Officina39 Presents The Kaleidoscopic Possibilities Of Responsible Denim At Kingpins Show

BIELLA, Italy — October 19, 2022 — The SS24 collection takes the stage in Amsterdam in the name of sustainable dyeing, while key collaborations show how to use less and reuse more: water saving and circularity, two authentic “kingpins” of Officina39’s mission.

Denim is an extremely versatile fabric that contains within itself infinite expressive possibilities: in the right hands, it can be transformed into a canvas where sustainable colors and processes are explored, such as those developed by Officina39’s Multicolor Denim Dreaming SS24 collection. Its Creative Leader Juan Manuel Gomezcan precisely combine artistic expression with a thorough technical experience, being able to create inspirations that push the boundaries of both aesthetics and performance while respecting the planet and the people:

Color is key this SS24 season, and experimentation in denim has reached new heights. We have found new ways to translate the indigo process of denim into polychromy: we use vibrant colors to play with different techniques to infuse energy and create a summer collection where indigo achieves multicolored shades”.

The new collection presented at Kingpins Amsterdam (October 19-20)is a powerful combination of several Officina39’ssustainable key technologies:

  • Nebudye D:a wide range of fresh colors to obtain a unique dyeing effect in nebulization/fog system machinery and can be discharged in a creative way with Oz-One Powder, an advanced product to give garments a bleached yet eco-friendly treatment,and Remover IND/J-N, Officina39’s solution to replace the use of Potassium Permanganate (PP) on denim and obtain a worn and distressed vintage look.
  • Novantic series: a combination of selected dyestuffs with aspecial mordanting agent suitable to obtain surface dyeing to provide vintage or old look effects.
  • Recycrom™: a patented dyestuffs range obtained through a cutting-edge upcycling process that involves textile fibers from used clothing and manufacturing waste for dyeing and printing applications. Its sustainable and revolutionary powders assure a whole universe of denim effects: from classic authentic vintage to acid wash look (Eco Marble), from printed effect (Indigo Replica) to worn and distressed vintage look (Recycrom™Dirty).
  • Just One Step Process: an innovation that saves time, energy, space and of course water, by combining several phases of the Aqualess Mission at the same time: a raw garment enters the machine and a garment with a basic vintage effectcomes out ready to be dried, already treated, bleached and softened.
  • Remover Activator: a technology that in combination with PP replacement products creates in one step general bleaching, localized corrosion and highlights effects on jeans.

Aqualess Mission, the combination of four processes that allows garment laundry processes to reduce 75% of the water use, is one of Officina39’s most appreciated technologies and at Kingpins will play a special role in collaboration with BluConnectionto dye Naveena fabrics and garments. BluConnection is a leading producer of pre-reduced liquid indigo: its products and services meet internationally recognized quality standards and align with environmental and social sustainability regulations.

That’s why Officina39 is proud to couple its Aqualess Mission with BluConnection’s top technologies: DenimBlu30, pre-reduced liquid indigo used by denim mills globally to dye denim fabric, and BluWit, a plant-based reducing agent that eliminates the need of hydrosulfite in the dyeing processes.

The result is an easier process to neutralize the garment, optimizing time and consumption (both reduced by 50% compared to a classic neutralization) while maintaining authentic denim.Aqualess Mission, together with Recycrom™, Nebudye D and Smart Bleach, contributes also to the third chapter of The Circle Book, the collaboration project for circular design developed by Officina39, Meidea and Lenzing in recent years.

Kingpins is the perfect stage to present ‘The Circle Book 3 / Re-establish framework’, that involves new partners, supporters and four teams of designers from Mexico, Italy and Argentina for the creation of the outfits. “Transparency is a stepping stone towards a more ethical and responsible fashion industry, and so it has been keyto incorporate this fundamental value throughout the production process, providing traceability through the supply chain, creating a tangible tool for brand expansion and designer awareness, sustainability and forging a responsible mindset for future collections.” excerpt from the general concept ‘The Circle Book 3 / Re-establish framework’.

Circularity is also the key concept of the official Kingpins creative workshop organized by Officina39, The Vintage Showroom and Tintes Egara, “Circular Vintage Shop”: a live dyeing performance to apply Recycrom™in combination with waterless technologies Novapret Sand Dirty and Remover Ind/J-N on Italian brand OVS giveaway overstock garments.

Posted: October 19, 2022

Source: Officina39

Covation Biomaterials Hosts First Showcase At Sustainable Fashion Expo In Tokyo For Sorona® And Susterra®

NEWARK, Del. — October 18, 2022 — Covation Biomaterials, a global company offering bio-based solutions, is showcasing a variety of new apparel applications using Sorona® polymer and Susterra® 1,3-propanediol during the Sustainable Fashion Expo at Fashion World in Tokyo, October 18-20, 2022 (Booth A22-42).

During the show, CovationBio is highlighting the many solutions it brings to the market and is showcasing collections in apparel, footwear, performance gear, and more from global value chain partners. Samples available to experience at the booth are from partners in Japan, Korea, China, and Taiwan including:

  • Sorona synthetic leather – newly available as a commercial product, this fabric is made with a base of Sorona Agile, circular knit with Sorona bico filament
  • Sorona faux fur “KOBA” with Ecopel – commercially available in a variety of colors and styles
  • Unitika Palpa® made with Sorona — part of the Sorona Luxe line of fabrics
  • Footwear samples made with Sorona fabrics and Susterra parts
  • Carpet made with Sorona BCF
  • The new Sorona fabric collection book made exclusively for this show

Sorona is the 37-percent plant-based polymer that brings sustainable functionality and comfort to textiles including wovens, knits, insulation, synthetic leather, faux fur, and footwear. Combining flexibility, durability, and sustainability, Susterra® propanediol is a road-ready, natural 100-percent plant-based diol ingredient used in footwear, outdoor apparel, performance gear, and more.

According to Alexa Raab, Global Corporate Communications Director: “Combining our experience and knowledge in bio-based technology with the expertise of our partners is a tremendous accomplishment. We continue to demonstrate that products made with Sorona polymer and Susterra propanediol offer performance and environmental benefits that are unmatched in the market today.”

“Making propanediol from plant-based feedstock is not enough — the feedstock needs to be grown responsibly. Our commitment to this is demonstrated in our recent enrollment in the Truterra™ regenerative agricultural program. We believe this is a critical next step in empowering our customers and partners to better track their contributions towards reducing the environmental footprint within their supply chain all the way through to the final consumer product,” added Patrick Van Waes, global marketing director – CovationBioPDO.

Visit the CovationBio team at Booth A22-42 during the show held at the Tokyo Big site from October 18 through 20.

Posted: October 18, 2022

Source: Covation Biomaterials LLC

Skechers Sues Hermès For Patent Infringement Of Its Proprietary MASSAGE FIT® Technology

LOS ANGELES — October 18, 2022 — Skechers USA Inc., The Comfort Technology Company™, announced today that it has sued Hermès International and Hermès of Paris for patent infringement of its proprietary MASSAGE FIT® sole technology. The lawsuit was filed today in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York in Manhattan.

In 2022, Hermès introduced two footwear styles, the Éclair and Envol, which incorporate mid-sole and undersole design elements that infringe multiple Skechers patents for its MASSAGE FIT technology that Skechers incorporates into its highly successful SKECHERS GO WALK® series, as well as other product lines.

A Skechers spokesperson stated: “Skechers invests tremendous resources into research and development to introduce fresh, unique and exciting footwear technology to its customers year in and year out. It is disappointing that a company of Hermès’ reputation and standing has chosen to copy and infringe Skechers’ patented designs. While Skechers always prefers to compete in the marketplace rather than the court room, the Company has no choice but to seek legal recourse when competitors blatantly tread on our rights.”

Posted: October 18, 2022

Source: Skechers USA, Inc.

Aha Selected Creates Platform For Premium Apparel At Affordable Prices

LOS ANGELES — October 18, 2022 — This winter season, rising brand Aha Selected is introducing its new “Puffer” down jacket series designed for a variety of activities including sports, casual, and city life.

The all-new “Family Puffer: Ultra Light” series filled with 90- to 100-percent luxurious down. Coming in either vest or jacket styles and in more than ten bold colours, they make for an excellent base layer or a light outer shell. The new series also delivers superior value, starting at just $39.90 for the vest and $49.90 for the jacket (they’re 40-percent more affordable than Uniqlo, rivaling the Amazon Essential series in price). It costs less than $200 to upgrade the wardrobe for a family of four!

Aha Selected is also updating its outdoor “City” series with the longer, thicker “Alaska” and the A-line hemmed “Chicago,” all made using the same premium down as the Family Puffer series.

As fashion retailers migrate to online platforms, choices have never been so readily available and plentiful for consumers. But sometimes, the dizzying mesh of style, quality, and pricing can overwhelm shoppers. Aha Selected’s mission is to combine “classic, simple, premium, and affordability to meet its customers’ expectations, helping them to buy with confidence.”

This commitment has been ingrained into its name: “AHA” to indicate that its customers will be pleasantly surprised by the exceptional quality; and “Selected” to reflect its expert product development team versed in global brands, manufacturers, and supply chain. Furthermore, with extensive business experience, the team ensures that the customers can purchase the finest products at the best prices.

“Aha Selected has partnered with industry-leading manufacturers trusted by global fashion brands like Lululemon, Theory, Woolrich, Armani, CK, Lacoste, Tommy Hilfiger, Under Armour, and Adidas,” said Nick Lim, Aha Selected’s product lead. “Moreover, Aha Selected’s innovative supply chain eliminates inefficiencies, reducing product costs by 10% to 40% compared to its high-end competitors while retaining the same quality and comfort.”

Aha Select continues to be an industry leader in social responsibility. The puffer jackets are certified to the Responsible Down Standards (RDS) to guarantee that the fillings are sourced from compliant farms. The “City” series incorporates advanced graphene technology to remain lightweight yet warm, perfectly suitable for both outdoor and indoor environments. Aha Selected’s upcoming “Fleece” series will also feature 100% recycled materials to divert usable materials away from landfills.

Posted: October 18, 2022

Source: Aha Selected

Columbia Sportswear’s SOREL Headquarters Moving To Washington County

PORTLAND, Ore. — October 18, 2022 — Columbia Sportswear Co. today announced that its SOREL brand is moving into an expanded headquarters building in early 2023.

SOREL’s momentum has been marked by rapid revenue growth and is expected to expand further over the next three to five years. The new headquarters provides room for team and resource enhancement and enables SOREL to continue attracting industry-best talent.

“This is an exciting and indicative moment for our brand,” said Mark Nenow, president of SOREL. “We thrive on shared creative energy to drive design, marketing and distribution of amazing function-first fashion footwear. All for our unstoppable consumer! Everything emanates now from SOREL’s new headquarters home!”

“This is really a story about dynamic growth,” said Craig Zanon, senior vice president, Emerging Brands. “SOREL is laser-focused on bringing a relentless flow of compelling products and stories to consumers and is on its way to becoming a leading force in the footwear industry.”

“When we purchased the SOREL brand in 2000, it was a small Canadian company renowned for its men’s winter work and snowboard boots,” said Tim Boyle, chair, CEO and president of CSC. “Now, it is a rapidly growing female-first brand creating exciting and differentiated products from sandals to wedges to sneakers to boots. It’s an amazing story and a testament to the creativity and drive of SOREL’s employees.”

The SOREL headquarters will be housed in an exclusive single use building on the Columbia Sportswear Co.’s Washington county campus.

Posted: October 18, 2022

Source: Columbia Sportswear Co.

Greensboro College Launches Workforce Initiative To Meet Growing Employer Demand In Aerospace And Manufacturing

GREENSBORO, N.C.  — October 18, 2022 — Today, The Center for Innovation and Workforce Development at Greensboro College launched the latest in a series of new professional development initiatives. The online program is based on industry input and will help students build the skills sought by global aerospace and manufacturing employers in the Greensboro region. With the tremendous growth of these industries in the Piedmont Triad, demand for skilled workers is at an all-time high. This new certificate and credentialing program will help meet that demand with qualified and ambitious professionals ready to demonstrate their capabilities and expertise.

“As we were reminded when President Biden and Boom Supersonic CEO Blake Scholl visited our state earlier this year, North Carolina is a national leader in aerospace manufacturing,” says Greensboro College President Lawrence D. Czarda. “Our institution is transforming its offerings to help our region remain at the forefront of this and other industries. By preparing the skilled workers of tomorrow, Greensboro College is building on its essential role in our community to help ensure the continued success of companies throughout our region. We look forward to seeing our students thrive as our local economy continues to grow.”

From the Wright Brothers’ first flight at Kitty Hawk to today’s innovative research and development, North Carolina has enjoyed a long legacy as an aerospace leader. According to PwC, the state ranks fifth in the nation for aerospace manufacturing attractiveness. It is home to top aerospace companies with major operations in North Carolina, including pioneers such as GE Aviation, Honda Aircraft Company, HAECO, Cyril Bath, Raytheon Technologies, and Spirit AeroSystems. In fact, North Carolina is home to more than 200 leading aerospace companies that specialize in airplane assembly and parts manufacturing*. With 13% employment growth from 2015-2019, North Carolina’s aerospace manufacturing sector has grown three times the national average. Here in 2022, North Carolina’s 450,000 manufacturing workers comprise 10% of the state’s entire workforce**.

“There are many factors that aerospace companies consider when making decisions about where to locate their operations,” says Kevin J. Baker, executive director of the Piedmont Triad International Airport, which generates an estimated $6 billion in economic impact for the local economy each year. “Every company we speak to identifies the availability of a trained workforce as their top concern. The Piedmont Triad has deep bench strength in the industry, but demand for skilled workers is constantly growing. As such, the new aerospace and manufacturing programs at Greensboro College are an essential element of an evolving workforce pipeline that will prove vital to our region’s ability to compete now and long into the future.”

The importance of this pipeline is clear to local economic development leaders such as NC Works Executive Director Chris Rivera. He states that “When we look at data specific to the number of individuals we have placed into employment in the manufacturing industry, we’re at about 6,500 people per year – and that figure is poised to increase.” With multiple high-tech companies such as Toyota, Boom Supersonic, and Vinfast moving into the area, there are plans for an additional 9,500 manufacturing job openings in the coming months.

The new program launched today at Greensboro College ensures that it will be at the center of preparing local workers to fill those openings and drive economic growth for years to come. The additional workforce development certification programs include technician training in:

  • Advanced Manufacturing Production;
  • Aerospace Electrical Assembly;
  • Aerospace Quality;
  • Aerospace Structures;
  • Apprentice Tool Making;
  • CNC Lathe Production;
  • CNC Machining Center Production;
  • Composites Manufacturing & Repair;
  • Drafting & CAD;
  • Mechatronics & Industrial Automation;
  • Quality Assurance; and
  • Safety.

Posted: October 18, 2022

Source: Greensboro College

Sinopec Produces China’s First Batch Of Large Tow Carbon Fiber

SHANGHAI — October 14, 2022 — China Petroleum & Chemical Corp. (Sinopec) has successfully produced China’s first batch of large tow carbon fiber at the company’s production base in Shanghai, making the company the first in the country and fourth in the world to possess large tow carbon fiber technology.

Sinopec’s production line has adopted its self-developed PAN (polyacrylonitrile) base large tow precursor and carbon fiber technologies. The project is being implemented in two phases and expects to be in full production in 2024, projecting an annual production capacity of 24,000 tons of protofilament and 12,000 tons of large tow carbon fiber.

Large tow carbon fiber refers to roving that contains 48,000 filaments or more. The high-performance material is often referred to as the “king of new material” and “black gold.” The product developed and manufactured by Sinopec Shanghai is a new type of high-strength carbon fiber with a carbon content of over 95 percent. It has outstanding excellent mechanical properties and a specific gravity that’s less than one fourth of the steel, yet a strength that’s seven to nine times stronger. It is also corrosion resistant.

As the material can be widely used in producing parts and components, it is expected to be used for an increasing amount of industrial infrastructure projects in China, including ones related to wind power, solar power, high-speed rail, and aviation.

“Sinopec has customized a special production line for large tow carbon fiber, including production equipment and techniques, which has enabled us to design oxidizing furnaces and carbide furnaces that revolutionizes not only the core technology of temperature field control, but also has a revolutionary energy-saving design, marking a major milestone in the development of China’s carbon fiber industry,” said Huang Xiangyu, carbon fiber expert and deputy general manager of Sinopec Shanghai.

Sinopec now owns 251 patents related to carbon fiber and 46 patents for carbon fiber composite materials, the largest number in China and third in the world, and through scaled up investment and industrial layout, Sinopec is committed to being a major contributor to the development of China’s carbon fiber industry.

Posted: October 18, 2022

Source: China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (SINOPEC)

Epson Introduces New High-Performance, Versatile Large Format Dye-Sublimation Printers

LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. — October 18, 2022 — As print shops continue to see demand for transfer printing applications, Epson today announced two new 44-inch wide-format dye-sublimation printers – the SureColor® F6470 and SureColor F6470H. Designed to maximize productivity for print businesses, the versatile 4-color SureColor F6470 and 6-color SureColor F6470H generate fast output for quickly and efficiently producing high-quality transfer images. The new models will replace the renowned SureColor F6370 and join Epson’s expansive line of SureColor F-Series dye-sublimation printers.

The new models will be on display at PRINTING United in Las Vegas from Oct. 19-21 in Epson’s booth, C7730. The SureColor F6470H is a recipient of the PRINTING United Pinnacle Product Award in the “roll-to-roll dye-sublimation on metal category.”

Purpose built to create custom printed products, the SureColor F6470 generates 4-color output at speeds up to 820 ft2/hr1 to quickly and efficiently produce high-quality images for promotional and personalized goods, apparel, home décor, soft signage, and more. The SureColor F6470H prints unparalleled 6-color output at speeds up to 400 ft2/hr1 and allows for multiple ink configurations to meet various color needs — CMYK plus either Light Cyan/Light Magenta, Fluorescent Pink/Fluorescent Yellow, or Orange/Violet. The expanded color options make it an ideal solution for producing photographic panels, flags, and banners, with the ability to meet branding color requirements for corporate clients.

“These models are engineered to deliver the reliability and high image quality Epson is known for, with some of the fastest dye-sublimation printer speeds in the market,” said Tim Check, senior product manager, Professional Imaging, Epson America Inc. “With the expansion of three ink configurations, the SureColor F6470H provides the ability to hit specific corporate colors, making it a unique offering, and one that will open up opportunities for print shops in the high-end dye-sublimation photo market.”

The new models feature an innovative 1.33-inch PrecisionCore® MicroTFP printhead with Nozzle Verification Technology (NVT) for exceptional and consistent print quality. An integrated ink pack system utilizing 1.6-liter UltraChrome® DS Ink packs allow the printers to continuously deliver rich color saturation and contrast. Designed with ease of use in mind, both models come with a 4.3-inch touchscreen control panel, an easily accessible maintenance area, a built-in cutter for roll-to-sheet convenience, and a media take-up reel system for unattended printing. Additional features include:

  • PrecisionCore MicroTFP printhead with NVT – Delivers consistent, high print quality day after day
  • Astounding image quality – Highly efficient UltraChrome DS Ink delivers extraordinary color saturation and high color contrast
  • Seamless workflow – Powerful Epson Edge® Print workflow software, featuring Adobe® PDF Print Engine
  • Versatile media support – Features a media take-up reel for unattended printing and a built-in cutter for roll-to-sheet convenience
  • Performance optimized for Epson DS Transfer Paper – Universal, Rigid Photo Optimized, Adhesive Textile, and Multipurpose paper types available
  • Low user maintenance – Easily accessible maintenance area helps ensure consistent, reliable performance
  • Epson Cloud Solution PORT2 – Provides live production monitoring of printer fleet, including production rates and printer utilization

Availability

The SureColor F6470 ($8,195 MSRP) and SureColor F6470H ($8,695 MSRP) will be available in early 2023 through authorized Epson Professional Imaging resellers. The models are designed for use exclusively with Epson ink packs* and offer a one-year limited onsite warranty with extended service plans available. For additional information, visit www.epson.com.

Posted: October 18, 2022

Source: Epson America Inc.

Nordstrom Announces CFO Transition

SEATTLE — October 17, 2022 — Nordstrom, Inc. today announced that Nordstrom Chief Financial Officer Anne Bramman has informed the company of her intention to step down from her role. She will remain with the company through the reporting of Nordstrom’s third quarter 2022 financial results to facilitate a smooth transition. Her last day with the company will be December 2, 2022.

“Anne is an outstanding CFO. Since she was named CFO in 2017, Anne’s leadership has been vital in helping us in many areas, particularly navigating the numerous challenges of the last few years,” said Erik Nordstrom, chief executive officer of Nordstrom, Inc. “I’d like to thank Anne for her deep commitment to our customers, our employees, our shareholders and our values. As a result of Anne’s guidance through the pandemic, Nordstrom has the financial strength and flexibility to successfully manage through a changing environment. She also sponsored multiple strategic initiatives to improve profitability and develop capabilities to fuel our long-term growth. Anne has elevated the finance organization through her commitment to excellence and talent development. We wish her well as she takes this next step.”

“It has been a privilege to work alongside our leadership team and the many talented individuals throughout the company,” Bramman said. “With Nordstrom well positioned for success, I felt that this is the right time to transition to the next chapter in my career.”

Michael Maher, Nordstrom’s senior vice president and chief accounting officer, will assume the role of interim CFO upon Bramman’s departure. Nordstrom has commenced an internal and external search process to identify a permanent CFO.

Maher joined Nordstrom in 2009 as controller and has more than 25 years of finance and accounting experience. As chief accounting officer, he is responsible for accounting, financial planning and analysis, business development, treasury and investor relations. Prior to his appointment as Nordstrom’s chief accounting officer in 2020, Maher served as senior vice president, finance from 2017 to 2020. From 2011 to 2017, he held various finance leadership roles for the Nordstrom business.

“We are fortunate to have a deep bench of talented leaders at Nordstrom,” Nordstrom added. “Michael’s knowledge of the Nordstrom business and more than two decades of related experience will support the continued execution of our financial priorities as we conduct a search for our next CFO.”

The company is reaffirming its fiscal year 2022 financial outlook that was previously provided on August 23, 2022.

Posted: October 18, 2022

Source: Nordstrom, Inc.

Governor Ivey Hosts Second Annual Made In Alabama Showcase — Shaw Industries Group Featured

MONTGOMERY, Ala.— October 14, 2022 — Governor Kay Ivey, in partnership with the Alabama Department of Commerce, hosted the second annual Made in Alabama Showcase to recognize some of Alabama’s top companies.

Governor Ivey selected 14 top-rated businesses for their work in producing exceptional goods for our state and invited them to exhibit their products at the Alabama State Capitol. The 11 honorees that were able to attend showcased their products, discussed their company’s history and gave away promotional items to the public.

“Our state is blessed to have numerous companies producing outstanding Alabama-American made products every single day. During Manufacturing Month, I am proud to recognize 14 of the best our state has to offer,” said Governor Ivey. “Alabama made products speak to who we are as a state, and we could not be more excited to showcase these exceptional companies’ products and service to all our visitors today.”

Since 2017, Governor Ivey has charged her administration, especially the Alabama Department of Commerce with creating quality jobs for Alabamians. Her focus on economic development has attracted over $32 billion in capital investment and 65,000 new jobs.

“The ‘Made in Alabama’ badge is synonymous with quality, and it’s crystal clear that the companies being honored in today’s showcase have mastered the art of turning out an amazing variety of world-class products,” said Greg Canfield, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce.

The honorees were nominated by the Alabama Department of Commerce, Manufacture Alabama, the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama and the Business Council of Alabama. The 14 honorees are as follows:

  • Frios Gourmet Pops, based in Mobile, produces gourmet popsicles for its franchisees across the country. The company has grown from a brick-and-mortar shop to pivoting in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic to be mobile by attending parties and corporate events in their tie-dye food trucks.
  • Shaw Industries Group Inc. offers a diverse portfolio of carpet, resilient, hardwood, tile and stone, laminate, synthetic turf and other specialty items for residential and commercial markets worldwide via its brands Anderson Tuftex, COREtec, Floorigami, Patcraft, Philadelphia Commercial, Shaw Contract, Shaw Floors, Shaw Sports Turf, Southwest Greens and more. Shaw’s fiber manufacturing plant in Andalusia, Alabama, is Covington County’s largest employer. Shaw continues to invest in plant upgrades at Andalusia that are improving efficiency and production, as well as ergonomics and safety of more than 1,100 Shaw associates who work there. Headquartered in Dalton, Georgia, Shaw is a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, which employs more than 20,000 associates worldwide.
  • To Your Health Sprouted Flour Company is a national pioneer in producing organic sprouted grains. In their 17 years of business, they have grown to become the largest U.S. producer of sprouted grains, flours, legumes, seeds and nuts, producing close to one million pounds per year. They are located in Fitzpatrick, Alabama in Bullock County.
  • Victory Game Clocks is a female, veteran-owned and operated team sport timing supplier based in Roanoke, Alabama. Victory Game Clocks designs, manufactures and sells high-quality practice timers, play clocks, scoreboards, electronic down markers and timeout countdown clocks for football and other sports. Their products first hit the market in 2011, and today are used by professional, college and high school teams across the country.
  • WoodHaven Custom Calls designs top of the line turkey and deer calls in Heflin, Alabama. The calls can be customized as a mouth, wood or friction call. The idea for the company was built in the late 1980s from the owner’s desire to be the best turkey hunter he could be.
  • Red Land Cotton is a family-owned, direct-to-consumer e-commerce company crafting luxury bedding, towels and loungewear exclusively from cotton grown on their family farm in north Alabama. Red Land Cotton utilizes a supply chain that starts and ends in north Alabama. All of the cotton is grown, harvested and ginned on Red Land Farms in Lawrence and Colbert counties. It is manufactured in different communities across the United States before it returns as finished cloth to be cut and sewn and then distributed from Moulton, Alabama.
  • Golden Eagle Syrup founders, Mr. and Mrs. Victor Patterson Sr., produced their first can in Fayette, Alabama on October 28, 1928. The original manufacturing building still remains the home of Golden Eagle Syrup today. In efforts to keep the historic company viable, additional products, which incorporate the syrup, are being added. Caramel Corn was the first of these brought to market and is carrying on the tradition of quality products at fair prices. Golden Eagle Syrup remains a family-owned, family-run business; the present owners have a strong commitment to preserving the tradition and quality established by the founders.
  • Jack Daniel Cooperage manufactures white oak barrels for Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey. The Jack Daniel Cooperage is located in Trinity, Alabama and is home to approximately 175 employees. “JDC” was established in 2014 and currently produces approximately 1,200 barrels per day.
  • Specification Rubber Products began in 1968 as a manufacturer of molded rubber components for the waterworks industry, specializing in rubber gaskets. Today, their company is a primary supplier for ductile iron pipe, valve and hydrant producers. Not only do they help to make drinking water safe, but they also received the “Best Place to Work” award in 2021 from Rubber News, a national industry publication. All of their products are Made in the USA in Alabaster, Alabama.
  • Central City Urban Farm is a hydroponic artisanal family farm producing herbs, leafy greens and vegetables. They grow gourmet lettuces, arugula, kale, swiss chard, parsley, basil, chives and cilantro. The farm location is in the Sloss Business District in downtown Birmingham. Customers can purchase direct for home, institutional or restaurant consumption.
  • Hartzell Engine Technologies was formed in 2010 by Tailwinds Technologies from assets of Kelly Aerospace Energy Systems. This Montgomery company offers aircraft engine accessories and cabin heating solutions for manned and unmanned fixed and rotary-wing aircraft powered by piston, turboprop and turbofan engines. The company’s portfolio consists of Janitrol Aero, Fuelcraft, Plane-Power, Sky-Tec and Aeroforce Turbocharger Systems. Together, these five strong brands provide engine accessories and heating solutions for the general aviation industry.
  • Prystup Packaging Products, Inc. is in the business of manufacturing folding paperboard cartons that are used to package a wide variety of consumer goods products, employing 140 local citizens in its operations. Prystup Packaging Products, Inc. is a certified Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) and a member of the Women’s Business Enterprise Council (WBEC) since 2015 as well as a certified Native American Minority Business Enterprise with Corporate Plus designation since 1991. The company has been in business in Livingston, Alabama for more than 42 years.
  • Evonik is one of the world leaders in specialty chemicals. They have about 1,000 employees in Mobile and Birmingham, Alabama and another 32,000 employees across the world. Their facility in Mobile produces feed additives, hydrogen peroxide, specialty foams and much more. Plus, Evonik Birmingham Laboratories, a part of Evonik’s Health Care business line, serves pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and medical device customers worldwide.
  • Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Alabama employs more than 1,800 team members and builds over 3,000 engines each day. TMMAL is where the powerful V6 and V8 engines found under the hoods of Tacoma and Tundra trucks and Sequoia full-size SUVs are made as well as 4-cylinder engines for Camry, RAV4, Sienna and Highlander. There’s a very good chance if you or someone you know drives a Toyota, the engine came from the plant in Huntsville.

Posted: October 18, 2022

Source: Alabama Office of the Governor

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