Automotive Supplier Daechang Seat Corp. USA To Create 500 Jobs In Chatham County, GA

ATLANTA — October 23, 2023 — Governor Brian P. Kemp today announced that Daechang Seat Corp. USA, a supplier specializing in automotive seat frames, will invest $72.5 million in the Savannah Chatham Manufacturing Center, in close proximity to Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA), creating more than 500 jobs.

“Today’s news of another HMGMA supplier coming to Georgia is just the latest reminder of the impact projects like the Hyundai Metaplant have beyond their initial investment,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “To date, suppliers for this project alone reach at least nine counties, and we’re excited to add Daechang Seat Corp. USA to our growing manufacturing base centered around Chatham County and the Savannah region.”

Daechang Seat Corp. (DSC) was established in 1979 in Kyungju, South Korea, and has become one of the largest seat frame producers in the world. Globally, DSC employs more than 5,000 people in seven countries. The company’s production process includes fully automatic lines with arc welding and spot-welding machines.

“I’d like to express our heartfelt appreciation to the State of Georgia, its local communities, and the City of Savannah. DSC takes great pride in its role in creating improved opportunities and employment prospects within Chatham County and the Savannah area, and I am deeply honored that DSC can maintain its steadfast partnership with the City of Savannah,” said Jinsuk Lee, CEO of Daechang Seat Savannah Corp. “Our primary objective is to drive the growth of DSC through facility expansions, ultimately transforming DSC into a global entity. Presently, DSC holds a prominent partnership with Hyundai Transys and Hyundai Mobis at HMGMA, and we hope to collaborate with even more projects in the future.”

DSC’s new facility will be located at the Savannah Chatham Manufacturing Center. The company will be hiring for assembly operators, equipment technicians, mechanical engineers, and electrical engineers through local job fairs and website postings in the future.

“Only minutes from the Port of Savannah, DSC is ideally located to take advantage of Georgia’s world-class connectivity,” said Griff Lynch, Georgia Ports Authority President and CEO. “At GPA, we’re all-in on providing the best global gateway for U.S. supply chains, and we’re excited to welcome DSC as the latest job creator in Georgia’s automaking sector.”

“It is exciting to announce that the third Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America supplier will be locating in the Savannah Chatham Manufacturing Center and bringing 500 new jobs and $72.5 million in capital investment in Chatham County,” said Savannah Economic Development Authority President and CEO Trip Tollison. “Daechang Seat Corp. USA is a well-established global company, and we look forward to working with them as they grow and become part of our community.”

Director of Project Implementation and Supplier Strategy Alyce Thornhill represented the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s (GDEcD) Global Commerce team on this competitive project in partnership with the Savannah Economic Development Authority, Georgia Ports Authority, Georgia Power, and Georgia Quick Start.

“Countless partners are helping transform Georgia into a center of the automotive and mobility industry, and we’re excited to welcome DSC in Savannah,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “Savannah is an established global gateway, and Chatham County has leveraged that advantage to create a bustling community where people come to live, work, and enjoy the Hostess City of the South. Congratulations to DSC, our partners in Savannah, and everyone else who has been a part of the good news!”

As the market transitions to electric vehicles, Georgia has pursued the entire supply chain, creating more than $25 billion in investments and 30,000 jobs since 2018. In fiscal year 2023, job creation in the automotive industry increased by 324 percent when compared to FY21, and suppliers attracted by Georgia’s mobility original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) resulted in over $2 billion in investment across the state in FY23.

Posted: October 24, 2023

Source: State of Georgia Office of the Governor

Naia™ Renew Fibers And The Game-Changing Potential Of Molecular Recycling Take Center At The 2023 Textile Exchange Conference, London

KINGSPORT, Tenn.  — October 23, 2023 — Being responsible materials the main topic of the 2023 Textile Exchange Conference, Naia™ from Eastman is pleased to be among the sponsors of the event and bring its expertise on the topic, in the name of the molecular recycling technology behind Naia Renew fibers.

From recycling technology to sustainable fibers

Naia™ Renew, available at scale as both a filament yarn and staple fiber, is produced from 60-percent sustainably sourced wood pulp and 40-percent certified waste materials and can be blended with other sustainable fibers to create nearly endless luxurious fabric possibilities that are comfortable and rich in color. The carbon footprint of Naia Renew fiber is measurably reduced over its life cycle*. Eastman transforms waste materials that are difficult to recycle — which would otherwise not have an end-of-life option and would end up in landfill or incinerators — into biodegradable fibers through its patented carbon renewal technology. This is one of Eastman’s molecular recycling technologies that breaks materials down into basic molecular building blocks, assuring end materials are indistinguishable from those made from virgin fossil sources in quality, performance, or appearance.

Accelerating the molecular recycling culture

Carpet waste

To make recycling options economically efficient and enable long terms success, Eastman is actively engaging with multiple value chain players, recognizing the need for systematic changes in collecting and sorting. The company is among the founding members of the Alliance of Chemical Textile Recycling (ACTR), a working group launched by Accelerating Circularity, the nonprofit focused on textile-to-textile recycling at a commercial scale, to move chemical recycling technology forward, share common definitions, and address policies in a collaborative way to maximize the elimination of textile waste to landfills and incineration: Naia’s goal, by 2025, is to have more than 25-percent recycled content derived from textile waste material.

Visitors at Textile Exchange Conference have the opportunity to drop in and find out more about textile-to-textile recycling directly from Eastman’s team contributors in a session of Q&A on October 26, from 2:00 to 3:00 PM.

A fully traceable and responsible supply chain

In parallel with its commitment to molecular recycling, Naia strives to provide its partners with full transparency and responsibility from tree to fiber, being FSC and PEFC certified, having been awarded the Canopy Dark Green Shirt and supporting the reforestation project of SOS Mata Atlantica in the Atlantic Forest, Brazil.

That is why, by choosing Naia Renew, fashion brands increase their sustainability story without compromising their creativity or the planet’s resources: Patagonia, Vince, Reformation, COS, are just some of the many brands that adopt Naia cellulosic fibers in their recent collections.

“We’re transforming what a fiber can be and do to meet the sustainability demands of our customers,” said Ruth Farrell, general manager for Eastman’s textiles division. “Naia Renew creates a world where brands and consumers can be sustainable at no compromise to quality or performance.”

* As compared to conventional Naia™ products. LCA third-party reviewed by Quantis. The current REC holdings for Naia™ Renew are wind.

Posted: October 24, 2023

Source: Eastman

FESPA 2024 Set To Uncover New Opportunities In Print, Signage, Personalization And Sportswear

DORKING, England — October 24, 2023 — FESPA Global Print Expo, European Sign Expo, Personalization Experience and the inaugural Sportswear Pro will take place from March 19-22, 2024 at the RAI Exhibition Centre in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The co-located events will showcase an array of solutions for speciality print, sign making, personalization, and sports and leisure garment production.

Amsterdam RAI is a popular venue amongst both the FESPA visitor and exhibitor community and has been host to successful FESPA exhibitions in 2006, 2009, 2016 and 2021. The local Amsterdam Schipol airport serves over 310 destinations with direct flights, and the city offers affordable public transport and accommodation.

Michael Ryan, Head of FESPA Global Print Expo, explains, “This year, we’re introducing a set of new event straplines which represent a natural progression from the 2023 events where we encouraged visitors to discover ‘New Perspectives’. The FESPA 2024 straplines; ‘Opportunities, Uncovered’ at FESPA Global Print Expo; ‘Opportunities, Illuminated’ at European Sign Expo; ‘Opportunities, Created’ at Sportswear Pro; and ‘Opportunities, Reimagined’ at Personalization Experience, highlight how there’s always something new to learn and how the sectors that our visitors are active in are often broader than they realize.”

Michael continues, “In our constantly evolving speciality print industry, the possibilities and opportunities are endless and we’re excited to welcome an array of suppliers to highlight their latest, innovative solutions. We look forward to showcasing new growth opportunities to our global community in Amsterdam.”

Visitors to FESPA Global Print Expo, European Sign Expo, Personalization Experience and Sportswear Pro 2024 will see a host of technologies, media and consumables from confirmed exhibitors including AGFA, Antalis, DGI/d.gen, EFI, Elitron, Kongsberg, LIYU, Mimaki, Orafol, Sun Chemical, and swissQprint. Confirmed textile suppliers include MHM, Monti Antonio, MS printing/JK Group and ROQ, as well as two new embroidery suppliers – Tajima and Ricoma – choosing to exhibit at a FESPA event for the first time.

Conference program

The 2024 events will again host an educational conference. Day one will be dedicated to Personalization Experience, offering educational content from industry experts on the commercial value of personalization. On the first day, 20th March 2024, speakers will cover topics including how personalization can be used to engage new audiences, customization trends in 2024 and the role of AI in personalization. Day two of the conference (21st March 2024), aligned with Sportswear Pro, will focus on the opportunities in sports and leisure garment production and decoration, delving into topics including the latest trends, recent innovations and circular design. The full lineup of speakers will be confirmed closer to the event.

Educational feature program

A Personalize Make Wear feature will run as part of Personalization Experience and Sportswear Pro, showcasing an array of personalized printed sportswear and athleisure. Offering visitors the opportunity to join expert-guided end-to-end production tours of the latest technologies for sportswear garment make-up and personalization of sport-related merchandise, Personalise Make Wear will also feature fireside chats focused on cutting edge technologies and processes.

The Sustainability Spotlight material showcase is set to return to the 2024 event, offering visitors a chance to learn more about sustainable material alternatives and how to improve their environmental performance and credentials.

World Wrap Masters is also back. Over the first two days, European vehicle wrappers will compete for the title of Wrap Master Europe 2024, followed by an action-packed series final where regional wrap masters will go head to head for the title of ‘World Wrap Master 2024’. Alongside the competition, visitors can benefit from live demonstrations with industry experts.

Dedicated websites for FESPA Global Print Expo, European Sign Expo, Personalization Experience and Sportswear Pro are now live at http://www.fespaglobalprintexpo.com, http://www.europeansignexpo.com, www.personalisationexperience.com and https://www.sportswearpro.com/, providing practical information for exhibitors and visitors. Registration for the events will open at the beginning of December and visitors can benefit from super early bird tickets to all four events for €25.

Posted: October 24, 2023

Source: FESPA

JEC Forum DACH 2023 Winners Announced

PARIS — October 24, 2023 — The composites actors of the DACH region are currently gathered in Salzburg for two days of an intense business meetings event during which every opportunity is good to network but also get to know the latest trends and developments in the local composites ecosystem.  As part of this, two regional competitions: the AVK Innovation Awards and the JEC Composites Startup Booster. Discover here the awardees.

The AVK celebrating innovation

One aim of the AVK Innovation Awards is to support new products, components and applications made from fiber-reinforced plastics (FRP) and to promote new processes and methods for the manufacture of FRP products with a specific focus on sustainable solutions.

Nine companies and projects were welcomed on stage and awarded for breaking new grounds in the field of composites:

Products & Applications category

  • First place: “Insulating Coupling Shaft for Rail Vehicles” – Leichtbauzentrum Sachsen GmbH and partner KWD Kupplungswerk Dresden GmbH
  • Second place: “Electric Car Battery Housing Components Based on Innovative Continuous Fibre-Reinforced Phenolic Resin Composites” – SGL Carbon
  • Third place: “High Performance Recycled Carbon Fibre Materials (HiPeR)” – Composites Technology Center GmbH (CTC GmbH) and partners Faserinstitut Bremen e. V, Sächsisches Textilforschungsinstitut e.V., C.A.R. FiberTec GmbH; partners Japan: Faserinstitut Bremen e.V., Sächsisches Textilforschungsinstitut e.V., C.A.R. FiberTec GmbH; Partner Japan: CFRI Carbon Fiber Recycle Industry Co., Ltd., IHI Logistics and Machinery Corporation, ICC Kanazawa Institute of Technology

Innovative Processes & Methods category

  • First place: “Chopped Fibre Direct Processing (CFP)” – KraussMaffei Technologies GmbH and partner Wirthwein SE
  • Second place: “CIRC – Complete Inhouse Recycling of Thermoplastic Compounds” – Fraunhofer Institute for Production Engineering and Automation (IPA) and partners Schindler Handhabetechnik GmbH, Vision & Control GmbH
  • Third place: “CarboScreen – Sensor-Based Monitoring of Carbon-Fibre Production” – CarboScreen GmbH, and partner Institute of Textile Technology at RWTH Aachen University

Research & Science category

  • First place: “Development of a Stereocomplex PLA Blend on a Pilot Plant Scale” – Faserinstitut Bremen e. V.
  • Second place: “Fibre-Reinforced Salt as a Robust Lost Core Material” – Technical University of Munich, Chair of Carbon Composites and partners Apppex GmbH, Haas Metallguss GmbH
  • Third place: “VliesSMC – Recycled Carbon Fibres with a Second Life in the SMC Process” – Sächsisches Textilforschungsinstitut e.V. (STFI) and partner Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology (ICT)

JEC Startup Booster shining a light on entrepreneurship

Technologies, business models, applications… Industrial startups continually develop cutting-edge innovations raising the interest of manufacturers who wish to take a part in the markets of tomorrow, helping the startups to grow in the meantime.

Five finalists pitched today in front of our jury of experts of the composites industry, granting them and their project a considerable visibility among professionals of the sector across Europe. After deliberation of the jury in a closed room, the name of the winner was revealed and officially announced at the Awards Ceremony:

CARBOCON – Germany

Leading service provider when it comes to carbon reinforced concrete

CARBOCON is an independent service provider in the field of the innovative building material carbon reinforced concrete. We operate in different areas of business, ranging from civil engineering services to introducing new products and processes to the market. In this way, we advocate progress and sustainability in the building industry.

Posted: October 24, 2023

Source: JEC Group

Quantum Materials LLC Acquires the Innegra™ Portfolio of High-Performance Fibers

GREENSBORO, N.C. – October 24, 2023 – Quantum Materials LLC, a vertically integrated manufacturer of multifilament and monofilament yarns, elastomeric woven suspension fabrics and industrial textiles, has acquired the Innegra™ portfolio of patented high-performance fibers and materials. Innegra will serve as a foundational product to support Quantum’s growth of new technical and industrial textile solutions for the composite and textile markets.

Quantum has accelerated its capital expenditure plan over the last three years to expand the company’s manufacturing asset base to meet increased demand for domestic textile production. The expansion, which included investment in equipment and infrastructure to support the production of Innegra, has allowed the company to seamlessly merge the Innegra business into its operations post-acquisition and successfully service the brand’s current customer base.

“For over 15 years, Innegra has been effectively used across a wide range of composite applications. We are excited to incorporate Innegra and its patented range of fibers and materials into our product portfolio,” said Allen Smith, CEO of QTI Fibers. “This strategic acquisition fits within our vision of being the industry leader in the development and commercialization of technical textile solutions. As we move forward with Innegra, we see many opportunities that extend past composites, including its integration into products manufactured by the QTI company portfolio, consisting of the Quantum, Twitchell and Infinity businesses.”

Engineered to enhance and amplify the performance of composite and textile materials, Innegra is the lightest synthetic fiber commercially available and can be used as a standalone fiber, or it can be hybridized with other structural fibers or materials. It is chemically resistant, hydrophobic, tough, durable and has excellent dielectric properties, while also being flexible, ductile and fusible. The fiber also has the ability to dampen vibrations, aid impact resistance and can be synergistically combined with many other materials and fibers to improve product performance properties. Today, Innegra can be found in footwear, sporting goods, U.S. military and ballistic products, and various automotive, aerospace and marine applications.

Quantum will be exhibiting the Innegra brand at the upcoming CamX show (Booth #G23) in Atlanta, GA from October 31 through November 2, 2023.

Posted October 24, 2023

Source: Quantum Materials

Itema And Tofflon Science And Technology Group Co. Ltd. Have Presented Tofflon Itema Srl., A New Joint Venture Dedicated Open Innovation At The Service Of The Pharmaceutical And Biotech Industry

COLZATE, BERGAMO, Italy — October 24, 2023 — Itema, a global provider of advanced weaving solutions, and Tofflon Science and Technology Group Co. Ltd., Asiatic giant company in the pharmaceutical industry, have presented Tofflonit, the new joint venture dedicated to the production of industrial lyophilizers for the biopharmaceutical sector that operates under the name Tofflon Itema Srl. With an initial investment of 10 million euros, the company will have its regional headquarters in Nibbia, in the province of Novara, where a manufacturing plant with high quality and innovation levels has been operating since October. The agreement was illustrated in Bergamo on October 24th during BioTopics 2023, the event dedicated to biotechnologies and open innovation.

Founded in Shanghai in 1993, Tofflon is a comprehensive pharmaceutical equipment supplier to provide process support, core equipment, integrated system and pharma engineering for the pharma and biotech industry, with more than 5,800 employees worldwide and a 2022 turnover of about 800 million US dollars. In order to pursue its strategy of internationalization and expansion, the group chose Itema as the partner for the planning and engineering of its new branch in Europe, where the group will produce lyophilization systems for the production of antibiotics, vaccines, diagnostic drugs, products containing proteins and biotechnological products.

Michael Chang, senior vice president of Tofflon Science and Technology Group Co. Ltd. and Ugo Ghilardi, CEO of Itema

“Throughout our thirty-year activity, we have developed solid skills for the production of machinery and equipment for the pharmaceutical and biotech industry. Our aim is to further grow in the European and American markets, approaching clients to whom we want to ensure the excellence of our solutions with efficient services and ideal shipping times. We are sure that the collaboration with Itema will enable us to reach excellent results”, said Michael Chang, senior vice president of Tofflon Science and Technology Group Co. Ltd.

Known in the world for its weaving machines and integrated solutions, Itema has transferred its experience in mechanical, electronic, and mechatronic technologies to Itemalab, founding a multidisciplinary hub that in the last few years has become a privileged partner for companies in any industrial sector that need advice and support in innovation and sustainability, from digitalization to system engineering.

“We are proud that Tofflon selected Itemalab to fine-tune the industrial plan that will bring to the market its advanced lyophilization systems. The factory of Tofflonit in Nibbia is a clear demonstration of the skills of Itemalab in the fields of lean manufacturing and open innovation, and it represents another significant step of our Group diversification strategy after the takeover of Lamiflex, leading supplier of composite products”, added Ugo Ghilardi, CEO of Itema.

Posted: October 24, 2023

Source: Itema Group

Transforming Athletic Sportswear: Phystep Incorporates Compo-Sil® Technology To Revolutionize Leggings

HSINCHU, Taiwan — October 24, 2023 — General Silicones (GS), a globally supplier of silicone products for over half a century, is thrilled to announce a transformative collaboration with Latvian activewear startup Phystep. By leveraging GS’s state-of-the-art Compo-SiL® silicone rubber technology, Phystep is redefining the meaning of sportswear.

Harnessing customized silicone elastic film, Phystep ingeniously integrates kinesiology into their design protected* activewear. The groundbreaking Compo-SiL adhesion technology propels this audacious endeavor, affording athletes an unparalleled edge — a 20 percent increase in caloric burn with every stride or stretch with their leggings.

Elastic Film for Sportswear, Kinesiology Tape, and Therapy Applications

The Compo-SiL SR series combines resilience, stretchability, and skin-friendliness in a durable material that retains shape and elasticity — even after extended wear and multiple washes.

“We’ve tried dozens of materials, but only Compo-SiL SR series delivered the essential shape retention and skin-friendly features that set it apart in our industry,” said Agris Muskars, founder of Phystep.

Ideal for both medical and athletic applications, the SR series is the go-to choice for companies aiming to enhance their products with kinesiology taping or elastic therapeutic tape. Its versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of end-products, from medical and sports protective gear to compression garments and supportive apparel like leggings and joint supports.

Seamlessly Integrating Compo-SiL® into Sportswear Manufacturing

The malleable properties of Compo-SiL’s silicone rubber offer a vast canvas for innovation. The 1.4-meters-wide, easy-to-cut Compo-SiL sheets ship in rolls readily adaptable to existing roll-to-roll mass production. The patented technology of Compo-SiL allows the silicon rubber to bond firmly and securely to textile surfaces through standard PUR or hot melt adhesion.

“Typical heat transfer materials come in sizes of 1m x 0.5m, which limits resource optimization. The Compo-SiL SR series, however, is produced in a more accommodating 1.4-meter width, making it easier for us to cut efficiently,” Muskars said.

A Call to Product Innovators Across Industries

Phystep’s pioneering application showcases the extensive versatility of Compo-SiL technology. Beyond its current utility, Compo-SiL sheets can be enhanced to incorporate various value-additions like antibacterial and antiviral functionalities, flame resistance, and anti-slip properties. GS encourages forward-thinking product managers across sectors to seize this moment to catalyze innovation and diversification through Compo-SiL.

*Phy-TP® RCD 015022132-0001

Posted: October 24, 2023

Source: General Silicones (GS)

Sage Automotive Interiors Partners With US Startup NFW

GREENVILLE, S.C. — September 19, 2023 — Sage Automotive Interiors has partnered with Peoria, Ill.-based startup, NFW, a producer of a plastic-free, plant-based leather alternative for car interiors. This strategic partnership between Sage Automotive Interiors, part of the Asahi Kasei Group, and NFW, a leading global provider of innovative and functional materials for the automotive interior — enables another major step to support global automotive OEMs in reducing the environmental burden of the automobile lifecycle.

NFW was founded in 2015 and has developed the only platform capable of producing precision-engineered, all-natural (zero plastic) leather, foam, and textiles to replace animal and petrochemical-based materials. MIRUM®, the company’s patented leather alternative, is made from natural rubber, natural fibers, plant oils, natural pigments, and minerals. MIRUM is bio-neutral and can be safely returned to the Earth or recycled by NFW at the end of its lifetime. The material offers superior durability and quality that can replace traditional animal-based or synthetic leather products without the use of any polyurethane or other coatings.

Sage is engaged in the development, manufacturing, and sales of innovative functional materials used in automobile interiors globally. Since its acquisition by Asahi Kasei in 2018, Sage has continued to strengthen its business activities in Europe and China through mergers and acquisitions in parallel to expanding its lineup of growth-potential materials such as suede and synthetic leather. As one of the leading global suppliers in the car seat fabric market, Sage has a strong presence among automakers and suppliers.

Luke Haverhals, CEO and founder of NFW, said: “Over time, our partnership with Sage will allow consumers to apply the same decision-making process that they use in their homes, in their cars as well — the most sustainable option will be available to them. The kind of impact that matters to the planet has to happen at scale, not just around the edges.”

Dirk Pieper, Chairman of the Sage Automotive Interiors Board of Directors and Lead Executive for the development and growth of Asahi Kasei’s overall automotive product offering, stated: “The cooperation with NFW will enable Asahi Kasei and Sage to assist global automakers in reducing the environmental burden of their cars. By jointly developing and manufacturing a plastic-free, plant-based, and fully circular leather alternative, the Asahi Kasei Group takes a leading position in revolutionizing the market for interior mobility materials.”

First project within the “Care for Earth” investment framework:

The cooperation with NFW is part of Asahi Kasei’s “Care for Earth” investment framework, which was announced in April 2023. Asahi Kasei has committed itself to investing $100 million worldwide in early-stage startups that aim to solve issues in environmental fields such as hydrogen, energy storage, carbon management, and bio-based chemicals over a 5-year period up to the fiscal year 2027. As introduced in its medium-term management plan titled “Be a Trailblazer” in April 2022, the car interior material business is one of Asahi Kasei’s “10 Growth Gears” that are to drive future company growth and provide more than 70 percent of operating income around 2030.

Posted: October 24, 2023

Source: Sage Automotive Interiors —an Asahi Kasei company

 

Hexcel To Showcase New Intermediate And High Modulus Fiber Hexply® M79 Prepregs At METS 2023

STAMFORD, Conn. — October 23, 2023 — Hexcel will continue to celebrate its 75th anniversary and highlight its latest developments for the Marine market at METSTRADE 2023 on November 15-17. Hexcel will showcase innovative advanced lightweight material technologies including new intermediate and high modulus fiber HexPly® M79 prepregs and present example high-performance superyacht and windship components developed by customers using Hexcel materials.

The new intermediate modulus prepreg combines the low temperature curing and simple processing of the DNV GL accredited HexPly M79 resin system with the market-leading stiffness of HexTow® IM2C fiber, creating a uniquely optimized composite material for highly loaded components. Originally developed to provide best-in-class performance for America’s Cup and IMOCA hull and deck structures, the new combination minimizes structural deformation under load in parts such as rigs, foils, and other appendages.

For a high modulus solution, HexTow® HM54 fiber is also now available with the HexPly M79 resin system. The unique mechanical properties of HexTow HM54 fiber allow structural designers to achieve higher safety margins for both stiffness and strength critical applications. Both products can be manufactured with Hexcel G-Vent technology for out-of-autoclave processing, delivering a game-changing reduction in process time and cost without compromising mechanical performance.

Hexcel will also display customer products that have benefited from the performance and processing gains provided by HexPly materials. A section of a Solid Sail mast made using Bureau Veritas (BV)-approved HexPly® M9.6 prepregs will be exhibited at METS. Such masts are used for wind propulsion and, by harnessing the power of ocean winds, they reduce reliance on engines, reducing fuel usage and emissions.

Visitors to the Hexcel booth will also see a section of a radar arch part from luxury motor yacht builder Sunseeker made using HexPly® XF surfacing technology and HexPly® SuperFIT semi-pregs. The part is lighter in weight and stiffer than versions made using resin-infusion processes and de-molds with a pinhole-free surface that needs minimal preparation to be ready for painting. Sunseeker has recorded an overall reduction in process time and material costs of around 30% against traditional prepreg parts, using Hexcel advanced composite materials.

“Leveraging our experience in carbon fiber manufacturing and resin system development has created two stand-out products for the marine sector,” said Claude Despierres, Hexcel Vice President — Sales and Marketing, Industrial. “New IM2C and HM54 HexPlyM79 materials provide powerful yet lightweight building blocks for designers and engineers working on high-performance structures in superyacht, commercial marine and windship applications.”

Posted: October 24, 2023

Source: Hexcel Corporation

Aptean Reveals Key Fashion And Apparel Industry Trends For North America In 2024

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — October 24, 2023 — Aptean, a global provider of mission-critical enterprise software solutions, announced the publication of its Fashion and Apparel 2024 Trends and Outlook Report for North America. In the report, Aptean presents valuable insights into the fashion and apparel industry, highlighting six key trends that will shape the industry in 2024.

Some 71 percent of respondents surveyed cited higher operating costs as the most significant barrier to growth. To combat this challenge, brands are increasingly embracing automation. On average, automation of critical business tasks increased by over 20 percent from 2022 to 2023. The adoption of cutting-edge technologies such as shipping software, enterprise resource planning (ERP) and product lifecycle management (PLM) is proving instrumental in driving this progress. Additionally, digital transformation is taking center stage, as one in three brands have already completed their digital transformation projects, while 63 percent are well on their way.

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a key investment area, with 38 percent of organizations already reaping higher profits and revenue growth from its implementation. Automation to bring efficiencies to critical business functions continues to be paramount, with 65 percent of brands utilizing shipping software solutions, 62 percent relying on ERP systems and 55 percent deploying a PLM to improve speed to market. Addressing staffing challenges, 74 percent of organizations are focusing on outsourcing and efficiency measures, while simultaneously tackling supply chain disruptions through improved visibility, forecasting, and production scheduling capabilities.

Notably, sustainability is emerging as a top priority, with 90 percent of organizations actively pursuing environmental initiatives. These efforts not only enhance brand image but also drive improvements in efficiency and mitigate risk. By embracing technology, adopting customer-centric strategies, and prioritizing sustainability, businesses can position themselves for growth and resilience in the dynamic fashion and apparel landscape of 2024.

“It’s no surprise that rising costs and supply chain disruptions are top of mind for most apparel brands and manufacturers,” said Roberto Mangual, senior vice president and general manager of the Americas Discrete Business Unit at Aptean. “As organizations navigate these challenges, digital transformation through automation has emerged as a critical pathway to safeguard growth and it’s clear that a commitment to embracing automation has paid off, with an average rate of growth in 2022 that was 30-percent higher than that of those still relying on manual processes.”

The research was conducted by Aptean and B2B International in July of 2023. Responses came from more than 100 fashion and apparel businesses across the United States and Canada. These findings, along with the complete research report, are now accessible in Aptean’s latest publication, Fashion and Apparel 2024 Trends and Outlook for North America. You can find the report here. https://lp.aptean.com/NA_Fashion_and_Apparel_Trends_and_Outlook_LP_AID11600.html

Posted: October 24, 2023

Source: Aptean

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