Greentown Go Build 2023 With Saint-Gobain Announces Startup Cohort

SOMERVILLE, Mass./HOUSTON, Texas — January 9, 2024 — Greentown Labs, a climatetech incubator in North America, and Saint-Gobain, a multinational manufacturer and distributor of materials and services for the construction and industrial markets, announced six startup participants for Greentown Go Build 2023 — a Greentown Go program focused on accelerating startup-corporate partnerships to advance circularity and decarbonize the built environment.

Innovation in the building sector is critical to achieving decarbonization, as the sector is responsible for 40 percent of global greenhouse-gas emissions. To change this, we need innovations that reinvent how buildings and their materials are planned, built, sourced, and managed. That’s why Greentown and Saint-Gobain partnered to launch Go Build 2023, which specifically sought innovations to extend product life cycles, find alternative raw materials, and enable technologies for waste revalorization.

After a highly competitive selection and deliberation process that saw more than 100 applicants from 27 countries, a cohort of six cutting-edge startup participants was selected:

  • Active Surfaces, Salem, Mass., develops an ultra-lightweight, flexible solar technology for the built environment.
  • Carbon Upcycling Technologies, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, is a circular-decarbonization solution for hard-to-abate industries utilizing low-purity industrial CO2 and industrial byproducts to decarbonize cement.
  • Endeavor Composites Inc., Knoxville, Tenn., intercepts landfill-destined post-industrial fibers and sustainably repurposes them into semi-finished goods for the composite industry.
  • Hempitecture, Ketchum, Idaho, manufactures and distributes biobased building materials, including a low-embodied-carbon insulation.
  • Puro Renewables, Miami Beach, Fla., upcycles carbon-negative biowaste for use in reducing the amount of fossil-fuel-based resin and carbon footprint in typical plastic products.
  • ZS2 Technologies, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, creates magnesium-based advanced building products that can store up to one-fifth of their weight in CO2 via a proprietary carbon-capture technology.

Selected startups will work closely with Saint-Gobain over six months to explore potential collaborations, including investment opportunities, development partnerships, and commercial partnerships. Throughout the program, startups will benefit from mentorship, networking opportunities, educational workshops, and partnership-focused programming to support collaboration. Participants will also receive desk space and membership at Greentown for the duration of the program.

Saint-Gobain is a longtime, dedicated partner of Greentown and its startup community. The company has made many science-based climate commitments, including reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, eliminating its production of waste that isn’t recovered, and excising non-recyclable raw materials. This is the third Greentown Go program partnership between Greentown and Saint-Gobain, following successful buildings-focused accelerators in 2019 and 2021 — results from those programs can be found at https://greentownlabs.com/where-are-they-now-celebrating-the-innovate-2019-startups-achievements/ and https://greentownlabs.com/healthy-buildings-challenge-startups-announce-pilot-projects-demonstration-and-more-with-saint-gobain/

“At Saint-Gobain, our commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050 is rooted in a long history of reducing our environmental impact and it’s also a true demonstration of our purpose, Making the World a Better Home,” said Basma Kharrat, vice president, external venturing, Saint-Gobain. “We look forward to working collaboratively with the Go Build finalists to help move sustainable practices forward while learning about current trends and future opportunities for a more sustainable built environment.”

Greentown Labs runs Greentown Go programs across five tracks: Go Make (manufacturing), Go Move (transportation), Go Energize (energy and electricity), Go Build (buildings), and Go Grow (food and agriculture). These startup-corporate partnerships programs challenge the status quo within each key greenhouse-gas-emitting sector as they accelerate partnerships between industry giants and innovators.

“Fostering mutually beneficial partnerships between corporates and startups is an essential piece of the work we do at Greentown Labs to help deploy new climatetech solutions and accelerate our collective decarbonization efforts,” said Greentown Labs CEO and President Kevin Knobloch. “Saint-Gobain is an exemplary partner in the Greentown Labs community, and we can’t wait to see the fruitful relationships and engagements that will undoubtedly result from this program.”

The Go Build 2023 cohort will participate in continuous mentoring and three workshops with Saint-Gobain, culminating in a showcase event in spring 2024 at Greentown’s Boston location.

Posted: January 9, 2024

Source: Greentown Labs

Pure Hockey Expands Footprint With Acquisition Of Behind The Mask

Pure Hockey is the largest hockey equipment retailer in the United States, with over 70 retail locations.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.  — January 9, 2024 — Pure Hockey — a retailer of hockey equipment, apparel, and accessories — is excited to announce its latest expansion through the acquisition of Behind the Mask, which has three locations in Arizona. This strategic move marks Pure Hockey’s first entry into the Arizona market and underscores the company’s commitment to serving the needs of hockey players across the United States.

As a recognized leader in the hockey retail industry, Pure Hockey’s acquisition of Behind the Mask represents a significant step in the company’s continued growth trajectory. With this acquisition, Pure Hockey now operates an impressive network of 77 retail locations across 25 states nationwide, further solidifying its position as the go-to destination for hockey players, coaches, and fans.

“We are thrilled to welcome Behind the Mask into the Pure Hockey family,” said David Nectow, CEO of Pure Hockey. “This expansion is not only a testament to the growing popularity of hockey but also a reflection of our unwavering commitment to providing the highest quality products and exceptional service to the hockey community. We’re excited to establish our presence in Arizona and look forward to serving the needs of the local hockey community.”

“We are very excited to find an acquisition partner in Pure Hockey. As the industry leader, Pure Hockey provides an exceptional retail experience that our customers have come to expect from Behind the Mask. This is outstanding news for our customers, and we can’t wait to begin this new journey with the Pure Hockey family,” said Randy Exelby, owner of Behind the Mask.

Behind the Mask has three locations in Arizona, with a freestanding location in the vibrant hockey community of Scottsdale, AZ, and locations within AZ Ice Peoria and AZ Ice Gilbert. Behind the Mask brings a dedicated customer base and a reputation for excellent customer service. The store’s integration into Pure Hockey’s extensive retail network will provide customers with an even broader selection of hockey equipment, training tools, apparel, and accessories, backed by Pure Hockey’s renowned expertise and dedication to the sport. Whether customers are seasoned players, beginners, or passionate fans, they can expect to find a comprehensive range of products to meet their needs, supported by Pure Hockey’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

Pure Hockey’s commitment to excellence extends beyond its retail operations. The company actively supports local youth hockey programs, leagues, and teams, fostering growth and development at the grassroots level. By establishing a physical presence in Arizona, Pure Hockey aims to strengthen its community engagement efforts and contribute to the overall advancement of hockey in the state.

A Grand Opening event celebrating the newest Pure Hockey locations will be held later this year. For more information about Pure Hockey and its growing retail presence, please visit www.purehockey.com.

Posted: January 9, 2024

Source: Pure Hockey

Epson Innovation Transforms Artisan Apparel Creation With Compact, Versatile And Intelligently Designed Direct-To-Garment Printer

LOS ALAMITOS, Calif.  — January 9, 2024 — Expanding the solutions available to the printed apparel market, Epson today announced a new SureColor® F-Series direct-to-garment (DTG) printer. Designed to open new doors for garment decorators, entrepreneurs, artisan businesses, and print service providers, the versatile entry-level printer is purpose-built for a range of DTG and direct-to-film (DTFilm) printing applications. The hybrid printer combines outstanding image quality, easy operation and flexible performance in one space-saving package to allow designers to spend more time creating. It will be on display at Impressions Expo in Long Beach, Calif., from January 19-21 in Epson’s booth, #2233.

“Traditionally, DTG printers have been designed for professional print shops – larger models that are difficult for smaller, entry-level artisans to obtain and integrate into their existing workflows,” said Lily Hunter, product manager, Professional Imaging, Epson America. “Epson has taken the best of its DTG technology and distilled it into this compact, cost-effective printer, ideal for entrepreneurs and creative professionals looking to bring their unique designs to life.”

Designed to open new doors for garment decorators, entrepreneurs and artisan businesses, the SureColor F1070 direct-to-garment printer is an entry-level printer purpose-built for a range of DTG and direct-to-film (DTFilm) printing applications and expands the solutions available to the printed apparel market by combining outstanding image quality, easy operation and flexible performance in one space-saving package.

Engineered for both DTG and DTFilm printing, the hybrid SureColor printer addresses the growth of businesses that are looking to provide customized goods and t-shirts. The unit features an innovative enclosed design with transparent viewing panels to enhance the printing process, and DTFilm printing capability allows users to go beyond traditional garment printing and transfer personalized designs to a wider variety of materials, including uniquely shaped items, to further customize product offerings.

“The new compact SureColor hybrid DTG printer is designed to create new opportunities for businesses, giving them the ability to break into the garment decorating market,” Hunter said.

More about the SureColor F1070

Featuring a PrecisionCore® MicroTFP® printhead with Nozzle Verification Technology and next-generation UltraChrome® DG2 ink with CMYK+Wh, the new SureColor DTG printer reliably delivers vibrant colors and incredible detail. White ink prints on dark garments for enhanced clarity and photographic print quality, and a cartridge-free ink pack system reduces ink replacement frequency to support productivity.

Additionally, the new SureColor DTG printer features automatic garment height adjustment, with the ability to print on a variety of fabric up to 1-inch thick. Robust Epson Garment Creator 2 software supports DTG and DTFilm job creation to bring creative ideas to life and leave a lasting impression for small businesses and independent print shops. Additional features include:

  • Elegant, compact design – Inspired by award-winning designers, showcases a minimalist exterior with a captivating view of the precise printing process
  • Intuitive touchscreen menu for effortless use – Features large icons and animated instructions for user-friendly navigation
  • Low maintenance – Automated fabric head wiper system
  • Epson Garment Creator 2 software – Compatible with Windows® and macOS®, intuitive software features fast processing time and high-resolution processing for exceptionally detailed and vibrant prints
  • Epson Cloud Solution PORT®1 – Provides live production monitoring, reporting and job cost accounting
  • Purpose-built and supported by Epson – Designed for use exclusively with Epson ink packs2; includes 1-year limited warranty; extended service plans available

Availability

The SureColor F1070 (MSRP $7,495) will be available for pre-orders in February and will begin shipping to customers in May 2024 through Epson Authorized Professional Imaging Resellers. For more information on the SureColor F1070, visit https://www.epson.com/p/SCF1070SE.

1 All features of this system require an active Internet connection and the use of a supported browser.

2 This product uses only genuine Epson-brand ink packs. Other brands of ink packs and ink supplies are not compatible and, even if described as compatible, may not function properly or at all.

Posted: January 9, 2024

Source: Epson America, Inc.

Ligne Roset, French High-End Contemporary Furniture Company, Announces Commitment Procuring A Portion Of Mycoworks’ New Production Capacity For Reishi™

UNION, S.C.  — January 9, 2024 — Ligne Roset, the high-end French furniture company known for iconic pieces such as the Togo, has announced to procure a significant portion of the production capacity for the luxury biomaterial Reishi™ from biotechnology company MycoWorks’ new full-scale plant. For the first time, MycoWorks is able to offer high-volume production capacity of Reishi to its luxury clientele after the grand-opening of their 136,000 square foot (footprint) facility in October. The luxury sector has eagerly awaited this scale-up in order to incorporate Reishi into collections. For Ligne Roset, the volumes investment will be used to begin implementing and manufacturing products in Ligne Roset’s collections. The esteemed design house will begin to integrate Reishi into products soon to be available on the market. This announcement comes after months of testing Reishi in Ligne Roset’s product lineup after their top management showed strong interest in MycoWorks technology.

Courtesy of MycoWorks.

With more than 80 protective patents, Fine Mycelium engineers mycelium cells during growth to form proprietary, interlocking cellular structures for unparalleled strength and durability. A breakthrough in materials science, supply chain management and biotechnology, Fine Mycelium refers to both MycoWorks’ proprietary process and to a new category of materials used in the fashion, footwear, automotive and decor industries that are exclusive to MycoWorks. Grown-to-spec, Fine Mycelium can be customized for thickness, weight and mechanical properties, allowing for an unprecedented level of control of a natural material. The technology’s flagship product Reishi, is a biomaterial similar to leather with unparalleled hand-feel, strength and durability yet remains environmentally low-impact.

Dedicated to environmental stewardship in the French business sector, Ligne Roset is entering a new era of sustainable design by reserving high-volumes of MycoWorks’ hallmark luxury material Reishi. In August, the furniture company announced its plans to incorporate new lower-impact materials like Reishi in applications across its products. Ligne Roset is actively participating in the materials revolution happening among French heritage companies searching for the most responsible avenues to grow their offerings while maintaining exceptional quality. As both Ligne Roset’s and MycoWorks’ cultures are rooted in innovation and craftsmanship, this partnership is a natural fit.

“Taking care to work with top-grade materials that are as good for people and for our environment as possible has been part of the company and family’s ethos for generations,” says Antoine Roset, CEO of Ligne Roset. “Our partnership with MycoWorks furthers our commitment to ethical and sustainable development with the high-end quality we’re known for, leaning into innovation and the opportunity to redefine the legacy of Made in France design.”

For MycoWorks, the partnership with Ligne Roset has enabled the biotechnology company to refine their proprietary technology, Fine Mycelium, into further applications. Furniture design and interiors represent approximately 10 percent of the global leather and synthetic leather market. Fine-tuning Reishi to meet the performance standards demanded from high-end upholstery and furniture design has meant holding the luxurious handfeel constant while adjusting for flexibility, strength and durability to maintain the biomaterial’s longevity with wear.

“MycoWorks is ecstatic to join Ligne Roset on its journey to bring innovations to the furniture industry, and to deliver Reishi according to Ligne Roset’s commitments to excellence and durability. The opening of our full-scale production facility in Union, SC this past fall will enable us to bring this to fruition and soon allow many the chance to own an incredible feat of innovation: Ligne Roset products made with Reishi” said Senior Vice President of Sales Fred Martel.

Posted: January 9, 2024

Source: MycoWorks

Bio Knit: A Biodegradable Tension Fabric For OOH Advertising

K&R Solutions Group

SALT LAKE CITY — January 9, 2024 — After two years of testing, K&R Solutions Group has launched Bio Knit, its latest dye sublimation fabric.

The biodegradable tension fabric is in stock and will be used for printed airport advertising throughout the Unites States and Caribbean in 2024.

Polyester is the industry standard for dye sublimation and SEG because it can withstand the rigors of manufacturing, shipping, and installation. However, polyester fibers can persist in the natural environment for hundreds of years.

Bio Knit, by contrast, will biodegrade in a natural environment at the same rate as a non-synthetic fiber such as wool. Thanks to advancements in textile technology, the fabric maintains the durability of polyester.

K&R Solutions Group

“Recycled content has a lot of baggage. Materials in the recycling stream are transported multiple times and heavily processed to become usable again,” said Audrey Peebles, director of Project Management. “K&R is approaching environmental impact from another angle. How can we work with nature and still manufacture products that perform in the real world? Biodegradable technology is our answer.”

Bio Knit is designed to work with natural processes once its useful life is complete, breaking down 15 times faster than polyester.

The price point is uniquely competitive. “Bio Knit pricing aligns with our other dye sublimation materials. There is no cost premium for the sustainability benefit,” said Rhett Sears, COO.

K&R Solutions Group was founded in 2019 by a trio of industry experts in airport and OOH (Out of Home) advertising production. We are a proven partner that produces and installs printed tension fabric, SEG graphics, and lightboxes. In 2024, we redefined sustainability in our industry by introducing Bio Knit, the first-ever biodegradable dye sublimation fabric.

Posted: January 9, 2024

Source: K&R Solutions Group

Lectra Announces The Acquisition Of The Majority Of The Capital Of Launchmetrics

PARIS — January 9, 2024 — Lectra announces the signature of an agreement to acquire the majority of the capital and voting rights of the American company Launchmetrics.

As a major player in the fashion, automotive and furniture markets, Lectra contributes to the Industry 4.0 revolution by providing software, cutting equipment, data analytics solutions and associated services to brands, manufacturers and retailers.

Founded in 2015, Launchmetrics develops and sells an innovative cloud-based SaaS platform, composed of seven modules, dedicated to brand performance, for marketing and communications professionals in the Fashion, Lifestyle and Beauty markets.

In a complex and constantly changing environment — the boom in artificial intelligence usage, development of multi-channel distribution, emergence of new consumer behaviors, and changing regulatory and CSR constraints — brands must create a strong identity, develop a differentiating position to gain visibility, and optimize the identification and retention of consumers.

To support their customers during the launch of collections and at all key moments of communication with their ecosystem, Launchmetrics has developed a cloud-based platform which — by harnessing aggregated marketing data — enables its customers to orchestrate the launch of their brand campaigns, precisely measure their effectiveness, and maximize their return on investment.

Launchmetrics is a world-renowned technology company with an unparalleled marketing data asset in the Fashion, Lifestyle and Beauty markets, thanks to its mastery of Industry 4.0 technologies such as data, the cloud, and, in particular, artificial intelligence.

In 2023, Launchmetrics’ revenues are expected to be around 45 million dollars — including more than 40 million dollars in recurring revenues — and an adjusted EBITDA of around 5 million dollars generated from close to 1,700 customers in around 20 countries, including prestigious fashion brands.

“Launchmetrics wanted to join forces with the Lectra Group in order to accelerate the development of its offering on a global scale, alongside a fashion technology leader,” declares Michael Jaïs, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Launchmetrics. “The alliance of Launchmetrics and Lectra will enable us to enrich our respective offers with even more artificial intelligence and complementary data — both product and marketing — to provide our customers with a unique value proposition.”

“This acquisition naturally fits with Lectra’s approach to expanding its presence in the Fashion market, by covering additional strategic links of its customers’ value chain. Combining our existing solutions with those of Launchmetrics establishes the Group as the only technological actor to support its customers from product development to production, then from collection management to marketing, e-commerce, and traceability,” adds Daniel Harari, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Lectra. “After seven acquisitions over the past six years, this new strategic step enables Lectra to continue to push the boundaries by defining a new framework for Industry 4.0 in Fashion and is fully aligned with the 2023-2025 strategic roadmap, presented in February 2023,” he concludes.

Posted: January 9, 2024

Source: Lectra

We Are Golden: Top Value Fabrics (TVF) Celebrates 50 Years In Fabric

CARMEL, IND. — January 8, 2024 — Textile supplier TVF is entering its 50th year in business. Co-founded and incorporated in Carmel, Ind., in 1974 by Dick Hanzel and Dick Leventhal as Top Value Fabrics, TVF has evolved over five decades from a few rolls of fabric on a garage folding table into a comprehensive fabric partner, a center of expertise with global connections, and a coast-to-coast logistical authority.

Tad Calahan

“In our 50-year journey, TVF’s rise has been nothing short of remarkable. We’re on a path of continued growth, excellence, and unbeatable service,” said TVF President Tad Calahan. “From humble beginnings, our dedicated team, customers, vendors, and partners have propelled us to being a leader within our industry. Looking ahead with our amazing team of employee owners, we are committed to pursuing our vision of helping our customers and our team reach their full potential.”

Throughout the year, TVF will be honoring the Golden Anniversary with celebrations, including an in-person gathering of all employees this summer, special recognition posts on social media and online, and themed events that pay tribute to employee and customers past and present.

“I’m incredibly excited to be celebrating TVF’s 50th anniversary along with its amazing team and valued customers,” Empowered Ventures President and CEO Chris Fredericks said. “TVF’s journey from privately-owned small business to an ESOP success story, and now to being the foundation for a growing employee-owned holding company, is nothing short of amazing! I’m grateful to TVF’s employee owners, and everyone who has worked for TVF in the past, for building and growing such a great business and workplace.”

You can connect to an interactive timeline on our website that highlights some of the most significant moments since our official founding on October 10, 1974. Some key dates include:

  • 1986: Spurred by growth, the company headquarters was located to 401 W. Carmel Drive in Carmel, Ind., where it remains today.
  • 1987: West Coast operations launch and current Vice President of Business Development Robert Hinsch came aboard to develop a sales and distribution to expand the company’s reach across the west coast.
  • 1993: TVF established our office and warehouse facility in Carson, Calif., where it remains today.
  • 1996-1997: Offerings expand into apparel products.
  • 2002: Vinyl offerings greatly expand with the addition of vinyl coated and vinyl laminated polyester.
  • 2006: TVF adds a print media line of fabrics.
  • 2010: TVF co-founder Dick Hanzel agrees to sell 100 percent of the business to a newly-formed employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) created by Chris Fredericks, who would be named TVF president.
  • 2017: TVF acquires California-based Pacific Coast Fabrics, increasing its home décor and print media depth.
  • 2020: Following an extensive research process, Top Value Fabrics is rebranded as TVF with the tagline “Fabric. Expertise. Delivered.”
  • 2021: Empowered Ventures, TVF’s 100-percent employee-owned holding company is launched following TVF’s successful ESOP transition.
  • 2022: Using expert insight, a comprehensively refreshed TVFinc.com is launched to deliver a more hands-on feel and showcase our full spectrum of products and industry knowledge.
  • 2023: Tad Calahan is named president of TVF. He succeeds Chris Fredericks, who turned his full attention to leading Empowered Ventures.

Posted: January 9, 2024

Source: Top Value Fabrics (TVF)

Navis TubeTex Announces Strategic Partnership With Fibroline To Revolutionize Dry Impregnation Solutions In The U.S.

LEXINGTON, N.C. — January 9, 2024 — Navis TubeTex, a provider of advanced machinery solutions, is proud to announce its strategic partnership with Fibroline, a Lyon, France-based technology, and engineering company, which developed and patented revolutionary dry impregnation technologies. The Fibroline technology can impregnate powder form materials in a controlled manor throughout porous structures. Fibroline operates four business units including medical solutions, nonwovens & textiles, technical yarns, and composite materials.

Under the terms of the partnership, Navis TubeTex and Fibroline will launch “Fibroline USA”, a unique innovation center dedicated to the promotion of Fibroline’s cutting-edge dry impregnation solutions for the U.S. market. Additionally, Navis TubeTex will be responsible for manufacturing and delivering the machinery required for U.S. customers, ensuring seamless access to Fibroline’s groundbreaking technology.

“We are thrilled to announce this strategic partnership with Fibroline,” said Will Motchar, president and CEO at Navis TubeTex. “Fibroline’s expertise in dry impregnation technology aligns seamlessly with our commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions to our customers. This collaboration further demonstrates our strategic mission to provide sustainable solutions for coating, dyeing, and impregnation.

“We believe that this partnership with Navis TubeTex and the creation of Fibroline USA will significantly enhance our reach and impact in the U.S. market,” said Jerome Ville, CEO at Fibroline. “Navis TubeTex’s reputation for excellence and commitment to innovation make them the ideal partner to introduce our dry impregnation solutions to a broader audience. We look forward to a successful collaboration that will revolutionize the industry landscape.”

This partnership between Navis TubeTex and Fibroline represents a strategic alignment of expertise and resources, poised to elevate the standards of dry impregnation solutions in the U.S. market. The companies are committed to providing customers with unparalleled support, cutting-edge technology, and a seamless experience as they embark on this transformative journey together.

Posted: January 9, 2024

Source: Navis TubeTex

SF-Filter Strengthens Market Position Through Acquisition Of Distribution Partner Hermans Brems

BACHENBÜLACH, Switzerland— January 9, 2024 — The SF-Filter Group, headquartered in Bachenbülach (Canton of Zurich), has acquired Hermans Brems NV at the beginning of the year, a former distribution partner based in Halen, Belgium. With this acquisition, the group strengthens its position as one of the leading independent distribution platforms for mobile and industrial filters in the European market and expands its presence in Belgian Flanders.

Since its founding in 1968, SF-Filter has evolved into a leading provider of filter solutions for applications in areas such as air, fuel, hydraulics, oil, and pneumatics. With a broad range and end customers, as well as resellers, the company has established itself as a relevant one-stop-shop. Under the guidance of the funds advised by the investment company Equistone, SF-Filter has been pursuing an ambitious growth strategy since 2022, aiming to continuously expand its market position as the preferred filter partner throughout Europe through further acquisitions. Just in October 2023, the group acquired Busse & Kuntze Filter GmbH, one of the most well-known full-range suppliers for industry and commerce in Germany.

Through the acquisition of the former distribution partner Hermans Brems supported by Livingstone Partners, SF-Filter gains access to customers in the attractive Flemish aftermarket. Hermans Brems’ location will continue to be operated under the current management, and the employees will be fully retained. SF-Filter will primarily provide operational support and drive the further growth of Hermans Brems by giving the distribution access to the entire range of over 140,000 filters and support in digitalization investments. Hermans Brems is among the most renowned filter specialists in Flanders and has been established in the aftermarket for mobile and industrial filtration for decades.

“We are pleased to welcome Hermans Brems, a long-standing distribution partner, into the group, strengthening our regional presence in the Flemish market,” says Daniel Infanger, CEO of the SF-Filter Group. “The acquisition marks a successful start to 2024, where we intend to continue our growth strategy through further acquisitions.”

Geert Kleynen, managing director of Hermans Brems, explained: “We look back on extremely positive experiences with the previous majority owner, HSH Invest NV. For the next stage of development, we have found an important strategic partner in SF-Filter, who has already distinguished themselves through successful collaboration in the past. By continuing our business operations from our location in Flanders, we can ensure the best possible support for our customers, now further expanded through full access to the wide range of products and services from SF-Filter.”

Posted: January 9, 2024

Source: The SF-Filter Group

Yorkshire Fabric Manufacturer, AW Hainsworth, Hires Trio Of Textile Graduates

Angela Augusto, Rachael Frame and Polly Armond in Woolstore

PUDSEY, England — January 9, 2024 — AW Hainsworth, a 240-year-old fabric manufacturer and woolen mill responsible for the look of iconic England, has hired three textile graduates from northern universities.

Angela Augusto, Rachael Frame, and Polly Armond are the newest additions to the Hainsworth team and part of the company’s future of textile expertise.

Augusto and Frame have joined the team as Technical and Innovation managers, responsible for driving innovation, product development and continuous improvement. They have recently graduated with a Masters in Textile Science from the University of Leeds and are already applying that knowledge at the mill.

Armond is a Design and Development manager joining the Replin team to create bespoke fabric designs for aviation and rail. Polly studied textiles at Manchester Metropolitan University, specializing in weaving, and is already contributing to key projects as part of the design team.

AW Hainsworth is committed to bridging the skills gap in the UK textile industry, and these recent hires are part of that pledge. The family-run, heritage textile mill is also investing significantly in UK textile innovation— ensuring continuous quality, skills and sustainability improvement to secure the firm’s future as an innovator in fabric development.

As part of this, AW Hainsworth completed the development of a UKAS-accredited, state-of-the-art laboratory in 2022 that includes a range of advanced instruments and machinery to enhance in-house testing abilities.

Amanda McLaren, managing director of AW Hainsworth, commented: “We are so pleased that Angela, Rachael and Polly have chosen to join us and excited to leverage the knowledge they all bring to their roles. All three talented graduates have settled into life at the mill seamlessly, and we are excited to see what their careers at AW Hainsworth will bring.

“It’s no secret that there’s a huge skills gap to fill in the UK textile industry, largely due to a shift away from creative education in schools and lack of new people joining the workforce. That’s why it’s essential that we hire and develop apprentices and graduates with a passion for the industry and hunger to learn.”

AW Hainsworth is a vertical textile mill that creates exquisite woollen cloth, high-performing textiles, and iconic fabrics for customers worldwide. It can process a product from raw fibre to finished cloth entirely from its site in West Yorkshire. The specialist textile company is the parent company to Hainsworth Fabric of a Nation, Hainsworth Protective Fabrics, Hainsworth Toptable, Natural Legacy by Hainsworth, John Atkinson, Hainsworth Technical Felt, Northern Rubber by Hainsworth, and Replin by Hainsworth.

Posted: January 9, 2024

Source: AW Hainsworth

 

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