Gastonia, N.C.-based Champion Thread Co. (CTC) is celebrating 45 years of service to the textile industry. The company, founded in 1979 by current CEO Bob Poovey, began as a small thread distributor and has grown into a developer, manufacturer and marketer of industrial sewing threads as well as engineered yarns, and trims and findings.
“Since our founding, we have remained family-owned and operated, and take pride in offering the highest quality goods, competitive prices, and unmatched industry expertise,” said CTC President Matt Poovey. “Champion Thread’s longevity in the market can be attributed to our ability to adapt and innovate, while always staying true to our core values. Our understanding of the industry has allowed us to consistently deliver superior products that meet the ever-evolving needs of our customers.”
Navis TubeTex, Lexington, N.C., recently announced a partnership with France-based Fibroline, a developer of patented dry impregnation technologies. Navis TubeTex will establish Fibroline USA, an innovation center devoted to promoting Fibroline’s technologies to the U.S. market; and also will be responsible for manufacturing and delivering the technology to U.S. customers.
“We are thrilled to announce this strategic partnership with Fibroline,” said Will Motchar, president and CEO at Navis TubeTex. “Fibroline’s expertise in dry impregnation technology aligns seamlessly with our commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions
to our customers. This collaboration further demonstrates our strategic mission to provide sustain-able solutions for coating, dyeing, and impregnation.”
BRIXEN, Italy — February 13, 2024 — Durst Group, a manufacturer of digital printing and production technologies, has engaged the renowned South Tyrolean artist Klaus Pobitzer as “Artist in Residence 2024”. The artist will be inspired by the Durst Group headquarters in Brixen to create artistic works inside and outside the venue. One of the first fruits of the collaboration is the installation “Inside-Out”. This focuses on Durst Group employees, whom the artist shows in large-format individual and group portraits, as well as technical details of the printing systems produced. Following the exhibition, the hundreds of square meters of installations on the façade of the Durst headquarters will be processed into recycled bags and auctioned off as unique pieces for a good cause.
“The Durst HQ is an iconic and futuristic building and testifies to the importance of the company in digital printing technology,” says Klaus Pobitzer, explaining the art project. “But hardly anyone in the region actually knows what is behind the “world’s leading technology manufacturer”. “Inside-Out” reveals the secret and brings the company’s greatest assets, its employees and technology, to the outside world.”
Christoph Gamper, CEO and co-owner of the Durst Group, said: “We are delighted that we have been able to win over a great artist like Klaus Pobitzer for this collaboration. His large-scale installations in public spaces, human-computer interaction, design and architecture projects – all of these are also Durst Group-specific themes. What’s more, Klaus and I are connected by Vinschgau as our home, our international experiences and “coming home” virtually and in reality to South Tyrol.”
Klaus Pobitzer studied under Gunther Damisch and Michelangelo Pistoletto at the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna from 1995 to 2000. He became known to a wide audience through projects in the field of urban public space, including in Palermo, Wrocław (Poland), Sorrento (near Naples), Innsbruck, Milan, Balaklava (Crimea/Ukraine) and Busan (Korea), as well as through his exhibitions in Ghent, New York, Sapporo, Mexico City and Vienna. His art is based on digital drawings of mostly full-length portraits or group photos, which are scaled up to a height of 30 meters for the installations.
The Durst Group plans to continue its collaboration with the artist at its site in Lienz. The Durst Austria branch is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.
CHONBURI, Thailand — February 13, 2024 — Cobra International — a manufacturer of advanced composite products for the water sports, automotive, marine, and industrial sectors — will showcase the accuracy and consistency requirements for Olympic sporting equipment as it presents the iQFOiL windsurf board at JEC World 2024.
Cobra iQFOiL 95
The iQFOiL 95 is the official 2024 Olympic Windsurfing Class and is the supplied equipment to be used by both male and female sailors. The 220 x 95 cm board has a PVC, carbon and glass fibre sandwich construction that is vacuum moulded over an EPS foam core. Cobra is the only manufacturer allowed to produce these boards and must adhere to the tightest tolerances for dimensions, weight and production accuracy. In addition to supplying the equipment for the 48 men and women who have qualified for the Olympic event in Marseille, France, which begins on 28 July 2024, Cobra has had to match this level of exceptional product quality for the hundreds of boards required by sailors aiming for qualification at the 2024 games and those in the future.
Cobra will also showcase its depth of expertise in watersports composites by presenting the ultimate prepreg eFoil board — a Marc Newson collaboration with Flite — as well as a lightweight carbon fibre slalom canoe, a full carbon production surfboard and a natural hemp fibre reinforced board.
Cobra Advanced Composites (CAC), the automotive business of composite products manufacturer Cobra International, will present a variety of different visual carbon fibre parts in autoclave, SMC and compression moulded technology. Furthermore, CAC will showcase components made with sustainable natural fibres featuring various optical finishes. CAC has supplied automotive customers with lightweight composite components since 2006, and now offers a range of different materials, construction methods and surface finish options that allow premium car and motorcycle OEMs to select the optimum choice for their project.
“JEC World 2024 offers a unique global perspective on the latest innovations in the composite world. We are particularly proud to showcase a piece of composite Olympic history this year, highlighting the exceptional quality and absolute consistency that the Cobra team have demonstrated with the new foiling iQFOiL 95 board we will present in Paris. Across the watersports, automotive, UAV and industrial design sectors – Cobra provides this same level of focus on every part it manufactures.” — Danu Chotikapanich, CEO, Cobra International.
CHONBURI, Thailand — February 13, 2024 — Cobra International, a manufacturer of advanced composite products for the water sports, automotive, marine, and industrial sectors, will showcase the accuracy and consistency requirements for Olympic sporting equipment as it presents the iQFOiL windsurf board at JEC World 2024.
The iQFOiL 95 is the official 2024 Olympic Windsurfing Class and is the supplied equipment to be used by both male and female sailors. The 220 x 95 cm board has a PVC, carbon and glass fibre sandwich construction that is vacuum moulded over an EPS foam core. Cobra is the only manufacturer allowed to produce these boards and must adhere to the tightest tolerances for dimensions, weight and production accuracy. In addition to supplying the equipment for the 48 men and women who have qualified for the Olympic event in Marseille, France, which begins on 28 July 2024, Cobra has had to match this level of exceptional product quality for the hundreds of boards required by sailors aiming for qualification at the 2024 games and those in the future.
Cobra will also showcase its depth of expertise in watersports composites by presenting the ultimate prepreg eFoil board – a Marc Newson collaboration with Flite – as well as a lightweight carbon fibre slalom canoe, a full carbon production surfboard and a natural hemp fibre reinforced board.
Cobra Advanced Composites (CAC), the automotive business of composite products manufacturer Cobra International, will present a variety of different visual carbon fibre parts in autoclave, SMC and compression moulded technology. Furthermore, CAC will showcase components made with sustainable natural fibres featuring various optical finishes. CAC has supplied automotive customers with lightweight composite components since 2006, and now offers a range of different materials, construction methods and surface finish options that allow premium car and motorcycle OEMs to select the optimum choice for their project.
“JEC World 2024 offers a unique global perspective on the latest innovations in the composite world. We are particularly proud to showcase a piece of composite Olympic history this year, highlighting the exceptional quality and absolute consistency that the Cobra team have demonstrated with the new foiling iQFOiL 95 board we will present in Paris. Across the watersports, automotive, UAV and industrial design sectors – Cobra provides this same level of focus on every part it manufactures.” — Danu Chotikapanich, CEO, Cobra International.
PARIS — February 13, 2024 — The United States is set to make a resounding impact at the upcoming JEC World 2024, the leading international composites show, with a strong presence of visitors and exhibitors. The American composites market is thriving, and this enthusiasm will be on full display at the event.
United States Key Figures
108 exhibitors
1 pavilion
20 companies involved in the JEC Innovation Awards
2 JEC Startup Booster finalits
The USA’s participation in JEC World 2024 underscores its commitment to advancing composites technology, fostering innovation, and strengthening its position as a global leader in the field.
Visitors can expect to witness the latest advancements, engage with industry experts, and explore the vast potential of composites in various sectors whether at the American Pavilion – the biggest of all, supported by the US commercial Service – or at the booths of some 108 American exhibitors, such as A&P TECHNOLOGY, AGY HOLDING, OWENS CORNING, THERMWOOD or ZOLTEK. (Full list below)
A hub for composites innovation
Several US companies are involved in the prestigious JEC Innovation Awards or the JEC Startup Booster, further demonstrating the nation’s dedication to fostering innovation and supporting emerging talents in the composites sector.
Spirit AeroSystems and its partners: A&P Technology, Concordia Fibers, Electroimpact, Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials, NIAR and Victrex for the ASPERA Welded Thermoplastic Composite Demonstrator
Clemson University and one of its partner the Center for Composite Materials – University of Delaware for the Ultra-Light CF Thermoplastic Composite Door
Weav3D and its American partners Altair Engineering, Braskem America, Clemson University for Cost-Effective Automotive Body Structures
RENCO USA and its partners Arquitectonica, Catalyst Communications, Coastal Construction and DeSimone Consulting Engineers for the RENCO MCFR (Mineral Composite Fiber Reinforced)
MRAS, ST Engineering company who partnered on Plataine’s project AI Solutions Improve Sustainability & Reduce Waste
Helicoid Industries for the Helicoid / Tacks Ice Hockey Stick Blade
Discover more about these projects at the JEC Composites Innovation Awards area H5 K147.
Sargassum Eco Lumber and ZILA BioWorks are in line for the JEC Composites Startup Booster competition, in the Category “Products & Materials”: the pitch session will take place on March 5, winners will be announced on March 6!
MADRID, Spain — February 13, 2024 — Recover™, the leading materials science company and scale producer of sustainable, high quality recycled cotton fiber and cotton fiber blends, today announced the appointment of Hans Ploos van Amstel to its board of directors. Hans is a widely respected leader whose expertise will complement the talent and experience of the existing Recover board members.
Hans brings with him a wealth of global financial expertise and a proven track record of driving transformative growth across diverse industries, including deep experience in fashion and textiles. With over three decades of progressive experience, Hans has held key leadership positions at distinguished companies such as Procter & Gamble, Levi Strauss & Co, the Adecco Group and Partners Group, through which he has demonstrated a strong commitment to driving strategic transformations, optimizing organizational structures, and fostering sustainable growth across diverse industries. As Group chief financial officer of Levi Strauss & Co, Hans played a pivotal role in the company’s transformation, leveraging his financial proficiency to bolster operational efficiency and drive innovation. Hans also served as co-chief executive officer of C&A.
“We are thrilled to welcome Hans to Recover’s board of directors,” said Olof Persson, chairman of Recover and former chief executive officer of the Volvo Group. “His extensive global experience, financial acumen and strategic vision will be invaluable assets as we continue our mission to revolutionize the textile industry through sustainable innovation.”
“I am honored to join Recover’s board of directors and look forward to leveraging my global experience in finance, fashion and textiles to support the company’s continued growth and customer-centric focus,” said Hans.
Hans’ appointment to the board of directors follows the company’s recent appointment of Anders Sjoblom as chief executive officer and Matthew Neville as chief commercial officer. These additions enable Recover to focus on ensuring operational and financial excellence while continuing to innovate and lead disruptive change for the apparel and textile industries.
OSLO, Norway — February 12, 2024 — Vianode, an advanced battery materials company providing sustainable anode graphite solutions, has appointed Howard Ormonroyd as CFO. As a member of the executive management team, he will focus on financing and value creation as Vianode establishes itself as a leading supplier to battery and EV value chains in North America and Europe.
Ormonroyd assumes the position effective 14 February, coming from J.P. Morgan where he was an Executive & Technical director in the Global Metals & Mining investment banking division for more than 10 years. He will oversee the execution of Vianode’s phased multi-billion-dollar investment program for developing industrial scale production of high-performance synthetic anode graphite with a 90 percent reduction in CO2 footprint.
“Howard adds a unique combination of financial expertise and extensive experience from the energy, industrial and renewables markets, together with global managerial competence. He will play a key role in bringing together strong owners and partners to finance Vianode’s growth strategy and our ambition of delivering high-performance anode graphite solutions to 3 million EVs per year by 2030,” said Burkhard Straube, CEO of Vianode.
Ormonroyd has a proven track record of facilitating large and attractive financing for rapidly growing companies. He has industrial and managerial experience from three continents from companies including WestLB and Rio Tinto. He holds a BEng in Mining Engineering from the University of Nottingham and an MSc in Mineral Project Appraisal from Imperial College London.
Vianode is positioning to meet increasing demand for batteries and anode graphite solutions driven by global electrification and EV deployment. Vianode intends to scale through a strategically phased expansion with production sites in North America and Europe and to decarbonise mobility and create significant stakeholder value. The completion of the $200 million industrial customer qualification plant at Herøya, Norway later this year will mark the next scale-up milestone.
“Vianode provides a unique opportunity to drive the energy transition through the supply of efficient, low-emission materials to battery and EV manufacturers in North America and Europe. I look forward to applying my skills and experience to help bring Vianode’s large-scale graphite production facilities from the planning stage into real life, and to becoming part of this very impressive team,” Ormonroyd said.
REMSCHEID, Germany/SURAT, India — February 12, 2024 — With the successful commissioning of the new polyester yarn production facility at Garden Silk Mills in Surat, India, Oerlikon Barmag once again proves that the company of the Switzerland-based Oerlikon Industrial Group is rightly one of the world’s leading suppliers of man-made fiber plants. The conversion and new construction of the polyester spinning mill, which now has a total of 216 WINGS FDY spinning units, was accompanied by extensive engineering work, which was conducted in close cooperation with experts from Germany and, above all, from India.
WINGS FDY PLUS sets new sustainable standards in polyester yarn production at Garden Silk Mills in Surat, India.
“We are particularly pleased to have equipped Garden Silk Mills, another successful customer, with our WINGS FDY technology,” explained Oerlikon Polymer Processing Solutions CEO Georg Stausberg. “We are confident that the new, state-of-the-art spinning mill will be able to produce polyester yarns for the highest demands in an economically attractive way, so that they can be offered to the Indian market as well as the global market. We congratulate Garden Silk Mills on the successful commissioning and wish them all the best for the future,” continued Stausberg.
The FDY yarn expansion project at Garden Silk Mills Private Limited (GSMPL) marks the beginning of a period of rapid progress in the textile sector by The Chatterjee Group (TCG) under the leadership of its visionary Chairman, Dr. Purnendu Chatterjee. With its state-of-the-art manufacturing plant at Jolwa, producing high quality polyester chips, POY, FDY and other specialty yarns, and the iconic Garden Vareli brand having a contemporary collection of sarees and dress materials, the Chatterjee Group, that has investments of USD 8 billion globally, is truly creating the Garden of Tomorrow. “We at MCPI and GSMPL are committed to realize the strong textile vision of Dr. Purnendu Chatterjee, Chairman, TCG”, said D.P.Patra, Whole Time Director and CEO, MCPI.
What is polyester yarn production with Oerlikon Barmag WINGS FDY all about?
The principle of producing a yarn is always the same: spinning pumps press the plastic melt under extremely high pressure through micro-fine nozzles, the resulting filaments are bundled into threads, stretched over godets, and wound up by a winding head. In order to master this principle reliably, high-precision and extremely stable technology is required. These machines are in use day and night, year in, year out. The slightest error during the spinning process cannot be corrected later.
Precise processes for textile and technical yarns
Oerlikon Barmag systems master almost all processes for the production of textile and technical yarns and spin the common polymers polyester, polyamide 6 and 6.6 or polypropylene. Garden Silk Mills focuses on so-called fully drawn yarns (FDY). They are processed into textile surfaces without further finishing. Fully drawn yarns are used wherever textiles need to fall smoothly or glide.
Sustainable solutions for FDY production
Oerlikon Barmag is the technology leader in this field. The WINGS concept breaks through the limits of conventional FDY spinning systems. WINGS stands for optimized production processes, low waste rates and energy consumption reduced by around 30 percent. High yarn quality is a must. This pioneering technology can be used in the FDY process for polyester and polyamide.
Oerlikon Barmag’s WINGS technology now supports Garden Silk Mills in the production of FDY premium yarns – high-performance spinning components such as spinning pumps, spinning beams and spinn packs through to crossflow quenching and the 216 WINGS winders were installed in the direct spinning process downstream of an existing polycondensation system at Garden Silk Mills. This is because the quality of the yarn is determined in the spinning mill.
Competition on the yarn markets is currently also extraordinarily strong for Garden Silk Mills. The result: constantly increasing cost pressure. The solution: optimized production processes, economical systems, sustainable technologies. Oerlikon Barmag WINGS FDY technology provides all of this. Efficiency is the key feature of WINGS: The winder can be operated entirely from the floor. All operating elements are at eye level. As a consequence, this reduces the time required for feeding by 25-40%; time in which FDY yarn of the highest quality can be produced – and, above all, no waste.
Posted: February 14, 2024
Source: Oerlikon Group – Oerlikon Polymer Processing Solutions Division
The “January 2024 Manufacturing ISM® Report On Business®”on TextileWorld.com in the Breaking News section suggests that business will remain challenged as 2024 takes shape.
Manufacturing in general has not been the robust consecutive growth story of the recent past, rather, the January reports shows it is the 15th consecutive month of contraction of U.S. manufacturing industries, “following one month of‘unchanged’ status and 28 months of growth prior to that.”
That two years of consecutive monthly growth was a great growth underpinning that textiles’two reporting sectors — “Apparel, Leather & Allied Products”and “Textile Mills” — generally did well.
The bright side is that both textile sectors were two of four sectors reporting growth in the January 2024 report, while the 13 other industries reported contraction.
There is a lot of blame to go around. Inflation, higher interest rates, election year politics and war are all things that can make businesses pause.
Inflation and interest rates are factors that can really highlight age. Inflation — for those who may never have experienced it — is a real pocketbook smack for consumers, who for years have grown accustomed to stable base prices and frequent sales.
All of a sudden, base prices rise significantly, are sticky and sales don’t happen as often. And prices don’t head back down, even with the talking heads saying “all is well, inflation is waning …”
Falling inflation rates don’t address the price increases already in place, and signal that consumers can expect higher prices at a lower rate — this is good news? It’s akin to saying,“I’ve gained twenty pounds in the last year, and it looks like I will continue to gain weight, but at a lower rate,” which is not what a cardiologist wants to hear.
With years of artificially low interest rates established by the Federal Reserve, free money — loans taken at very low interest rates — created an unusual investment environment.
The decision on making multi-million dollar investments changes drastically when the risk-free-rate-of-return approaches 5 percent. That just means that investors — and banks — can make 5 percent on their money with no risk — say by investing in Treasury Bonds — rather than lending to capital intensive industries like manufacturing.
Will rate cuts happen in 2024? Who knows. But seasoned manufacturers have seen this before. The concerns are two-fold. Will consumer demand be there when new capacity comes online? And is the environment stable enough to invest? Is it time to be cautious and play wait-and-see?
Innovation, creative destruction and reinventing stalling sectors are concepts that don’t wait-and-see well.
The U.S. textile industry has survived, and even thrived, during more challenging times. There is no shortage of energy and investment going into advanced sectors
of the industry, but there are some tough stories in textiles right now including plant closings and import pressures. However, if the industry continues to fight forward and face the challenges as the year takes shape — it may be difficult, but just maybe 2024 holds more promise than expected.
