Datatex Users Gather At Chateau Elan



A
fter posting 25-percent growth in total sales in 2004 and posting its best year yet in US
sales, Switzerland-based Datatex AG gathered current and prospective clients at Chateau Elan in
Braselton, Ga., for its first US users group meeting. Jim Noble, director of sales and marketing at
Alpharetta, Ga.-based Datatex-TIS Inc. – the company’s US subsidiary – welcomed the attending
companies, which ranged from one of its oldest clients – Swift Textile Inc., Columbus, Ga. –
to one of the newest – Brookwood Co. Inc., New York City. Long Beach, Calif.-based Texollini
traveled the furthest to attend the event.

Datatex offered breakout sessions on information technology (IT) issues, and presented Machine
Queue Management (MQM) a planning and sequencing tool that provides visibility to a shop floor
schedule. The tool provides versatility in how and what it plans, and fits applications across the
textile spectrum. MQM offers manual and automated planning, which can be run with varied rules
creating options for the planner. The focus is on meeting customer dates, maximizing machinery and
labor utilization while minimizing idle time, overtime, step-up delays and lead times. MQM utilizes
user-configured compatibility rules to aid in job-to-job, job-to-resources, job-to-capacity, and
job-to-jobs for grouping issues.


Jim Noble, Datatex, Togar White and Stephanie Bowen, Russell Corp.

Datatex also officially introduced its Network Oriented World (NOW) solution, which is a
browser-based, use-anywhere-at-anytime software. This software offers a new range of flexibility in
a Web-based architecture. The platform independence offered by NOW complies with Java 2 Enterprise
Edition standards, is object-oriented and can be accessed by all browser-enabled devices. According
to the company, NOW features easy integration, a new level of personal productivity, application
flexibility and a host of new functions.


Bill Wilson presented information on the company’s MQM solution.

Well-known textile companies such as Wellstone Mills, Greenville; Syntec Industries, Rome, Ga.;
Avondale Mills Inc., Monroe, Ga.; Belton Industries Inc., Belton, S.C.; Milliken and Company,
Spartanburg; Precision Fabrics Group, Greensboro, N.C.; Trio Manufacturing, Forsyth, Ga.; Russell
Corp., Atlanta; and Parkdale Mills, Gastonia, N.C., attended the meeting.

Datatex has four group members: Datatex S.r.l., Italy; Datatex-TIS Inc.; Datatex Ltd., Israel;
and Datatex Automation, Germany. The company had 106 employees including development resources at
the end of 2004.


Datatex users attended various sessions to learn about new tools and solutions, and discuss
IT issues.

Datatex CEO Ronnie Hagin spoke of research and development investment reaching 13 percent of
total worldwide sales, with continued investment in software and enhanced modules such as MQM.
Hagin also discussed improved garment functionality, which has garnered international interest from
vertical manufacturers.

“It is our commitment to remain a stable and predictable business partner for our customers,”
Hagin said.


Shannon J. McCarthy (left) and Ronnie Hagin, Datatex

March 2005

Sultex Debuts L5500 Air-Jet Machine At ITMEX

At ITMEX, Sultex Ltd., Switzerland, introduced the Sulzer Textil L5500 air-jet weaving machine
at the International Textile Machinery Trade Fair (ITMEX Americas) 2005, held last month in Sao
Paulo, Brazil. The company reports the machine delivers superior performance and fabric quality;
and features direct drive, 11 harness drives on cam motion, reduced air consumption, minimized
machine vibration and a color touch screen.

“A lot of Sulzer Textil know-how and experience in the air-jet sector is included in the L5500,”
said Hanspeter Truempi, product manager. “Yet, there is still potential, which will be further
exploited in the future.”

March 2005

Textile Makers Outline Agenda


A
coalition of trade associations representing cotton, man-made fiber, yarn and fabric
manufacturers and the New York City-based labor union UNITE HERE has outlined its Unity 2005
international trade agenda. Industry officials see this agenda as a blueprint for survival in a
world of textile trade that has changed dramatically with the end of the import quota system.
Citing the loss of 447,400 textile and apparel jobs and numerous plant closings in the last five
years, coalition members decried what they say is a “relentless outsourcing of US jobs and US
wealth.” The textile manufacturers and labor leaders said the US government should take ”vigorous
and immediate actions” to strengthen domestic manufacturing, preserve jobs and reduce the $600
billion US trade deficit.

To achieve these goals, the coalition has endorsed a six-point platform asking US elected
officials to: commit to the reimposition of import quotas on Chinese textiles using a safeguard
mechanism that permits quotas when market disruption or a threat of market disruption can be
demonstrated; support efforts to prevent global dominance of textile trade by countries that use
unfair trade practices; support expansion to other federal procurement agencies of a Defense
Department requirement to Buy American; oppose any free trade agreements that contain unnecessary
loopholes to requirements to use participating-country fiber, yarn, thread, fabric, and fabric
dyeing and finishing and printing; oppose any reduction of US textile and apparel tariffs or
weakening of US trade laws through the World Trade Organization (WTO); and support enforcement of
US trade laws to address illegal activities.


China Hit For Role In Record Trade Deficit

Textile trade officials in Washington are blaming rapidly growing textile and apparel imports —
particularly those from China — and slow-growing exports as major factors in the record US
international trade deficit in 2004 of $617 billion.

The textile and apparel trade deficit amounted to $73.1 billion, an increase of 8.7 percent
over 2003. China’s textile trade deficit was a record $17.5 billion, up by $3.5 billion — a
25-percent increase.

In a development that is of concern to importers and textile manufacturers, imports from free
trade and trade preference regions like Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean Basin and Central America
fell sharply. Imports from those countries generally contain yarn and fabric made in the
participating countries, including the United States.

The American Manufacturing Trade Action Coalition (AMTAC), Washington, which represents a
range of US industries, called for a moratorium on new free trade agreements and urged the US
government to “aggressively use access to US markets” to force countries such as China to halt what
AMTAC calls “predatory practices” such as currency manipulation and other types of government
subsidies.


Retailers Mount Counterattack

The National Retail Federation (NRF), Washington, put international trade at the top of its 2005
agenda. The NRF cited its opposition to the textile industry’s efforts to limit its overseas
sourcing by attempting to clamp down on Chinese imports and the industry’s opposition to the
Central American Free Trade Agreement.

Predictably, the NRF puts an entirely different spin on how textile and apparel manufacturers
and their customers — the retailers — should deal with global trade issues. The NRF and the New
York City-based US Association of Importers of Textiles and Apparel believe it is a mistake to
become too dependent on Chinese trade, but they also want the flexibility to make sourcing
decisions on their own and not be encumbered with quotas, the threat of quotas or what they view as
“onerous” rules of origin in free trade agreements. The NRF’s trade expert, Eric O. Autor, said
retailers have been “loath to put all their eggs in the Chinese basket,” but unreasonable and
counterproductive rules of origin in free trade agreements have pushed them in that direction.

In testimony before the US-China Economic Security and Review Commission, Autor said textile
rules of origin have made it difficult for importers to do business with countries that could be
alternatives to China. He said retailers have been seeking trade with India, Pakistan, Honduras and
other countries rather than dealing with some of the uncertainties surrounding trade with China. He
said that while price is an important consideration with importers, more critical factors are
proximity to the retailer; quick turnarounds; and the ability of fiber, textile and apparel
manufacturers to deliver fully integrated packages. He noted some textile companies — including
Milliken & Company, Spartanburg; and Wilbur L. Ross’s International Textile Group, Greensboro,
N.C. — have adjusted to the global trade environment, and other companies are currently developing
export opportunities.


Foreign Trade Groups Join In The Fray

wasshingtonContending
that global textile trade problems require a global solution, a group of trade associations from 54
countries comprising the Global Alliance for Fair Textile Trade (GAFTT) has joined with US industry
and labor in supporting many of the positions in the 2005 platform. Representatives of trade
associations in the United States, Mexico, the European Union, and a number of other developed and
developing countries held a summit meeting in Washington to address their concerns and recommend
solutions. They focused on the possibility that China and India could capture the bulk of
international trade in textiles now that virtually all import quotas have been abolished. They
urged the United States, Canada and the European Union to immediately implement the WTO China
safeguard mechanism to prevent China from monopolizing worldwide trade, and they called on the WTO
to undertake “an urgent review” of the impact of the quota elimination on what they say are “market
distorting practices.”

GAFTT cited an analysis by the Washington-based National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO)
that shows imports from China in product categories removed from quota control in 2002 had taken 73
percent of the US market by November 2004, compared with 10 percent before quotas were removed. The
next-biggest supplier is Thailand, with 3 percent of the market for those products. In terms of
overall textile and apparel imports, according to US Department of Commerce data, China accounts
for 24.8 percent of imports, and Canada and Mexico — which at one time were the leaders — now have
7 percent and 8.8 percent, respectively.


Trade Official Sees Completion Of Doha Round In 2006

A top US trade official believes the 148 nations in the WTO can complete the Doha round of trade
liberalization negotiations by the end of next year, but he sees anything but a smooth road ahead.
Following a series of meetings with both developed and developing country trade officials, Deputy
US Trade representative Peter F. Allgeier said he senses “widespread readiness among WTO members to
accept the challenge of completing the negotiations successfully next year.” Allgeier added that
much needs to be done in terms of market access, eliminating or reducing tariffs and phasing out
subsidies to agriculture and industrial products. US textile manufacturers and importers are poles
apart with respect to tariff cuts, as the textile industry is hanging tough on its insistence that
other countries reduce their tariffs before the United States makes any further concessions.

With China very much on everyone’s mind, Allgeier said the best way to deal with Chinese
trade issues is “within the system of rules and dispute settlement in a non-discriminatory way.” He
said he would strongly object to withdrawing Normal Trade Relations status for China in the United
States, as has been suggested by some, saying that is not “the most productive way” to deal with
China trade. Allgeier strongly defended US anti-dumping and countervailing duty laws, which have
been criticized by many countries.

Summing up his comments, Allgeier said no nation can succeed these days without being “
effectively integrated” into the global economy.





March 2005







Synalloy Finalizes Sale Of Blackman Uhler

Spartanburg-based Synalloy Corp. has completed the sale of its Blackman Uhler LLC dye business to
Greenville Colorants LLC, Greenville, for $4,950,000. Terms of the sale include all Blackman Uhler
inventory, and certain property and equipment related to Blackman Uhler, as well as the licensing
of certain intellectual property.

March 2005

Weaving Update


F
ollowing are some of the most recent developments in the field of weaving machines and
accessories, destined to increase weaving mill productivity, while at the same time achieving
significant savings in labor and energy.


Dornier

Lindauer Dornier GmbH, Germany, used this year’s International Textile Machinery Trade Fair
(ITMEX Americas) 2005 in Sao Paulo, Brazil, as a platform to emphasize its drive in technological
progress. New developments cover the complete weaving machine product line. The new performance
generation of air-jet and rapier weaving machines; and the ServoTerry® machine for terry weaving
are complemented by innovative advances in leno technology with the EasyLeno® weaving machine for
technical and decorative fabrics.

ServoTerry is used in the home textiles sector. Its advantage over existing systems is its
direct drive for terry movement using a servomotor while retaining precise but gentle reed impact.
This allows varying pile weave and adjustable pile heights during operation. The 260-centimeter
(cm)-wide machine is equipped with a Staubli dobby with 16 shafts for the production of three-width
terry bath towels at varying speeds of 540 and 600 revolutions per minute (rpm).

Other developments include the AS air-jet weaving machine, which runs with new, patented
ServoControl® pressure regulation. This minimizes thread load and allows automatic, reproducible
pressure adjustments for yarn lot changes to be made, and ensures higher performance with improved
final fabric quality, according to Dornier.

Another recent development is the AirGuide® patented air cushion guide for Dornier rapier
weaving machines. The linear movement of the rigid rapier rod is ideal for this new system – the
perfect technical solution for contact-free, aerostatics support.

The EasyLeno system for rapier and air-jet weaving machines enables up to 100-percent higher
performance in leno technology, and opens up options for completely new fabric design in the
technical textiles and home furnishings sectors.


Jakob Muller

Jakob Muller AG, Frick, Switzerland, offers weaving machines for the production of patterned
elastic and non-elastic narrow fabrics and lace articles, including satin ribbons and tapes. Its
needle weaving machines include models such as the NF, NG and Varitex V5Ni.

The company has improved the NF model, which now is able to insert up to six weft colors,
substantially increasing weft pattern options. The choice of weft colors is practically unlimited.
Length changes are achieved by electronic single heddle control, programmed and controlled via the
Mudata system.The NG3 model is equipped with a Quick-Style-Change system for reeds, heddles, drop
wires and heddle frames; this option also is offered for the warp frame beam. The NG3 is designed
to provide optimum performance for belts, and non-elastic and elastic fabrics.


Picanol

Picanol NV, Belgium, manufactures several kinds of high-tech weaving machines for different
applications in the textile industry. The OMNIplus air-jet machine for the weaving of staple
fibers, filament, high-twist yarns, elastic yarns, chenille and texturing yarns, among others, uses
up to six colors and different types of fillings.The OMNIplus comes in reed widths of 190, 220,
250, 280, 340, 380 and 400 cm. It can produce fabric rolls 720 millimeters (mm) wide, or up to
1,500 mm wide with Picanol’s separate Picanol Batching Motion system for rolling of fabric.

Other advantages include digital adjustments and synchronization of the complete weft insertion
cycle; a separate frame for style change in less than 30 minutes; a high level of weft insertion
performance, allowing more weaving using less air; rapid change of the roll and the warp; low
construction with ergonomic characteristics; and a Sumo main motor for the direct drive of the
machine.

 

picanols

Picanol’s OMNI
plus air-jet weaving machine is available in a variety of reed widths.


Promatech-Itema Group

Promatech S.p.A., Italy (formed by the merger of Somet and Vamatex), is a member of the Itema
Group, also based in Italy. It is well known for its line of rapier and air-jet weaving machines,
including models such as the Mythos, Thema Super Excel and Alpha (from Somet); as well as the
Leonardo and K88 (from Vamatex).

The latest developments from Promatech include the high-speed, versatile Mythos Tec air-jet
weaving machine. Recently, the company sold several of these machines to a textile manufacturer in
Brazil.

Promatech’s Alpha 3200 negative rapier weaving machine is available with a jacquard machine for
double width for use in upholstery production.

Other weaving machines offered by Promatech include the Alpha 2200, equipped with dobby suitable
for the production of high-quality woolen fabrics; the FTS, which works without using hooks and is
suitable for a variety of applications; and the Leonardo Silver, which is equipped with a rapier
guidance system.


SMIT

SMIT S.p.A., Italy, is an international leader in weaving machine technology, supplying
cutting-edge products and prompt and effective after-sales support.

Numerous weaving machine models have been developed since the company introduced the first
gripper weaving machine. These models include the TS, TP, TTPS, FAST, TerryJet, GS900, JS900, G6300
and G6300F models.
(See “SMIT Solutions,”
www.TextileWorld.com, March 2005)
.


Staubli

Switzerland-based Staubli AG’s range of shedding machines and accessories is extensive and
covers all fields. The range includes cam motions, negative dobbies and rotary dobbies; as well as
high-performance harness motions, quick links and frames. Depending on the type of machine,
mechanical controls by cams or electronic controls are used.

Staubli dobbies are simple and user-friendly. The company offers dobbies adapted to all types of
weaving machines and all weft insertion systems, as well as for the production of all types of
fabrics from basic fabrics to technical fabrics and double-pile fabrics and carpets.

The CX 160 electronic jacquard machine is particularly suitable for personalizing flat fabrics
with written selvages. It may be equipped with up to 96 hooks, enabling great production
flexibility.

The CX 990 is a double-lift jacquard machine used in the production of carpets and velvet
fabrics. It is equipped with the CX modulus (Staubli Patent), which does not require any
maintenance, according to the company.

The Delta automatic drawing-in machine is known throughout the world and has demonstrated its
capability in many diverse applications. One of the main advantages of this system is the
reduction of labor costs owing to automation and rationalization, with great flexibility to adapt
to varying needs of the market.The Topmatic tying machine guarantees maximum efficiency during the
warp change process. The use of all yarn types and optimum tying quality lead to minimum
downtime.Stlis Warplink warp welding device enables the laying-in and start-up weaving of newly
drawn-in or stationary tied warps to be accelerated and simplified. The company reports resultant
time savings at style change may exceed 30 minutes.

 

_staubli

Staubli’s Topmatic tying machine helps makethe warp change process more efficient.


Sultex-Itema Group

The Sulzer Textil G6500 from Switzerland-based Sultex Ltd. – another member of the Itema Group –
continues the company’s long tradition in rapier technology. With its many innovative features,
this machine stands apart thanks to its performance, gentle handling of warp and weft materials,
compact dimensions and economically efficient production of top-quality fabrics, according to
Sultex.

This new rapier weaving machine already is producing successfully under industrial conditions in
several weaving mills around the world. The machine is offered with several options; its main
characteristics are sturdiness and flexibility.Sultex also offers the G6500 B220 N8/4 SP, a machine
of very high production speed and low vibration levels.The company’s newest machine is the L5500
air-jet weaving machine, which it introduced at ITMEX Americas 2005
(See “Sultex Debuts L5500 Air-Jet Machine At ITMEX,”
www.TextileWorld.com, this
issue)
.

 

sulzer_Copy_4

The Sulzer Textil G6500 features compact dimensions, and gentle handling of warp and weft
materials, according to Sultex Ltd.


Toyota

The JAT710 air-jet weaving machine manufactured by Toyota Industries Corp., Japan, was designed
along the same lines as its predecessor, the JAT610, to produce high-quality fabrics at the lowest
possible cost. The machine features such characteristics as a higher speed, reduced vibration and
low energy consumption.

The machine comes equipped with the latest in electronic technology, including a new panel for
the control of colors, and has the capability to be connected to the Internet.The main features of
the JAT710 are: reduced air consumption by up to 20 percent; maximum speed of up to 1,250 rpm due
to a new weft insertion system and new frame structure; and a central processing unit.

 

JAT710air

The JAT710 air-jet weaving machine from Toyota Industries may be connected to the
Internet.


Tsudakoma

Tsudakoma Corp., Japan, offers its ZAX-e air-jet machine equipped with an iT control panel. This
panel automatically adjusts several machine functions. The easy-to-use iT panel has a touch-screen
feature with color display interface that automatically adjusts data and diagnoses problems.

New, built-in electromagnetic valves stabilize the air jet and the pressure pulse. New
sub-nozzles contribute to significant savings in energy, even at high operating speeds.


Van de Wiele

NV Michel Van de Wiele, Belgium, a manufacturer of weaving machines for carpets and other
applications, offers new machine models such as the Shaggy Rug eXplorer SRX82; the Carpet and Rug
eXplorer with eight color frames; and a machine for the manufacture of sisal-look carpet with
visible fillings of different colors and cut pile.

March 2005

Honeywell Receives EPA Award For Landfill Gas Plan

Morris Township, N.J.-based Honeywell International has received the US Environmental Protection
Agency’s (EPA’s) 2004 Landfill Methane Outreach Program (LMOP) Project of the Year Award for an
initiative to recover methane-rich landfill gas for use at the Honeywell Nylon plant in Hopewell,
Va. Co-recipients of the award include Charlotte-based Enerdyne Power Systems Inc. and
Houston-based Waste Management Inc. (WMI), which partnered with Honeywell to build a 23-mile
pipeline from the WMI Atlantic Waste landfill in Waverly, Va., to the nylon plant. The pipeline
went on-line in January 2004 and has reduced consumption of natural gas fuel by 15 percent.

“The reduction in [carbon dioxide] air emissions over the life of the landfill is equivalent to
planting 5,544 square miles of trees and saving 1.2 billion gallons of oil,” said Keith Togna, site
energy leader for the Honeywell Hopewell plant. LMOP promotes landfill gas as a valuable local
energy source that can serve as an alternative to conventional sources of energy.

March 2005

Dornier Celebrates Milestones With German Weaver

Lindauer Dornier GmbH, Germany, recently participated in celebrations at Joh. Hohmann GmbH and
Co. KG, a Germany-based family-owned weaver of curtain and drapery fabrics. Dornier has supplied
Hohmann with weaving machinery for 30 years, and is the sole supplier of such machinery to the
company, which is its largest German customer.

Hohmann held the celebration to inaugurate a new 6,000-square meter production facility, which
provides space for 144 weaving machines and a high-performance tenter frame.

As part of the inauguration, the guests of honor were invited to install the 300th Dornier
weaving machine at Hohmann. The machine also is the 55,000th shuttleless weaving machine delivered
to a customer by a German weaving machinery manufacturer.

Hohmann weaves 40,000 meters of curtain and drapery fabrics per day. The company has 330 rapier
weaving machines installed with eight filling colors for dobby, jacquard and leno weaving. It also
has ordered 32 new PTS rapier weaving machines.

dornier_Copy_10

Left to right: Martin Buchta, managing director, and Karl Hohmann, senior director,
Hohmann; Bernd Hering, City Hall district administrator; Peter D. Dornier, manager, Dornier; Carmen
Hubsch, Bavarian government body; Hans Schmidt, deputy mayor, Bnbrunn (Helmbrechts), Germany; and
Thomas Fischer, senior executive officer, Bavarian government body, participated in the
installation of the 300th Dornier weaving machine at Hohmann.


March 2005

Springs To Close Two Plants, Reduce Capacity And Invest $10 Million

Springs Industries Inc. announced today it will close two fabric weaving plants and invest $10
million in its remaining weaving plant in Chester County, S.C. The company will add new technology
and relocate equipment from other Springs facilities to Katherine Plant as part of its strategy to
adapt to a smaller number of highly flexible facilities that can compete in a global
environment.

As previously announced to employees last year, the company also said it will reduce
manufacturing capacity and jobs at Grace Complex in Lancaster County, S.C.

“Despite last year’s good performance and the investments Springs has made to stay competitive,
recent events have affected expectations for our bedding business,” said Tom Gaffney, executive
vice president and president of the company’s bedding business. He said the removal of quotas on
Jan. 1, 2005, has created significant pricing pressure as new suppliers throughout the world now
compete for access to the U.S. marketplace.

“As a result, world prices for products like those we make are falling significantly, which
means we must act now,” Gaffney said.

Springs will close the Elliott and Frances plants in Fort Lawn, S.C., on or about May 15 and
July 1, respectively. The facilities weave bedding fabrics and together employ about 250
people.

At Grace Complex, about 450 employee jobs will be affected as fabric finishing and sewing
capacity is reduced in phases, mostly during the summer and into the fall. Normal turnover and
attrition during this time frame will create some job openings, Gaffney noted, and the company will
work hard to find opportunities for all affected employees. About 3,000 people will be employed by
Springs in Chester and Lancaster counties after the layoffs take effect.

Gaffney said Springs continues to carry out strategies to remain competitive in a rapidly
changing environment.

“We believe our U.S.-based facilities can be a competitive strength, and we will compete by
balancing what we make in our U.S. plants with what we buy so we can deliver products to customers
faster than any overseas supplier.”

Press Release Courtesy Of Springs Industries Inc.

March 1, 2005

Linpac Introduces ROPAK Hopper Bottom

Georgetown, Ky.-based Linpac Materials Handling has introduced the ROPAK Hopper Bottom reusable,
collapsible container for dispensing granular-type materials such as powders, dry chemicals, bulk
solids, preforms and resins, among others. The container uses gravity and a simple-to-use chute to
dispense materials easily and accurately, according to the company. Secondary removal processes are
not necessary, which helps reduce labor, material handling and packaging costs.

ROPAK Hopper Bottom collapsible container from Linpac Materials Handling

The Hopper Bottom features a steeply inclined, smooth interior and adjustable side-mounted
sliding gate. Constructed of high-density polyethylene, the container has a maximum weight capacity
of 2,000 pounds and comes in three sizes, with volume capacities ranging from 25.3 cubic feet (ft3)
to 34.8 ft3 to 37 ft3.Optional accessories include plastic liner bags, discharge inserts and side
discharge stands, and vibration units for automated dispensing.

March 2005

ActiveSeam Offers Improved Seam Bonding

Sonobond Ultrasonics, West Chester, Pa., has added the new ActiveSeam to its SeamMaster line of
ultrasonic bonders for the apparel industry.

Sonobond Ultrasonics’ ActiveSeam is suitable for bonding seams in such applications as technical
outerwear.

The new system, described by the company as the only ultrasonic bonder on the market that is
designed to produce taped seams, feeds fabric and an adhesive layer or tape through the bonding
unit using a feed dog mechanism that enables material and adhesive to flow uninterrupted through
the bonding process. The system uses ultrasonic energy to fuse the adhesive tape into the seam.

According to Sonobond, ActiveSeam produces flat bonded seams up to three times faster than
comparable hot-air equipment. The company also reports the seams exhibit superior waterproofness,
durability and strength.

March 2005

Sponsors