Paul M. Nowak Named Sales Manager At Orion Engineered Carbons

Paul M. Nowak

HOUSTON — August 12, 2021 — Paul M. Nowak has joined Orion Engineered Carbons S.A. as sales manager. He is responsible for leading OEC Specialty Carbon Black sales in the northeast, developing and implementing new regional sales strategies and leading selected global key accounts.

Prior to joining Orion, Nowak was senior global product manager at Lanxess Corp., Perth Amboy, N.J. Previously, he was an industrial segment manager at  Sumitomo-Bakelite Durez, Novi, Mich.

Nowak brings to Orion more than 30 years of experience in urethanes, epoxies, phenolics, organic and inorganic pigments, and other chemistries. His market experience includes coatings, adhesives, elastomers, polymers and inks.

A member of the American Coatings Association and American Marketing Association, Nowak earned an MBA at the University of Massachusetts Isenberg School of Management. He has a B.S. degree in chemical engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

Posted August 12, 2021

Source: Orion Engineered Carbons S.A.

Carrington Textiles Flame Retardant Fabrics Receive The RU Mark

ADLINGTON, England — August 12, 2021 — As part of the company commitment to develop products of the highest protective standards, Carrington Textiles has received the RU status under the category of “flame resistant clothing for protection of industrial personnel against short-duration thermal exposures from fire” for six of its flame retardant fabrics.

This new safety accreditation adds to the awarded NFPA 2112 Approval for these products, to offer fabrics that not only deliver extra protection against flash fire, but also comfort and great performance against electrostatic discharge, ultraviolet radiation, electric arc and chemical splash.

Delivering the comfort and moisture control of a 100-percent cotton fabric are Flameshield 230 and 280. Popular products in the market for their lightweight, hardwearing properties and breathability.

Flametuff 220AS, 250AS and Satin 330AS offer the benefits of high content cotton in the blend, in addition to their high tenacity nylon composition to create a product that endures the test of time. These fabrics have excellent antistatic properties and ultraviolet protection of 50+ UPF.

Also providing great antistatic properties, as well as incorporating CORDURA® technology for long lasting performance is Flametougher 280AS. This product represents Carrington Textiles’ next generation of stronger, tougher and more hardwearing flame retardant workwear.

Being a favourite for the medium and heavy industry, Flameshield, Flametuff and Flametougher provide a top class low average predicted body burn, great colour fastness, shade consistency and the guarantee of being industrially launderable for the lifetime of the garment.

What is UL and what does the RU mark mean?

The UL is a global safety certification company that is approved to perform safety testing by the United States federal agency Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

The UL oversees the NFPA 2112 test to a particular standard and there are four mandatory tests which include: Vertical flame resistance in both new and after 100 wash formats, Heat resistance test both new and after washing, heat transfer both new and after washing and flash fire test done on a garment after washing.

The RU mark or Recognised Component means that the fabrics have been found to comply with the relevant standard and the production unit has been audited by UL. These fabrics are then listed on the UL database. Customers choosing Carrington Textiles products from that list can take reassurance that they have been tried and tested and found to comply. This means a quicker, easier and more cost effective way for them to certify their garments.

In short, the RU accreditation from UL means that Carrington Textiles meets global regulations and consumer expectations on quality, performance and durability.

Paul Farrell, Carrington Textiles sales & marketing director, said: “As a globally trusted business in the textile industry, it’s important for us to maintain our fabrics certified to the highest of standards. Having the UL approval on these fantastic fire resistant fabrics means that we can target the North American market with products that will offer the outstanding safety to the wearer Carrington Textiles is known for providing worldwide.”

Posted August 12, 2021

Source: Carrington Textiles, Ltd.

Quality, Efficiency And Good Service Makes BRÜCKNER Successful In Turkey

ARIKAN Mensucat Industry and Trade Inc. Production Manager Harun Bilginer

LEONBERG, Germany — August 12, 2021 — The family-owned company ARIKAN Mensucat Industry and Trade Inc. was founded in 1993 and is located in Kahramanmaraş, Turkey, one of the southernmost cities of the country. In addition to the classic textile trade, ARIKAN was involved in yarn production in the early days and initially built a spinning mill. This was followed in 2008 by the construction of a knitting mill, and a few years later the dyeing and finishing divisions were added. In the Kahramanmaraş region, ARIKAN is one of the oldest companies ever and has been developed into a solid and successful textile company. Today, the family-owned company employs around 1,500 people and finishes around 55 tons of knitwear every day. In addition to many well-known Turkish fashion manufacturers, ARIKAN also supplies international manufacturers in Europe, Russia, the Gulf States and other leading international markets.

The German machinery manufacturer BRÜCKNER has supported the company from the very beginning. From the foundation of the dyeing and finishing plant, BRÜCKNER supplied three tenters for the finishing of the high-quality knitted fabric in 2014. Two more lines followed in 2016. For decades, BRÜCKNER has been the market leader for the finishing of knitted fabric. Especially for very fine and elastic fabric, special line configurations and technological know-how are necessary to be able to produce a high-quality end product. During the drying and heat-setting process, for example, extremely accurate and uniform temperature distribution over the entire length and width of the dryer is essential. In the BRÜCKNER stenter this is achieved, among other things, by the alternating arrangement of the thermal zones every 1.5 meters and by the proven split-flow air system.

Besides these advantages, the machine operators at ARIKAN also appreciate the easy control of BRÜCKNER lines. The visualization is intuitively designed and offers many intelligent auxiliary systems for an optimized production process. Also the very good accessibility of the line for maintenance and cleaning is also a plus point. In addition, significant energy savings can be achieved with just a few changes to the machine parameters. Sophisticated software provides machine operators with valuable information for this purpose.

With all these advantages, the decision for another BRÜCKNER stenter in 2019 was an easy one to make. The management at ARIKAN attaches great importance to energy saving, especially in the fabric finishing department. The drying process is one of the most energy-intensive in the entire process chain, therefore the biggest savings can be made here. These have a direct impact on the manufacturing costs of the textiles and thus on competitiveness in the market. In the meantime, talks are already in progress for another BRÜCKNER line which will include a very special feature: a combined heating system for the dryer. For many customers — and so also for ARIKAN in Turkey — e.g. steam energy is available free or very cheap. With the combined heating system developed by BRÜCKNER it is possible to use this steam energy for heating up the dryer and thus to achieve significant savings. If the available steam is not sufficient for a running process, it is automatically switched over to gas heating. This mode of operation does not only have an effect on the energy costs, but also makes a considerable contribution to environmental protection. BRÜCKNER has been offering combined heating systems for many years, depending on the customer’s requirements and the available resources. Thanks to the development over many years of these combined systems and to a sophisticated software, the changeover to another energy source is nowadays carried out without any problems.

During the last years a close friendship has developed between the companies ARIKAN and BRÜCKNER. The Turkish BRÜCKNER agency INTER TEKSTIL is always the link between the two family companies.

Production Manager Harun Bilginer is very satisfied: “The BRÜCKNER brand stands for quality, efficiency and innovation. What we also appreciate very much is the open exchange, the professional contact with customers and the good service. Of course, the representative in many countries also plays an important role. With INTER TEKSTIL BRÜCKNER is well represented in Turkey. We feel very well looked after, they simply take care. This is not a matter of course.”

Soon when the latest line has been put into operation, a total of seven BRÜCKNER stenters will produce high-quality knitwear for the whole world at ARIKAN.

Posted August 12, 2021

Source: Brückner Trockentechnik GmbH & Co. KG

Textile Products Distributor, The John Howard Co., Announces The Retirement Of Jeff “Putt” Mills

CHINO, Calif. — August 11, 2021 — The John Howard Co. Inc., a distributor of textiles products for over 50 years in Chino, Calif., has announced the retirement of Jeff “Putt” Mills effective September 1, 2021. Mills started his career with JHC in 1993 and served the company as a outside territorial sales representative for 28 years. He has seen many changes in the industry, including the mass exit from customers to off-shore manufacturing and the challenges to replace the loss of business. He leaves knowing his customers will be well taken care of by Trevor Steinke, who worked his way through the warehouse to inside/internet sales. Mills said it’s time to hand over the reigns to the younger generation and looks forward to spending time with his wife, Pam, and traveling the United States in their motor home.

Posted August 11, 2021

Source: The John Howard Co. Inc.

Focus Sales & Marketing Group Expands Into Converting

WELLFORD, S.C. — August 11, 2021 — Focus Sales & Marketing Group LLC (FSMG), a fabric supply company, has expanded into the converting industry as of July 1, 2021.

Wellford, S.C.-based FSMG has expanded its capabilities to include slitting and re-rolling of materials, warehousing and stocking programs in upstate South Carolina. With an inventory of polypropylene spunbond, needlepunched and woven polyester fabrics, FSMG is well equipped to supply their customers needs for fabrics. Their state of the art machine is capable of producing fabric widths from 2 to 90 inches and was designed and installed by Diversified Systems Inc., Greenville, S.C.

FSMG is located at 1101 Syphrit Road, Building A, Wellford, S.C.

Posted August 11, 2021

Source: Focus Sales & Marketing Group LLC (FSMG)

Hanesbrands Has Promoted Maria Teza To Senior Vice President Of The Champion Brand In The United States

Maria Teza

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — August 11, 2021 — HanesBrands, a global leader in iconic apparel brands, today announced that Maria Teza has been promoted to senior vice president of the Champion brand in the United States, effective September 1, 2021.

Teza will play a key role in growing Champion into a global $3 billion brand as part of the company’s Full Potential plan.

“Maria is a dynamic, strategic leader who has a track record of building high-performing teams and delivering results,” said Jon Ram, group president of global activewear. “She will focus on forging deeper connections with consumers, creating compelling products and expanding our channels.”

Teza has more than 30 years in the apparel industry, with nearly 20 years at HanesBrands. During the last 10 years, she has led businesses across the company’s activewear, basics and intimates portfolio — most recently as vice president and general manager of intimates. In this role, Teza and her team led the Bali and Playtex brands’ return to growth.

“I’m honored to lead such an iconic brand and talented team as we unlock the Full Potential of HanesBrands,” Teza said. “It is great to be back on the Champion brand, which has come so far and has enormous opportunities ahead. I look forward to building on the brand’s success by driving growth in the United States.”

Teza holds a bachelor of science degree in textile manufacturing and management from Clemson University.

Posted August 11, 2021

Source: HanesBrands

Brooklyn Bedding Introduces Propel Dual-Sided Hybrid With Unique Smart Fabrics

PHOENIX — August 11, 2021 — Brooklyn Bedding announced today the evolution of one of its smartest sleep solutions: the all-new Propel Dual-Sided Hybrid. Offering the same renewal properties of the original Propel Sleep mattress in a flippable format, it is designed to meet individual sleep needs — featuring optional firmness levels, optional profiles and optional support features for a smarter way to rest and rejuvenate.

Thoughtfully engineered with revolutionary textiles, the Propel Dual-Sided Hybrid incorporates a unique Upcycle™ cover that accelerates sleep recovery through the use of Far Infrared Rays technology. An elite, European performance fabric on both sides of the mattress utilizes Upcycle technology with encapsulated minerals to transform your body’s heat into restorative energy.

“We introduced the Propel Sleep in 2019 as a sleep solution for those seeking greater renewal and revitalization,” said John Merwin, owner and CEO of Brooklyn Bedding. “The best life ever starts with the best sleep ever, and our new Propel Dual-Sided Hybrid is our next step in creating a better overall sleep experience. By using smart textiles that are designed to accelerate your body’s recovery during sleep, we are bringing an elite hybrid mattress to the market that energies naturally. The result is more restful sleep that helps our consumers wake up feeling more energized.”

The variable firmness levels of each side in the new Propel Dual-Sided Hybrid can be attributed to the number and types of foam layers for a customizable sleep experience. The firm side consists of a 1-inch top layer of patented CopperFlex™, a hyper-elastic foam featuring immediate response technology, and a secondary layer of 2-inch high-density foam to ensure a more traditional firm sleep experience. On the reverse, a softer 2-inch top layer of patented CopperFlex foam provides cloud-like comfort with a secondary layer of 2-inch Energex™ foam to ensure added pressure point relief.

Regardless of the side chosen, sleepers benefit from the quick responsiveness of the CopperFlex foam, and cooling properties that are paired with the highly conductive, antimicrobial properties of copper. With a 6-inch core of up to 1,032 individually encased Ascension® coils, the Propel Dual-Sided Hybrid delivers ultimate pressure point relief while decreasing motion transfer between sleep partners.

The mattress is available online only at PropelSleep.com, retailing between $999 (Twin) and $2,099 (Cal King). Brooklyn Bedding will continue to offer the Propel Sleep, as well as the newly debuted Propel Dual-Sided All-Foam, as high value options.

Like all Brooklyn Bedding mattresses, the Propel Dual-Sided Hybrid comes with a free 120-night comfort trial and a 10-year warranty. The company also offers free nationwide shipping with bed-in-a-box delivery.

Posted August 11, 2021

Source: Brooklyn Bedding

Graniteville Specialty Fabrics Announces New Solvent Process Capabilities

GRANITEVILLE, S.C. — August 9, 2021 — Graniteville Specialty Fabrics, a producer of specialty coatings and coated fabrics, announced today the upgrade of one of its solvent processing lines to meet growing customer demand for advanced engineered products. The new equipment will also provide additional capacity and manpower flexibility to the plant process flow.

Graniteville Specialty Fabrics will add a new Marshall & Williams N-Dura tenter to a solvent processing line which includes a drying system specifically developed for solvent coatings, the latest tenter chain technology, and a menu-driven automated-control platform. In addition to the tenter, a Baldwin Texcoat G4 applicator and Mascoe pre-dryers will be installed. The upgraded unit will be commissioned Q1 2022.

“We have hundreds of styles and formulations, and we want to stay on the leading edge of technology,” said Doug Johnson, executive vice president of development & technical services at Graniteville Specialty Fabrics. “The new Marshall & Williams equipment is critical to ensure continued service for our existing customer base while providing a flexible ‘future-proof’ tool for product development.” The menu-driven control system also provides improved process management. Johnson added, “The modern M&W tenter requires fewer in-line adjustments allowing production associates to focus on product quality our customers expect.”

Jim Egan, CEO of Graniteville Specialty Fabrics, said: “This investment lowers fuel and chemical consumption and minimizes chemical and energy waste while improving quality effectiveness. The cost savings and quick investment recovery is clear; but also, these same benefits simultaneously lower the environmental impact to our community. We are excited about the possibilities of the investment in today’s competitive marketplace.”

Posted August 11, 2021

Source: Graniteville Specialty Fabrics

The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) Releases Statement After Senate Passes $1.2 Trillion Infrastructure Legislation

WASHINGTON — August 10, 2021 — The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) released the following statement from President and CEO Tony Radoszewski after the U.S. Senate passed a $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill:

“PLASTICS applauds the Senate passage of a $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure package, which includes key provisions to enhance waste management and replace aging lead pipes with plastic pipes.

“The waste management provisions will enhance our nation’s recycling infrastructure as well as consumer participation. The legislation provides funding support for a recycling infrastructure grant program created by the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act, which was signed into law last year. The bill also includes language from the RECYCLE Act, which sets aside funding to increase consumer education and participation in the recycling system.

“While we are encouraged by language to upgrade several aspects of our nation’s infrastructure, including water infrastructure, we are very concerned with the proposed reinstatement of Superfund Taxes, which will increase costs for consumers.

As this legislative package moves forward, PLASTICS will continue to pursue opportunities to work with Members of Congress to highlight the value of plastic in rebuilding our nation’s infrastructure.”

Posted August 10, 2021

Source: The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS)

Xaar’s Presence In China Taken To New Heights With Opening Of Shenzhen Customer Service Centre

CAMBRIDGE, England — August 10, 2021 — Xaar, an inkjet printing technology group, has reinforced its commitment to the Chinese market with the opening of a new Customer Service Centre in Shenzhen.

The latest office will form part of Xaar’s global network and provide support to its growing Chinese OEM and partner customer base.

Headed up by Samuel Tam, Xaar’s general manager for Asia, the team include new recruits Cathy Yuan, customer service manager, Asia; and Shawn Feng, sales and application development manager, Asia; who join Kit Yung, Jeff Mak and Rob Ison. Together they will focus on delivering technical support and training to customers, helping to grow relationships and provide a fast response to their needs.

The new Customer Service Centre builds on Xaar’s new ImagineX bulk printhead platform which provides the company’s product roadmap for the future. Innovations such as printing at 1440dpi resolution, 150kHz frequency, 200°C and 100cP viscosity are planned, reinforcing Xaar’s reputation in the Chinese market and worldwide for developing the latest inkjet printing technologies.

Posted August 10, 2021

Source: Xaar, plc

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