INDA President To RetireTed Wirtz, president of the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry (INDA), has announced his retirement effective the end of 2002. Wirtz has served as president of the Cary, N.C.-based organization since 1996.I give credit to Ted Wirtz for bringing INDA into the 21st century in terms of technology, business practices, strategic planning and global reach, said Lee Sullivan, INDA chairman. Thanks to his efforts, INDA is ideally positioned for the many challenges our industry and our association will face in the future.A search is currently underway by the executive recruiting firm Bruce EdwardsandAssociates, Durham, N.C., to find a new president for the organization.August 2002
HumiWarp Provides Direct Warp-Yarn Moistening
humiWarp ProvidesDirect Warp-Yarn MoisteningSpartanburg-based Bonair Technologies Inc. reports its humiWarp direct warp-yarn moistening device raises overall weaving efficiency, improves fabric quality, reduces lint and dust in the environment, is easily retrofitted or moved to another loom and provides a very short return on investment.humiWarp produces a micro-droplet mist in the fog generator at each loom and distributes it evenly from inside the loom to the warp yarn. An electronic controller senses the moisture content and controls the application of water. The elevated moisture content increases tensile strength in the yarn and decreases the number of warp and filling stops during weaving, according to Bonair. August 2002
EU Scales Back Punitive Textile Tariffs
W
hen the Bush administration announced plans to levy protective tariffs on steel imports,
the European Union (EU) and other steel-producing nations said they would retaliate by levying
punitive tariffs on a number of U.S. products, including an extensive array of textiles and
apparel.
Now the EU has scaled back the list of targeted products. Under its revised list, knit
cotton blankets are the only products that will be subject to a 100-percent punitive tariff.
Products still on the list subject to a 30-percent increase in their tariffs include: woven cotton
and all man-made fiber blankets, tarpaulins, awnings, sails and camping goods.
The U.S. government contends the EU is acting illegally by imposing the tariffs before the
World Trade Organization (WTO) has ruled on whether or not they are allowed under WTO regulations.
CPSC Moves On Flammability Rule
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is calling for public comments on its proposal
to issue a new standard covering upholstery fabric flammability. In its present form, the standard
is strongly opposed by textile manufacturers.
In a nutshell, the standard and its complicated test procedures would require upholstered
fabric to serve as a fire barrier from small open-flame sources such as candles, lighters and
matches.
Noting that there is no mandatory or voluntary standard covering upholstery, the CPSC says
upholstery-related fires account for more residential fire deaths than any other category of
consumer products, and a disproportionate number of these deaths occur in children under age 15.
While supporting the concept of taking steps to reduce the number of upholstery fires, ATMI
says the proposed standard is not the way to go. ATMI charges the CPSC is moving forward with the
proposed standard without accurately assessing the causes of furniture fires and injuries.
It contends the standard is not based on sound scientific research; it will limit consumer
choices; its test procedures are costly; and it will not accomplish the goal of reducing deaths and
injuries resulting from furniture fires.
Chinese Textile Exports Are Soaring
As expected, Chinese textile and apparel exports have risen sharply since China’s admission
to the WTO this year — and the trend is likely to continue. Prior to China’s accession to the WTO
January 1, its textile bilateral quota agreement with the United States provided for an average
annual growth of about 1 percent.
But when China joined the WTO, it was entitled to “catch up” on a seven-year quota phase-out
enjoyed by other WTO members.
A sampling of recently decontrolled categories demonstrates just how quickly and effectively
China can move into quota-free markets. While U.S. imports from the world, including the major
Asian suppliers, were down during the first quarter of this year, Chinese exports showed huge
gains.
In the case of infantwear, Chinese exports were up threefold, while exports from other Asian
nations declined by as much as 50 percent. A similar pattern held true with luggage, brassieres,
gloves, knit fabrics, robes, dresses and gowns.
In some cases, the Chinese gains were made at the expense of Mexico, where many of the
exports contain U.S.-made fabric and yarn.
Charles Bremer, international trade vice-president for the American Textile Manufacturers
Institute (ATMI), expects the trend to continue and even increase during the second quarter. Bremer
says the trade pattern demonstrates China can produce “any product in any quantity at any price.”
That capability has aroused new concerns in the textile industry about what will happen when
all textile quotas are eliminated January 1, 2005, and tariffs will be the only means of limiting
import growth. The United States has so-called “safeguard” laws that permit it to impose quotas for
three years where market disruption occurs, but in the past, that has been a time-consuming,
expensive and often unsuccessful procedure.
July 2002
July 2002
The
Digital Printing and Imaging Association (DPI), Fairfax, Va., has elected the
following officers for 2002-2003:
David Atkins, chairman of the board;
Peter Gallo, vice chairman;
George Conant, treasurer; and
Rak Kumar, secretary. Elected to new terms on the Board of Directors are:
Jeff Nott, supplier director; and
Lynn Krinsky,
Gary Wolfer and
Wayne Boydstun, printer directors.
The
Instrumentation, Systems and Automation Society (ISA), Research Triangle Park,
N.C., has appointed
Graeme H.H. Donald, president and CEO of UOP LLC, chairman of ISA 2002, the
society’s annual conference and exhibition.
Donald
Following the acquisition of Serrot International Inc.,
GSE Lining Technology Inc., Houston, has announced a new sales organization for
the North American markets:
Gary R. Joachim, vice president, North American sales and marketing;
Steve Eckhart, vice president, regional sales;
Scott Biondi, Mideast manager;
Bob Trexler, Southeast manager; and
Rick Taylor, Mountain manager.
Unifi Inc., Greensboro, N.C., has promoted
Kimberley Lewis to director of marketing.
Lewis
Clariant International Ltd., Switzerland, has appointed
Patrick Kaiser head of corporate communications for the Clariant Group.
Peter J. Olsta has joined
Pittsfield Plastics Engineering Inc. and Precision Spools Inc., Pittsfield, Mass.,
as director of business development.
Herbert Busch has joined
Symtech Inc., Spartanburg, to serve product lines in the dyeing and finishing
markets.
George Nydegger has joined Symtech as product manager for lines recently added in
the weaving sector.
Zellweger Luwa AG, Switzerland, has elected
Peter R. Isler, Ph.D., to the Board of Directors.
Konrad Peter and
Eberhard von Koerber, Ph.D., were re-elected to the board.
Dow Reichhold Specialty Latex LLC, Research Triangle Park, N.C., has announced the
following appointments:
Dan Gasman, marketing manager, construction and adhesives, and material modifiers;
Richard Moras, marketing manager, fiber coating and bonding, and textiles; and
Rob Ewing, global marketing manager, dipping and protective products.
Fairlawn, Ohio-based
Omnova Solutions Inc. has elected
William R. Seelback to the Board of Directors, and re-elected
Edward P. Campbell and
David A. Daberko to new terms on the board.
Springs Industries, Fort Mill, S.C., has named
Ramon Ascencio associate of the year at the company’s first annual Rewards and
Recognition Luncheon. In addition, Springs Industries Medical Director
Richard Hughes, M.D., has qualified as a certified medical review officer (MRO).
Ascencio and Hughes
Avondale Mills Inc., Graniteville, S.C., has named
Doug Murphy vice president, merchandising, Denim. He will be responsible for denim
operations in Alabama and South Carolina.
Wayne Shaffer of
Icon Laser Technologies Inc., Syracuse, N.Y., has assumed responsibility for
operations and the strategic advancement of the company.
Nylstar, Greensboro, N.C., has appointed
Basil B. (Sonny) Walker president and COO of Nylstar North America.
Textile/Clothing Technology Corp. [TC]2, Cary, N.C., has elected
L.E. (Bo) Gibens chairman of the board. Gibens replaces
Bernard Leventhal, who becomes chairman emeritus. New members elected to the Board
of Directors include:
John Case, La-Z-Boy;
Jeannamarie Cox, The Limited Inc.;
William Foster, DuPont Apparel & Textile Sciences;
Robert Howell, Carhartt Inc.;
Scott Mosteller, Russell Corp.; and
Chuck Nesbit Jr., Sara Lee Intimate Apparel.
Paterson, N.J.-based
Glenro Inc. has promoted
Thomas Van Denend to vice president;
John Walsh to vice president, sales; and
Jim Alimena to vice president, marketing.
July 2002
Avondale Mills Inc Receives Textile Worlds 2002 Innovation Award
Avondale Chairman, PresidentandCEO G. Stephen Felker accepts the Textile World 2002 InnovationAward from Textile World Chairman Douglas C. Billian.Textile World Magazine presented Avondale
Mills, Inc. with the 2002 Innovation Award on Friday, June 28th, at an awards luncheon held at the
Cherokee TownandCountry Club in Atlanta.Executives were on hand from Avondale Mills; American
Savio; Elbit Vision Systems; DyStar; Ford, TrimbleandAssociates Inc.; HSGM Inc.; Noveon; Picanol of
America Inc.; R.L. Stowe Mills Inc.; Rieter; Savio; Steel Heddle; Sulzer Textile; and Zima Corp.,
as well as the Textile Industries Media Group. G. Stephen Felker, chairman, president and CEO
of Avondale Mills, accepted the award on behalf of the company.
DyStar Expands Color Standards Service
DyStar ExpandsColor Standards ServiceGermany-based DyStar has acquired the business operations of Color Solutions Inc., a supplier of color standards for the textile industry.As part of the DyStar Group, the Charlotte-based company is operating under the name Color Solutions International Inc. as an independent service provider.Becoming part of the DyStar Group gives us access to the extensive experience and specialist expertise of the market leader in textile dyes, said John Darsey, former co-owner, Color Solutions Inc., responsible for global sales.July 2002
First Quarter Challenging For Apparel Groups
First Quarter Challenging For Apparel GroupsFirst-quarter sales results indicate that apparel
groups have challenges to face in the coming months. Downturn in retail and consumer demand for
apparel has left many companies wondering what the next few quarters will bring.Kellwood Co., St.
Louis, reported a 19.6-percent decrease to $570.7 million in sales for the quarter, compared with
$709.4 million in 2001. Net earnings for the company were $8.6 million, down from $25.1 million
last year.First-quarter mens sportswear increased 9 percent over year-ago levels. Womens sportswear
was 25 percent lower, while sales of other soft goods were down 17 percent.Hal J. Upbin, chairman,
president and CEO, said, While sell-through rates of our products at retail have been encouraging
this Spring, the improvement in turnover and margins for the retailers has not yet translated to a
fundamental change in our customers ordering mentality for Fall. Orders are being booked 45 to 60
days later than normal.New York City-based J. Crew Group Inc. also reported a slight downturn in
revenues for the quarter, with $167.1 million, down from $167.8 million. Comparable store sales
decreased 13 percent.Our first quarter results primarily reflect the continuing challenges we are
facing on the merchandising front. Comp store sales came in as we anticipated, while EBItdA before
severance charges exceeded our expectations, reflecting higher merchandise margins versus last
year, said Scott Rosen, CFO.The company reported a loss of $453,000 before interest, taxes,
depreciation and amoritization (EBItdA), compared to income of $150,000 last year.
July 2002
Burlington Reorganization Brings Changes
Burlington ReorganizationBrings ChangesAs part of Burlington Industries Inc.s reorganization under
Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, the Greensboro, N.C.-based company has sold its residential
upholstery business and its bath consumer products assets.Bacova Guild Ltd., High Point, N.C., a
subsidiary of Ronile Inc., has acquired Burlingtons bath consumer products assets. The new business
will operate as a division of Bacova, and will sell under the Bacova® Bath and other brand
names.Tietex International Ltd., Spartanburg, has purchased Burlingtons residential upholstery
fabric business. The acquisition includes Burlingtons Sheffield facility in Rocky Mount, N.C.
Tietex expects to employ the majority of Sheffield employees.Tietex also plans to lease a portion
of the weave capacity at Burlingtons Williamsburg plant in Matkins, N.C. Employees associated with
upholstery production will be employed by Tietex.Tietex will use the Burlington House® brand name
for upholstery fabrics.Springs Industries Inc., Fort Mill, S.C., has completed its acquisition of
Burlingtons window treatments and bedding consumer products business (See Textile World News, April
2002). The purchase includes a manufacturing plant in Mexico. Springs also has received a license
to use the Burlington House® and American Lifestyle® brand names. In addition, Burlington will
supply finished products manufactured at its Reidsville and Stokesdale, N.C., facilities, as well
as fabrics to be converted by Springs into finished products.
July 2002
Fong39 S Launches Ecotech Dyeing Machine
Fong’s LaunchesEcotech Dyeing MachineFongs recently added the ECO-6 high-temperature dyeing machine to its Ecotech series of machines. The ECO-8 and ECO-38 were introduced at ITMA Asia in October 2001.The ECO-6 unit features the Multi-Saving Rinsing system (MSR); Multi-Intelligent Rinsing system (MIR); direct steam heating device for hot water filling; and an advanced, modulated dosing system. Maximum fabric speed is 350 meters per minute. The machine has a capacity of 250 kilograms of fabric per tube.July 2002
Apparel Sourcing Show Well Attended
Apparel Sourcing Show Well AttendedA total of 4,130 attendees from 1,253 companies visited 220 booths representing 162 companies and 22 associations during the 11th annual Apparel Sourcing Show, held in May in Guatemala City, Guatemala. The exhibition, organized by the Guatemala-based VESTEX commission, showcased Caribbean Basin (CBI) apparel and textile manufacturers, as well as presenting technology and machinery providers, seminars and conferences. The shows Matchmaking meeting program arranged more than 390 meetings between CBI apparel producers and U.S. and Canadian customers seeking manufacturing or sourcing alternatives.DuPont, Cotton Council International and Unifi launched a CBI sourcing promotional campaign during the show. The Apparel Sourcing Show has served us well as a means of informing the industry of our commitment to bring value to all participants in the apparel producing chain, said David Blondino, regional sourcing manager, DuPont TextilesandInteriors (DTI), Wilmington, Del. We are supportive of VESTEXs efforts to come up with new ways to facilitate relationships and generate business growth in the region. July 2002
