Supreme Nonwoven Inc. Invests $25.8 Million In North Carolina Facility

Raleigh, N.C.-based Supreme Nonwoven Inc., a manufacturer of advanced nonwoven materials and products, will invest $25.8 million to establish its first U.S. manufacturing facility in Lexington, North Carolina.

The more than 200,000-square-foot facility will support technical collaboration and customized material development for North American customers in apparel, automotive, filtration and industrial markets.

“Our decision to establish this facility in North Carolina reflects a long-term commitment to serving the U.S. market with locally manufactured nonwoven materials,” said Amit Kavrie, managing director of Supreme Group, Supreme Nonwoven’s India-based parent company.

Average annual wages for the new positions will be $55,800, above Davidson County’s average of $54,395. The jobs could generate an annual regional payroll impact of $2.79 million.


2026 Quarterly Issue III

Thomas Jefferson University Announces The New College Of Fashion And Textiles

Philadelphia-based Thomas Jefferson University established the College of Fashion and Textiles this summer as part of a restructuring of its Kanbar College of Design, Engineering and Commerce.

The new college will offer undergraduate and graduate programs in fashion design, fashion merchandising and management, textile design and textile technology, as well as a doctoral program in textile engineering and sciences. Students will remain in their current programs without changes to curriculum, faculty or advising.

“Rooted in our legacy as the nation’s first textile school and strengthened by our internationally recognized fashion programs, the College creates a dynamic, collaborative environment where creativity, innovation and purpose converge,” said Marcia Weiss, dean of the College of Fashion and Textiles.

Thomas Jefferson University also will create the College of Business and the College of Architecture, Design and Engineering.


2026 Quarterly Issue III

Burlington Celebrates Commissioning Of State-Of-The-Art Dyehouse

The commissioning ceremony (l to r): NC Rep Garland  Pierce, County Commissioners Chairman James Leach, County Commissioner Mary Blue McCollum, Raeford Mayor John McNeill, Elevate CEO Jeffrey P Pritchett, US Rep Richard Hudson, Burlington President Guy Lucas, and Raeford Plant Manager Keith Mims.
Charlotte, N.C.-based Burlington Industries, a U.S. manufacturer of advanced textile solutions, celebrated the commissioning of a modernized dyehouse at its Raeford, N.C. operation. The investment supports domestic textile production and the company’s military-uniform supply programs.

The Raeford facility produces specialized fabrics for military dress uniforms and is the only U.S. manufacturer producing those fabrics domestically. It supplies dress-uniform programs for the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy and Space Force.

“Our dyehouse investment demonstrates our confidence in the Raeford operation, our employees and the critical role this facility plays in supporting those who protect our freedoms,” said Jeffrey P. Pritchett, CEO of Elevate Textiles, Burlington’s parent company.

Burlington President Guy Lucas said the modernized dyehouse equips employees with technology to sustain the site’s more than 70-year legacy. “This new state-of-the-art dyehouse is an investment in our future, but it is also an investment in our people,” Lucas said.


2026 Quarterly Issue III

Reju Opens First U.S. Research And Development Center

Reju opens its first U.S. Research & Development Center in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, accelerating the path from circular innovation to industrial-scale textile regeneration.
Paris-based Reju, a textile-to-textile materials regeneration company, has opened a research and development center in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, its first dedicated North American research facility.

Located within Technip Energies’ Advanced Materials and Catalysts Research Center, the facility will support development and validation of recycling technologies for Reju’s future Regeneration Hubs. Its work will span polyester recycling, mixed-fabric solutions and new circular chemistry pathways, from early-stage feasibility through kilo-scale production.

The center also marks the relocation of Reju’s core research team from IBM’s Almaden Research Center in San Jose, California, where its VolCat depolymerization technology was developed. VolCat is a catalytic chemical recycling process that breaks polyester into reusable raw materials.

“I am excited to be joining such an innovative company and to be part of the team moving the technology toward industrialization,” said Gregory Breyta, Reju’s director of research and development.

Reju’s global infrastructure includes Regeneration Hub Zero in Frankfurt, Germany, and planned hubs in Sittard, Netherlands; Lacq, France; and Rochester, New York.


2026 Quarterly Issue III

CovationBio Introduces Sorona Elasterell-p Fiber

Newark, Del.-based Covation Biomaterials LLC, doing business as CovationBio, has introduced Sorona elasterell-p fiber, its first branded fiber and first U.S.-produced bicomponent stretch fiber.

Made with partially plant-based Sorona polymer, the fiber provides durable stretch and shape retention without elastane. It is designed for apparel applications requiring stretch and recovery, including activewear, athleisure, workwear and uniforms.

“Sorona elasterell-p fiber is our first branded fiber,” said Steven Ackerman, CovationBio CEO. “With the introduction of Sorona elasterell-p fiber, we’re pairing our reputation for trusted performance and sustainability benefits with a new stretch solution built for what brands need next.”

The fiber is commercially available in the United States and Latin America through regional distribution partner Mercados Internacionales, which will provide local inventory and customer service.

Sorona polymer is used in apparel, home goods and carpeting to add softness, stretch, durability and warm breathability.


2026 Quarterly Issue III

Rieter: Barmag Integration On Track

Winterthur, Switzerland-based Rieter reported that integration of Barmag, its Man-Made Fiber Division, is on track following their completion of the company’s largest acquisition. The expanded group is now positioned as a system supplier for processing natural and man-made fibers and expects at least CHF 20 million in synergies by the end of 2028.

Rieter also entered a strategic partnership with Recycling Powerhouse to industrialize, standardize and scale textile recycling. Rieter will contribute expertise in tearing textile waste and spinning short fibers to support development of scalable circular solutions.

First-half order intake increased 56% year over year to CHF 554.1 million, including CHF 261.3 million from Barmag. Sales rose 72% to CHF 576.7 million, and the June 30 order backlog totaled approximately CHF 760 million.

Rieter confirmed its 2026 outlook for sales of CHF 1.3 billion to CHF 1.5 billion and an operating EBIT margin of 0% to 3%.


2026 Quarterly Issue III

Cotton Incorporated Advances “Plant Not Plastic” Message

©2025 Steve Makowski Studio LLC | http://stevemakowskistudio.com
Cary, N.C.-based Cotton Incorporated expanded its education efforts, helping the textile industry and consumers understand the benefits of natural fibers and cotton’s role in discussions about microplastics, sustainability, circularity and textile waste.

Cotton Incorporated reported that 41% of U.S. consumers are aware of microplastics pollution, compared with 17% in 2017. In addition, 59% said they are likely to seek clothing made with microplastic-free fibers. A recent industry survey found that 67% of textile professionals said their companies are taking, or plan to take, action to reduce microplastics pollution.

“Our research shows that consumers are paying closer attention to what products are made from and how those materials align with their values,” said Bev Sylvester, chief marketing officer at Cotton Incorporated. “Cotton comes from a plant, not plastic.”

Programming included educational videos, CottonWorks resources, webinars, digital communications, tradeshow activations and consumer education initiatives.


2026 Quarterly Issue III

Morito Scovill Americas Acquires Edward Segal Inc.

Clarkesville, Ga.-based Morito Scovill Americas has acquired Edward Segal Inc., a U.S. manufacturer of eyelet, grommet, rivet and snap-fastener attaching machines, as well as custom automated assembly systems.

Edward Segal will join Morito Scovill Americas while retaining its existing team and customer relationships. The acquisition expands Morito Scovill Americas’ manufacturing, sourcing and operational capabilities for apparel and specialty-market customers.

“This acquisition represents an important strategic step for Morito Scovill Americas,” said Shane McEntyre, chief sales officer. “Together, we will be even better positioned to serve our customers.”

Edward Segal President David Segal said: “Morito Scovill Americas’ investment in growth will allow us to stay true to the values that have defined Edward Segal Inc. for generations.”

Edward Segal is based in Thomaston, Conn.


2026 Quarterly Issue III

Nester Hosiery Awarded U.S. Military Sock Contracts

Mount Airy, N.C.-based Nester Hosiery has been awarded three-year contracts for the U.S. Army Cold Weather Sock Program and U.S. Marine Corps Intense Cold Weather Sock Program, following novation from Fox River.

Nester will serve as provider of record for the Army program and supply the Marine Corps program. The company manufactures high-performance Merino wool socks designed, engineered and produced in the United States.

The awards reinforce Nester’s position as a provider of Berry Amendment- compliant cold-weather and performance sock systems for the U.S. military.

“These two major awards reflect the trust placed in our team, our domestic manufacturing capabilities, and our long-standing commitment to delivering premium performance products to the warfighter,” said Kelly Nester, CEO.

The company’s military programs are supported by North Carolina manufacturing, advanced knitting technology and technical product-development expertise.


2026 Quarterly Issue III

EFI Reggiani And Danitech Announce Agreement For Mezzera Textile Finishing Machinery

Bergamo, Italy-based EFI Reggiani and Danitech Group have entered a multiyear licensing and manufacturing agreement covering Mezzera and Jaeggli textile finishing machinery.

Danitech gains global rights to manufacture, market, sell, install and service Mezzera machinery, including washing and bleaching lines, singeing machines, jiggers and Jaeggli yarn mercerizing lines. New equipment will be marketed as “Mezzera by Danitech.” EFI Reggiani will continue service and spare-parts support for the existing installed base, while Danitech will manage lifecycle support for new machines.

“Our selection of Danitech as global manufacturing partner for the Mezzera range reflects our commitment to safeguarding the brand’s longstanding reputation for quality and performance,” said Vincenzo Marino, vice president and general manager of textile at EFI Reggiani.

Danitech will use Italian and Chinese manufacturing capabilities and Greater China sales rights to expand its market reach, particularly in Asia.


2026 Quarterly Issue III

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