ITMA 2023 Exhibitor Preview: Datacolor to Showcase Color Management Offerings

LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J. — May 10, 2023 — Datacolor®, a provider of color management solutions, will present its digital color technologies during ITMA 2023 in Milan, Italy, June 8-14, Hall 4, stand E204. ITMA is the world’s largest international textile and garment technology exhibition.

Datacolor’s experts will share insights on the latest color solutions that can help companies meet sustainability initiatives, improve color workflows, streamline color approval processes, and enhance communication between brands and suppliers. Solutions being demoed in the Datacolor booth include:

  • NEW cloud-powered color quality control software. Analyze and approve digital color submissions from anywhere (CloudQC)
  • Supply chain color audit and assessment services (Certify)
  • Formulation software (Datacolor Match Textile)
  • High-end benchtop spectrophotometers (Datacolor 1000 family and SpectraVision)
  • Portable spectrophotometers (Datacolor Check 3 and ColorReader Spectro)
  • Lab dyeing and dispensing equipment (Datacolor Ahiba® IR, Datacolor AutoLab TF, and Datacolor Lightbooth)

“At ITMA 2023, Datacolor and its partners will be sharing best practices on how to manage color from every point of the textile supply chain — from initial design concept to the end consumer,” said Albert Busch, president and CEO of Datacolor.

Datacolor and its partners will lead expert sessions at ITMA, with the goal to help attendees empower sustainable operations throughout their digital color workflow and the textile supply chain.

To schedule a free color consultation with Datacolor at ITMA or to see a list of speakers and sessions, visit https://www.datacolor.com/business-solutions/learning-center/events/itma2023-empowering-sustainable-operations-throughout-your-color-workflow.

Posted: May 12, 2023

Source: Datacolor®

Indorama Ventures Reports Improved Quarterly Earnings; Focuses On Competitiveness Amid A Challenging Environment

BANGKOK, Thailand — May 10, 2023 — Indorama Ventures Public Co. Ltd. (IVL), a global sustainable chemical producer, today reported improved quarterly earnings as headwinds continue to ease from the previous quarter’s peaks, although still below normalized levels. The company continues to focus on enhancing its global competitiveness as the full benefit of China’s reopening spurs volumes through the year, and as volatile energy costs and the destocking trend by customers begin to normalize.

Indorama Ventures achieved Reported EBITDA of $301 million in 1Q23, an increase of 269% QoQ and a decline of 62% YoY. Sales volumes dropped 8% YoY amid the heavy destocking trend that is impacting the chemical industry globally, although volumes rose 5% QoQ as the pace of destocking begins to slow from the peak in 4Q22. With China reopening from pandemic lockdowns and economic activity increasing, there has been marginal improvement in benchmark spreads, albeit below historical levels. In Europe, the warmer-than-expected winter contributed to lower energy prices and alleviated the cost pressures faced last year.

Aloke Lohia, group CEO of Indorama Ventures, said: “We are seeing early signs that the highly unusual headwinds that are impacting our industry are starting to ease from their highs, although it will take some time to normalize. We continue to maintain a sharp focus on enhancing our competitiveness, including acting on sites that are marginally profitable, especially in Europe. In Asia, we are introducing more innovative products to improve our businesses’ global competitiveness, and we are strengthening leadership across our three business segments to deliver shareholders returns. Project Olympus, our ongoing cost transformation program, will continue to drive efficiencies in 2023.”

The group reported an overall decline in Q1 earnings on a year-on-year basis as continued destocking by customers kept sales volumes below consumer consumption levels. CPET posted Reported EBITDA of $142 million, a 74% decrease YoY as sales volumes dropped 9%. Fibers segment achieved Reported EBITDA of $32 million, a decrease of 69% YoY as all three verticals reported declining sales. Integrated Oxides and Derivatives (IOD) segment posted a 4.4% growth in YoY Reported EBITDA to $128 million as volumes rose 4.4% YoY.

Posted: May 12, 2023

Source: Indorama Ventures

Hexcel Marks Grand Opening Of Newly Expanded Engineered Core Operations Plant In Morocco

STAMFORD, Conn.  — May 10, 2023 — Hexcel Corp. is pleased to announce the grand opening of a completed expansion at its engineered core operations plant in Morocco to meet the growing demand for lightweight advanced composite materials for the aerospace industry.

The 13,000-square-meter expansion in the Midparc Free Trade Zone in Casablanca has doubled the size of the plant to 24,000 square meters. In addition, employment is expected to increase at the site from 145 employees to about 400 by 2026.

The Casablanca facility is part of Hexcel’s ongoing worldwide investment to create a diversified and robust global supply chain to support aerospace customers’ growing demand for engineered core. At the plant, which began production in 2018, Hexcel transforms lightweight honeycomb materials into engineered core parts that are used for structural reinforcement and lightweighting in aerospace applications, including aircraft structures, engine nacelles and helicopter blades.

Hexcel’s investment aligns with its commitment to sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint, installing solar panels that cover more than 20% of the plant’s annual electricity requirements.

Thierry Merlot, Hexcel President – Aerospace for Europe, MEA/AP & Industrial, said: “Hexcel celebrates its 75th anniversary this year. In fact, in 1948, two engineers developed honeycomb technology, the raw material for our Engineered Core machined parts at the Casablanca site. I am therefore even more delighted to inaugurate this extension on the 75-year anniversary, in the presence of our customers, the Ministry, and all the members of the local community, whom I warmly thank for their support over many years. The proximity of our customers, the trust of the local authorities, and the qualification of the workforce were major assets for a successful project.”

Ryad Mezzour, Minister of Industry & Trade, said: “Hexcel’s decision to expand its presence at Midparc is a testament to the aerospace industry’s resilience, competitiveness, and worldwide reputation. As a company, we are committed to supporting this project, not just to meet the increasing demand for composite products but also to generate employment opportunities for the future of Morocco. Through the adoption of advanced technology and a decarbonized, circular industrial base, we aim to further strengthen Morocco’s competitiveness in the global market. We are proud to be part of this dynamic and rapidly evolving industry and look forward to contributing to its continued growth and success.”

Hamid Benbrahim El Andaloussi, president of Midparc, said: “The extension of the Hexcel plant at Midparc demonstrates Hexcel’s renewed trust for the Morocco aeronautical base and its potential for future development. We are proud of the quality of the partnership developed over more than 5 years between Hexcel and Midparc, which confirms the importance of Midparc’s business model.”

Posted: May 12, 2023

Source: Hexcel Corp.

ITMA 2023 Exhibitor Preview:  Atlas Material Testing Technology

MOUNT PROSPECT, Ill. — May 10, 2023 — Atlas Material Testing Technology, a provider of accelerated lightfastness testing instruments and services for the textile industry, will showcase its Ci3000+ Fade-Ometer® and Xenotest® 440 instruments at ITMA 2023 at the Fiera Milano Rho in Milan, Italy, June 8-14 (Booth E208 in Hall 4.) Featuring more than 1,600 exhibitors from 44 countries and drawing an expected 100,000 visitors, ITMA, which is held every four years, is the world’s largest international textile and garment technology exhibition.

With Atlas weathering instruments, users can closely simulate real-world exposure to sunlight, temperature and moisture under accelerated conditions, allowing them to quickly and accurately predict product service life.

Ci3000+ Fade-Ometer®

Specified by all major European and US retailers and used by testing labs across the world, the Ci3000+ is widely considered the benchmark instrument for weathering and lightfastness testing of textiles. Its advanced digital control system and optical technologies provide precise and reliable control of all test parameters for remarkably accurate prediction of service life. Product highlights include:

  • A two-tier rack option that increases capacity by 50%
  • Larger and more intuitive graphical user interface
  • WXView™ II web-based data acquisition software for remote access to live and archived test and instrument data

The Ci3000+ meets all internationally recognized standards, including AATCC, ISO, Marks & Spencer, and GB/T.

Xenotest® 440

Compact, yet capable of testing over 200 samples simultaneously, the Xenotest 440 is a high-performance xenon-arc instrument ideal for textile weathering and lightfastness testing. Its advanced feature set includes:

  • Ultrasonic humidifier to reduce water consumption
  • Recycling of spray water during weathering testing
  • Up to 4,000-hour lamp service life

The Xenotest 440 meets global lightfastness and weathering standards, including AATCC, ISO, Marks & Spencer, and GB/T.

Posted: May 12, 2023

Source: AtlasMaterial Testing Technology

JEC Forum Italy: 5 Finalists To Pitch At Startup Booster Contest

PARIS — May 10, 2023 — The JEC Composites Startup Booster is the leading startup competition in the world of composites and advanced materials, enabling companies to find and assess innovations with a potential impact on their industry. Launched in 2017, JEC Composites Startup Booster has already fostered the emergence of 900+ innovative projects from 60+ countries, 80 finalists and 25 winners, including Arevo, Continuous Composites, CompPair, Fortify, FibreCoat and Vartega among others.

Entrepreneurs, SMEs, startups and academic spinoffs building innovative composite and advanced materials projects, based in Italy could send their application until April 16th. Among them, 5 finalists have just been announced:

  • Graphene-XT

Research and development of eco-friendly nanomaterials-based coatings
www.graphene-xt.com

Graphene-XT is a startup that develops and produces high quality graphene. Through a multifunctional approach it provides new and better functionalities to conventional products. Graphene-XT uses graphene for several applications: composites, lubricants, membranes, sensors, coatings, inks, paints. Graphene-XT patented technology produces graphene with a liquid phase exfoliation process that allows producing high-quality graphene consisting of 50% of monolayers and 50% of few layers. His aims to identify tailor-made solutions for business. The team’s know-how includes academic, industrial and managerial skills and that is why Graphene-XT can operate in different industrial sectors. Graphene-XT strictly collaborate with his customers to improve product’s characteristics and design personalized solutions.

  • Hikari

All you need is green

www.hikari.green

Hikari® offers new eco-sustainable composite materials and technologies with the aim of creating real and lasting benefits. The high performance of composites allows achieving the same performance as traditional materials while significantly reducing the amount of material needed. In Hikari’s natural composites, petroleum-based components that form the basis of traditional composites have been replaced with elements derived from circular and renewable sources. GMC®, for example, significantly reduces the environmental impact of its production by halving its carbon footprint compared to traditional composite materials (BMC and SMC).

  • MAch3D

MaCh3D simplifies Materials’ quality assessment enabling on-site out-of-laboratory Material Testing

www.mach3d.it

For Additive Manufacturing industries, and all the manufacturers transforming raw materials into final products, willing to monitor and improve their processes, MaCh3D offers a Smart Material Testing platform made of an innovative hardware, extremely compact allowing an easier, safer and faster testing procedure, and a cloud platform for centralized storage and manipulation of results, enhanced by artificial intelligence for processes control and materials and processes optimization.

  • Recarbon

One-stop Solution in Circular Economy for Carbon Fiber

www.recarbon.it

RECARBON gives new value to carbon fiber wastes, creating, producing, and offering innovative ready-to-use intermediate products based on recycled carbon fiber. RECARBON has developed a functional approach for manufacturing products in the form of both thermoplastic Organosheets, thermoset Prepregs, and sandwich panels, with different combination of skins and cores.

  • SphereCube

Printer Better Faster Stronger

www.spherecube.eu

SphereCube is developing an innovative 3D printer for high-performance composite materials. Thanks to the patented extruder, SphereCube is able to process thermoset resins and continuous reinforcements. This allows the manufacturing of high-performance composite components in a totally automated way for aerospace, automotive, energy, marine, biomedical and sport sectors.

They will join JEC Forum Italy to pitch in front of a jury composed of industry experts and materials investors including:

  • Stefano CORVAGLIA, R&D Manager and IP Manager, Leonardo SpA
  • Attilio MASINI, R&D Composites Materials & Technologies Center, Automobili Lamborghini
  • Caterina MEGLIO, CEO, Materias
  • Alessia GENNARO, Investment Analyst, Eureka ! Venture SGR
  • Paolo TARCHIONI, Group Chief Innovation, CSR & Quality Officer, Biesse Group

Following the pitch session, the jury will choose a winner that will be automatically selected among the 20 finalists of Startup Booster at JEC World 2024 (5-7 March).

Posted: May 12, 2023

Source: JEC Group

ITMA 2023 Exhibitor Preview: THEN Smartflow TSF – High-Quality Dyeing Results With Minimal Water, Energy And Chemicals

SCHWÄBISCH HALL, Germany — May 10, 2023 — High-quality dyeing results with minimal water, energy and chemicals result from the advanced features of the THEN Smartflow TSF which Fong’s Europe will be outlining at the forthcoming ITMA 2023 exhibition in Milan June 8-14.

These include the machine’s smart fabric transport system which ensures extremely even dyeing of the fabric through accurate control of the nozzle pressure and pump power, with movement through the machine via an PLC-controlled plaiting system and variable chamber adjustment depending on fabric characteristics.

The machine is equipped with a heat exchanger enabling it to heat the dyeing liquor quickly and efficiently, to reduce energy consumption. Its bath preparation unit and chemical dosing system ensure accurate and precise dosing of chemicals, dyestuff and salt, reducing chemical waste and optimizing results while reducing process times.

The Smartflow TSF operates with a low liquor ratio of down to 1:2.5 with full loading of synthetic fabrics, which means that it requires less water to dye a given amount of fabric compared to traditional dyeing machines. This not only reduces the consumption of water and steam, but also the amount of wastewater generated.

The machine’s control panel is easy to use, allowing operators to program and monitor processes with ease.

The THEN Smartflow TSF is the only reel-less round shape machine on the market and its closed loop regulation and digitalized system manages the fabric transport without a winch. It reduces the power consumption and the tension of sensitive elastic fabrics and its design results in a low lifting height for the highest relaxation of stretch and elastane fabrics.

“We take the global green deal seriously and analyze production and working processes for their environmental impact,” says Fong’s Europe Director of Sales and Marketing Richard Fander. “The chambers of the Smartflow TSF can accommodate variable loads in terms of both weight and material type down to 40kg for extremely flexible processing, and each unit can be equipped with up to six chambers, in order to fully maximise productivity, while taking up to 40% less floor space than competing systems. Overall, the machine is a reliable and efficient solution for textile dyeing that can help textile manufacturers reduce their environmental impact while improving their processes.”

Posted: May 12, 2023

Source: Fong’s Europe, a German company of the CHTC Fong´s Group

The Manufacturing Institute Announces Atlas Copco As Sponsor Of Military Workforce Training Program

ROCK HILL, S.C. — May 9, 2023 — The Manufacturing Institute, the workforce development and education partner of the National Association of Manufacturers, has announced Atlas Copco as a silver sponsor of its Heroes MAKE America initiative. The investment will support the growth and expansion of the Heroes program. Heroes MAKE America is a Department of Defense-approved SkillBridge program dedicated to promoting manufacturing careers in the United States, building connections between the military and veteran communities and the manufacturing industry, and providing exposure to a reliable stream of skilled military talent.

“Atlas Copco is incredibly grateful for the sacrifices made by U.S. military service members and their families,” said Atlas Copco North America Vice President Aaron Prato. “Just as Atlas Copco has been committed to driving development and delivering breakthrough innovations to customers around the world in countless industries for 150 years, we are committed to investing in resources that improve the lives of veterans and their families. With the Heroes MAKE America program, we combine our strong, qualified workforce values with our commitment to serving American veterans and military members.”

Manufacturers highly value the core elements of military training that allow America’s service members to be the best in the world. The teamwork, commitment to mission, communication, and critical thinking skills essential to mission success are also essential to manufacturing success. Heroes MAKE America launched in January 2018 at Fort Riley in Kansas and has since expanded to Fort Hood in Texas, Fort Bragg in North Carolina, and Fort Stewart in Georgia as well as a 100-percent virtual training program.

Since 2018, Heroes MAKE America has issued over 5,100 industry-recognized certifications and achieved a 90 percent placement rate among graduates in more than 350 companies in 47 states. The program has introduced more than 12 million individuals from the greater military community to information about manufacturing careers through in-person events, social media, VA newsletters, and industry-related events.

Serving over 180 countries, Atlas Copco develops industrial ideas that empower customers to grow and drive society forward. Every day, across the United States and around the world, products are manufactured, facilities are constructed, critical fasteners are secured, processes are pressurized and cleaned, and all types of gasses are compressed and turned into energy. This may seem like a collection of unrelated processes, but Atlas Copco unites them, working with customers from every industry to create a better tomorrow, by maximizing efficiency today. In 2023, Atlas Copco celebrated their 150th anniversary.

“Manufacturing has averaged over 800,000 job openings per month over the past year. Nearly 200,000 service members exit the military every year, and there are an additional 2.9 million under-employed veterans with the skills and experience that are uniquely aligned for manufacturing careers,” said MI President and Executive Director Carolyn Lee. “Modern manufacturing careers are great opportunities for veterans to find their next calling and join a new mission. Thanks to today’s generous investment by Atlas Copco, the Manufacturing Institute’s Heroes MAKE America program can continue working towards closing the manufacturing skills gap by training our transitioning service members, veterans, military spouses, National Guard, and Reservists with critical skills and placing them on a path toward a rewarding manufacturing career. We are incredibly grateful to Atlas Copco for making an impactful investment in such an important program.”

Sponsors of Heroes MAKE America include Atlas Copco, Amazon, Johnson & Johnson, Union Pacific, Howmet Aerospace, Saint-Gobain, WestRock, Cargill, Honeywell, Niagara Bottling LLC, SK Battery America, SEMI, Plastics Pipe Institute, FUCHS Lubricants Company, and NAFEM.

Posted: May 9, 2023

Source: Atlas Copco Compressors LLC

New Doors Open For U.S. Flock Industry

CHERRYVILLE, N.C. — May 9, 2023 — This spring, Spectro Coating in Leominster, Mass., shut its doors. Spectro was one of the largest flock providers in the United States and several factors were involved with its decision to close. For one, the owners — Hemendra Shah and his son Raj Shah — decided to begin focusing their expertise on various flock consulting and sales projects and equipment installations in the United States and overseas.

In addition, the flocking sectors that his company serviced — including traditional flock applied to upholstery and greeting cards — had begun to wane, and they had a fabulous offer on the building in Leominster where Spectro had operations.

But as they say, when one door closes, another is bound to open. And in this case, others in the U.S. flock industry have benefited dramatically from the Shahs’ decision.

Two well-known flock companies have taken over large pieces of Spectro Coating and Claremont Flock, a division of Spectro, and in the process are expanding manufacturing operations, hiring new talent, collaborating with scientists and engineers under NDA to explore new, high tech applications for flock and are opening up new product lines.

Fifield Fabrics — which has offices in Hingham, Mass., China and Hong Kong — purchased laminating equipment from Spectro, and bought a great deal of its inventory.

“We’ve taken over much of Spectro’s business,” said Todd Der Manouelian, president of Fifield Fabrics and National Velour. “We’ve increased our inventory by 50 percent and are now the only flock company in the US with a commitment to carrying stock rolled goods.  With this expansion, we now are offering 14 lines of flock on our floor and all but one of these is manufactured in the US.”

Fifleld is well positioned in what has become a growing sector of the flock industry — high end displays for companies such as Tiffany’s, Ralph Lauren, Rolex, and luxury shoe, handbag and accessory brands. Der Manouelian said they are also exploring other new, higher end markets.

Cellusuede Products Inc., which is a large supplier of precision cut flock based in Rockford, Ill., purchased cutting machinery and inventory from Claremont Flock, a division of Spectro that sold precision and random cut flock to a variety of industries, including automotive. “We’ve always competed with Claremont, and now we are taking on $3 million in new business, while adding a second shift and looking for new talent,” said Andy Honkamp, company president.

Although in business for 85 years, Cellusuede has started focusing on a number of new industry sectors that have begun opening up for flock in the US. “The projects we are working on are very exciting and we’re signing more and more NDA’s,” Honkamp said.

This includes developing flock for 3-D printers, smart fabrics,  bio sensors and shock-absorbing flock foam for NFL helmets. Honkamp added that they are even developing flock from aramid fibers — best known as Kevlar, which is used in body armor. “Aramid fiber is one that has a future,” he said. “It’s difficult to work with, difficult to cut, but we figured it out.”

Douglas W. Russell Jr., president of Middlesex Research Manufacturing Co. Inc. also stopped by Spectro before it closed to purchase equipment. Middlesex is located nearby in Hudson, Mass.

“In addition to its toll coating operations, Middlesex will continue to supply rolls of flocked goods to the jewelry box and table pad industries as well as selling cut and dyed flock by itself,” said Russell. “We have exactly the same capabilities that Spectro/Claremont had and are willing to run smaller minimums which can be attractive to some customers.”

“All in all, it was a sad thing to see them fold,” Russell added, “but hopefully the rest of us can pick up where they left off and supply all of their former customers with the flocked and coated products they need so that American manufacturers can continue to source within the United States and avoid the temptation to purchase abroad.”

“This truly is a sad day for those of us who have worked with Hemendra and his son Raj,” said Steve Rosenthal, managing director of the American Flock Association. “Raj is on the AFA Executive Committee, and word on the street has it that he will remain in the industry, consulting for one or more of our members. We hope this is true. We’ve even heard that he and his father may continue working together in this capacity. Their institutional knowledge and technical acumen can benefit the industry — especially now with so many new and fascinating flock applications on the horizon.”

Honkamp agreed with Rosenthal’s assessment about that new horizon for flock. “There’s a lot of untapped product development potential out there,” he said. “There are so many things flock can be used for in a functional way.”

Posted: May 9, 2023

Source: The American Flock Association (AFA)

ISM® REPORTS: Economic Improvement To Continue – Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Textile Mills Report Projected Revenue Increases For The Rest Of 2023

TEMPE, Ariz. — May 8, 2023 — The U.S. economy will continue to softly expand for the rest of 2023, say the nation’s purchasing and supply executives in the Spring 2023 Semiannual Economic Forecast. Expectations for the remainder of 2023 are similar to those expressed in December 2022, despite continued inflation and geopolitical uncertainty.

These projections are part of the forecast issued by the Institute for Supply Management® (ISM®) Business Survey Committees. The forecast was presented today by Timothy R. Fiore, CPSM, C.P.M., Chair of the ISM Manufacturing Business Survey Committee, and Anthony S. Nieves, CPSM, C.P.M., A.P.P., CFPM, Chair of the ISM Services Business Survey Committee.

Manufacturing Summary
Revenue for 2023 is expected to increase, on average, by 1.7 percent. This is 3.8 percentage points lower than the December 2022 forecast of 5.5 percent, and 7.6 percentage points lower than the 9.3-percent year-over-year increase reported for 2022. Forty percent of respondents say that revenues for 2023 will increase, on average, 11.6 percent compared to 2022. Twenty percent say revenues will decrease (14.6 percent, on average), and 40 percent indicate no change. With an operating rate of 82 percent and projected increases in capital expenditures (0.4 percent), prices paid for raw materials (2.3 percent) and employment (0.5 percent) by the end of 2023, manufacturing continues its comeback from the turmoil that began in 2020 and is expected to continue through this year. “With 10 manufacturing sector industries expecting revenue growth in 2023 and 11 industries expecting employment growth in 2023, panelists forecast that recovery will continue the rest of the year, albeit somewhat softer than originally expected. Sentiment in each sector was generally consistent with industry performance reports in the April 2023 Manufacturing ISM® Report On Business®, as well as the fall Semiannual Economic Forecast conducted in December,” says Fiore.

Ten of 18 industries report projected revenue increases for the rest of 2023, listed in order: Primary Metals; Printing & Related Support Activities; Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Transportation Equipment; Machinery; Textile Mills; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; and Petroleum & Coal Products.

Services Summary
Respondents expect a 2.7-percent net increase in overall revenues, which is 0.4 percentage point lower than the 3.1-percent increase forecast in December 2022. Thirty-eight percent of respondents say that revenues for 2023 will increase, on average, 10.2 percent compared to 2022. Meanwhile, 11 percent expect their revenues to decrease (11.1 percent, on average), and 51 percent indicate no change. “The services sector will continue to grow for the rest of 2023. Services companies are currently operating at 91 percent of normal capacity. Supply managers indicate that prices are expected to increase 4.3 percent over the year, reflecting increasing inflation. Employment is projected to increase 0.7 percent. Fourteen industries forecast increased revenues, down from the 14 industries that predicted increases in December 2022,” says Nieves.

Fourteen of 18 industries expect revenue increases in 2023, listed in order: Arts, Entertainment & Recreation; Retail Trade; Professional, Scientific & Technical Services; Other Services; Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting; Information; Transportation & Warehousing; Management of Companies & Support Services; Public Administration; Finance & Insurance; Accommodation & Food Services; Real Estate, Rental & Leasing; Educational Services; and Health Care & Social Assistance.

OPERATING RATE

Manufacturing
Purchasing and supply executives report that their companies are operating, on average, at 82 percent of normal capacity, 6.4 percentage points lower than the figure reported in December 2022. The 11 industries reporting operating capacity levels above the average rate of 82 percent — listed in order — are: Petroleum & Coal Products; Paper Products; Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Wood Products; Machinery; Computer & Electronic Products; Primary Metals; Chemical Products; Transportation Equipment; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; and Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components.

Services
Organizations are operating, on average, at 91 percent of normal capacity, according to Business Survey Committee respondents. This is 1.1 percentage points higher compared to December 2022. The 10 industries operating at capacity levels above the average rate of 91 percent — listed in order — are: Real Estate, Rental & Leasing; Other Services; Educational Services; Arts, Entertainment & Recreation; Utilities; Finance & Insurance; Management of Companies & Support Services; Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting; Public Administration; and Information.

 Operating Rate
Manufacturing Services
May
2022
Dec
2022
May
2023
May

2022

Dec

2022

May

2023

90%+ 57 % 57 % 41 % 65 % 66 % 69 %
50%-89% 42 % 41 % 55 % 34 % 32 % 30 %
Below 50% 1 % 2 % 4 % 1 % 2 % 1 %
Overall Average 87.2 % 88.4 % 82.0 % 91.0 % 89.9 % 91.0 %

PRODUCTION CAPACITY

Manufacturing
Production capacity is expected to increase 0.4 percentage point in 2023; in December, panelists reported an increase of 6.7 percent for 2022 and projected an increase of 5.3 percent this year. Twenty-six percent of respondents expect capacity increase of, on average, 12.3 percent; 14 percent expect decreases of, on average, 18.7 percent; and 60 percent expect no change. The 10 industries expecting production capacity increases for 2023 — listed in order — are: Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Fabricated Metal Products; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Transportation Equipment; Machinery; Plastics & Rubber Products; Primary Metals; Paper Products; and Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components.

Manufacturing Production Capacity
For 2022 For 2023 For 2023
Reported
Dec 2022
Magnitude
of Change
Predicted

Dec 2022

Magnitude
of Change
Predicted
May 2023
Magnitude
of Change
Higher 49 % +15.4 % 43 % +13.0 % 26 % +12.3 %
Same 44 % NA 52 % NA 60 % NA
Lower 7 % -12.4 % 4 % -8.4 % 14 % -18.7 %
Net Average +6.7 % +5.3 % +0.4 %

Services
The capacity to produce products or provide services in the services sector is expected to increase 2 percent in 2023. This compares to an increase of 3.9 percent reported for 2022 and a December projection of a 3.4-percent increase for this year. Seventeen percent of services respondents expect their capacity for 2023 to increase, on average, 16.4 percent, and 5 percent foresee capacity decreasing, on average, 16.5 percent. Seventy-eight percent expect no change in capacity. The 11 industries expecting production capacity increases for 2023 — listed in order — are: Retail Trade; Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting; Information; Accommodation & Food Services; Wholesale Trade; Mining; Professional, Scientific & Technical Services; Health Care & Social Assistance; Transportation & Warehousing; Management of Companies & Support Services; and Educational Services.

Services Production or Provision Capacity
For 2022 For 2023 For 2023
Reported

Dec 2022

Magnitude
of Change
Predicted

Dec 2022

Magnitude
of Change
Predicted
May 2023
Magnitude
of Change
Higher 34 % +14.9 % 37 % +9.8 % 17 % +16.4 %
Same 57 % NA 61 % NA 78 % NA
Lower 9 % -12.3 % 2 % -10.7 % 5 % -16.5 %
Net Average +3.9 % +3.4 % +2.0 %

PREDICTED CAPITAL EXPENDITURES — 2023 vs. 2022

Manufacturing
Survey respondents expect a 0.4-percent point increase in capital expenditures in 2023, lower than the 2.6-percent increase forecast by the panel in December. Twenty-four percent of respondents predict increased (on average, 23.6 percent) capital expenditures in 2023, 20 percent said their capital spending would decrease (on average, 26.7 percent), and 56 percent expect no change. The eight industries expecting capital expenditure increases for 2023 — listed in order — are: Printing & Related Support Activities; Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Petroleum & Coal Products; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Paper Products; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; and Computer & Electronic Products.

Services
This year, services purchasing and supply executives expect a capital expenditures increase of 4 percent compared to 2022. The 40 percent of members expecting to spend more predict an average increase of 18.2 percent, 15 percent anticipate an average decrease of 21.2 percent, and 45 percent expect no change in capital expenditures in 2023. The 13 industries expecting an increase in capital expenditures — listed in order — are: Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting; Arts, Entertainment & Recreation; Utilities; Public Administration; Real Estate, Rental & Leasing; Transportation & Warehousing; Accommodation & Food Services; Mining; Finance & Insurance; Management of Companies & Support Services; Educational Services; Professional, Scientific & Technical Services; and Retail Trade.

Predicted Capital Expenditures 2023 vs. 2022
Manufacturing Services
Predicted

Dec 2022

Predicted
May 2023
Magnitude
of Change
Predicted

Dec 2022

Predicted
May 2023
Magnitude
of Change
Higher 33 % 24 % +23.6 % 38 % 40 % +18.2 %
Same 48 % 56 % NA 43 % 45 % NA
Lower 19 % 20 % -26.7 % 19 % 15 % -21.2 %
Net Average +2.6 % +0.4 % +2.8 % +4.0 %

PRICES — Changes Between End of 2022 and May 2023

Manufacturing
In the December forecast, respondents predicted an increase of 2.5 percent in prices paid during the first four months of 2023; they report prices increased by 2.3 percent. The 47 percent who say their prices are higher now than at the end of 2022 report an average increase of 8.6 percent, while 23 percent reported lower prices (by 7.7 percent, on average). The remaining 30 percent indicated no change for the period. Fourteen manufacturing industries reported an increase in prices paid for the first part of 2023, listed in order: Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Textile Mills; Plastics & Rubber Products; Computer & Electronic Products; Primary Metals; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Transportation Equipment; Machinery; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Petroleum & Coal Products; Fabricated Metal Products; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Furniture & Related Products; and Chemical Products.

Services
Services respondents report that purchases during the first four months of this year cost an average of 5.1 percent more than at the end of 2022. This is 0.3 percentage point less than the 5.4-percent increase predicted in December. Sixty-four percent of services respondents report that prices increased, on average, 8.9 percent; 9 percent report price decreases of, on average, 5.9 percent; and 27 percent indicate no change. Seventeen of 18 industries reported an increase in prices paid in the first part of 2023, listed in order: Public Administration; Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting; Mining; Real Estate, Rental & Leasing; Utilities; Information; Arts, Entertainment & Recreation; Wholesale Trade; Health Care & Social Assistance; Professional, Scientific & Technical Services; Finance & Insurance; Retail Trade; Other Services; Educational Services; Management of Companies & Support Services; Transportation & Warehousing; and Construction.

Prices – Changes Between End of 2022 and May 2023
Manufacturing Services
Predicted

Dec 2022

Reported
May 2023
Magnitude
of Change
Predicted

Dec 2022

Reported
May 2023
Magnitude
of Change
Higher 56 % 47 % +8.6 % 70 % 64 % +8.9 %
Same 23 % 30 % NA 19 % 27 % NA
Lower 21 % 23 % -7.7 % 11 % 9 % -5.9 %
Net Average +2.5 % +2.3 % +5.4 % +5.1 %

PRICES — Predicted Changes Between End of 2022 and End of 2023

Manufacturing
Survey respondents expect a year-over-year, net-average prices increase of 1 percent for 2023. With respondents reporting price increases of 2.3 percent through April 2023, prices are projected to ease slightly over the rest of the year. Forty percent of respondents project prices to increase, on average, 7.5 percent for the full year, 24 percent anticipate a decrease (8.2 percent, on average), and 36 percent expect no change. The 10 industries expect price increases for all of 2023, listed in order are: Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Transportation Equipment; Printing & Related Support Activities; Computer & Electronic Products; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Machinery; Petroleum & Coal Products; Textile Mills; and Furniture & Related Products.

Services
This year, services respondents expect prices to increase, on average, 4.3 percent compared to the end of 2022. With respondents reporting an increase of 5.1 percent through April 2023, prices are projected to decrease over the rest of the year. Fifty-four percent of respondents anticipate increases of, on average, 9.3 percent; 11 percent expect decreases of, on average, 6 percent; and 35 percent do not expect prices to change. Seventeen of 18 industries project price increases for all of 2023, listed in order: Arts, Entertainment & Recreation; Public Administration; Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting; Real Estate, Rental & Leasing; Mining; Utilities; Wholesale Trade; Health Care & Social Assistance; Information; Professional, Scientific & Technical Services; Finance & Insurance; Other Services; Educational Services; Management of Companies & Support Services; Transportation & Warehousing; Construction; and Retail Trade.

Prices – Predicted Changes Between End of 2022 and End of 2023
Manufacturing Services
Predicted

Dec 2022

Predicted
May 2023
Magnitude
of Change
Predicted

Dec 2022

Predicted
May 2023
Magnitude
of Change
Higher 50 % 40 % +7.5 % 73 % 54 % +9.3 %
Same 23 % 36 % NA 16 % 35 % NA
Lower 28 % 24 % -8.2 % 11 % 11 % -6.0 %
Net Average +2.0 % +1.0 % +8.4 % +4.3 %

EMPLOYMENT

Employment – Predicted Changes Between End of 2022 and End of 2023

Manufacturing
ISM’s Manufacturing Business Survey Committee respondents forecast that sector employment in 2023 will increase 0.5 percentage point year over year. Twenty-five percent of respondents expect employment to be, on average, 7.6 percent higher; 15 percent predict employment to decrease, on average, 9 percent; and 60 percent expect employment levels to be unchanged. The 11 industries projecting employment growth during 2023 — listed in order — are: Printing & Related Support Activities; Primary Metals; Fabricated Metal Products; Chemical Products; Petroleum & Coal Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Plastics & Rubber Products; Machinery; Paper Products; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; and Transportation Equipment.

Services
Sector employment will increase 0.7 percent in 2023, according to the forecast of ISM’s Services Business Survey Committee respondents. For the remaining months of the year, 27 percent expect employment to increase, on average, 6.9 percent; 15 percent anticipate employment to decrease, on average, 7.6 percent; and 58 percent expect no change in employment levels. The 11 industries anticipating increases in employment — listed in order — are: Arts, Entertainment & Recreation; Professional, Scientific & Technical Services; Construction; Transportation & Warehousing; Management of Companies & Support Services; Retail Trade; Accommodation & Food Services; Utilities; Real Estate, Rental & Leasing; Health Care & Social Assistance; and Educational Services.

Employment – Predicted Changes Between End of 2022 and End of 2023
Manufacturing Services
Predicted
for 2023

Dec 2022

Predicted

May 2023

Magnitude
of Change
Predicted
for 2023

Dec 2022

Predicted

May 2023

Magnitude
of Change
Higher 42 % 25 % +7.6 % 40 % 27 % +6.9 %
Same 49 % 60 % NA 41 % 58 % NA
Lower 9 % 15 % -9.0 % 19 % 15 % -7.6 %
Net Average +3.9 % +0.5 % +1.0 % +0.7 %

BUSINESS REVENUES

Business Revenues Comparison — 2023 vs. 2022

Manufacturing
Increased revenues are expected this year, as purchasing and supply management executives predict an overall net increase of 1.7 percent compared to 2022. This is 3.8 percentage points lower than the 5.5-percent increase forecast in December, and 7.6 percentage points lower than the 9.3-percent year-over-year increase reported for 2022. Forty percent of respondents say that revenues for 2023 will increase, on average, 11.6 percent; 20 percent say their revenues will decrease, on average, 14.6 percent; and 40 percent forecast no change. The 10 manufacturing industries expecting increases in revenue in 2023 — listed in order — are: Primary Metals; Printing & Related Support Activities; Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Transportation Equipment; Machinery; Textile Mills; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; and Petroleum & Coal Products.

Manufacturing Business Revenue
2022 vs. 2021 2023 vs. 2022
Reported

Dec 2022

 

% Change

Predicted

Dec 2022

% Change Predicted

May 2023

% Change
Higher 60 % +17.7 % 45 % +14.9 % 40 % +11.6 %
Same 28 % NA 43 % NA 40 % NA
Lower 12 % -11.3 % 12 % -10.3 % 20 % -14.6 %
Net Average +9.3 % +5.5 % +1.7 %

Services
This year, services purchasing and supply management executives predict a net increase of 2.7 percent in sector business revenue compared to 2022. This is 0.4 percentage point lower than the 3.1-percent increase forecast in December, but 0.6 percentage point higher than the 2.1-percent increase reported for 2022. Thirty-eight percent of respondents indicate revenues for 2023 will increase, on average, 10.2 percent; 11 percent say their revenues will decrease, on average, 11.1 percent; and 51 percent expect no change. Fourteen of 18 services industries project revenue increases in 2023, listed in order: Arts, Entertainment & Recreation; Retail Trade; Professional, Scientific & Technical Services; Other Services; Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting; Information; Transportation & Warehousing; Management of Companies & Support Services; Public Administration; Finance & Insurance; Accommodation & Food Services; Real Estate, Rental & Leasing; Educational Services; and Health Care & Social Assistance.

Services Business Revenue
2022 vs. 2021 2023 vs. 2022
Reported

Dec 2022

 

% Change

Predicted

Dec 2022

 

% Change

Predicted

May 2023

% Change
Higher 47 % +9.1 % 50 % +8.2 % 38 % +10.2 %
Same 35 % NA 39 % NA 51 % NA
Lower 18 % -12.3 % 11 % -9.4 % 11 % -11.1 %
Net Average +2.1 % +3.1 % +2.7 %

SPECIAL QUESTION TOPIC No. 1: HIRING WORKERS TO FILL OPEN POSITIONS

We asked the panel, “In the past six months, has your organization had difficulty hiring workers to fill open positions?”

Answer options:

Yes, we have had difficulty hiring

No, we have not had difficulty hiring

Not applicable (we have not had any open positions)

Not applicable (we are on a hiring freeze)

Respondents indicated:

Hiring Workers to Fill Open Positions
Manufacturing Services
Reported
May
2022
Reported
Dec
2022
Reported
May
2023
Reported
May
2022
Reported
Dec
2022
Reported
May
2023
We have had difficulty hiring 89 % 77 % 67 % 87 % 84 % 67 %
We have not had difficulty 8 % 21 % 26 % 9 % 10 % 22 %
Not applicable (we have not had any open positions) 3 % 1 % 2 % 4 % 6 % 5 %
Not applicable (hiring freeze) – – 5 % – – 6 %

SPECIAL QUESTION TOPIC No. 2: HIRING DIFFICULTIES

We asked the panel, “If ‘yes,’ what have you done to deal with these difficulties?”

Answer options:

We raised wages (or used other forms of monetary compensation) to recruit new hires

We didn’t hire/were not able to hire as many workers as we would have liked

We didn’t have difficulty hiring because we weren’t trying to hire new workers

We lowered our hiring standards

Something else

Respondents indicated:

“If ‘yes,’ what have you done to deal with these difficulties?”
Manufacturing Services
Reported
May
2022
Reported
Dec
2022
Reported
May
2023
Reported
May
2022
Reported
Dec
2022
Reported
May
2023
We raised wages 56 % 45 % 47 % 57 % 51 % 41 %
We didn’t hire as many as we would have liked 28 % 34 % 34 % 28 % 32 % 33 %
We weren’t trying to hire new workers – 10 % – – – –
We lowered our hiring standards 3 % 3 % 5 % 5 % 7 % 4 %
Something else 13 % 8 % 14 % 10 % 10 % 21 %

SPECIAL QUESTION TOPIC No. 3: NO HIRING DIFFICULTIES

We asked the panel, “If you have not had difficulty hiring, why not?”

Answer options:

We raised wages in order to attract the applicants we needed

We didn’t have difficulty hiring because we weren’t trying to hire new workers

The local labor market is not that tight; it was easy to find an ample supply of applicants

We lowered our hiring standards

Something else

Respondents indicated:

“If ‘no,’ you have not had difficulty hiring, why not?”
Manufacturing Services
Reported
May
2022
Reported
Dec
2022
Reported
May
2023
Reported
May
2022
Reported
Dec
2022
Reported
May
2023
We raised wages 36 % 27 % 38 % 29 % 45 % 25 %
We weren’t trying to hire new workers 4 % 17 % 18 % 7 % 17 % 13 %
It was easy to find an ample supply of applicants 23 % 16 % 19 % 19 % 13 % 17 %
We lowered our hiring standards 7 % 9 % 3 % 11 % 5 % 1 %
Something else 30 % 31 % 23 % 34 % 20 % 44 %

SPECIAL QUESTION TOPIC No. 4: SUPPLY CHAIN PROBLEMS

We asked the panel, “Do you anticipate supply chain problems for the third quarter/fourth quarter to be better, same or worse?”

Respondents indicated:

Supply Chain Problems Q3 & Q4
Manufacturing Services
Q3

2023

Q4

2023

Q3

2023

Q4

2023

Better 38 % 46 % 29 % 32 %
Same 56 % 43 % 63 % 59 %
Worse 6 % 12 % 8 % 9 %
Diffusion Index 66 % 67 % 61 % 61 %

SPECIAL QUESTION TOPIC No. 5: CAUSE OF SUPPLY CHAIN DISRUPTIONS

We asked the panel, “Are most of the supply chain disruptions in the manufacturing/services sectors due to foreign developments (for example, microchips or other foreign-sourced supplies) or to domestic developments (such as, port delays or lack of truck drivers or domestically produced supplies like steel or aluminum)?”

Respondents indicated:

Supply Chain Disruptions
Manufacturing Services
May
2022
Dec
2022
May
2023
May
2022
Dec
2022
May
2023
Foreign-Sourced 49 % 56 % 56 % 48 % 49 % 37 %
Domestic-Sourced 51 % 44 % 44 % 52 % 51 % 63 %

SUMMARY

Manufacturing

  • Operating rate is 82 percent of normal capacity.
  • Production capacity is expected to increase 0.4 percent in 2023.
  • Capital expenditures are expected to increase 0.4 percent in 2023.
  • Prices paid increased 2.3 percent through April 2023.
  • Prices of raw materials are expected to increase a total of 1 percent for all of 2023, indicating an expected decrease of 1.3 percentage points for the rest of the year.
  • Manufacturing employment is expected to increase 0.5 percent in 2023.
  • Manufacturing revenues are expected to increase 1.7 percent in 2023.
  • The manufacturing sector is expected to grow slightly in 2023.

Services

  • Operating rate is 91 percent of normal capacity.
  • Production capacity is expected to increase 2 percent in 2023.
  • Capital expenditures are expected to increase 4 percent in 2023.
  • Prices paid increased 5.1 percent through April 2023.
  • Prices of raw materials are expected to increase a total of 4.3 percent for all of 2023, indicating expectations of continuing inflation.
  • Services employment is expected to increase 0.7 percent in 2023.
  • Services revenues are expected to increase 2.7 percent in 2023.
  • The services sector is projected to slightly grow in 2023.

Posted: May 9, 2023

Source: Institute for Supply Management

ITMA 2023 Exhibitor Preview: Starlinger & Co. G.m.b.H

VIENNA, Austria  — May 9, 2023 — The Austrian machinery provider is showing its latest developments for sustainable woven sack production at ITMA in Milan. The highlight: the new circular loom FXa 6.0.

For over 50 years, Starlinger has been a leader in the technological development of circular looms for the production of woven sacks from plastic tapes. With the new six-shuttle circular loom FXa 6.0, the company is introducing an even more efficient and user-friendly machine that produces polypropylene tape fabric of highest quality.

“With the new FXa 6.0, we offer a circular loom with significantly reduced energy requirements and a low noise level,” said Harald Neumüller, CSO of Starlinger. “At the same time, longer spare parts lifetime ensures significant cost savings. By investing in new processes and innovative manufacturing methods for our in-house production we have been able to significantly minimise quality fluctuations in shuttle roller production and increase their service life.” Regarding machine control, a 7-inch touchscreen display and a high-performance CPU ensure convenient operation.

“The FXa 6.0 also features a so-called IQ of 350. This means that on average there is only one warp tape break every 350 metres – an immense advantage in terms of machine downtime and work for the machine operators,” Neumüller added.

The FXa 6.0 circular loom achieves a production speed of up to 1200 picks per minute and is designed for the gentle and energy-efficient production of light tape fabrics from 45 g/m² to 140 g/m². The circular loom will be shown in operation at the stand of Starlinger textile packaging in Hall 3.

Closed packaging loops for woven bags made of PP and PET

The use of recycled materials has become one of the leading topics in the packaging industry. In this respect, Starlinger is a pioneer when it comes to woven plastic packaging. With its “Circular Packaging” concept, the company has developed a closed packaging cycle for big bags, in which used big bags are turned into new big bags again. “As part of our “Circular Packaging” concept, big bags made of polypropylene fabric are equipped with a material passport that allows to trace their life cycle from production to use to return and recycling,” explains Neumüller. “This means that used big bags can be recycled without significant loss of quality and the regranulate used for producing new big bags – the packaging cycle is closed.” Fabric for big bags produced on Starlinger equipment with high shares of recycled polypropylene has the same specifications as fabric produced from virgin material and has been tested with standardised test procedures.

With the technology for the production of tape fabric from PET and rPET, Starlinger has harnessed the great advantage of this material for woven packaging. Correctly processed, PET recyclate has properties like virgin material and can be recycled repeatedly. PET tape fabric is strong, food-safe, has excellent creep resistance and can be made from 100% recycled material. As with bottle-to-bottle recycling, “bag-to-bag” recycling is possible in this case to close the packaging loop. This not only reduces raw material requirements, but also CO2 emissions and energy consumption. Both PET and rPET tape fabric are already being used successfully in the production of big bags.

Post-consumer rPET for textile applications

Starlinger recycling technology will be present at ITMA with its own stand in Hall 9, providing information on recycling solutions for fibre and filament production. In addition to recycling production waste, Starlinger also offers solutions for the use of recycled post-consumer plastics such as rPET in textile production. In order to be able to use recycled PET for the production of polyester filaments and fibres, it must meet the highest quality standards – any foreign particles and polymers must be removed before extrusion. In order to optimally clean the melt in the recycling process, Starlinger has developed a special cartridge filter for fibre applications, the so-called Rapid Sleeve Changer (RSC). It guarantees finest filtration of the melt down to 15 μm and achieves a throughput of up to 2000 kg per hour. The filter elements can be changed without interrupting production, which significantly reduces melt loss and machine downtime.

For PET bottle-to-bottle recycling applications, Starlinger offers the new recoSTAR PET art, an energy-efficient and user-friendly recycling system. It achieves 15% more output with less maintenance and space requirements than the previous model and saves around 21% in production costs.

Posted: May 9, 2023

Source: Starlinger & Co Ges.m.b.H

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