Superior Fabrics Inc., Pampano Beach, Fla., recently reported strong sales in warp-knit tricot
fabrics. The company, a major manufacturer of non-woven stitchbond fabrics, expanded production
into warp-knit tricot in February 1999.The companies warp-knit tricot fabrics in both 18- and
20-gauge constructions are in production in a plant adjacent to Superiors other two production
facilities.Once we decided to expand our manufacturing base to include warp-knit tricot fabrics, we
knew the company had to make a major commitment to the business, said Robert Fryburg, president of
Superior Fabrics. We built a new production facility, invested in new Liba warp-knit machinery and
hired experienced production people. The investment is paying off.We are well ahead of sales
projections and are working with manufacturers that serve many diversified industrial applications.

October 1999

DuPont, Wilmington Del., extended its Lycra® fiber business to the internet recently with the
unveiling of The Lycra Shop at www.lycra.com. This $30-million global investment is a unique
on-line partnership showcasing apparel from a variety of brands and retail outlets with only one
common element they all contain Lycra.As a new section of www.lycra.com, The Lycra Shop was
developed to showcase the appeal of the elastine fiber to all types of attire in consumers favorite
brands. The company also hopes to influence designers, retail chains and clothing manufacturers by
driving attention, and ultimately sales, of clothing made with Lycra.The Lycra Shop is the first
on-line site to place a variety of apparel brands and retailers side by side. Visitors can window
shop through The Lycra Shops mall-like setting for apparel containing Lycra from designer lines
such as Chaiken and Capone; bridge lines like Liz Claiborne; casual wear from Lands End and Lee;
activewear brands such as Nike, Champion and Adidas; and intimate apparel from Calvin Klein and
Maidenform.The increased use of Lycra in apparel ranging from ready-to-wear to footwear is a
testament to the demand for clothes that combine comfort and style, said Sheryl Parente, global
knowledge strategy manager for DuPont Lycra.Our research shows that consumers find garments with
Lycra more desirable than without, and when choosing their wardrobes, they prefer a Lycra blend
more than any other fabric. The Lycra Shop is a fast, easy way for consumers of all ages, genders,
shapes and sizes to find the enhanced comfort, fit and freedom of movement that Lycra brings to
clothing.

September 1999

Beisler America Inc., Linden, N.J., recently announced additional high-tech improvements to models
1911/1 and 1912/1 Automatic Lockstitch Left Fly Top Stitcher.The 1911/1 ia a high-speed sewing unit
featuring a laser beam for the loading point to stop exactly on the waistband.New features include
a photosensor that scans the start and end of the seam independent of its size and a vacuum system
for easy loading and quality improvements.The 1912 is the same unit without the laser beam to sew
over the waistband plus or minus one stitch, the company says.
Circle 312.

September 1999

Wardwell Braiding, Central Falls, R.I., who is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year, recently announced a new manufacturing partnership with Cunegatti Costruzione Meccaniche, Milan, Italy. Under the terms of the agreement, Wardwell will now offer automatic bobbin winders with programmable adjustment of the winding step and traverse length up to 250 mm. The winders can accommodate bobbins with a flange diameter up to 110 mm and can wind at spindle speeds up to 4,500 rpm, the company says.

Wardwell will also be offering a range of power unrolling systems. “Our goal is to continue offering customers an even broader range of product choices and a higher level of service,” said Ted Osterhoff, Wardwells chief operating officer.

Also, under an agreement between Wardwell and Trenz Export S.A., Barcelona, Spain, Wardwell has been appointed as the exclusive North American agent for Trenz products. Trenz Export is known throughout Europe and South America for its high-quality, cost-effective maypole braiders and bobbin winders.

“The Trenz Export horn-gear type maypole braiders are a perfect complement to our traditional New England Butt and Kokubun lines,” Osterhoff said. “By adding the Trenz Export products and supporting them through our U.S. operation, we believe we can offer exceptional value to our North American customers.”

September 1999

Lectra Systs, Paris, recently announced the acquisition of Colorado International Haute Tension,
Paris, as part of strategic moves Lectra has taken to consolidate its position in the global
Computer Aided Design (CAD) market for textile related industries.Colorado was founded in 1985, and
is a pioneer in the development of CAD systems for dobby and Jacquard weaving, for the fashion,
apparel, upholstery and textile industries. In 1998, the company reported revenues of approximately
FFr 7 million, mostly representing sales of software licenses and services. The company has
approximately 1,500 licenses installed and 640 customers worldwide, including brands like Yves
Saint Laurent, Cerutti, Milliken, Boussac, DMC and Lapallud.According to Lectra, the cost of the
acquisition is between FFr 6 and 10 million, depending on results for the period 1999-2002, FFr 4
million of which will be paid for with Lectra Systs stock.In other news, Lectra Systemes S.A. de
C.V., Mexico City, has been selected by the Camara Nacional de la Industria del Vestido (National
Apparel Chamber) as the CAD/CAM partner to its new Apparel Technology Center. The demonstration
facility at the center will operate Lectras Total Apparel CAD systems for fashion design, pattern
design, grading, marker making, costing and specifications, and well as cutting room planning and
scheduling.According to Lectra, the value of the technology it installed at the center is more than
$130,000.”One of the main objectives of the Camara Nacional de la Industria del Vestido is to
become an advance institution in reference for the training process in the apparel sector,” said
Alberto Dana, president of the Camara Nacional. “For that reason, we are proud of being the first
Institution of Central America with a training center in CAD/CAM technology.”

September 1999