Importers Seek To Block New Textile Monitoring

Retailers and other importers of textiles and apparel are mounting an effort to eliminate language
in a major appropriations bill working its way through Congress that would direct the Department of
Commerce (DOC) to monitor all apparel imports from China and Vietnam. If approved by the Senate and
enacted into law, the new program would direct the DOC to “undertake apparel import monitoring,
focusing on prices of imports from China and Vietnam and whether their state-run industries are
illegally pricing products and dumping in the US market.” The measure, part of an omnibus
appropriations bill providing funding for government agencies through the remainder of fiscal year
2009, already has passed the House.

In a letter to the leadership of both the House and Senate, a coalition of US importers of
textiles and apparel has expressed its “strong concern” over the measure, calling it “an
unwarranted program that would be inconsistent with US law and international obligations and
harmful to the already fragile economy.” During the past two years, the DOC monitored imports from
Vietnam, and there was no evidence of dumping. However, importers say the existence of the
monitoring has a chilling effort on overseas sourcing.

Last October, the House Ways and Means Committee instructed the US International Trade
Commission to begin monitoring imports of apparel from China in 34 product categories that had been
under “safeguard restraints.” Quotas were removed from those products as of Dec. 31, 2008, and the
committee is concerned that there might be a surge of imports in those categories that are
considered to be particularly sensitive. The importers say it is inappropriate for Congress to
“revisit this issue and  require a different and duplicative process.”

The coalition’s letter said that “at a time when consumer prices are increasing and
businesses are struggling to make ends meet and keep their workers employed, we urge Congress not
to erect programs that create more uncertainty in the marketplace and spend valuable taxpayer
resources on unnecessary and redundant programs.”

Laura E. Jones, executive director of the US Association of Importers of Textiles and
Apparel, said US textile producers concerned that imports may be dumped or subsidized can use
existing trade remedy laws. She charged that monitoring is simply designed to put pressure on the
Obama administration to initiate an investigation “based on politics rather than facts.”



March 3, 2009

DSI Acquires Alexco

Greenville-based Diversified Systems Inc. (DSI), a manufacturer of machinery for the textile, cut
and sew, nonwovens and film industries and a supplier of related equipment, has acquired Mauldin,
S.C.-based Alexander Machinery Inc., a manufacturer of large roll winding machinery with more than
50,000 machines in operation worldwide.

March/April 2009

The Rupp Report: Nonwovens Means Good News

Everybody is tired of all the bad news around the world, presumably provoked by the global finance
industry. The textile industry is affected too – at least, most of the sectors are. However, one
sector is still earning some money and bringing work to the textile machinery industry. It’s the
nonwovens and technical textiles sector.

How Are You?

At the moment, it’s not easy to visit the people in the industry. The question “How are you?”
sounds sometimes like mockery. In most of the cases, the answer is the same: “Business is going
down. The money is there, but nobody’s investing at the moment. Everybody is waiting for good
news.”

We Are Okay

On a recent trip to France and Belgium, it was rather different. When

Textile World
 visited France-based nonwovens machinery producer NSC nonwoven, the answer to “How are
you?” was, “We are okay; we have delivery times up to seven months.”

TW
 was positively stunned and wanted to know the reasons for this good news in more or less bad
times.

But Why?

NSC nonwoven Sales & Marketing Director Jean-Philippe Dumon said a difficult economic
time also means time for opportunity. In a very lively discussion, he pointed out some reasons for
this success. He said his customers have identified new market opportunities in the ever-so-growing
nonwovens business. And in difficult times, innovative equipment is important more than ever. He
also mentioned one of the Rupp Reports from last year, ”
Can
You Afford To Buy Copies?” (August 19, 2008). The answer to this question, he mentioned, is
clear: No, everybody must have first-class equipment to be successful today.



With Cost And Material Savings

As mentioned before, and published in various

TW
 articles over the last year, energy and cost savings are the key words – also for Dumon’s
customers. He reckoned that cost savings are of major concern to all nonwovens producers, this
includes for raw material, energy, maintenance and time. And, he mentioned, “We address this
concern by generating fiber savings with our equipment.”

But not only is fiber saving important, Dumon said. “We also supply control equipment to
ensure a consistent quality production with energy-saving solutions. And, last but not least, the
design of low-maintenance equipment allows more production time and, eventually, a better yield on
the production line.”

Matching Machinery

In the computer business, compatibility is the key word. This also is valid for the
production of nonwovens. Dumon again: “We have a global overview of the nonwoven processes. Most of
our sales are to supply complete lines since such an approach minimizes bottlenecks in production.”

Yes,

TW
 argued, but not everybody can spend the money for a complete new line today. No problem, the
answer came promptly. “We are concerned about improving our customer end product performances –
that’s why we also provide solutions to improve the performance of existing lines. This issue will
be the subject of news in a few weeks time. Wait and see.”

Wait and see? All the digging deeper to get more news was useless. However, in most cases, I
would ask more questions to get the news out. But this time was different.

TW
 was pleased to hear some good news. So let’s hope for the next message. If you or your
company have some good news, let

TW
 know. Send a note to
jrupp@textileworld.com.

TW
 would be happy to share it.

March 3, 2009

Footprint Introduces New Bamboo Anklet Socks

Philadelphia-based Footprint – a provider of socks, underwear and baby garments made with bamboo –
has introduced bamboo socks in a new anklet performance style. The unisex socks, available in
two-tone grey and natural, offer benefits including advanced arch support, mesh ventilation, a
reinforced heel and toe for durability, an ergonomic toe seam and a padded terry sole.

According to Footprint, its bamboo socks are an eco-friendly alternative to man-made-fiber
performance socks for athletes and diabetics. The socks contain a blend of nylon and 95-percent
bamboo fiber, which offers antibacterial, hypoallergenic and moisture-wicking properties.

March 3, 2009

Springs Global US Announces Restructuring

Fort Mill, S.C.-based Springs Global US Inc. – a home furnishings supplier and subsidiary of
Brazil-based Springs Global Participações S.A. – is restructuring to create two business units. Joe
Granger will lead the Branded business unit, which includes the Wamsutta® and Springmaid® brands as
well as licensed brands such as Walt Disney World®, Serta® and other brands; and Harvey Simon will
run the Private Label business unit. The two business units will share a services organization run
by Springs’ CFO Flavio Barbosa, and a creative organization headed by Edward Cardimona, chief
creative officer.

“Our core strategy is to foster innovation, bring new products to the marketplace under our
brands and our retail partners’ brands, and deliver a full presentation of products for the home,”
said Josué Gomes da Silva, CEO and chairman, Springs Global. “This restructuring will allow us to
leverage our valued brand assets and provide unparalleled products, service and creativity for our
customers and consumers.

“The team of senior leaders that will guide Springs Global US in this new approach makes us
confident that we will deliver excellence to all of our stakeholders and succeed in today’s
economic environment.”

March 3, 2009

Texnology Develops Universal Profile System For Nonwovens Production

Italy-based Texnology S.r.l. has developed the Universal Profile System for use on various types of
crosslapping machines featuring all types of veil construction and running all fiber types. The
fully automatic system allows the density of the folded material to be altered across the working
width of the material exiting the crosslapper. 

The Universal Profile System will be demonstrated on an Evolution crosslapper at Texnology’s
research and development (R&D) center in Italy. This particular system will be shipped to a
customer after a short viewing period at the R&D center. US companies interested in visiting
Texnology’s R&D center to view the technology should contact Zimmer Machinery in Spartanburg at
800-458-3194.

March 3, 2009

Milliken To Reduce Workforce

Spartanburg-based Milliken & Company has begun to reduce its workforce company-wide in response
to the current economic downturn. The company employs just under 9,000 people across 47 locations
worldwide, and will lay off approximately 650 of those associates.

“We have done everything we could to avoid arriving at this point, such as temporary
stop-offs and rotating people out at our various manufacturing locations on a weekly basis, but at
some point in time you have to bring some stability to your core workforce,” said Richard Dillard,
director of public affairs, Milliken. “It is a gut-wrenching process to have to tell some of your
good, loyal, hard working people that, through no fault of their own, you have no work available
for them.”

Milliken is counseling the affected associates individually. According to Dillard, though the
company is financially strong and well-positioned to weather the current economic crisis, it had to
adjust its workforce to remain competitive.

March 3, 2009

Huntsman Textile Effects To Establish Singapore Headquarters

Switzerland-based Huntsman Textile Effects – a manufacturer of chemicals and dyes for finished
textiles and materials, and a division of Huntsman Corp.  – has announced its headquarters
will relocate to Singapore from its current site in Basel
(see ”
Huntsman
Completes Primary Organizational Changes In Textile Effects Division,” Feb. 17, 2009). The
move is part of the division’s restructuring initiatives and will contribute to its new global,
market-focused organization.

“This is an important strategic decision,” said Paul Hulme, president, Huntsman Textile
Effects. “The relocation of the divisional headquarters and its leadership team is the next
important step in our restructuring program and will ensure that the business is fully aligned to
market trends and customer needs.”

“Geographically, Singapore is an ideal location from which to serve the markets in China,
India and Southeast Asia, but also allows us to continue to serve and grow our business in Europe
and the Americas,” added Hulme. “Singapore was chosen from a number of possible locations,
primarily because of its proximity to our key growth markets, the excellent international business
environment encouraged by the Singapore Economic Development Board, and the availability of the
high quality professionals that will be critical to the continued growth of our global business.”

The Textile Effects leadership team is expected to move by mid-year, when it will relocate to
Huntsman (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.’s location at the Gateway Center. The Basel site will continue to
operate as a major manufacturing, research and technology, and European customer service location
for Textile Effects. The headquarters for Huntman’s Advanced Materials division also will be
located in Basel.

March 3, 2009

DAK Americas Sets Up Specialty Polymers Business

Charlotte-based DAK Americas LLC – a producer of polyester staple fibers, polyethylene
terephthalate resins and terephthalic acid monomers, and a wholly owned subsidiary of Mexico-based
Alfa S.A.B. de C.V. – has acquired technology from Wilmington, Del.-based DuPont to manufacture a
select group of 2GT-based polyester resin products previously produced under the DuPont™ Crystar®
name. Crystar specialty resins are used to manufacture monofilaments, nonwovens, packaging and
other engineered polyester products. DAK Americas has established a Specialty Polymers Business
Unit, which will manufacture and market the specialty resins.

“The acquiring of these technologies further enhances DAK’s capabilities and allows DAK to
expand its product offerings into the Special Polymers business,” said Hector Camberos, president
and CEO, DAK Americas.

“These specialty resins fit perfectly with the trade leading products and polyester-based
technologies that DAK has established through its focus on innovation,” said Oscar Montemayer,
senior vice president, corporate development, DAK Americas.

March/April 2009

Coalition Seeks Changes In CPSC Lead In Textiles Rule

A coalition of textile and apparel manufacturers’ and importers’ trade associations has weighed in
on a Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) regulation covering lead in textiles, stating that
“textiles are inherently lead free,” and therefore should be exempt from the rule.

In heavily documented comments filed with the commission, the coalition urged CPSC to exempt
textiles and apparel from the rule issued on February 6 requiring testing and certification of the
lead content in toys and other items used by children 12 years of age and younger, including
textiles and apparel. The commission subsequently issued a one-year stay for testing requirement,
but at the same time, it said products must still meet the standard for lead content. 

The coalition’s filing said: “We urge the commission in its final rules amending the
regulation to recognize that textile materials are inherently lead-free and to exempt them from the
rule.”

The filing added that by incorporating the recommended modifications and clarifications in
its final rule, CPSC can reduce costs of unnecessary testing and compliance burdens of products
that do not contain lead, and instead “focus critical resources on products and components where
there is more risk.”

The coalition told the commission that its members support “common sense, enforceable safety
rules that are easy to understand, that are based on risk data, and that are the result of a
predictable process.”

A coalition of consumer groups, including the Consumers Union and the Consumer Federation of
America, said it supports procedures for exempting certain products and materials as long as they
are based on “best-available, objective and peer-reviewed scientific evidence showing that lead in
such products will not result in absorption of any lead into the body.” They said exemptions should
be subject to hearings and public comment in order to be approved.

February 24, 2009

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