can help prevent the spread of microbial infections from
medical devices to the human body.

Momentive’s StatSil platform earned international recognition as a recipient of the 2009
Frost & Sullivan “Product Innovation of the Year” Award and the 2010 Ringier “Technology
Innovation” Award, while Silopren LSR 7000 was a 2009 Material ConneXion MEDIUM Award finalist for
“Material of the Year.”

“Providing customers around the world with high quality LSR is vital to our elastomer
business,” said Dr. Robert Gnann, Senior Vice President and Managing Director Silicones EMEA and
India, Momentive.  “In addition to meeting growing capacity requirements, this investment can
help ensure continued consistency, quality and purity of the liquid silicone rubber we produce,
which contribute to our leadership position in the global LSR market.”

Full automation and state-of-the-art process control will continue to ensure that the highest
quality standards are maintained in the production of Momentive’s LSR offerings.  “By steadily
investing in our LSR capabilities, we can continue to provide customers around the world with the
advanced technology they need to build on their success in different product lines as well as
capitalize on new market opportunities,” said Dr. Ian Moore, Senior Vice President and General
Manager Silicones Americas, Momentive.

Posted on October 26, 2010

Source: Momentive Performance Materials Inc.