ESW To Acquire Complementary Ecommerce Platform Scalefast

DUBLIN & NEW YORK CITY — May 9, 2022 — ESW, a global direct-to-consumer (DTC) ecommerce company, announced today that it has agreed to acquire Scalefast, a Los Angeles–based, end-to-end ecommerce solution provider. Subject to customary approvals, the transaction is expected to close by mid-year 2022.

The company also announced that Scalefast founders, CEO Nicolas Stehle, CTO Frédéric Bocquet, and CMO Olivier Schott, will join the ESW senior leadership team.

The acquisition will further extend ESW’s market strength across apparel, beauty, personal care and luxury brands to include entertainment, gaming and electronics. Scalefast’s industry leading data analytics and speed-to-market will also facilitate turnkey localized stores, digital ‘pop up’ stores and highly targeted DTC brand campaigns, which will all strongly complement ESW’s unrivalled cross-border DTC solutions and market-leading end-to-end customer experience.

Provision of complementary solutions across both technology platforms is expected to drive accelerated growth in revenue and in product innovation across the group’s integrated client base. With a combined workforce of more than 1,000 team members, alignment between ESW and Scalefast positions the business for accelerated growth building upon the best aspects of both cultures. The combined company will continue to transform online shopping experiences for leading brands serving customers in over 200 markets.

“ESW’s acquisition of Scalefast demonstrates our commitment and ambition to accelerate growth for our customers by empowering them to be at the forefront of rapidly evolving consumer requirements around the world,” said Tommy Kelly, founder and CEO, ESW. “Scalefast’s technology offering is highly complementary and will enable ESW to unleash new capabilities and deliver even faster direct-to-consumer ecommerce growth for new and existing clients.”

“Scalefast’s services are highly synergistic with ESW’s from a revenue generation perspective,” said Nicolas Stehle, CEO, Scalefast. “We are excited by this opportunity to join in a bold vision for the future of DTC ecommerce. Scalefast and ESW’s blended knowledge, expertise, and technology will provide distinct competitive advantages as a fully integrated technology-driven commerce service provider.”

As global ecommerce continues to accelerate, brands are seeking more specialized and localized services for differentiation and to remain competitive. Scalefast builds ecommerce stores faster than any of its competitors, leveraging its feature-rich, in-house developed platform, retail infrastructure and applying proprietary data and behavioral analytics to deliver pre-built DTC ecommerce features and capabilities brands need to succeed.

ESW, in turn, will provide Scalefast’s clients with ESW’s checkout, payment gateway, and logistics offerings which include hub or hubless options, omni-channel solutions such as ship from store, and an ecosystem of global logistics partners that move hundreds of millions of packages each year on behalf of its clients.

Posted: May 9, 2022

Source: ESW

Techtextil North America 2022 Exhibitor Preview: Thies GmbH & Co. KG

COESFELD, Germany — May 9, 2022 — Natural gas prices have doubled in six months, labor is in short supply, sustainability is a must, and quality expectations remain stringent. Now is the time to utilize advanced technology.

Family-owned and -operated since 1892, Thies marries a tradition of reliability with innovation for today’s needs. The company is pleased to present automated chemical dispensing, heat recovery systems that quickly pay for themselves in energy savings, and the coloration of materials at liquor ratios slightly above the material’s wet pickup.

Whether bleaching fiber or dyeing textile substrates, its machines utilize soft-flow mechanics that help impart superior hand-feel and uniform appearance of the finished fabric. In the case of fabric dyeing, pathways are shortened and contoured to follow smooth profiles, minimizing surface abrasion and tension. Likewise, yarn and beam dyeing machines utilize sophisticated controls to incorporate gradual ramping of pressure for uniform bulk, dimensions and texture.

Thies offers a suite of labor-conserving options that can be used in isolation or combination. Customized to each customer’s needs, examples include automated weighing, dissolving, and distribution, and machine controls that seamlessly tailor production parameters according to the textile quality and lot size. State-of-the-art producers use Thies’ networking software for ease of managing and monitoring production.

At the core of Thies’ innovations is environmental stewardship of natural resources. The Signature Series, Thies’ latest offering for fabric dyeing, reduces water consumption, effluent, and TDS (total dissolved solids) in dye bath effluent. For cellulosics, in particular, Signature achieves higher dye fixation using less dyestuff.

Addressing today’s concerns for the environment, labor, and cost, Thies is uniquely poised to deliver sustainable manufacturing that stands the test of time.

Please join us at Techtextil, Booth 2203b, or reach us at h.sullivan@thies.group

Posted: May 9, 2022

Source: Thies GmbH & Co. KG

INX International Launches $50 Million Venture Capital Fund

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. — May 9, 2022 — INX International Ink Co., a wholly-owned subsidiary of SAKATA INX, announced today it is establishing INX Venture Capital to make minority investments in technology and materials science startups with strategic relevance to the printing inks and coatings value chain. INX Venture Capital will be a $50 million investment program and will focus on categories like sustainability and circular economy solutions, digital printing, business and manufacturing automation, and services for brand owners.

“Our corporate venture capital program represents an expansion of INX’s innovation toolkit, furthering our mission of leading the printing inks and coatings industry in delivering safe and sustainable solutions that enhance the customer experience,” said Shane Bertsch, vice president of Strategic Planning and Innovation. “We’re eager to marry our focus of creating value for customers, brands, and consumers with our curiosity for new technologies and business models.”

Bryce Kristo, INX’s CFO, added, “As one of the largest ink manufacturing companies in the world, we believe our technical expertise and industry relationships can help entrepreneurs build great companies that create a positive impact on consumers’ lives and our planet. We are excited to deploy INX’s resources to help our portfolio companies scale.”

INX Venture Capital is stage agnostic, with an emphasis on early stage startups that have demonstrated “product market-fit” and have begun to generate revenue. The fund will also pursue select seed and growth stage opportunities. Typical checks will range from $1 million to $3 million initially, with reserves for follow-up investments. INX Venture Capital will have a global investment mandate, with an emphasis on opportunities in its core markets of North America, Europe, and South America, in concert with SAKATA INX’s worldwide innovation efforts.

The fund is jointly run with Touchdown Ventures, a provider of corporate venture capital managed services. Scott Lenet, Touchdown co-founder and president, noted, “We are enthusiastic about the capital investment, industry expertise, and operational excellence that INX can bring to its portfolio companies. We believe INX Venture Capital will be an ideal partner for entrepreneurs and venture investors seeking to launch and scale innovative new technologies that are applicable to printing inks and coatings.”

Posted: May 9, 2022

Source: INX International Ink Co.

Post-Industrial Plastics Recycling Company Mumford Industries, Inc. Expanding Operations In Greenwood County, S.C.

COLUMBIA, S.C.  — May 4, 2022 — Mumford Industries Inc., a post-industrial plastics recycling company and producer of Retrieve® sustainable film products, today announced plans to expand operations in Greenwood County. The company is investing $2 million and creating 33 new jobs.

Founded in 1995 and headquartered in Greenwood County, Mumford Industries is one of the leading industrial plastics recycling companies in the Southeast — providing clients with professional and reliable services that give them the ability to be environmentally responsible, profitable and competitive in their business practices. The company serves a variety of industries including automotive, plastics manufacturers, food packaging, distribution and more.

Located at 4730 Ninety Six Highway in Ninety Six, Mumford Industries’ expansion will allow the company to accommodate additional capacity to meet growing demand for recycled materials and environmentally responsible products. Post-industrial plastics recycling and management is complex and ever-changing, and Mumford Industries supplies companies with recycling programs and services that create a positive impact on corporate sustainability goals, budgets and reputations.

Mumford Industries’ newest venture is producing sustainable packaging. Retrieve sustainable film products include bags, pouches and divider/slip sheets made from reclaimed, recycled, unused, scrap plastic film that can be used commercially to offset greenhouse gas emissions and support carbon footprint reduction.

The expansion is expected to be complete in May 2025. Individuals interested in joining the Mumford Industries team should visit the company’s contact page.

“Our expansion is thrilling because we know it will allow us to not only have an even greater impact on the environment, but also the sustainability goals of the companies that call South Carolina home,” said Mumford Industries President George Mumford. “We appreciate all the support we have received from Greenwood County to make this happen.”

“With more businesses prioritizing corporate sustainability, we are excited to have companies like Mumford Industries on our state’s roster of recycling firms,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “Along with creating opportunities for South Carolinians in the Greenwood County community, Mumford Industries is also helping create a more sustainable future for all.”

“Mumford Industries’ latest expansion in Greenwood County further proves that South Carolina is a state that focuses on sustainability,” noted Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III. “We congratulate Mumford Industries on this $2 million investment and the 33 new jobs they are creating, and we value our strong business relationship.”

“This expansion is great news for Ninety Six and Greenwood County,” said Greenwood County Councilman Dayne Pruitt. “Not only is this the most jobs that have been created in Ninety Six in recent history, but Mumford Industries is also a company that is leading the way for a brighter tomorrow for us all. I am grateful for Mumford Industries’ decision to expand operations and their belief in our town and county.”

Posted: May 9, 2022

Source: South Carolina Office of the Governor

EURATEX Is Reaching Out To The Ukrainian Textile Industry

BRUSSELS — May 9, 2022 — Today, EURATEX has launched its EU-Ukraine Textile Initiative (EUTI), which aims at facilitating cooperation between European and Ukrainian textile and apparel companies. EUTI offers a single contact point for Ukrainian companies who seek support and cooperation with EU counterparts, and vice versa. That connection will be helpful to match supply and demand — there are many requests for supplies of fabrics, for example — engage in public procurement, and offer company-to-company support.

The service will be coordinated by EURATEX in close cooperation with UKRLEGPROM, Ukrainian Association of enterprises of textile & leather industry. Olena Garkusha, an experienced manager coming from the Ukrainian textile industry and now based in Brussels, will act as contact point (eu-ukraine@euratex.eu).

EU exports to Ukraine reached 1.3 billion euros in 2021 (13th market), whereas imports from Ukraine reached 500 million euros (21st place). There is potential to expand that relationship, both in the short term — to respond to urgent needs in military and medical fabrics, for example — but also in the longer run; as partner in the PEM Convention, Ukraine can play an important role in Europe’s textile and apparel supply chain. The proposed suspension of tariffs on imported products from Ukraine by the EU will offer further opportunities.

EURATEX Director General Dirk Vantyghem commented: “Supporting the textile industry is our way to help the people of Ukraine. We encourage our European members to connect via EUTI and develop sustainable partnerships.”

Tetyana Izovit, President-Chief of the Board of UKRLEGPROM welcomed the initiative: “Today, we have many textile and apparel  companies in Ukraine with expertise and skilled workers; they are able and willing to work with EU, but lack the contacts, customers and supplies. EUTI will help them.”

Posted: May 9, 2022

Source: EURATEX — The European Apparel and Textile Confederation

Jelenew Appoints Ex-Chanel Designer Di Liu As Creative Director

Di Liu (left) and Desire Capaldo at the 2019 Paris Charity Foundation Dinner.

WILMINGTON, Del. — May 9, 2022 — American avant-garde cycling brand Jelenew appoints ex-Chanel designer Di Liu as creative director. With the addition of Di Liu, Jelenew followed the revolutionary spirit of Chanel. According to the dismantling of the muscle force data during women’s cycling, Jelenew took the lead in introducing the moulage technique into the R&D and design of professional cycling clothing. And it led to the development of the first cycling pants that were true for women in the world, namely the Jelenew 1+1 model: one pair of tight-fitting leggings and one detachable external pad. It completed the critical step of “perfect fusion of functionalism and 3D structure aesthetics”, making Jelenew a new creative force in the cycling apparel industry.

A study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that more than 58 percent of female cyclists surveyed experienced genital numbness, hip pain, groin pain, and other physical discomforts while riding due to inappropriate pad construction. The three-section V-shaped cycling pad structure used in the Jelenew cycling pants may help women reduce or eliminate physical discomforts such as genital numbness, hip pain, and groin pain caused by cycling. It will ultimately break the cycling industry and female riders’ perception of professional cycling pants and lead a healthy and comfortable revolution for women’s cycling.

Di Liu revolutionarily implanted the advanced customized clothing technology — the moulage technique，3D tailoring, and the concept of “multi-scene shuttle” into the development of professional cycling clothing. The cycling pants with an external pad have become the first professional cycling pants that can be worn daily, completely eliminating a series of problems such as hot private parts, embarrassing lines, bulging of private parts, camel toe, etc. The products developed and designed by Di Liu are still in the testing stage and have won unanimous praise from professional athletes and cycling enthusiasts.

Di Liu graduated from Esmod and IPLME in Paris, France, and studied advanced garment customization and luxury management. In 2016, he joined the core design team of Chanel Haute Couture and had made significant achievements in 3D tailoring, fabric reconstruction, and fashion trend analysis. In 2019, he joined the French fashion and culture magazine “ART ET MODE” as the editor-in-chief. He is good at applying art forms in design, bringing the advanced interpretation of functionalism to aesthetics.

Di Liu’s unique fashion perspective and sense of innovation make him an ideal candidate. Jelenew official said: As a designer with a distinct personality, Di Liu’s talent is evident.His passion for cycling, dedication to product design, and forward-looking perspectives on fashion trends fit perfectly with the values of the Jelenew brand, further enriching the brand’s tonality.

“It’s my honor to join Jelenew on this new journey with a passionate team. Jelenew is a special brand born for women. At the beginning of the company’s establishment, it focused on solving a series of clothing problems encountered by women in cycling. I am proud to be part of such a brand with a strong sense of social responsibility. And there are a lot of talents here, and we are eagerly looking forward to building the “sweat life” of Jelenew with everyone. I look forward to contributing my creativity and experience and stepping into a new chapter with Jelenew. “Di Liu said earlier.

The cycling pants with an external pad developed by Di Liu subvert the built-in pad structure of traditional cycling pants. Its launch lays the foundation for the next chapter of the brand and promotes the advent of a new era in the cycling industry. This also highlights the pioneering perspective that Di Liu brings to Jelenew and the cycling industry.

Top haute couture talents have entered the cycling apparel industry. Looking forward to more surprises from Jelenew!

Posted: May 9, 2022

Source: Jelenew

Top Biden Administration Officials To Speak At U.S. Textile Industry Annual Meeting

WASHINGTON — May 6, 2022 — As the debate in Washington heats up around trade, the global supply chain crisis, onshoring and nearshoring, and tariffs, three top Biden administration officials are coming to speak to U.S. textile executives at the National Council of Textile Organization’s Annual Meeting on May 11.

The gathering of U.S. textile manufacturing CEOs, Western Hemisphere manufacturers, and policymakers in Washington will highlight a wide range of issues, from onshoring and nearshoring to domestic personal protective equipment (PPE) production, to China enforcement — all policies with far-reaching implications for the U.S. textile industry and manufacturing sector as a whole.

The open session will feature three top Biden officials, including: Ambassador Sarah Bianchi, Deputy U.S. Trade Representative; John Leonard, Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner for the Office of Trade at U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP); and Jennifer Knight, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Textiles, Consumer Goods, and Materials, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce.

Question and answer sessions will be open to NCTO members only; but as has been the case at previous annual meetings, NCTO officers will be available for media scrums as time permits.

May 11 Schedule of Events

10:00 a.m. — John Leonard, Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner for the Office of Trade, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

10:30 a.m. — Fireside Chat with Ambassador Sarah Bianchi, Deputy U.S. Trade Representative

11:00 a.m. — Fireside Chat with Jennifer Knight, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Textiles, Consumer Goods, and Materials, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce

11:15 a.m. — “Lessons Learned: Adapting to COVID, Labor Shortages and Inflation” Panel Discussion

  • Gabrielle Ferrara, Ferrara Manufacturing;
  • James McKinnon, Cotswold Industries; and
  • Ron Sytz, Beverly Knits.

Event Details:

DATE: Wednesday, May 11
TIME: 10:00 a.m.
PLACE: Fairmont Hotel
2401 M St NW, Washington, DC

Posted: May 6, 2022

Source: National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO)

Turkish Home Textiles And Furnishing Fabrics Altun Tekstil Manufacturer Trusts In Mahlo Weft Straightener Orthopac RVMC-15

DONAU, Germany — May 6, 2022 — Turkey-based company Altun Tekstil, a manufacturer of home textiles and upholstery fabrics, has ordered a total of five of the latest Orthopac RVMC-15 weft straighteners from Mahlo, the Germany-based trendsetter in measuring and control technology.

The tasks of the ultra-modern machines in the industrial plant of the steadily growing family business in Bursa: delivering absolutely straight fabric in all process stages. Because the company with a long tradition has high standards for its products. Founded in 1993, Altun exports its fabrics to more than 60 countries, among them many Middle Eastern and European countries.

The production of textured yarns, weaving and raschel knitting as well as dyeing and finishing is included in Altun’s operations. While the focus is on tulle curtains and upholstery, the company’s fabric range also encompasses a wide variety for apparel.

The powerhouse does not want to rest on its current market position. The company has big goals for the future and does not shy away from investments to achieve them, as company Owner Murat Altun said: “In 2022, for example, we will reintegrate the spinning mill for synthetic filaments from chips into our upholstery fabric weaving mill, which we have built just like a dyehouse for knitted and woven fabrics. In the longer term, we plan to bring all our operations together in a single facility of 350,000 square meters, to employ approximately 10,000 people. Our goal is to do everything within our own operations.”

When investing in the future, Altun Tekstil has consistently trusted in Mahlo and has installed 10 Mahlo Orthopac RVMC-15 weft straighteners in its two plants since 2016.

“Since the beginning, we have worked with Mahlo and their agent in Turkey, Masters. Especially the excellent service provided via the local service station Mahlo Textile Services are extremely satisfying. For us, Mahlo is the synonym for weft straightening in general”, said Plant Manager Mehmet Mor.

All the Mahlo weft straighteners Orthopac RVMC-15 are integrated into existing production lines. Mahlo’s latest weft straightener is fit to interact and communicate via the newly mSmart concept with all production lines and provide historical data, which help to improve the production processes

“With the Mahlo Orthopac RVMC-15, Altun is able to achieve lowest possible residual distortion values at highest speeds, which results in a very economic process,” said Mahlo’s Sales Manager Adnan Andac. “Our newly developed controller based on AI is showing his superiority especially during straightening processes for fabrics with complex structures and special material composites.”

The fully integrated units benefit from universal control technology and the intuitive Mahlo mSmart G15 visualization concept. The HMI has been optimized for user-friendliness. The visualisation concept is constantly enhanced and ready for Industry 4.0. The path to a digital future within Altun is prepared.

Posted: May 6, 2022

Source: Mahlo GmbH + Co. KG

Apparel Manufacturer Bespoke Manufacturing Co. (BMC) Chooses Lectra’s Solutions To Automate Its On-Demand Production

NEW YORK CITY — April 29, 2022 — Lectra — a player in the fashion, automotive and furniture markets with industrial intelligence solutions — is equipping Bespoke Manufacturing Co. (BMC) with its Gerber AccuMark® range of solutions and Gerber Z1 cutting machine for its manufacturing site in Phoenix, Ariz.

A made-to-measure womenswear manufacturer, BMC is known for its revolutionary on-demand business model, providing customized garments through onshore production to improve sustainability and profitability. All products are sold prior to manufacturing, minimizing fabric waste and excess inventory, which greatly reduces costs. By adopting this model, BMC also gains agility in helping its customers respond to sudden changes in consumer demand, tastes, and preferences. “Our aim is to provide a viable alternative to the traditional supply chain by reducing manufacturing time from months to minutes,” said J. Kirby Best, CEO, BMC.

BMC has selected Lectra’s Gerber Z1 cutter and Gerber AccuMark CAD system to power its iCreate.Fashion platform, which serves as the backbone of its on-demand factory. This technological ecosystem incorporates a digital printing solution, the Kornit Presto, and Lectra’s AccuMark 2D, AccuMark Made-to-Measure solutions, as well as the GERBERcutter® Z1 allowing BMC to go from designing to printing and cutting and sewing within minutes, without facing the risk of errors. With Lectra’s solutions, BMC can streamline and automate the on-demand production process, without having to handle complex logistical issues and long lead times. As a result, they can achieve high throughput using less resources and labor, ensure consistent profitability, and expand their business to other regions with the same production model.

“Compared to mass production, the on-demand model is well adapted to fashion’s new normal, as it digitalizes the supply chain, creates minimal waste, and is more agile to meet consumers’ needs. Traditionally, it is a complicated and tedious process, with long lead times. Our Industry 4.0 technology connects the dots to enable more and more trailblazing companies like BMC to adopt this way of manufacturing without any of its inconveniences, thanks to automation. By helping BMC, we are promoting a flexible, responsible manufacturing mindset, which is a step toward the future of the fashion industry. At the same time, we are bridging the gap between profitability and environmental sustainability,” said Lenny Marano, president, Americas, Lectra.

Posted: May 6, 2022

Source: Lectra

National Retail Federation: U.S. Ports Set New Record For Imports

WASHINGTON — May 6, 2022 — Imports at the nation’s major retail container ports set a new record this spring and are expected to see near-record volume this month as retailers bring in merchandise ahead of rising costs and further supply chain issues, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

“Retailers are importing record amounts of merchandise to meet consumer demand, but they also have an incentive to stock up before inflation can drive costs higher,” NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold said. “Whether it’s freight costs or the wholesale cost of merchandise, money retailers save is money that can be used to hold down prices for their customers during a time of inflation. In addition, retailers are preparing for any potential disruptions because of the West Coast port labor negotiations, which are set to begin next week. NRF has previously encouraged the parties to remain at the table and not engage in disruptions if a new contract is not reached by the time the current agreement expires July 1.”

U.S. ports covered by Global Port Tracker handled 2.34 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units – one 20-foot container or its equivalent – in March, the latest month for which final numbers are available. That was up 10.8 percent from February and up 3.2 percent year over year. It also topped the previous record of 2.33 million TEU set in May 2021 for the number of containers imported in a single month since NRF began tracking imports in 2002

Ports have not yet reported April numbers, but Global Port Tracker projected the month at 2.27 million TEU, up 5.7 percent from last year. May is forecast at 2.3 million TEU, which would be down 1.4 percent from last year but nonetheless the third-highest level on record.

“Consumer spending is growing faster than income growth, perhaps as shoppers buy ahead of expected rising prices,” Hackett Associates Founder Ben Hackett said. “Importers are doing much the same as they continue to replenish their inventories. Doing so will protect them against potentially rising freight costs, further delays in the supply chain and complications in upcoming labor negotiations at U.S. West Coast ports.”

June is forecast at 2.29 million TEU, up 6.6 percent from last year; July at 2.31 million TEU, up 5.3 percent; August at 2.29 million TEU, up 0.9 percent, and September at 2.15 million TEU, up 0.3 percent.

The first six months of 2022 are expected to total 13.5 million TEU, up 5.1 percent year over year. Imports for all of 2021 totaled 25.8 million TEU, a 17.4 percent increase over 2020’s previous annual record of 22 million TEU.

How to build a stronger and more sustainable supply chain will be addressed as retailers, industry experts and technology innovators meet at the NRF Supply Chain 360 conference in Cleveland in June.

Global Port Tracker, which is produced for NRF by Hackett Associates, provides historical data and forecasts for the U.S. ports of Los Angeles/Long Beach, Oakland, Seattle and Tacoma on the West Coast; New York/New Jersey, Port of Virginia, Charleston, Savannah, Port Everglades, Miami and Jacksonville on the East Coast, and Houston on the Gulf Coast. The report is free to NRF retail members, and subscription information is available at NRF.com/PortTracker

Posted: May 6, 2022

Source: National Retail Federation (NRF)

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