Indo Count Acquires Fluvitex USA, A Pillow & Quilt Manufacturing Unit, To Expand Global Footprint

MUMBAI — September 16, 2024 — Indo Count Industries Ltd., a global bed linen player, today announced a strategic move to strengthen and grow its Utility Bedding segment.

Indo Count Global (ICG), a 100-percent U.S. based subsidiary of Indo Count has acquired Fluvitex USA Inc., a part of Masias Invest S.L., a Spain-based textile machinery firm since 1944. Fluvitex is a Pillow & Quilt manufacturing company based in Columbus, Ohio, with an annual production capacity of 5 million Pillows of different types and 1.5 million quilts. Fluvitex’s strategic location allows efficient distribution across the USA and Canada with a revenue potential of more than $50 million.

ICG has signed a definitive agreement for acquiring 81 percent stake of Fluvitex USA from its promoter shareholder – Masias Invest S.L., with an exclusive option to purchase the remaining 19 percent stake within the next 5 years, i.e. by September 30, 2029. The acquisition is funded by internal accruals and debt.

Mohit Jain, executive vice chairman, commented: “Acquiring Fluvitex is a critical move as it allows Indo Count to establish a fully integrated Utility Bedding business in the USA. Fluvitex’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility and its strategic location will significantly enhance our ability to serve North American customers with a broader product range. This, along with the recent Wamsutta brand acquisition, represents a key milestone in Indo Count’s strategy to build a globally comprehensive Bedding portfolio.”

The acquisition is a pivotal step in Indo Count’s journey and is a stepping stone to establish a manufacturing footprint in the USA, thus enabling the Company to offer a diverse range of bed linen products, including pillows, quilts, decorative pillows and other.

Posted: September 16, 2024

Source: Indo Count Industries

Polartec Wins 2024 R&D 100 Award For Power Shield™ Pro

SPARTANBURG, S.C.— September 13, 2024 — Polartec, a Milliken & Company brand and the creator of innovative and sustainable textile solutions, is proud to announce that its Power Shield™ Pro fabric, which incorporates Biolon™* plant-based nylon, has won the prestigious 2024 R&D 100 Award in the Mechanical/Materials category. This global competition, now in its 62nd year, recognizes revolutionary scientific and technicological innovations from 16 countries. Winners are selected by an expert judging panel of 56 well-respected industry professionals from across the world.

Building on the performance legacy of Polartec® NeoShell™ – a 2012 R&D 100 Award winner – Polartec Power Shield™ Pro is a planet conscious** weather protection shell fabric technology, made with Biolon nylon. The highly durable, extremely breathable non-PFAS monolithic membrane construction provides 20/20 breathable waterproof protection (20k mm water resistance (ISO 811) / 20k g/m2/24hrs breathability (JIS L1099, B1). As a result, it stops rain and snow getting in, while allowing body moisture to escape. Made to withstand wear and tear for resilience you can rely on, its 48 percent plant-based content also lowers carbon footprint by up to 50 percent and reduces reliance on fossil fuels without impacting human food sources.*▲ All of which proves that expedition-grade weatherproof performance can be achieved with more sustainable practices.

Indeed, Polartec Power Shield Pro is a first-of-its-kind weather protection made from renewable, non-GMO plant-based nylon and an innovative non-PFAS membrane. In addition to being soft, flexible and highly versatile, it offers exceptional durability while delivering a 50-percent lower carbon footprint than virgin nylon 6,6, the gold standard against which other nylons are measured. In addition, its chemical free composition is created in a bluesign® certified facility, ensuring its more responsible and sustainable manufacturing. And by mimicking the strength and pliability of traditional nylon, Power Shield Pro ensures long-lasting protection in addition to setting a new benchmark for environmentally-friendly performance fabrics.

Ramesh Kesh, senior vice president – Government & Defense and Polartec at Milliken & Company, said, “We are honored to receive such a prestigious award. Power Shield™ Pro exemplifies our commitment to pushing the boundaries of sustainable textile innovation. This recognition highlights that with the right technology, we can deliver high-performance materials that are also environmentally responsible while advancing eco-engineering trends that will define the future of our industry.”

“Power Shield Pro not only advances weather protection but does so while significantly reducing environmental impact,” said Karen Beattie, director of Product Management at Polartec. “Our dedication to sustainability doesn’t stop with raw materials. The Power Shield Pro membrane technology is based on molecular diffusion, ensuring high durability and extending the life of garments. This ultimately helps reduce the need for frequent replacements, further lowering the carbon footprint of outdoor apparel.”

* Biolon™ is a trademark of Milliken & Company.

**The Biolon™ nylon plant-based content within Power Shield™ Pro reduces reliance on fossil fuels and lowers carbon footprint by up to 50% compared with virgin Nylon-6,6.

*▲ Biolon™ plant-based inputs account for about 45-48% of the nylon in our fabrics and membranes, which lowers carbon footprint and reliance on fossil fuels by 50%, without impacting on human food sources.

©2024 Polartec, LLC. Polartec® is a registered trademark of MMI-IPCO, LLC. Biolon™ is a trademark of Milliken & Company.

Posted: September 13, 2024

Source: Polartec, a Milliken & Company brand

Business Meeting With Chinese Delegation At The KARL MAYER GROUP

Group photo from left to right:
Xia Lianhong, Party Secretary and Director of Dezhou Municipal Commerce Bureau,
Gao Jigang, Deputy Secretary-General of the Dezhou Municipal Party Committee and Director of the Municipal Party Committee Office, Wang Dashan, Deputy Secretary of the Party Working Committee and Director of the Management Committee of Tianqu New District, Jiang Guiting Chairman of Jingjin Equipment Co., Ltd., Tian Weidong, Secretary of the Dezhou Municipal Party Committee and Director of the Municipal People’s Congress Standing Committee and from the KARL MAYER GROUP Dr. Helmut Preßl, CFO, Dieter Gager, Vice President Sales & Marketing of Warp Preparation Business Unit, Kevin Socha, Managing Director of KARL MAYER (H.K.) among others and Gabriel Chiu, Regional Sales Manager at Warp Preparation Business Unit

OBERTSHAUSEN, Germany — September 13, 2024 —

The KARL MAYER GROUP welcomed important visitors from China to its headquarters in Obertshausen, Germany, on September 7. A delegation of government officials from the city of Dezhou in Shandong province and entrepreneurs took advantage of their seven-day business tour through Germany and Serbia to make a detour to the innovative global market leader. To deepen cooperation between the province and Europe, this was the aim of the travelers, including Weiding Tian, Party Secretary oft the Dezhou Municipal City, Dashan Wang, Party official from the Tianqu New District, and Guiting Jiang, chairman of Jingjin Equipment Co Ltd.. The company is a top manufacturer of solutions for industrial filters in China. It has been using warp preparation machines from KARL MAYER for almost a decade to manufacture high-quality textiles for its products. Major investments in new machines have just been made.

The guests were welcomed and given a tour of the company by CFO Dr Helmut Preßl, vice president, Sales & Marketing of KARL MAYER’s Warp Preparation Business Unit Dieter Gager and Kevin Socha, managing director of KARL MAYER (H.K.) among others. Guiting Jiang took the opportunity to gain an impression of the innovative strength and modernity of his partner’s production capacities. In display were the latest warp knitting machines at work and future-oriented fields of application for the textiles produced on them, the latest generation of warp preparation technology and the comprehensive training opportunities offered by the company’s own Academy. The performance demonstration was convincing. “Our guests were impressed by our potential, support options for a wide variety of aspects and, in particular, the motto of our company founder ‘What we do, we do right’, which still applies to us today,” said Gabriel Chiu, Regional Sales Manager at KARL MAYER’s Warp Preparation Business Unit.

As a sign of great mutual trust, an agreement on technical co-operation between Jingjin Equipment Co. Ltd. and the KARL MAYER GROUP was signed on the following Monday. In future, the textile machinery manufacturer intends to provide its Chinese customer with technical warp preparation innovations for its special field of application at a very early stage of the market launch. Jingjin Equipment Co. Ltd., on the other hand, intends to give priority to KARL MAYER machines for modernisation and expansion projects. The signing of the contract took place in Munich at the “Dezhou Multinational Cooperation Excange Symposium” demonstrating that. “With our signature, we are expressing our long-term commitment to each other and to the development of innovations that will boost the textile industry,” explains Dieter Gager.

Posted: September 13, 2024

Source: KARL MAYER GROUP

Discover The Latest Innovations Of The Trützschler Group At ITMA Asia 2024

TCO 21XL

MÖNCHENGLADBACH,, Germany — September 13, 2024 — From October 14 to 18, Trützschler Group will present its machines and technologies in spinning, card clothing and nonwovens. Don’t miss this opportunity and visit us at Booth C11 in Hall 7.

Trützschler Spinning

At this year’s ITMA Asia, Trützschler Spinning will present the newest carding technology for China. Details about this innovation will be disclosed at the show. Visitors should not miss the opportunity to experience this new technology first hand. Experts from Trützschler’s Spinning business unit will also present the third generation of our Integrated Draw Frame, the IDF 3. And of course, our teams will also stand prepared to give up-close insights into the world’s first 12-head comber, the TCO 21XL. These innovations achieve higher efficiency, lower energy consumption, digitalization and intelligent automation for fiber processing in spinning mills. Our technological expertise enables customers to boost value and profit by producing sliver with higher levels of quality at outstanding production speeds.

Trützschler Nonwovens

Representatives from our Nonwovens business will showcase solutions for more sustainable wipe materials made of pulp and other fibers from renewable resources. This includes results from our trials of bamboo pulp combined with viscose/lyocell fibers to make fine baby, body and flushable wipes with mechanical, haptic and visual properties comparable to traditional paper-grade NBSK (Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft) pulp. Bamboo is fast-growing and can be harvested after just three years. That makes it a more sustainable alternative to pulp from softwood trees like pine, spruce or larch because those trees take decades to grow – so harvesting them has a larger negative impact by depleting forest resources.

Our teams will also put a spotlight on Trützschler’s market-proven technologies for Wet-Laid/Spunlace (WLS) and Carded/Pulp (CP). These processes have proven effective in creating cost-efficient, biodegradable nonwovens for flushable wipes and single-use wet wipes.

Trützschler Card Clothing

Last but not least, Trützschler Card Clothing (TCC) will present a wide range of their comprehensive service portfolio, demonstrating how the combination of expertise in clothings, wires and service will bring machinery performance to the next level.

We’re counting down the days! Get your ticket and see you in Shanghai!

Posted: September 13, 2024

Source: Trützschler Group SE

NCTO Calls White House Announcement On Actions Limiting De Minimis A Step Forward Calls For Comprehensive Action To Address Abuse Of De Minimis

WASHINGTON, D.C. — September 13, 2024 — National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) President and CEO Kim Glas issued a statement on today’s White House announcement and fact sheet that outlined executive actions to curtail de minimis shipments in addition to other key measures on enforcement and domestic procurement.

Statement by NCTO President and CEO Kim Glas:

“We appreciate the administration’s actions announced today, which represent a step forward in helping mitigate the impact of the de minimis provision.

“We have called on the administration to use its existing executive authorities to limit the severe damage to our industry created by the de minimis loophole. Today, the administration announced rulemaking to limit de minimis treatment for all imported products subject to U.S. trade remedies and penalties, including the Section 301 tariffs. This is an important, common-sense reform and critical first step. We amplify the need to expedite rulemaking to the fullest extent possible and appreciate their strong engagement with our industry. The administration also announced requirements for additional information on de minimis shipments and other enforcement measures.

“Further, the administration underscored the need for a comprehensive solution beyond this action announced today – underscoring the magnitude of the problem, and the inability to effectively enforce our laws with the flood of de minimis packages coming in daily and the need for an urgent solution. We share that same sense of urgency. We are calling on Congress and the administration to work together to immediately close this disastrous loophole once and for all.

“The U.S. textile industry, a strategic supplier of goods to the U.S. military and PPE is experiencing severe demand destruction fueled by de minimis shipments flooding our market with cheap, illegal imports because of this nonsensical outdated trade loophole. De minimis has facilitated illegal and forced labor products to our doorsteps at the cost of American jobs and our manufacturing sector.

“The flood of boxes coming into the United States under an outdated 1930s trade provision rewards Chinese e-commerce platforms and cheaters with a free trade agreement. It makes detecting illegal products effectively impossible. De minimis hides a black market of goods and puts people and consumers at risk. Half of the 4 million de minimis boxes a day are estimated to be textile and apparel goods – which is why we greatly appreciate the administration calling for the global exclusion of trade sensitive items – including textiles and apparel – from de minimis treatment given the sensitivity of the sector and rampant cheating. If enacted and effectively enforced, this will help significantly bring down the volume of these goods to better detect fentanyl and other illicit and dangerous products and help U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) do its important work in the field with our law enforcement officers. Time is of the essence because there is so much at stake.

“We also underscore the need for Congress and the administration to immediately eliminate this disastrous loophole once and for all in the coming weeks. We will continue pressing for comprehensive reform given the urgency of the crisis – not just for our industry which has lost 19 plants this last year — but for all industries and consumers and families impacted by this loophole.

“Finally, we applaud the administration’s directive on developing a plan for immediate textile and apparel procurement. This is critical to our industry, and we stand ready to supply more goods to the U.S. government. We also appreciate the administration’s stepped-up textile and apparel enforcement efforts over the last few months and their ongoing engagement with this critical industry. Today they announced their efforts to date.  We want to thank Department of Homeland

Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, DHS, and the CBP team for prioritizing this at such a critical time.”

Posted: September 13, 2024

Source: National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO)

Freudenberg Apparel Launches Film Bonding Series: A New Dimension In Sew-Free Garments

WEINHEIM, Germany — September 12, 2024 — Freudenberg Performance Materials Apparel (Freudenberg Apparel) is pleased to introduce the innovative Film Bonding series. This new line of solutions is expertly designed for advanced sew-free bonding applications, enhancing the manufacturing process with modern efficiency and precision. In conjunction with this launch, Freudenberg Apparel is expanding its Net Bonding and Dot Bonding series, further broadening its range of seamless adhesive solutions to cater to the specific demands of the Stretch Active, Intimate, and Athleisure wear segments.

Introducing the Film Bonding series and the expanded Net Bonding series

Freudenberg Apparel’s Film Bonding series features a film structure with a high-quality adhesive, delivering robust shear bond and recovery. This enables garments to conform to the body’s shape while retaining their shape and integrity after stretching, significantly improving durability and wearer comfort. By eliminating bulky seams, the Film Bonding series also provides a clean, smooth finish to fabric surfaces.

Freudenberg Apparel´s Film Bonding series product in tape form.
Source: ©Freudenberg Performance Materials

Available in tape form, Freudenberg Apparel’s Film Bonding solutions accommodate a wide range of weight requirements from 90 to 220 g/m², including thin options under 80µm. The series offers an array of TPE and TPU variants with varying softness levels from medium to very soft, reducing reliance on traditional stitching and making them ideal for various applications, including stitch-free seam bonding on briefs, bras, vests, and leggings.

Complementing the Film Bonding series, Freudenberg has introduced an innovative oval net structure to its TPE polymer adhesive Net Bonding series. This new structure, in addition to the existing Diamond and Hexagon patterns, offers a diverse selection of net structures suitable for a wide array of applications. The expanded weight range of 50-240 g/m² for the Net Bonding solutions provides versatility for creating breathable, elastic, and well-controlled garments in leggings, sports bras, and intimate apparel.

Freudenberg: Pioneering innovation in bonding technology

Freudenberg Apparel´s Net Bonding series product in oval structure.
Source: ©Freudenberg Performance Materials

Freudenberg Apparel’s commitment to innovation is driving the evolution of traditional bonding methods. By harnessing the power of the TPE polymer in its bonding solutions, the company has achieved an optimal blend of softness and elasticity. These advanced TPE polymer bonding solutions are designed to operate at lower melting temperatures, ensuring strong bond strength without compromising fabric integrity.

For further insights into the features and benefits of the Film Bonding series, Net Bonding series, and Dot Bonding solutions, visit our website at FREUDENBERG ACTIVERANGE-Film Bonding Solutions (freudenberg-pm.com).

Posted: September 13, 2024

Source: Freudenberg Performance Materials Apparel (Freudenberg Apparel)

Mahlo GmbH + Co KG Presents Innovative Solutions For The Textile Industry At ITMA Asia 2024

SAAL ON THE DANUBE, Germany — September 12, 2024 — When ITMA Asia opens its doors in Shanghai on October 14, Mahlo GmbH + Co. KG will be presenting the latest systems and solutions for efficient, sustainable and high-quality textile production and finishing together with Shanghai Kuantex at stand H6-D17.

One of the key themes of Mahlo’s presentation is production optimization. The company has long been known for providing solutions that streamline textile manufacturing processes, helping businesses improve efficiency and reduce waste. The introduction of cutting-edge digitalization and energy-saving technologies underscores Mahlo’s commitment to meeting the needs of an increasingly digital and environmentally conscious market.

Mahlo will also highlight its well-regarded modular process control system “Optipac VMC” and the advanced data management platform “mLog Enhanced.” These systems are designed to enhance monitoring and control across various stages of textile production, ensuring consistent quality and operational efficiency.

Focus on innovative technologies

However, the main focus will be on Mahlo’s state-of-the-art straightening concept for feed-forward control of knitted fabrics with large and constantly changing distortions. The new flagship straightener ‘Orthopac RXVMC-20’, which was already presented as a prototype last year, has proven effective in numerous installations worldwide, delivering reliable results across diverse applications.

“Special attention was paid to the feed-forward controller and its interaction with the scanning system’s analysis electronics,” explains Sales Director Thomas Höpfl. An innovative control concept, supported by implemented AI, ensures that distortions are detected even before the correction rollers are reached, enabling even more precise and faster reactions.

However, the technology leader from Bavaria would not be living up to its reputation if it did not have another innovation up its sleeve. ‘ITMA Asia, with its important market and knowledgeable trade visitors, is exactly the right setting to present our latest development in the field of straighteners,’ Höpfl continues. This innovation will not only be available as a standalone straightener but can also be retrofitted to existing machines to enhance their performance and functionality.

Asia as a key market for the textile industry

As a key platform for the textile industry, ITMA Asia is an ideal venue for Mahlo to present its technological advancements to a global audience. With Asia being a critical market for textile manufacturing, the event provides an important opportunity for professionals to engage with the latest trends and establish valuable industry connections.

Posted: September 13, 2024

Source: Mahlo GmbH + Co. KG

Beaulieu International Group Announces The Appointment Of Its New CEO Jean-Baptiste De Ruyck

Jean-Baptiste De Ruyck

WAREGEM, Belgium — September 11, 2024 — Beaulieu International Group (B.I.G.) announces the appointment of its new CEO Jean-Baptiste De Ruyck. This important step marks a new era of leadership and stability for the company.

De Ruyck has a solid background in senior leadership roles and international finance. He is moving over from AbrisoJiffy where he successfully transformed the company from a local business to a pan-European leader in protective packaging and insulation. He has a strong track record in profitability improvement, growth and building highly effective teams. Prior to that, he was CEO of food packaging company Omniform. Previously he led a start-up in Latin America. He started his career in Investment Banking in London where he spent more than six years executing M&A and financing transactions across Europe. He holds a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Brussels, a Masters in Finance from Vlerick Business School and completed several Leadership courses at INSEAD.

His appointment as external and non-family CEO highlights B.I.G.’s commitment to professional and independent leadership and provides a fresh perspective on the company’s growth strategies.

“We are delighted to welcome Jean-Baptiste De Ruyck as our new CEO,” says Dominiek De Clerck, chairman of the B.I.G. Board of Directors “His experience and fresh perspectives will be essential to identify and capitalize on new opportunities in our industry. With this appointment, we intend to enter a new phase of growth and stability and to continue to implement B.I.G.’s outlined sustainable growth strategy.”

De Ruyck: “I am honored to join B.I.G. at such a pivotal time. I’m very positive about the future and the opportunities ahead of us. I know periods of change can be unsettling but I’m going to focus my energy on the positive projects and those where I believe there is a huge potential to grow and to improve. Building on strong foundations but looking forward rather than backward. I would like to thank the family and the board for their trust and I look forward to coming on board and leading B.I.G. to the next chapter of success.”

De Ruyck takes over the torch from Pol Deturck who left the company at the end of June 2024. His official start date is still to be mutually agreed upon, but in the coming months De Ruyck will gradually settle in at Beaulieu International Group.

Posted: September 13, 2024

Source: Beaulieu International Group (B.I.G.)

Swiss Textile Machinery Manufacturers On Tour: Innovations To Be Presented At Symposium In Charlotte, N.C.

ZURICH, Switzerland — September 13, 2024 —The Swiss Textile Machinery Association (Swissmem) is presenting special events in key markets worldwide. The next stop is Charlotte, N.C., where 16 association member companies will present their latest innovations at a one-day symposium on October 1.

In global business, not even the latest communication systems can replace personal relationships. To members of the Swiss Textile Machinery Association, it’s vital making contact with customers old and new. “That’s what motivates our members to take their latest innovations right into the biggest textile manufacturing markets — along with a friendly handshake,” said Cornelia Buchwalder, the association secretary general.

Who to meet

The Swiss Textile Machinery Association warmly invites textile professionals to a special symposium in the heart of the North American textile sector. A total of 16 association member firms will be on hand to answer any questions about the technology, the products and more. Participating companies are:

  • Autefa Solutions;
  • Benninger;
  • Bluesign Technologies;
  • Bräcker;
  • Heberlein Technology;
  • Jakob Müller;
  • Luwa Air Engineering;
  • Maag Brothers;
  • Retech;
  • Rieter;
  • Rotorcraft;
  • Saurer;
  • SSM – Schärer Schweiter Mettler;
  • Stäubli;
  • Uster Technologies; and
  • Xetma Vollenweider.

North America is a well-chosen tour destination, because it has become an increasingly interesting market for Swiss textile machinery and component manufacturers, as well as service providers. “North America has a large and diverse textile market, with a strong technical textiles sector, covering a vast range of applications. This means demand for advanced textile machinery is at a high level,” Buchwalder said.

What to expect

The event will start with insights into the latest developments from the Switzerland-based companies, as the delegates showcase their innovations for the U.S. manufacturers. There will also be the chance for networking, at the exhibition tables and at a joint dinner for customers, representatives and guests. The free-of-charge event takes place at the Charlotte Westin Hotel.

Please visit https://www.swissmem.ch/en/swiss-textile-machinery-symposium-usa-2024-customers.html for further information and registration.

The host at the event will be Cornelia Buchwalder, secretary general, Swiss Textile Machinery Association (part of Swissmem). Ralf Heckner, Ambassador of Switzerland to the United States; Charles Poston, chairman, Southern Textile Association; and Ernesto Maurer, president, Swiss Textile Machinery, will also welcome the guests.

Posted: September 13, 2024

Source: The Swiss Textile Machinery Association (Swissmem)

Mehler Engineered Products Announces Closure Of Martinsville Manufacturing Operations

FULDA, Germany — September 3, 2024 —Stefan Herfurth, CEO of Germany-based Mehler Engineered Products recently announced changes to its Martinsville, Va., operation, in a letter to customers:

“In an effort to strengthen its global market position within MRG, Mehler has made the strategic decision to exit SEC products for the tire market. As a piece of this strategy, Mehler entered discussions with several investors to divest its Martinsville, Va., manufacturing facility. While most products have now been relocated to its other manufacturing facilities, a suitable path forward for the Martinsville site has not been reached.

“Regrettably, Mehler has made the difficult decision to close the Martinsville facility. Production will be discontinued on September 30th, 2024.

“Effective August 23rd Josh McArthur, General Manager of the Martinsville facility, has elected to step away from his duties to pursue new ventures. We thank Josh for his years of service and wish him the very best in his future endeavors.

“On August 1st, Mehler USA secured space for the new Martinsville Distribution Center at 1507 Joseph Martin Highway in Martinsville, VA. As production shifts to other Mehler manufacturing sites, Mehler USA will Maintain a North American distribution center and point of contact for future business concerns. Jim Briggs has been appointed General Manager of the new distribution center.

“Chris Smith will remain as Plant Manager of the Martinsville Manufacturing site. Gary Sinatro will assume General Management responsibilities until the closure plan is complete.”

Posted September 10, 2024

Source: Mehler Engineered Products

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