Executive ForumBy James A. Morrissey, Washington Correspondent Moore’s Perspective
New ATMI chairman urges more industry unity.

Willis C. Billy Moore, executive vice president and CFO of Unifi Inc., Greensboro, N.C., and
newly elected chairman of the American Textile Manufacturers Institute (ATMI), Washington, shared
with Textile World his perspective on where ATMI and the textile industry are headed.TW: As you
assume the chairmanship of ATMI, what do you see as the major challenges facing ATMI and the
textile industryMoore: ATMI has clearly spelled out our answers to the major challenges facing the
US textile industry in the eight-point Textile Action Plan released in January. It addresses a
number of issues related to the Doha round of global trade negotiations and points out the problems
we are facing as a result of the overvalued US dollar and currency manipulations by certain foreign
governments. The action plan says that our government must reject further non-reciprocal trade
expansion, impose quotas in response to surges in imports from China and include strong textile
protection provisions in any future trade agreements. It also says that the US textile industry is
not to be used as a bargaining chip in support of allies in the war on terrorism, and it urges a
number of actions with respect to customs enforcement and intellectual property protection.
Clearly, this is a far-reaching agenda that touches all sectors of our industry. In my
conversations with other industry leaders, I have found support for ATMIs Textile Action Plan to be
virtually unanimous. Now we have to work together to get our government to support it.TW: Do you
believe the Bush administration is sufficiently supportive of the US textile industryMoore:I think
its a work in progress. I know it is saying the right things, but its first interim report to
Congress last September made it clear that much remains to be done. As Commerce Secretary Donald L.
Evans said at last years ATMI annual meeting, we have to judge [the administration] by the results,
not just the word. I believe many key people in the Bush administration recognize the problems we
face but there are some who arent there yet, and we need to fix that. And we need to work to get
consistent textile trade policies. For example, it makes absolutely no sense for the administration
to encourage US textile companies to seek trading partnerships with the countries of the Caribbean
and Andean regions, then turn around and put forth a tariff proposal that would negate the benefits
of such preferential trade agreements. We remain optimistic that the Bush administration will keep
its commitments to textile leaders; however, we are concerned by the lack of concrete results. US
Trade Representative Robert B. Zoellicks Doha round tariff proposal could devastate what remains of
our industry if adopted in its current form, and we need a strong, clear proposal from our
government to eliminate non-tariff trade barriers.TW: As the industry shrinks, is its influence in
Congress weakenedMoore: That is a natural assumption that some people make because the industry has
contracted, but we feel that this does not necessarily translate into weakness in Congress. The
textile industry is a major manufacturing base in regions where it has traditionally been strong,
and we have the firm support of a dedicated group of representatives and senators. Although some
long-time supporters in Congress have retired, we have every reason to believe that the members who
replaced them will be outspoken and effective advocates for our industry. If we can get all sectors
within the industry pulling together, we can maintain or even expand our base of support in
Congress. But we cant do it if we fight amongst ourselves. We need to have greater unity, and I
think the American Textile Alliance can serve as the foundation for such unity.TW: There is
widespread agreement that textiles has become a global industry. What should ATMI do to help
textile companies become more globally orientedMoore: We continue changing the mindset of this
industry. For too long, many of us have relied upon a fortress America approach, counting on our
government to keep foreign products out of the US market so we could have it all to ourselves. We
didnt need to export because we had this great market. Our member companies need to recognize that
free trade is here to stay, and in order to survive, we must learn to be globally competitive in
all phases of our business. We have to find new export markets, and we must make sure our
government helps us get the opportunities to export. Id like for President Bush to paraphrase
Ronald Reagan and dare these other countries to tear down their walls erected against our
products.TW: Some people say ATMI should become more involved in trade and sourcing shows and
similar export promotion activities. Should this involvement have a higher priority on ATMIs
agendaMoore: The ATMI Board of Directors has explored this issue previously, and the overwhelming
sentiment seemed to be this should not be ATMIs mission. If our members change their minds, we
would set out in that direction; but for now our members continue to believe that ATMI can best
serve the industrys needs by laying the foundation in Washington for a more successful business
climate in which they can compete. Our members can create their own opportunities they just need a
climate for success.TW: At the present time, ATMI seems to be anything from lukewarm to negative on
a free trade agreement with Central America. Your company has been aggressive in promoting the
Caribbean Basin Initiative and Central American trade through the Jassin ORourke Group education
program. Could this be expanded to encourage more ATMI members to become more involved in those
areasMoore: ATMI has consistently said that any free trade agreement must be fair and beneficial to
US textiles. I agree with this position and am a strong proponent of free trade for the Americas.
However, it must be fair, and free trade agreements must include strict North American Free Trade
Agreement (NAFTA)-type yarn-forward rules of origin, exclude any exceptions that would benefit
non-participating countries, include tariff reductions that are completely reciprocal and provide
that non-tariff barriers to US exports be immediately eliminated. That is our objective in all free
trade agreements, and I will continue to urge that this be the final result. As chairman, I intend
to encourage our members to explore all available opportunities to promote US textile partnerships
and exports.TW: What changes do you foresee in ATMI with respect to membership and its
relationships with other associations For example, there is a perception in some quarters that ATMI
is driven by cotton interests.Moore: I think that ATMIs membership base, which has declined over
the past six to seven years as the industry has contracted, has begun to stabilize and should begin
to grow again as we continue to demonstrate just what we can do on behalf of textile companies. We
have made some progress in that regard, and I intend to work in my term as chairman to make further
progress. I intend to do this by showing all segments of the industry, no matter what they produce,
that ATMI continues to serve their interests. With the challenges the textile industry faces in the
next few years, especially the elimination of the quota system and numerous new trade negotiations,
it is more important now than ever that the textile industry has a strong, unified and active voice
based in Washington. I think our relationship with other trade associations is basically good, but
it could always be better. In the past few years, ATMI and several other trade associations have
experienced an infusion of new blood on the staff level, and I am confident that our new president,
Parks D. Shackelford, and the heads of the other associations will enjoy a long and productive
working relationship.But we in the industry have to set the tone. In the past, there have been too
many public fights over the few issues that divide us. Weve got to make sure that we work out any
differences we have in private and then present a united front. Anything else will only benefit the
importers and foreign manufacturers who would like to drive us out of business. Make no mistake,
public fighting gives aid and comfort to those who are our real enemies, and thats why I am going
to take a page out of Van Mays playbook and commit to working to ensure only positive working
relationships with other associations. Were all in this together, and we all just need to keep that
in mind.
Editor’s Note: Textile World encourages textile executives to speak out on matters affecting
today’s textile industry. To participate in TW’s Executive Forum, e-mail
jborneman@textileindustries.com.

May 2003

US and Singapore Sign Historic Trade PactThe United States and Singapore have signed an historic
free trade agreement that, for the first time, will permit duty and quota-free access to the US
market for textiles and other products made in Asian nations. And, as has been the case with other
recent trade agreements, the pact does not satisfy either textile manufacturers or importers. The
importers are upset because the agreement has a yarn forward rule of origin that requires apparel
products eligible for the special treatment to be made of yarn and fabric made in the participating
countries. They say such a rule will sharply restrict their ability to do business with Singapore.
Textile manufacturers dont like the agreement because it says 25 million square meters of apparel
in the first year can be made with yarn and fabric from countries other than the US and Singapore.
Those imports, known as Tariff Preference Levels, will be reduced each year until they are phased
out in five years. Since Singapore has limited textile manufacturing capacity, the industry fears
it will become a source for illegal transshipments from other Asian nations.The agreement was
historic in another sense, in that it breaks “significant new ground,” and could become a model for
future trade agreements with other Asian nations. That sends shock waves throughout the US textile
industry. Under the agreement, Singapore agrees to eliminate all of its duties on US products
immediately and further agrees not to reimpose them. The US will phase out its duties over 10
years, with duties on the least sensitive products dropped first. The agreement still has to be
approved by Congress, but apart from some high-powered rhetoric from textile state lawmakers, it is
not likely to run into any difficulties.By James A. Morrissey, Washington Correspondent
May 2003

Material WorldThe first spring edition of Material World attracted representatives from leading
global apparel companies and private label retailers who came to explore the exhibitions
full-package, fashion information and educational resources. Among the highlights of the new spring
edition was Material World Technology Solutions, the new IT-focused event.Seminar presentation
highlights included a number of case-study sessions sponsored by SAP, New Generation Computing and
BearingPoint. Industry analyst presentations were given by Navi Radjou, senior analyst, Forrester
Research; and Andrew White, research director, Enterprise and SCM, Gartner Inc.

Marshall Gordon, industry manager, apparel and footwear, SAP America, commented, Technology
Solutions within Material World is a great fit. There has never been a time in the apparel/footwear
industry when enabling technology has been so inseparably tied to the business process it empowers
as within global sourcing. Both supply and demand have evolved in a manner in which technology is
an increasingly competitive differentiator. On the supply side, the shift from domestic
manufacturing to global sourcing requires firms to identify, monitor and evaluate a growing group
of vendors in different time zones speaking different languages. On the demand side, the
accelerating retailer requirements for replenishment and Vendor Managed Inventory are equally
challenging. The common thread solution is technology- and industry- specific solutions that speed
business processes and assist executives to see through volumes of data to the issues they need to
address.Kevin M. Burke, president and CEO, American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA),
sponsor of Material World, noted, We are very pleased that AAFAs alliance with Material World has
expanded the scope of the show as evidenced by the number of visitors from top name apparel and
footwear companies who attended over the course of the three days.Based on the feedback weve
received from a number of our exhibitors as well as attendees, this first-time event has filled a
void and created a strong new business resource for the industry, stated Tim von Gal, executive
vice president of marketing and development, Urban Expositions, producer and manager of Material
World.Cotton Incorporated expanded its presence at the exhibition by sponsoring three fashion trend
presentations.A special invitation-only presentation in Spanish was offered by Claudia Munoz,
fashion marketing manager, Cotton Incorporated, Mexico City, to participants and guests of Fashion
Week of the Americas. More than 50 designers from Latin America and the Caribbean showcased their
fashions at the presentation. Kathryn Gordy-Novakovic, director, COTTONWORKS® Fabric Library,
Cotton Incorporated, made the presentation in English for Material World attendees.

Left to right: Fred Isenberg, vice president; Nancy Brooks, vice president; and Alan Brooks,
president, New Generation Computing; John Windham, vice president, sourcing; and Joe McConnell,
vice president, sourcing, Kellwood; and Mark Goldberg, vice president, sourcing, Koret, a division
of KellwoodAs the cotton industry grows globally, it is our responsibility to answer the needs of
our constituents. We are excited about presenting the Spring/Summer 2004 fashion trends in both
Spanish and English, explained R. Michael Tyndall, senior director, global product marketing,
Cotton Incorporated.Several members representing the companys Global Product Marketing and Consumer
Marketing divisions were in attendance.Mike Todaro, managing director, American Apparel Producers
Network (AAPNetwork), said, Traffic in the contractors aisle, where our booth was anchored, was
what we expected. We had the chance to meet top executives from Russell, Tropical, VF Corp., Sara
Lee, Patagonia and many others. We met exciting new sourcing executives, such as the team from
UnderArmor who actually found one of our members to contact for sourcing on our Internet connection
in our booth. Clearly, [Material Worlds] work with AAPNetwork, AAFA and other organizations to
leverage all of us to get our members to the show is working. Ive been in the industry 13 years now
and was staggered at the number of familiar faces streaming by our booth. This show is drawing the
industry.

May 2003

PGI Emerges From BankruptcyNorth Charleston, S.C.-based nonwovens manufacturer Polymer Group Inc.
(PGI) announced its previously confirmed plan of reorganization became effective March 5. All
shares of the companys old common stock have been cancelled. New common stock has been issued, with
96 percent distributed to creditors and 4 percent to existing stockholders pro rata.PGI has reduced
its total debt to approximately $500 million upon emergence from bankruptcy, down from
approximately $1.1 billion when it entered bankruptcy proceedings.We are very pleased to have this
difficult period behind us, said Jerry Zucker, chairman, president and CEO. We have emerged as a
stronger company with a solid future ahead of us.PGI has approximately 4,000 employees and 25
manufacturing facilities worldwide.
May 2003

WestPoint Stevens Will Close Remainder Of Rosemary Complex In Strategy Adjustment To Address
DemandWestPoint Stevens announced today that the company will permanently close the remainder of
its Roanoke Rapids, N.C., Rosemary Complex as it adjusts its business plan to address current
economic projections.Preparations for shutting down the facility will get under way in early May to
meet a projected closing date of June 28. Ultimately, some 320 Rosemary associates will be
affected.”The Company has decided that this plant will not be converted to produce Basic Bedding
product as previously announced,” said Basic Bedding Division President Art Birkins. “Recent
capital investments in our existing Basic Bedding plants have provided us with a dramatic increase
in efficiency and yield — all the capacity we require for both our immediate and long-term growth.
To stay competitive in a market that’s increasingly global, it’s necessary to constantly scrutinize
our operations to eliminate any excess capacity.”WestPoint Stevens acquired the facilities in 1997
for additional towel capacity, then closed Rosemary Greige Plant in early 2001 in a move to
consolidate greige manufacturing in locations that provided the most efficient workflow. The
workforce at the remaining Rosemary Finishing and Fabricating plants, as well as Rosemary
Distribution Center, was reduced by some 125 shortly after.WestPoint Stevens Inc. is the nation’s
premier home fashions consumer products marketing company, with a wide range of bed linens, towels,
blankets, comforters and accessories marketed under the well-known brand names GRAND PAtrICIAN,
PAtrICIAN, MARTEX, ATELIER MARTEX, BABY MARTEX, UTICA, STEVENS, LADY PEPPERELL, SEDUCTION, VELLUX
and CHATHAM — all registered trademarks owned by WestPoint Stevens Inc. and its subsidiaries —
and under licensed brands including RALPH LAUREN HOME, DISNEY HOME, GLYNDA TURLEY and SIMMONS
BEAUTYREST. WestPoint Stevens is also a manufacturer of the MARTHA STEWART and JOE BOXER bed and
bath lines. WestPoint Stevens can be found on the World Wide Web at www.westpointstevens.com .
PR Newswire Press Release