Ultrafabrics Introduces New Director Of Merchandising Kimberle Frost

NEW YORK CITY — March 17, 2025 — Ultrafabrics, a global supplier of high-performance coated fabrics and leather alternatives, announces the appointment of the new Director of Merchandising, Kimberle Frost. With a rich background in textile design and color consultation spanning over 30 years, Frost has successfully collaborated with esteemed brands while receiving numerous industry awards for her innovative contributions.

Kimberle Frost

Frost’s impressive portfolio includes collaborations with notable companies such as Mayer Fabrics, Maharam, Designtex, and Robert Allen, among others. Throughout her career, she has received several prestigious awards, including the Best of Year Award from Interior Design Magazine and recognition from Metropolis Magazine. Prior to joining the Ultrafabrics team, Frost worked as an independent consultant for the brand, offering services in color consultation and product development. Her strong relationship with the team and deep understanding of the brand ultimately led her to join Ultrafabrics full-time.

“I joined Ultrafabrics because of the incredible people who truly care about each other and the products we create. Being part of a team with such a strong commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability resonates deeply with my values,” Frost said. “I wanted to play a significant role in shaping the future of a company that sets the standard in our industry with its luxurious products and commitment to making a difference.”

In her new role as director of Merchandising at Ultrafabrics, Frost will act as a vital link between product development, marketing, and sales. She will ensure that the company’s products and colors align with its brand identity and business goals. By leveraging her creativity, strategic planning, and analytical skills, she aims to bring new products to market while enhancing business success effectively. Frost’s responsibilities will also include providing innovative product presentations to support sales, fostering deeper client interactions, and contributing to the development of both existing and new products and color palettes, all while aligning with Ultrafabrics’ brand values and mission.

“We are thrilled to welcome Kimberle to the Ultrafabrics team, as her expertise and passion for innovation will undoubtedly enhance our collaborative efforts and drive our mission forward,” says Jennifer Hendren, vice president of Product Development at Ultrafabrics. “Her extensive background in textile design and her holistic approach to merchandising aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver beautiful, sustainable products. We’re excited to have her insights and creativity driving our product development.”

Posted: March 17, 2025

Source: Ultrafabrics

The Textile Industry Reimagined: Industry Panel At Functional Fabric Fair Spring 2025

WINTER PARK, Fla.  — March 17, 2025 — TheTextileGateway.org has assembled a distinguished panel of industry leaders to discuss “The Textile Industry Re-Imagined Through Education and Work Force Development.” The panel will be part of the Expert Talks presented at the Functional Fabric Fair held at the Portland Convention Center, April 14 – 16, 2025. The panelists include: Organization Representative Position

  • Sasha Stolyarov — CEO, AFFOA;
  • Haskell Beckham — vice president of innovation, Columbia Sportswear;
  • Amy Bircher Bruyn — CEO/founder, MMI Textiles;
  • David Hinks — dean, Wilson College of Textiles, NC State University; and
  • Cheryl Smyre — vice president of Advanced Materials | Ciclo®, Parkdale Mills.

The panel will address critical challenges facing the textile industry, including: how to find skilled workers; attract entry level staff; and, inspire the next generation of leaders and innovators. College and university textile programs are also challenged in trying to attract new students. Many younger students are not learning about textiles and have a narrow view of career path opportunities. Students don’t realize research and product development are significant segments of the domestic industry. New technologies and the need for sustainability will continue to drive textile innovation. As a result, there are growing opportunities for scientists, biologists, engineers and chemists, who never thought about a career in textiles.

To revitalize the industry for the future will require education, outreach, and industry engagement.

Tom Swantko, director of TheTextileGateway.org, explained: “Today’s elementary and high school students are generally learning very little about textiles, and even less about career path opportunities. Outreach is critically needed to educate and excite students about the incredible future of textiles!”

The challenges are significant and will take considerable effort. Amy Bircher Bruyn, CEO and founder of MMI Textiles, believes revitalizing the textile industry will be difficult, requiring participation of industry businesses, associations, and textile schools. “I truly feel there needs to be a consortium of textile associations, coming together to do this much needed work,” states Amy. “It can’t be done with a few. In order to succeed, the project has to be conducted through a mighty force of many committed textile industry leaders.”

Attend this Textile Industry Panel event at the Spring 2025 Functional Fabric Fair in Portland, Ore., to learn how you can become part of this exciting movement! The Panel will be held on Tuesday, April 15 at 2:30 p.m.

Posted: March 17, 2025

Source: TheTextileGateway.org (TTG)

Legendary Made In America Brand Faribault Mill Announces Permanent Price Reductions Up To $100 Per Blanket To Combat Inflation

FARIBAULT, Minn. — March 12, 2025 — Minnesota brand Faribault Mill — maker of handcrafted blankets, decorative throws, apparel and accessories — has announced permanent price reductions across the company’s most popular and iconic styles.

This move to lower prices comes as the company optimizes production costs through a series of measures including a historic investment in new equipment that increases productivity, streamlined production processes and waste reduction. The ability to reduce prices was also achieved through smart sourcing of materials made in the United States and consecutive years of record sales growth.

“We have worked extremely hard the past three years to be able to realize these efficiencies, ultimately lowering production costs,” said Faribault Mill President and CEO Ross Widmoyer. “To lower our prices is a testament to the hard work of our team to optimize the way we do business. From the materials we source to the development and training of craftspeople to the implementation of new equipment and processes. This period of record growth is a tremendous source of pride.”

The list of the company’s most popular products with improved pricing includes:

  • Pure and Simple Cotton blankets in all sizes reduced by $100 per unit (originally priced $245 – $345);
  • Pure and Simple Wool blankets in all sizes reduced by $50 per unit (originally priced $225 – $345);
  • Penobscot, Madison, Edgecomb, Bar Harbor, Vanburen, Frontier Cotton blankets in all sizes reduced by $50 per unit (originally priced $245 – $345); and
  • Northshore Plaid Wool blankets in all sizes reduced by $50 per unit (originally priced $275 – $375).

“We’ve been a pioneer in American manufacturing for 160 years, and now it’s time to take our brand to the next level,” said Rick Dow, chief marketing and business development officer, Faribault Mill. “This price reduction is a direct result of the growth and achievements of The Mill in the past several years. To be able to offer this value is not only meaningful to our new and loyal consumers, but extremely meaningful to our company as a whole.”

Posted: March 16, 2025

Source: Faribault Mill

Milliken & Company Named One Of The 2025 World’s Most Ethical Companies®

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — March 11, 2025 — Milliken & Company is honored to be included on Ethisphere’s 2025 World’s Most Ethical Companies list for the 19th consecutive year, reflecting the diversified global manufacturer’s ongoing commitment to integrity and ethical business practices. Milliken is one of only six honorees to make the list every year since the award was first created in 2006.

Milliken has been named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere for the 19th consecutive year, recognizing the diversified global manufacturer’s continued commitment to integrity and ethical business practices.

“Our consistent inclusion on the World’s Most Ethical Companies list reflects the collective efforts of our associates worldwide who embody our core values,” said Halsey Cook, president and CEO of Milliken & Company. “We are grateful to once again be recognized by Ethisphere and stand firm in our resolve to uphold the highest standards of ethics across our operations.”

In 2024, Milliken continued to make strides in the areas of corporate governance, ethics, and compliance. Key initiatives include the implementation of updated policies on data protection, as well as the launch of new training programs and compliance courses for company associates. Milliken also achieved ISO 27001 certification, conducted a comprehensive third-party risk management audit, and maintained a Gold rating from EcoVadis.

“We strive to uphold a culture where doing the right thing is ingrained in our daily actions,” said Kasel Knight, senior vice president, chief legal officer and head of sustainability at Milliken. “Ethical business practices are fundamental to Milliken’s role as a trusted partner and industry leader, and this recognition inspires us to continue to identify ways to enhance our standards.”

The World’s Most Ethical Companies assessment is grounded in Ethisphere’s proprietary Ethics Quotient®, an extensive questionnaire that requires companies to provide more than 240 proof points on their culture of ethics, environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices, ethics and compliance program, diversity, equity and inclusion, and initiatives that support a strong value chain. In 2025, 136 honorees were recognized, spanning 19 countries and 44 industries.

“Recognizing Milliken as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for the 19th time is an honor for Ethisphere. Our mission is to advance business integrity and the Milliken team’s dedication to business ethics and continual improvement exemplifies the qualities that define a long-time honoree,” said Erica Salmon Byrne, Ethisphere’s chief strategy officer and executive chair. “Congratulations once again to Milliken for achieving this recognition.”

Posted: March 16, 2025

Source: Milliken & Company

American Textile Co. Named AAFA’s 2025 Company Of The Year

DUQUESNE, Pa. — March 12, 2025 — American Textile Co. (ATC) has been named the 2025 American Image Awards Company of the Year by the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA). This prestigious award, presented at the American Image Awards Gala on April 29, 2025, in New York City, recognizes exceptional leadership, achievement, and innovation within the fashion, textile and footwear industries. AAFA’s selection highlights ATC’s century-long journey and commitment to excellence.

ATC was founded in 1925 by the five Ruttenberg brothers in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill neighborhood. They secured a patent for the first ironing board cover in 1939, which became a mainstay of the Sears Roebuck catalog for decades. From their humble beginnings, ATC today manufactures and sells bedding products to every major retailer in the U.S., and a growing roster of international customers. The company has operations across the U.S., Central America, and Asia employing more than 1,000 associates.

Lance Ruttenberg, President and CEO of American Textile Company

“Being named the AAFA’s 2025 American Image Awards Company of the Year is a tremendous honor for American Textile Company,” said Lance Ruttenberg, ATC President and CEO. “This award reflects our continued commitment to U.S. manufacturing and innovation, and showcases the transformative power of leveraging global supply chains while prioritizing domestic job creation.”

“The Ruttenberg’s leadership by example and family business values are truly inspiring. Their state-of-the-art facilities in PA, GA, TX, and UT allow for efficiency and speed to market while also prioritizing their customers, employees, and partners. A pioneer in investment in Central America, their partnership in the western hemisphere truly improves lives and livelihoods in North America. ATC is a standout example of unwavering commitment to value and authenticity,” said Steve Lamar, AAFA President and CEO. “We congratulate them on this prestigious award as well as their centennial anniversary!”

ATC’s success is a testament of its dedication to strong local partnerships and a globally integrated supply chain. The company has consistently overcome challenges, emerging stronger and more innovative. This is fueled by a culture that values teamwork, embraces new ideas, and prioritizes investment in American workers and factories. The award underscores ATC’s commitment to creating a successful and sustainable business model that contributes to well-paying jobs within the United States and across the world.

The company’s commitment to its Pittsburgh roots, while expanding its reach, exemplifies the possibilities of combining domestic innovation with global supply chain advantages. This award is not just an honor; it’s a validation of ATC’s strategic vision and its commitment to excellence.

Posted: March 16, 2025

Source: American Textile Company (ATC)

Cathay Home Inc. Expands Industry Leadership With Strategic Acquisitions And New Manufacturing Facility

NEW YORK CITY — March 13, 2025 — Cathay Home Inc., a vertically integrated manufacturer and distributor of premium home textile products, continues to strengthen its position as a powerhouse in the home textiles industry through strategic acquisitions and a major manufacturing expansion. With over 20 years of experience crafting high-quality home textile products, Cathay Home has built a reputation for innovation, quality, and efficiency.

Cathay Home Comforter Set

Cathay Home recently acquired two renowned home textile companies, further diversifying its product offerings and retail partnerships. The acquisition of Sunham Home in December 2024 enhances Cathay Home’s portfolio with high-quality soft bedding and bath products, including towels and bath accessories. This strategic move also expands Cathay’s sourcing capabilities in India and Pakistan — two key regions for premium textile manufacturing — marking a significant milestone in the company’s global supply chain. Additionally, Cathay Home now owns Sunham as a standalone company, maintaining its existing sales operations, warehouse, showroom, and leadership team to ensure business continuity for customers and partners. Sunham Home’s licensed brand portfolio includes Lacoste, Anne Klein, and Splendid. This acquisition adds to Cathay Home’s robust portfolio, which includes Lenox, Ann Taylor, Coleman, Sanctuary, Celebrity Pink, and C&C California. Furthermore, it enhances Cathay’s distribution capabilities with the addition of a fifth warehouse in New Jersey.

The acquisition of Royal Heritage Home in June 2024 strengthens Cathay Home’s expertise in cotton-based textiles and electric blankets, complementing its existing microfiber products. Royal Heritage Home’s well-established retail relationships increase Cathay’s retail footprint.

Further broadening its product assortment, Cathay Home launched SOMN in September 2023, incorporating mattresses into its expanding portfolio. This move underscores the company’s commitment to offering a comprehensive range of home solutions. Looking ahead, the company is set to expand into the window treatment category with the launch of a new window division debuting at the March 2025 market. This strategic expansion demonstrates Cathay Home’s dedication to innovation and leadership in the home space.

To support its continued growth, Cathay Home is making a significant investment in manufacturing with the launch of a state-of-the-art, vertically integrated facility in Nicaragua, set to open in 2025 with planned expansion in 2026. This facility will be the largest home textile manufacturing operation in the Americas. The Nicaragua factory will provide duty-free trade benefits for the U.S. and Mexico, ensuring greater cost efficiency. It will also offer faster transit times via both sea and land transport, allowing Cathay Home to improve its speed to market. The factory spans 75 acres, with over 20 acres dedicated to weaving, dyeing, printing, cutting, and sewing, reinforcing Cathay Home’s commitment to innovation and efficiency.

“These two new acquisitions, coupled with the launch of new product categories, aligns with our growth strategy. The opening of our new vertical factory in Nicaragua, will support this expansion and allows for tremendous future potential,” said Steven Qian, CEO of Cathay Home. “As Cathay Home expands with these new resources, we look forward to delivering exceptional products and maximizing our commitment to our customers.”

Posted: March 16, 2025

Source: Cathay Home Inc.

Breescape™ Unveils Game Changing Reversible Cooling Comforter With Blendtek™ Technology For Unparalleled Temperature Control

Breescape: Keep Cool and Dream On

NEW YORK CITY — March 14, 2025 — Bedsure, no. 1 online bedding brand in America[i], announces the launch of Breescape™, a specialized brand engineered for hot sleepers, featuring its proprietary BlendTek™ technology in the flagship Breescape Reversible Cooling Comforter.

With more than 41 percent of people experiencing night sweats, Breescape — formerly known as the Bedsure Breescape Cooling Series — saw an opportunity to create heat-regulating sleep solutions that provide lasting comfort. Following its successful introduction in March 2024, Breescape products have garnered thousands of raving customer reviews and consistent five-star Amazon ratings. Due to this overwhelming success, Breescape has evolved from a Bedsure product line into an independent brand, solely dedicated to delivering cooler, more comfortable nights through scientifically backed cooling bedding for hot sleepers of all body types.

“The explosive growth of Breescape in just one year validates our dedication to solving real sleep problems and underscores our commitment to innovation,” said Eric Lin. “Beyond introducing the Breescape Reversible Cooling Comforter, we’re excited to continue using our in-house testing facilities and patented cooling technology to push the boundaries of cooling bedding.”

After 23 prototypes and a year of development, the brand perfected BlendTek — an innovative technology fusing advanced fibers in both fabrics and filling to eliminate heat and humidity. To test the fabric, Breescape invited 1,000 hot sleepers, sleep professionals, and sleep technologists to test the new comforter and 91 percent of them found Breescape’s materials cooler than leading other cooling products and 93 percentfound the comforter more breathable throughout the night[ii]. The BlendTek Technology will make its debut in the new Breescape Reversible Cooling Comforter, which testing has shown to be 3.1x cooler than Bamboo Rayon, 4.5x more breathable than cotton, and 1.5x more moisture-absorbent than cotton. Additional product features include:

  • Dual-Sided Comfort: One side offers a cool-to-the-touch sensation, while the natural fiber side enhances breathability for all-night comfort.
  • Upgraded Filling: The filling is now made up of Naia™ fibers, which provides better moisture control and breathability compared to the original fill, as well as natural skin-friendly properties, supreme softness, and hypoallergenic benefits.
  • Extra-Large Coverage: Designed 13.8 percent larger than standard bedding for an immersive cooling experience, perfect for all body types.
  • Sustainable: The comforter is OEKO-TEX certified, ensuring it meets high safety and environmental standards.

As part of its commitment to offering innovative solutions for uninterrupted sleep, Breescape is proud to be sponsoring the National Sleep Foundation’s (NSF) 2025 Sleep Awareness Week®.  Breescape is a firm believer that healthy sleep behaviors are key to happiness, productivity, and a fulfilling life, and hopes its new product will be part of the solution.

Available today nationwide on Amazon.com and Breescape.com, the Reversible Cooling Comforter will be available in select sizes and colors, including Mint Green, Soft Ivory, Snow White, Misty Grey and range from $109.99 to $199.99.

[i] Circana, 2023

[ii] Results based on 1000-person survey conducted by Breescape comparing it to other cooling products.

Posted: March 16, 2025

Source: Bedsure

Hanes Leaps Into Athleisure Category With Hanes Moves

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C.— March 11, 2025 — Hanes, America’s No. 1 brand of basic apparel, is making “Moves”- literally! Introducing Hanes Moves, a game-changing collection designed for movement, versatility, and comfort you can live in all day long. Hanes Moves marks the brand’s first-ever cross-category push in the athleisure space, with an extensive range of athletic-inspired innerwear and apparel for men, women, and children.

Hanes is redefining comfort with its first-ever cross-category athleisure collection bringing bold design, smart performance features, and unbeatable value. Photo — Business Wire

With a deep legacy in basic essentials, Hanes is expanding beyond its core categories under the Hanes Moves umbrella. Whether consumers are staying comfy on the couch, running errands, or hitting the gym, Hanes Moves ensures that the wearer is comfortable and ready for anything. Colorful matching sports bras and leggings, streamlined moisture-wicking tees, and supportive running shorts mean you don’t have to compromise style for comfort.

“We know that our shoppers rely on Hanes for comfortable basics that power their everyday activities,” said Joe Cavaliere, group president, Global Innerwear, Hanesbrands. “With Hanes Moves, we’re bringing that same trusted comfort into the athleisure space, offering versatile pieces that transition effortlessly from your workout to your daily routine. This collection is a natural progression for Hanes, uniting our expertise in innerwear, apparel and performance technology into a single, unified collection. Our customers look to us for innovation and incredible value, and Hanes Moves delivers exactly that – style, performance, and all-day comfort in one.”

Hanes Moves builds on Hanes’ commitment to protect against the uncomfortable, like chafing and sweat. The collection combines technology and performance with specific innovations including:

  • Chafing and cooling solutions for men’s and boy’s underwear;
  • Breathable stretch technology for women’s underwear;
  • Moisture-wicking, odor control, and anti-chafe properties across apparel;
  • Functional storage solutions in legging and shorts for phones and keys; and
  • Leak protection integrated into select women’s styles.

The launch ushers in a new era of Hanes basics, a redefinition of the modern basics wardrobe.

“Hanes Moves was a natural extension from our core basics,” said Jane Newman, chief design officer, Global Innerwear, HanesBrands. “We have evolved from classic essentials to fashion basics, then to comfy loungewear at home. With Hanes Moves, we are excited to make our mark with stylish, functional athleisure. We focused on the technical features because our customer wants to feel comfortable and stylish throughout their day, no matter what they are doing.”

Hanes Moves offers a variety of men’s and women’s activewear, and men’s, women’s and kids’ innerwear, ensuring there is something for everyone across their stage of life. Key highlights in the collection are:

  • Hanes Moves Ultimate Men’s Anti-Chafe Boxer Brief Underwear, Total Support Pouch, X-Temp;
  • Hanes Moves Women’s 7/8 Leggings with Internal Pocket;
  • Hanes Moves Ultimate Men’s Breathable Mesh Crewneck T-Shirt, X-Temp;
  • Hanes Moves Men’s Total Support Pouch Shorts with Built-In Boxer Brief;
  • Hanes Moves Women’s V-Neck Crop Bralette;
  • Hanes Moves Boys’ Performance Stretch Boxer Brief Underwear; and
  • Hanes Moves Women’s Bike Shorts with Internal Pocket.

The collection boasts an enormous variety of men’s, women’s and kids’ innerwear and apparel, retailing from $8 – $45, and available at Hanes.com and other major retailers, including Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Kohls.

Posted: March 16, 2025

Source: HanesBrands

Bennettsville Printing Expanding Marlboro County, S.C. Operations

COLUMBIA, S.C. — March 14, 2025 — Bennettsville Printing, a fabric printer, today announced it is expanding its operations in Marlboro County. The company’s $8.4 million investment will create 24 new jobs.

A subsidiary of SNC Technical Services, Bennettsville Printing provides home, industrial, and military textile printing, dyeing and finishing services. The company has more than 25 years of experience and specializes in printing camouflages for the U.S. armed forces.

Located at 410 Highway 385 in Bennettsville, Bennettsville Printing will expand its existing fabric printing manufacturing system, including updated production equipment and building improvements.

Operations are expected to begin by the end of 2025. Individuals interested in joining the Bennettsville Printing team should visit the company’s careers page.

“At Bennettsville Printing, we are proud to deepen our commitment to Marlboro County, the state of South Carolina and our local community with this $8.4 million investment,” said Bennettsville Printing General Manager Frank Goenz. “This expansion not only strengthens our operations but also creates 24 new jobs, reinforcing our dedication to economic growth and long-term partnerships in the region. We look forward to continuing our role as a key contributor to the local textile industry and the prosperity of the community we proudly call home.”

“Bennettsville Printing’s expansion announcement reinforces South Carolina’s reputation as an exceptional place to do business. We are proud to celebrate Bennettsville Printing’s continued success in our state and the additional jobs it is creating in the Marlboro County community,” said Gov. Henry McMaster.

“It is always exciting when a company expands operations in one of our rural communities, and today, we celebrate Bennettsville Printing’s decision to invest $8.4 million in its Marlboro County facility,” added Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III. “We congratulate the company on this announcement and are grateful for the continued commitment to South Carolina.”

“Teamwork makes the dream work. We understand here in Marlboro County that economic development is a team sport. Any successful coach will tell you that teamwork wins championships. We would like to thank Bennettsville Printing for choosing Marlboro County for their next expansion,” concluded Marlboro County Council Chairman Anthony Woods.

Posted: March 16, 2025

Source: South Carolina Office of the Governor

Sustainable Insulation: ANDRITZ Tearing Line To Enhance Recycling Capabilities At Buitex

GRAZ, Austria — March 14 2025 — International technology group ANDRITZ has supplied and commissioned a reXline tearing system for Buitex, Semin Group, located in Cours, France.

The new production line enables the company to expand textile waste recycling for sustainable insulation production.

ANDRITZ reXline tearing line at Buitex (Image courtesy of ANDRITZ)

This second ANDRITZ tearing line at Buitex increases the company’s recycling capacity while maintaining high fiber purity, thanks to an advanced hard-point removal system. The latest-generation cyclone technology further improves disruptor sorting, enhancing overall efficiency. The system can process up to an additional 2.5 tons of fiber per hour, enabling the production of recycled fibers for applications such as bedding, construction, and automotive insulation.

“We are delighted to collaborate once more with ANDRITZ on this new reXline tearing project, built on many years of successful partnerships. It is crucial for us to make the building insulation industry more sustainable by giving new life to post-consumer clothes that would otherwise be incinerated or end up in landfills. The European market has abundant raw materials and a strong demand for sustainable insulation products. With this new line, ANDRITZ enables us to significantly enhance our recycling capabilities,” said Adam Adamowicz, CEO of Buitex.

Building insulation panels made by Buitex from post-consumer waste (Image courtesy of ANDRITZ)

Founded in 1895, Buitex is a French manufacturer of high-performance recycled products. As a pioneer in circular economy practices, Buitex transforms textile waste into high-performance insulation and comfort products. Since joining the Semin Group in 2023, the company has operated a 20,000 m² production site equipped with six production lines and has become one of Europe’s major players in the circular economy.

Posted March 14, 2025

Source: ANDRITZ

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