Quality Fabric Of The Month: Natural Function


Woolrich Inc., Woolrich, Pa., established in 1830, is the nation’s oldest, continuously operating apparel marketer and manufacturer. Specializing in men’s and women’s outerwear and accessories, the company recently developed TechnoWool™, a line of wool fabrics whose protective and comfort properties compare with those of other performance fabrics. The fabrics are woven at the company’s mill in Woolrich.

TechnoWool fabrics build on wool’s natural functions of moisture and vapor management, breathability, shape retention, insulation, air impermeability and water repellency, which result from the fiber’s structural features, including its protein basis, natural crimp, resiliency,
hollow core and scaly surface. Special techniques are employed to produce a tightly woven fabric having improved air impermeability and insulation and creating a comfortable microclimate next to the body, according to Woolrich.
The Products

qfom_1120TechnoWool is currently available in four styles, with other styles in development. TechnoWool X is a 16.3-ounce fabric designed for extreme outdoor activities including mountain climbing and backpacking. The crimped yarn creates loops in the tightly woven, textured fabric, which is sponged
to raise the nap. The fabric is wool blended with a bit of nylon to provide additional abrasion
resistance and durability.

Softness is the defining feature of the TechnoWool S series. Made from a blend of merino and lamb’s wool, the sponged and sheared 9-ounce fabrics are soft and drapeable, making them suitable for sportswear as well as outerwear, “casual, but a little bit more dressed up than fleece,”
according to Paula Kosmatka, product design director for Woolrich.

Other styles include the O series of “quiet,” sponged bouclé wool/nylon/polyester fabrics, which have added water and soil repellency and burr resistance for outdoor activities such as
hunting; and the W series of machine-washable wool/nylon fabrics. A wind-resistant laminate that combines a hydrophilic mesh and a collapsible, breathable cell membrane with TechnoWool X or S fabric will be introduced in early 2002. Also in the works are an X-series stretch wool with Lycra® and a washable wool fleece.

Garments made from TechnoWool appeal to consumers who prefer natural fibers over man-made. “ Wool looks nicer and is more classic,” Kosmatka said. In addition, she said, wool is an eco-friendly, renewable resource that is free of dependence on petroleum resources.

For more information about TechnoWool™, contact Woolrich Inc., (800) 995-1299.

November 2001

Increased Security May Restore Consumer Confidence


Terror Attacks Contribute To Economic Woes

The latest economic reports indicate a faltering U.S. economy that slid into recession in the
third quarter of this year. The unprecedented, vicious terrorist attacks on September 11
accelerated the downfall, as consumer anxiety rose and normal spending patterns were disrupted.
With increased security, consumer confidence is likely to be restored in the near future, and the
economy will rebound. Nonetheless, a recession is now unavoidable as consumer spending weakens
further due to widespread employment losses and the slashing of business capital spending budgets
continues.

In September, the U.S. economy lost 199,000 non-farm jobs, the largest decline since February
1991. The loss included 93,000 factory jobs. September 11 events had minimal impact on employment
counts due to timing and the underlying assumptions. The impact on payrolls will be more evident in
October’s results. The September jobless rate was unchanged at 4.9 percent.

The Producer Price Index for finished goods rose 0.4 percent in September. Energy prices
jumped 0.9 percent, while food prices rose 0.2 percent. Excluding food and energy, the price index
was up 0.3 percent.

Consumer prices increased 0.4 percent in August, largely driven by apparel and energy costs.
Energy costs soared 2.6 percent. The core inflation rose 0.2 percent.

bfgraph_1150


Trade Deficit Narrows

The U.S. trade deficit of goods and services narrowed in August to $27.11 billion from $29.17
billion in July and was the lowest level in 19 months. Exports — led by industrial supplies;
automotive products; and food, feeds and beverages — rose by 1.0 percent to $84.46 billion. Imports
declined 1.1 percent to $111.57 billion. Industrial production fell 1.0 percent in September. This
was the 12th consecutive monthly decline. Factory output fell 1.1 percent.

In the third quarter, industrial output plunged 6.2 percent at an annual rate, on top of
declines of 4.4 percent in the second quarter and 6.8 percent in the first quarter. Output fell
across all industries except for motor vehicles and parts, and lumber and products.

The operating rate of industrial capacity dipped to 75.5 percent in September and was the
lowest since June of 1983.

Housing starts rose 1.7 percent in September to an annual rate of 1.574 million units, but
declined 7.0 percent at an annual rate in the third quarter. Single-family units rose 0.6 percent
to 1.268 million.

Business sales edged up 0.1 percent
in August, while business inventories were drawn down 0.1 percent — the smallest drop in seven
months and a positive sign. As a result, the August inventory-to-sales ratio was left intact at
1.42.


Textile Mill Jobless Rates Decline Despite Job Cuts

Textile and apparel payrolls fell 0.9 percent in September, but the volatile jobless rate for
textile mill workers eased to 7.3 percent from 8.2 percent in August.

Textile output decreased 0.9 percent in September and tumbled 14.4 percent at an annual rate
in the third quarter — off 14.5 percent from a year ago. The utilization rate for textiles dropped
to 71.0 percent of capacity.

Shipments by textile producers declined 1.5 percent in August, while inventories were reduced
by 0.5 percent, causing the inventory-to-sales ratio to move up to 1.68 from 1.66.

Retail and food services sales collapsed 2.4 percent in September, as consumers avoided the
shopping malls after the terrorist attacks, while motor vehicle sales slumped 4.6 percent.
Excluding autos, retail sales were down 2.1 percent. Sales were up 3.0 percent at gasoline
stations, 0.8 percent at health and personal care stores and 0.4 percent at food and beverage
stores. Sales fell 0.4 percent for general merchandise, 1.5 percent for furniture and home
furnishings, 2.2 percent for building materials and hardware, and 5.9 percent for apparel and
accessories.

Producer prices of textiles and apparel edged down 0.1 percent in September. Prices rebounded
0.7 percent for synthetic fibers and 0.2 percent for finished fabrics. Prices retreated 0.7 percent
for greige fabrics, 0.4 percent for processed yarns and threads, 0.3 percent for carpets and 0.2
percent for home furnishings.

November 2001

Nano-Tex Expands Technology Internationally

GREENSBORO, N.C., Nov. 5 /PRNewswire/ — Nano-Tex, LLC has expanded theapplication of its technology internationally with the licensing of MartelliLavorazioni Tessili S.p.A, one of the world’s largest laundry and garmentfinishers, and Dominican Knits, a leading producer of knit fabrics andgarments. The company has also entered into its first agreements with agentsto promote licensing arrangements in the European and Japanese markets. Marking the first application of Nano-Tex’s patented technology to sewngarments rather than fabric, Martelli, based in Italy, will utilize the NANO-PEL(TM) technology for use on cotton and cotton blend apparel treated andfinished in Europe for distribution to branded customers worldwide. Denimapparel will be the first product enhanced with the NANO-PEL technology withplans for other products in the future. Dominican Knits, based in the Dominican Republic and part of the Grupo Mcompanies, will utilize the NANO-PEL technology in the first ever applicationto knits, further highlighting the technology’s flexibility to enhance avariety of fabrics. Initial applications will be to 100% cotton circular knitshirting fabrics. The use of NANO-PEL technology adds superior repellency to fabrics thatallow water and oil spills to easily bead and roll off of fabric withoutpenetrating the fibers. The advanced performance is durable through multiplehome laundries and does not alter the fabric’s original hand as experienced bymany traditional coatings. In a further expansion of its international presence, Nano-Tex hasappointed Peter Rohr of Adhoc Consultants AG as agent on an exclusive basis tocoordinate the licensing and use of Nano-Tex’s proprietary technology for usein cotton products produced in Europe and distributed worldwide. International Textile Management Consulting will likewise coordinate on anexclusive basis the licensing and use of a broad range of Nano-Tex’stechnology in Japan with Hiro Okamoto, President, serving as primary agent. “The international expansion of this technology is extremely exciting,”said George Henderson, CEO. “The performance potential of our technology hasbroad market and worldwide appeal and we are pleased to work with theseinternational partners to expand the scope and use of this technology. “The ability to apply our technology in both fabric and garment-form andto both woven and knit fabrics opens additional possibilities for theenhancement of numerous products. Our research and development continues toprogress well with a pipeline of new innovations currently in development.The ability to alter fabrics at the molecular level to enhance performanceopens limitless opportunities.” Gruppo Martelli Lavorazioni Tessili, with over 30 years in business, isone of Europe’s leading denim garment finishing companies operating facilitiesin Bologna, Treviso, Modena and San Benedetto del Tronto in Italy as well asin Buzan, Romania. Grupo M, established in 1986, specializes in the production of textileproducts with full vertical integration including fabric manufacturing,pattern design services, cutting, sewing, finishing, printing and embroidery,labels and plastic bags. Nano-Tex, LLC (http://www.Nano-Tex.com) is an advanced materials company usingproprietary technology to create, change and improve textiles at the molecularlevel. Intelligent fabrics. Better living.(TM) Other Nano-Tex advanced-technology products include those identified by the NANO-CARE(TM) brand, whichenhances cotton fabrics with water and oil repellent and wrinkle resistantproperties and those identified by the NANO-DRY(TM) brand, which enhancessynthetic fabrics with advanced moisture control properties that providequicker drying and better comfort. This press release contains statements that are forward-looking statementswithin the meaning of applicable federal securities laws and are based uponcurrent expectations and assumptions of or relating to Burlington Industries,Inc. (NYSE: BUR) (hereinafter, the “company”), which owns 51% of the equityinterests of Nano-Tex, LLC. The statements herein are subject to a number ofrisks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materiallyfrom those anticipated. Such risks and uncertainties include, among otherthings, global economic activity and the implications thereon of the attack onSeptember 11 and the U.S. government’s response thereto, the success of thecompany’s overall business strategy, the company’s relationships with itsprincipal customers and suppliers, the success of the company’s expansion inother countries, the demand for textile products, the cost and availability ofraw materials and labor, the company’s ability to finance its capitalexpansion and modernization programs, the level of the company’s indebtednessand ability to borrow and refinance, the exposure to interest ratefluctuations, governmental legislation and regulatory changes, and the long-term implications of regional trade blocs and the effect of quota phase-outand lowering of tariffs under the WTO trade regime.SOURCE Nano-Tex, LLCCopyright 2001 PR Newswire

Ciba Launches Synthetic Lubricant-Emulsifier

Cibafluid® SL Conc, is a low-foaming, combination lubricant and emulsifier developed by Ciba
Specialty Chemicals, Switzerland, for elastomeric fiber-blend fabrics. Ciba claims the new
emulsifier prevents rope marks, creases and abrasion during processing; and can reduce uneven
dyeing, fiber damage and wrinkle deformations.

November 2001

Eastex To Represent Schoeller In Northeast

Seattle-based Schoeller Textil USA Inc. has named Eastex Products, Weymouth, Mass., Northeast
territory sales representatives. The territory includes Maine, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont,
New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Ohio and Pennsylvania.Eastex represents
performance fabrics produced by mills both in the United States and abroad. The company has
established relationships with outdoor apparel manufacturers in the Northeast, as well as
throughout North America.We pride ourselves in offering new and unique performance textiles as well
as staple fabrics, said John Kimball, partner, Eastex. Partnering with Schoeller is a perfect fit
for Eastex and allows us to work with the industry leader in the stretch woven and technical
performance markets.

November 2001

New York With A French Accent

The new management organization of Yarn Fair International and CADExpo Plus, T.F.E.A. Inc.
(Textile and Fashion Expo in America), has given the show a new look. Trading on its French fashion
heritage and show organizational skills, T.F.E.A. made dramatic changes in the 2001 show.A Trend
Forum, featuring some 400 swatches of yarns and fabrics provided by exhibitors, was displayed in an
area measuring 3,000 square feet at the entrance to the show. Organized with input from Expofil,
the France-based counterpart to Yarn Fair International, the Trend Forum gave buyers a clear
direction of new colors, textures, yarns and fabrics for 2002/03 and provided yarn resource
information.We are trying to bring to the American market what we do best fashion and service,said
Philippe Pasquet, general director, Expofil. The response has been good from our American and
European exhibitors.Most exhibitors reported an increase in the number and quality of contacts.
French spinner Saint-Lin said sample orders were up 20 percent.There were close to 2,000 visitors
from 32 countries at the show. Twenty-nine percent were from Canada and 20.5 percent from Latin
America.Dan Samuelson, director of menswear, The Forstmann Company, New York City, liked the
representation of exhibitors. To compete globally in todays textile industry, you have to source
yarns from all over the world, he said. I am seeing a return to the classics in wool and worsted
yarns and luxury blends.Howard Silver, president of New York City-based Jasco Fabrics, said, Theyve
brought the flavor of Expofil to New York. Joan Beer, May Merchandising, St. Louis, liked the trend
area and general ambiance of the show. Elizabeth Amoroso, Hathaway Fabrics, Waterville, Maine, was
looking for luster without shine, something elegant, she said. Jules Lavner, Bedford Weaving Mills,
Bedford, Va., was looking for solution-dyed filament yarns for weaving. They all found new yarns to
sample. Unifi Introduces New YarnsUnifi Inc., Greensboro, N.C., introduced two new yarns at
the show, Insulyte and A.M.Y.
(See Fiber World News, TI, this issue).We will have two more polyester yarns before the
end of the year, said Unifis Kim Lewis. Merano, which is disperse-dyeable for heathered looks, and
Reflexx, which is a stretch performance yarn. It has up to 17-percent stretch through processing.
We are also working on a flame-retardant yarn.Meadowbrook Inventions Inc., Bernardsville, N.J.,
producer of Angelina® ultra-soft metallic fibers, showed its newest products 100-percent metal
aluminum, titanium, copper, carbon black and heat-bondable angelina fibers.These specialty fibers
not only have a luminescent appearance, but also have technical features, said Roberta Ruschmann,
vice president. In other words, its not only about how they look, but what they do and how they
perform. For example, Angelina aluminum fibers are thermal-regulating. They can hold body heat from
within and reflect it directly back to the body. They shield against UV radiation.On display were
alpaca/Angelina yarns from Peru Naturtex. Angelina blended with mohair, acrylic, and nylon was
shown from a variety of international resources including Edgarfil, Spain; Lineapiu, Cotonificio
Ferrari, Binicocchi and Emme Filati, Italy; Daniel Houard and Groupe Saint-Lin, France; Canadas
Ormspun; Lanas Merinos, Mexico; and Wayne Trading, China. Domestic mills include Broadnax, Kraemer,
North Carolina Spinning and Yarn Mavens.Two other new Meadowbrook products are Suede Cord, which is
sampling for knitting, weaving, embroidery and edging; and Jelly Cord, which is going into
accessories.At the Masters of Linen stand, there were soft-touch yarns blending linen with wool or
cashmere, iridescent and lustrous yarns in linen/silk or linen/nylon blends, tweedy linens, stretch
linen and chunky knits. Pauline Delli-Carpini, U.S. representative, reported there was unusual
interest in linen velvet and fabrics for the home. We had a lot of visitors from the Carolinas, she
said. Chenille Makes A ComebackJim Laney, executive vice president, marketing, of Valdese,
N.C.-based Meridian Industries Dyed Yarn Group, also noted keen interest in the home furnishings
area. Today, apparel represents only 7 percent of the companys business. Automotive and industrial
end-uses are strong. We are beginning to see a slight recovery in apparel, he said, especially from
weavers and knitters in California. Chenille is one specific yarn Laney mentioned.In April 2001,
Meridian purchased Calhoun, Ga.-based Astro Dye Works, bringing space-dyed, novelty and twisted
yarns to its stable. Today, we are a $300 million company, Laney said, and are totally debt-free.
The Belmont, N.C., and Valdese facilities have a capacity of 650 pounds of yarn per week.Richard
Flaster, SandO Industries Inc., New Hyde Park, N.Y., also mentioned a chenille comeback, especially
in the home furnishings area. Its just beginning to sell in apparel as well, he said. In apparel,
rayon is the fiber of choice. One new yarn, developed for piece-dyeing, is a polyester/rayon blend
using dyed polyester and natural rayon.Gardiner of Selkirk, a Scottish wool spinner represented by
Textron Sales USA, recently merged with Brierley Bros. Ltd., another woolen system spinner. Both
are part of Brook Group, a United Kingdom-based dyer. Gardiner is noted for bulky yarns, while
Brierley spins fine yarns.Stewart Henry, sales director, Gardiner, showed cotton chenille yarns and
Shetland wool twisted with cotton chenille. The twisted yarns are colorful and bulky. They are
selling well to the sweater industry. Lambs wool, melange and silk nep yarns are other heavy
sampling yarns. Luxury WoolsItalian spinner Zegna Baruffa has three distinct lines. The
Baruffa line has innovative, quality yarns. The B-Active line includes high-tech specialty yarns.
B-Exclusive has luxury yarns, featuring super-fine cashmere from baby goats, silk, camel hair and
baby alpaca.For Fall 2002, popular yarns in the Baruffa line include pebble and flat merino yarns
that have a textured look due to shading. Merino is sometimes blended with cashmere, mohair, alpaca
or silk. Baruffa has developed a new technology it calls Spun Air to create bulky yarns that are
ultra-soft and light. It reduces the weight of the yarns by 40 to 50 percent and gives them a rich
hand and brushed look.Spun Air is also going into the B-Active line in blends with merino/nylon.
Superwash 100-percent merino wools, which are completely machine-washable and dryable, are in the
current L.L. Bean catalog. Another new yarn is Travel Wool, which is Teflon®-coated,
crease-resistant and non-pilling.Filarc, another Italian spinner, was a first-time exhibitor at
Yarn Fair. Lorella Massola, export manager, was pleased with the contacts she made at the show.
Filarc has a basic line and a higher-priced line, Manifattura Di Biella. In the basic line, there
is a lot of merino in blends with acrylic and nylon. Twisted yarns and double-dye yarns are
popular.The specialty of Manifattura Di Biella is classic and fancy yarns of precious and natural
fibers for knitwear. Alpaca/merino yarns are selling well for menswear. There are mnge yarns with
cashmere, moulines and nubbed yarns. One new development is top-treated merino. Three yarns can be
combined, knitted and then piece-dyed in fabric or garment form. Each yarn dyes differently, giving
a novel pattern effect. Fine chenilles and bouclare other yarns that are sampling well.French
spinner Saint-Lin, represented by R&M International, also mentioned the comeback of chenille,
as well as mohair bouclarns. Many of its yarns contain Lycra®. There are merino blends, tweed
effects, space-dyed yarns and multi-colored yarns. A lot of the same looks and blends are available
in several weights. Among the most popular yarns are: Cocoon a blend of acrylic/wool/nylon/Lycra;
Forban a blend of acrylic/wool/mohair; and Lolita and Iceberg blends of acrylic/wool/nylon.Himiesa,
a Spanish company represented by Yarn Mavens, has a basic line and a fancy line. The basic line
contains fine-gauge classic yarns in acrylic fibers and blends. There are twisted yarns and a lot
of stretch. The fancy line features novelty bouclin wool/nylon/acrylic that are spun in graduated
colors, brushed merino, smooth yarns and fluffy elastic yarns.Vilarrasa of Spain, represented by
Florence Textiles, is a specialist in cotton/acrylic open-end yarns for circular knitting.
High-bulk acrylic yarns and cotton/acrylic twisted with polyester or nylon metallic yarns are some
of the novelties. One popular yarn is a cotton/linen/viscose blend. Indigo yarns are selling for
flat and circular knitting. Techno Yarns From GermanyThere was a large contingent of German
spinners. Kock Spinnerei opened an office in New York City Spinnkock USA earlier this year. The
company specializes in technical yarns for industrial textiles, advanced clothing, transportation
and home fabrics. High-flame-retardant yarns spun with Trevira CS are selling to specialty apparel
areas such as clothing for fire fighters and race car drivers. Nomex®, Kevlar® and Outlast® are
other high-tech yarns in this line.Schoeller showed cotton staple ring-spun, open-end and core-spun
yarns. Most of its yarns go into woven sportswear, knitted underwear and T-shirts or rugs. Some are
blended with Modal® or elastane. There are core-spun yarns of high-tenacity filament polyester
covered with cotton.Schlafhorst, Germany, a member of the Saurer Group, provided information on
services offered and information about its Belcoro quality standards program. Yarns and fabrics
that have been successfully tested receive the Belcoro certification. Separate tests are conducted
for cotton, synthetic and blended yarns; and for knitting and weaving yarns. Fabric testing is done
according to product category.Schlafhorsts yarn and fabric research and development program is
conducted in cooperation with Lenzing. Generally, it is conducted on an individual basis with each
customer.CNS, a Montreal-based spinner represented by Yarn Mavens, produces cotton and blended
yarns for knitting, hosiery and sweaters. Recently, the company added weaving yarns to its product
mix. Inexpensive novelty yarns are developed on an exclusive basis with each customer. Boucl44;
crepe and fancy twisted yarns are in demand.Ronile, Rocky Mount, Va., an integrated manufacturer of
space-dyed and polypropylene yarns, sells to both knitting and weaving trades. Its yarns go into
fabrics for apparel, crafts and the home. The contract carpet market forms its core business.
Ronile is selling chenille in the United States for both apparel and home fabrics.Novelty yarns in
rayon and blends are the focus at New York City-based Globus Mercantile Co. Inc. Ronald Osborne
noted that Tencel®, Modal and MicroModal® are currently selling very well. Siro core-spun yarns of
rayon/Lycra are another best seller. Siro spun yarns have the look of filament yarns with low pill.
Currently they are selling to Liz Claiborne and Adidas. Silky, fine yarns; high-twist crepe yarns
and heathers were mentioned. Recycled Cotton WasteJimtex Yarns announced that its new plant,
opening this fall in Lincolnton, Ga., will have twice the capacity of the Woodruff, S.C., facility,
which was destroyed by fire last March
(See News, TI, this issue). The company spins coarse-count, open-end singles and plied
yarns from recycled and pre-dyed fiber. Yarns are bleached, solid, tweeded or heathered. Major
apparel end-uses include sweaters and socks. Right now, we are looking for textile waste, said
Stefanie Zeldin. There is an increasing demand for our product.

Jimtex is the only U.S. manufacturer exclusively dedicated to producing recycled, open-end,
cotton-blend yarns for apparel, upholstery and crafts.

Sylvie Tastemain, fashion director for Expofil, presented color, yarn and fabric trends for
Spring/Summer 2003 that will be shown in December at Expofil in Paris. Her overall theme is
NatureandArtifacts. What is natural and what is artificial are becoming blurred, she said. Natural
is taking on a synthetic look, artificial is feeling more natural.Colors with a natural ambiance
warm neutrals, green shades and vegetable tones are mixed or contrasted with intense brights.
Tastemain mentioned fabrics and treatments that have a dry hand or a wet look. There are ribs,
weathered finishes and polished surfaces. Ethnic contrasts with classic, sophisticated with rustic.

November 2001

Carlos Moore Speaks To Atlanta Textile Club

Carlos Moore Speaks To Atlanta Textile ClubThe serious ills afflicting the U.S. textile industry over the past several years can be traced specifically to the Asian financial crisis better known as the Asian Flu that began in 1997, Carlos Moore, executive vice president of the American Textile Manufacturers Institute (ATMI), told a meeting of the Atlanta Textile Club in late September.The U.S. textile industry, after showing signs of increased profits and production into the late 1990s, has suffered mightily since 1998.From 1992 through 1997, textile mill shipments hit new records every year, culminating in a still-record $83.9 billion in 1997. As the industry emerged from the downturn of the early 1990s, textile corporate profits hit a record $2.1 billion in 1992 and remained strong through 1998, Moore said.The devaluation of Asian currencies in 1997-98 and the resulting collapse of demand in Asia have combined to drive prices for Asian textile and apparel products to artificially low levels, Moore continued. This has caused a flood of low-priced Asian imports into the U.S. market. Consequently, textile imports from Asia have increased 80 percent since 1996. A strong U.S. dollar policy has contributed to an unprecedented three-year period of deflationary price cuts for U.S. textile products.Additionally, he said, the terrorist attacks of September 11 and the resulting economic uncertainty have cast a further cloud of apprehension about the immediate future.This is a test of survival for our industry, he said, but there are things we can do.First of all, U.S. textile companies should take advantage of opportunities presented by the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI), Moore said. In addition, dyeing and finishing of products need to continue in the United States, although CBI legislation is still unclear about that issue.As well, the U.S. government needs to make federal loan guarantees available as has been done with other industries. And, finally, Moore said the industry must do its best to ensure the government does the industry no further harm through its trade negotiations and policy making.By Jim Phillips, Executive EditorNovember 2001

Nylstar Opens North American Nylon Production Facility

Italy-based Nylstar has opened a state-of-the-art, $50-million production facility in Martinsville,
Va.The new plant can produce up to 50 million pounds per year of 15- to 200-denier nylon yarns.
Nylstar will manufacture many of its specialty Meryl® brand fully-oriented (FOY) and
partially-oriented yarns (POY) at the site
(See Quality Fabric Of The Month, TI, May 2001).Brand-new texturing and spinning machinery
for the plant was supplied by Germany-based Barmag AG. Nylstar sent 47 supervisors and line workers
to its French, Spanish and Italian locations to train on similar types of machines.At peak
operation, the 300,000-square-foot plant will employ 250 workers and operate 24 hours a day, seven
days a week.From having the most modern Barmag machines available, to training employees overseas,
to being CBI- and NAFTA-compliant, we set out for this plant to do one thing, and that is to
demonstrate to fabric and apparel manufacturers in the United States, Canada and Mexico that we are
committed to nylon in North America. In other words, were committed to their business like no other
yarn producer in the world, said Dina Dunn, vice president of marketing for Nylstars North American
operations, Greensboro, N.C.

November 2001

Berkshire Hathaway To Acquire Fruit Of The Loom39 S Apparel Business

CHICAGO and OMAHA, Neb., Nov. 1 /PRNewswire/ — Fruit of the Loom, Ltd.(OTC Bulletin Board: FTLAQ), Fruit of the Loom, Inc. (collectively the”Company”) and Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (brK.A, brK.B) announced that they andcertain of their respective subsidiaries have executed a definitive agreementtoday (the “Purchase Agreement”) for New FOL Inc., a Berkshire subsidiary, toacquire substantially all of the Company’s basic apparel business operationsat a purchase price of $835 million in cash, subject to adjustments. Thepurchase price is subject to significant reduction for certain liabilities aswell as adjustment upward or downward depending on working capital levels.New FOL will assume the ordinary course post-petition liabilities and certainspecified pre-petition liabilities of the business. Warren E. Buffett, Chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, said, “We’ve agreed tobuy Fruit of the Loom for two major reasons: the strength of the brand andthe managerial talent of John Holland.” John B. Holland, Chief Operating Officer of Fruit of the Loom, said,”Fruit is excited to become part of the Berkshire Hathaway family ofcompanies. Berkshire’s acquisition will complete the Company’s tremendousoperational turnaround and pave the way for emergence from Chapter 11.” The Company is currently operating as a debtor-in-possession pursuant toits Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing currently pending before the United StatesBankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (the “Bankruptcy Court”). Ascontemplated by the Purchase Agreement, the Company will seek approval of theBankruptcy Court to conduct an auction whereby higher and better offers topurchase the business may be considered. The closing under the PurchaseAgreement will be effectuated pursuant to an amendment to, and confirmationof, the Company’s Joint Plan of Reorganization and is subject to completion ofthe auction, and other conditions set forth in the Purchase Agreement. Theproceeds from the sale will be distributed to creditors pursuant to theCompany’s plan of reorganization and under the oversight and procedures of theBankruptcy Court. The Company’s decision to enter into the Purchase Agreement is supportedby the Unofficial Secured Bank Steering Committee, the Steering Committee ofthe Informal Committee of Senior Secured Noteholders, and the OfficialCommittee of Unsecured Creditors of the Company. Fruit of the Loom and Berkshire presently expect the closing to occur inthe first quarter of 2002.SOURCE Fruit of the Loom, Ltd. and Berkshire Hathaway Inc.Copyright © 1996-2001 PR Newswire Association Inc.

India Aims At Global Role In Textiles

INDIA AIMS AT GLOBAL ROLE IN TEXTILESWith the ambitious theme Roadmap to Global Supremacy, the Textile Association of India is staging its 57th annual textile conference in the city of Chandigarh on Nov. 24-25. The venue is at the heart of the Northern Indian textile industry.Conference organizer Dr. Sanjay Gupta, of the National Institute of Fashion Technology in New Delhi, said the event would focus on the Indian industrys strengths — including its vast fiber base, abundant and low-cost skilled labor force, large and diversified textile infrastructure, huge (and growing) domestic market, and manufacturing flexibility.But among competitive weaknesses also being pinpointed were the “considerable lag in production technology,” slow pace of modernization, shortage of capital, lack of indigenous research and development, low productivity, inadequate training, and over dependence on cotton. “The elimination of quotas by Jan. 1, 2005, is further likely to generate intense worldwide competition, both in India and abroad,” Dr Gupta says. “An integrated strategy to increase the competitive strengths and remove the competitive weaknesses is an essential part, therefore, of any game plan to attain global supremacy.”November 2001

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