HOUSTON, Texas — July 29, 2021 — Orion Engineered Carbons S.A., has tasked Senior Technical Marketing Manager Carlos Hernandez with an expanded role. He takes on management responsibility for Orion’s technical service applications laboratory in New Jersey.
Opened in 2020 and built with state-of the-art equipment, the laboratory is currently conducting coatings and inks application projects to optimize raw material use, increase revenue and improve profitability for both Orion and industry partners.
“We know black and we’re applying our special expertise in color and jetness to determine the best outcomes for our customers and the industry,” Hernandez said. “For example, we are continually pushing the envelope in automotive coatings to reach cutting-edge high jetness levels for the automotive coatings market.” He added the technical service laboratory enables customers to accelerate their own research and development in formulations containing carbon black.
ARCO, Italy — July 29, 2021 — After establishing its solid position in the B2B world, Aquafil is pivoting to reach consumers directly by launching an ECONYL® shoppable platform, allowing conscious consumers to purchase products made from ECONYL Regenerated Nylon in one place for the first time.
The platform was designed to respond to current market trends where digitalization, online sales and sustainability are the winning factors today. Initially launching with 15 brands, Aquafil plans to roll out the ECONYL e-shop to other sustainably minded businesses who are aligned with company’s value and vision for a better future.
In this first phase, consumers will be able to shop Swimwear, Womenswear, Menswear and Accessories, from brands including ACE, Aisy dance, Aoife®, Botanical Beach Babes, C’est la V, Dos Gardenias, Garmont, Karün, Ludovica Gualtieri Milano, Malaika New York, Mermazing, Pacsafe, State Of Matter, Tenue De Soleil and WAO. Many others will join soon.
Each product on the e-shop is categorized according to responsible values, such as Vegan, Zero Waste, Eco Design, Ethical Labour, Healthy Seas Member, Size Inclusive and Local Production, amongst others.
Consumers can not only shop but also learn more about sustainability. The new-look ECONYL platform will host a variety of educational content to strengthen consumer knowledge on a range of sustainability topics as well as combat misleading and confusing information. For example, topics will include: what happens to clothes after they are tossed, how can fashion brands achieve zero waste, how can we, as consumers, reduce, reuse and recycle, or what are the UN SDGs and how can we contribute as individuals.
Giulio Bonazzi, CEO and Chairman of Aquafil, said: “In this very challenging historical moment, we are looking to the future with very different eyes. We stepped out of our comfort zone, something we know very well. We want to get closer to consumers and create a community where people share values and dreams for a better future. We envision a sustainable future driven by the responsibility to change the world one choice at a time”
For the last ten years, ECONYL, created by The Aquafil Group, has provided more responsible solutions for the fashion and interior world and is used by brands globally throughout the fashion industry and beyond — from Burberry and Prada to Adidas and Speedo.
ATLANTA — July 29, 2021 — NexTex Innovations, an Atlanta-based textile technology developer that builds strategic partnerships with brands, entrepreneurs and manufacturers to bring textile innovations to market will introduce its expanded collection of TurboDry technology performance materials at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, August 10-12, 2021, in Denver.
TurboDry technology is a patent-pending fabric construction that harnesses the same capillary forces as the root systems in trees and move moisture away from skin keeping users dry, comfortable, and more equipped to efficiently maintain their core body temperature. The core mission of TurboDry technology — and all NexTex products — is to provide consumers with the most comfortable, sustainable performance textiles.
At the Outdoor Retail Show, NexTex will introduce six new TurboDry technology collections including 100-percent polyester constructions, single jerseys, natural and man-made blends, woven-like knits, and narrow elastics.
“Since we launched TurboDry in January of 2020, we’ve received a tremendous amount of positive feedback from our brand partners and consumers with regards to the technology’s performance,” said Chad Lawrence, NexTex CEO. “We are pleased to extend the collection to provide consumers with the most comfortable sustainable performance textiles.”
NexTex won a 2021 Outdoor Retailer Innovation Award in the Function category for its TurboDry technology, selected among 39 finalists in the function category.
The 100+ fabric and elastic offerings in the TurboDry technology portfolio serve as a foundation for apparel and accessories development for all walks of life. To learn more about how TurboDry can elevate your products schedule a meeting for the show at https://turbodry.com/contact/, or stop by our Booth 50035-UL.
WASHINGTON — July 28, 2021 — The National Retail Federation today issued the following statement from President and CEO Matthew Shay after the Senate voted to invoke cloture on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal.
“NRF is encouraged by tonight’s quick and decisive action in the Senate to invoke cloture on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal, clearing the path for a full Senate vote. Once passed, this historic piece of legislation will serve to revitalize and invigorate the U.S. infrastructure system that so many businesses depend on.
“Retailers across the country rely on the American supply chain, and the millions of jobs it supports, to move billions of dollars’ worth of goods and products to consumers across the nation each day. An improved system will help alleviate many of the ongoing supply chain challenges that retailers continue to face today.
“We strongly support this deal and its investment in core infrastructure, including roads, bridges and ports that are critical to our nation’s supply chain and global competitiveness. We look forward to swift passage in the Senate and encourage the House to follow suit.”
Commerce, Calif. — July 27, 2021 — Holland Industrial Group is pleased to announce that they will be auctioning the complete collection of assets from “All Knits” Commission Knitting Plant in Commerce, California. This one day only Online Live Webcast Auction includes some of the most sought-after knit fabric production machinery in the textile industry. Holland Industrial Group is conducting this sale with over 30 years of experience successfully completing plant liquidations and equipment auctions.
Featured assets in this auction include:
Monarch FXC-4S;
Orizio JSRV 26” Loop Terry;
Monarch XL-#FA 30”;
Monarch FXC-3S 30”;
Monarch FDR Rib;
Vanguard 4SFT.3l 30” Hi Frame;
Terrot UP372;
Monarch V-7E00 30”;
STT Dry Slit/ Inspection; and
FS Curtis 40 HP Air Compressor.
More Than 40 Major Knitting Machines Plus Other Factory Support Equipment
Lots in this Online Live Webcast Auction will begin closing on Monday August 16, 2021, at 10 a.m. PDT. Asset inspection is available on Friday August 13, 2021, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PDT or by appointment. Assets are located at the All Knits facility at 6117 South Malt Street, Commerce, CA 90040. For appointments and questions please contact Alan Elgort at 704-517-5562.
Holland Industrial Group Senior Vice President Alex Holland put the unique value of this sale in perspective. “With the strong demand for natural and blended knit fabrics always running strong,” he said, “this sale represents an excellent opportunity for our customers in the textile industry to increase their ability to keep up with the demand for the most desired fabrics. For those customers who are new to the industry,” Holland added, “this is a great opportunity to jump into the exciting textile industry.”
For more information and to view the entire catalog of assets, please visit us online at www.hollandindustrialgroup.com.
Holland Industrial Group serves large and small corporations in asset recovery for their idle and surplus assets. With over 30 years of experience in valuing, buying, and liquidating heavy and light industrial surplus equipment, Holland has successfully completed hundreds of transactions across North America.
WHITEFISH, Mont. — July 28, 2021 — In time for the warmth and humidity, FORLOH, the 100-percent made-in-America technical outdoor brand, introduces SolAir, a brand-new collection of clothing designed to keep wearers cool and comfortable whether hiking, hunting, fishing or simply spending time outdoors. As with all offerings, FORLOH leads with technology and innovation, and the SolAir collection is no exception. The brand is introducing first-to-market brrr° Pro technology, with world-class cooling minerals woven into fibers of the apparel which decreases body temperature by a staggering three and a half degrees. Its technology you can feel from the moment you put it on. Hyper-wicking and an incredible 900+ UPF rating, along with anti-microbial and scent control, it is being touted as the most technologically advanced warm weather range on the planet.
Within the SolAir collection will be two specialty assortments: a women’s swimwear line with SilverLUXE technology and core products featuring Insect Shield®, (available in the United States only.) An eco-friendly and anti-microbial technology to eliminate odors and stains from bacteria, FORLOH’s SilverLUXE also provides the women’s swimwear pieces chlorine- and UV-resistance, as well as UPF 50+ protection. FORLOH will also be launching a line extension of its core products featuring Insect Shield, an EPA-approved technology for treating gear that repels mosquitoes, ticks, flies and fleas, providing protection for the whole family.
“The introduction of the SolAir collection represents a major moment for FORLOH as we move beyond the hunt space to other markets like fishing and the broader warm weather outdoors. The innovative technologies and technical design elements that have been proven in the most grueling conditions are now in a versatile apparel collection that covers all weather, climates and outdoor activities,” said Andy Techmanski, FORLOH CEO. “We’ve incorporated new technologies to the line that level-up the warm-weather apparel game in a way that no one else has been able to, and we’re still proud to say that all our gear is 100-percent USA made.”
Built with performance and comfort in mind, FORLOH’s SolAir warm-weather apparel line employs brrrº Pro’s Triple Chill Effect®, three cooling mechanisms that work together to continuously reduce skin temperature. First, all-natural minerals in the yarn provide an instant and continuous cooling effect against the skin, which provides a lab-proven cooling effect that is nearly twice as effective as other technologies on the market. Those same minerals also speed up the active wicking process of moisture, moving it to the exterior of the garment. That, in turn, facilitates rapid drying — up to seven minutes faster than competitive technologies. And unlike current cooling technology options that eventually wash out, brrrº Pro will last the lifetime of the garment.
In addition to the cooling performance features, brrrº Pro also provides more than UPF 900 sun protection, even in lighter, thin fabrics like those used in FORLOH’s SolAir collection. Similar to other baselayer pieces from FORLOH, SolAir also uses a combination of two odor-eliminating technologies from industry-leader Polygiene®: Polygiene OdorCrunch™, a revolutionary technology that eliminates environmental odors like campfire, and Polygiene BioStatic™ technology, which stops odor-causing bacteria from occurring in the first place. When combined together, these two technologies offer the most comprehensive odor protection available.
With certain styles available now and continuing to drop throughout the summer, the SolAir collection can be seen at FORLOH.com and their flagship retail shop in Whitefish, MT. The assortment’s colorways include: Deep Cover Camo, Exposed Camo, Sea Clear Camo, Ensign Blue, Glacier, Magnet, and Bahama Green.
brrrº is based and originated in Atlanta, Ga., upholding FORLOH’s commitment to 100-percent USA manufacturing.
SAN FRANCISCO — July 28, 2021 — Today, Athleta announced the launch of AthletaWell, an innovative and immersive new platform designed to build loyalty, engagement and a community of empowered women. As a brand with a mission of empowering women and girls, the platform is rooted in these values and aims to create a community for women. AthletaWell is an integral part of Athleta’s evolution from a performance brand to a true lifestyle brand and a key component of its Power Plan growth strategy to develop enduring deep relationships with new and existing customers.
Athleta is also partnering with obé Fitness, a digital fitness platform with a focus on bringing entertainment, pop culture and design to fitness, and recently participated in its latest funding round. The long-term partnership is designed to increase brand loyalty and engagement, with both brands working together on apparel, content, events, and innovative shopping experiences. It will feature free access to exclusive workouts for AthletaWell members, with four new workouts launching each month.
“We know being active is an important part of our customer’s overall well-being, so we are thrilled to invest in and partner with obé, and offer the Athleta community access to this like-minded partner,” said Mary Beth Laughton, president and CEO, Athleta. “As our brand continues to grow, this investment creates a unique engagement opportunity for our customers and helps us build even more loyalty over time.”
AthletaWell aims to create a safe space for women to connect on a range of topics rooted in female well-being. Members will have access to vetted experts, premium content from partners like obé, one-of-a-kind experiences and dynamic conversations. The AthletaWell experience will include:
Spaces where members will have access to curated interest groups centered around well-being. Topics include movement and fitness, women’s health, body positivity and more.
Guides, including leaders in female well being who will contribute their perspective to fuel conversations between AthletaWell members around these important topics.
Online and offline activations, led by guides, partners, and VIP guests, giving members specific moments to gather, connect with one another and get active.
“We’ve heard from our customers that well-being is a complex journey, rich with questions and there isn’t a place where women can talk about it holistically or discover the best solutions,” said Kim Waldmann, chief digital officer, Athleta. “We’re excited to offer AthletaWell, a new digital platform for women to help each other navigate the complexities of modern-day womanhood and to connect our customers in a way that will enhance their overall experience with the brand in a meaningful way, thus, creating even more brand loyalty over time.”
AthletaWell will be exclusively available to Athleta Rewards loyalty members on Athleta’s website and all content will be free of charge. New content, spaces and guides will be added on an ongoing basis driven by the needs of the community and details regarding new partnerships will be announced when available, giving members access to a wide variety of relevant content and support in one centralized place.
Athleta Rewards are part of Gap Inc.’s recently announced new integrated Rewards program for the U.S. and Puerto Rico: One Membership. Four Brands. This program simplifies and streamlines how members can earn and redeem their rewards within our four brands by combining the previous credit card and loyalty programs under Navyist Rewards, Gap Good Rewards, Banana Republic Rewards, and Athleta Rewards.
NEW YORK CITY — July 28, 2021 — American Eagle Outfitters Inc. announced today the launch of the American Eagle (AE) brand’s Back-to-School (BTS) ‘21 “Future Together. Jeans Forever” campaign, aimed at getting people excited to show off new styles as they head back into the world together. Actors Caleb McLaughlin and Jenna Ortega join AE’s current headliners Addison Rae, Chase Stokes and Madison Bailey, for a cast that represents authenticity and optimism. New fashion trends coupled with innovative designs, fits, and fabrics inspire customers to make a statement in their AE Jeans. This back-to-school season, AE will continue to lead the industry through innovative virtual shopping experiences with partners Snapchat and Bitmoji to connect with customers through augmented reality and digital expression.
“As we celebrate the excitement of being back together, American Eagle’s ‘Future Together. Jeans Forever’ campaign symbolizes the brand’s continued mission to inspire positivity and support our customer’s freedom to be their truly unique self,” said Jennifer Foyle, president – executive creative director, AE & Aerie. “We cannot wait to share our new denim styles — like high-waisted flare and baggy Mom jeans for her, and the continual comfort and flexibility of Athletic and Airflex for him — plus we have an amazing assortment of hoodies, baby polo tees, and flannels for versatile outfitting. This season, we are inspired by the optimism of young people as they head back to school and use their hallways as fashion runways.”
Innovative Virtual Shopping Experiences
AE, in partnership with Snapchat, is launching the Dress Yourself augmented reality experience. A first-of-its-kind experience, users are now able to try on and shop selected looks from the AE Back-to-School Collection in augmented reality using the self-facing camera.
Together with Bitmoji, AE is introducing its first-ever digital clothing line with the help of its back-to-school cast. Users worldwide can check out Addison, Chase, Caleb, Jenna and Madison’s individual Bitmoji avatars, outfitted in campaign looks, and dress their own Bitmoji in the AE x Bitmoji Collection on Snapchat and the Bitmoji app.
About the Future Together. Jeans Forever campaign
The campaign continues the brand’s relationship with actress and creator Addison Rae, actor Chase Stokes, and actress Madison Bailey who are at the heart of youth culture and welcomes actor Caleb McLaughlin and actress Jenna Ortega to collectively exemplify the integrity and truth of today’s generation. The campaign’s imagery and video portray the excitement of getting back out there and being together.
The value, comfort, and fit of AE jeans are captured by the cast within the campaign, furthering the brand’s momentum as a leader in jeans, while also emphasizing AE’s fashion assortment and its position as a style destination.
This season further continues the brand’s mission to connect with customers wherever they are digitally through virtual shopping experiences and innovative partnerships with Snap and Bitmoji.
Fave Fits
AE is all about helping its customer find their favorite fits; back-to-school faves include:
For him, the new Airflex+ Athletic Skinny, 360 Skinny, Temp Tech Athletic Skinny and 360 Slim offer continual flexibility and comfort. Classic cotton hoodies, hooded flannels and graphic tees provide him with versatile outfitting options.
For her, a range of fashion jeans including an updated take on the classic pleated tennis skirt and the ultra-high rise relaxed Mom short, along with an array of new comfort styles ranging from the Mom Straight and Super High-Waisted Flare to the Lu(x)e Super High-Waisted Jegging, Highest Waist 90s Boyfriend, and Baggy Mom that all pair with the new assortment of smocked woven tops and polo baby tees.
The new denim collections for him and her feature the Real Good badge noting the style is made with the environment in mind and manufactured in a facility that meets AEO Inc.’s standards for water recycling and reduction.
Eastern Florida State College (EFSC) and Space Coast Consortium (SCC) officials receive composites technician training through IACMI at Davis Technical College. From left, are Joannie Harmon (IACMI), Eric Anderson (Davis Tech), Tyler Blevins (IACMI), EFSC Engineering Technology Associate Professor Meer Almeer, EFSC Aerospace and Engineering Instructor Ted Hartselle, EEFSC Mechatronics Instructor Jean Paul Aliaga, Wes Hobbs (Davis Tech) and SCC Founder Bryan Kamm.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — July 28, 2021 — Eastern Florida State College (EFSC) is newest home to an advanced composites learning center designed to educate and train composites technicians to support Florida’s Space Coast manufacturing region.
Led by the Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation, or IACMI-The Composites Institute®, the national workforce initiative is part of the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) Office of Naval Research’s Manufacturing Engineering Education Program (MEEP). MEEP programs prepare current and next-generation manufacturing workers to produce military systems and components that assure defense technological leadership.
“Eastern Florida State College is strategically located in the heart of Florida’s Space Coast region and has a high concentration of defense, space, aerospace and marine industries who support DOD projects vital to our economy and national security,” said Joannie Harmon, workforce director for IACMI. “Advanced composites materials are critical to the defense industry. The Advanced Composites Career Pathway (ACCP) program sponsored through DOD focuses on training the current and future workforce with the manufacturing skills necessary to sustaining the defense innovation base.”
IACMI and collaborators are establishing a national Advanced Composites Career Pathways (ACCP) learning network to develop a skilled advanced composites manufacturing workforce. It is based on the best-in-class program at Davis Technology College in Utah and adapted to the needs of regional ecosystems. Similar learning centers are underway in Alabama at Enterprise State Community College in Enterprise and in New York at the Composites Prototyping Center in Long Island.
This week, representatives from EFSC and the Space Coast Consortium Apprenticeship Program (SCCAP) are at Davis Tech in Kaysville, Utah, participating in a week-long train-the-trainer course. Davis Tech is recognized nationally for its composites education program and for serving the DOD manufacturing supply chain. The college has created a model curriculum aligned to industry needs and staffed with highly trained instructors. IACMI has teamed with them to scale out a regional customizable training program based on that model across the U.S. to fill labor gaps with highly skilled technicians in the composites industry.
The new EFSC advanced composites technician learning center will greatly enhance the college’s existing composites program, serve local industry hiring requirements, and provide alignment with DOD innovations in materials, processes, and technologies in advanced composites manufacturing.
“The new Advanced Composites Learning Center further strengthens EFSC’s leading role in training a new generation of highly skilled workers for the Department of Defense, NASA and high-tech companies,” said EFSC President Dr. Jim Richey. “The sky is the limit on what we can accomplish through such programs with our valued partners. EFSC has a long history and dedication to the east Florida region’s composite manufacturing industry through its two-year Aerospace and Engineering Technology degree programs.”
These composites concentrations were designed and developed in part utilizing SpaceTEC and CertTEC fiber composite standards and certifications. Through these programs, EFSC has successfully placed its students into the local workforce either directly, or through work-based learning programs such as internships and apprenticeships.
EFSC is the local education partner for the SCCAP, an industry-driven apprenticeship program supported under the auspices of SpaceTEC Partners Inc. The SCCAP is an autonomous committee led by key Space Coast advanced manufacturing companies. These include Knight’s Armament Company, Airbus OneWeb Satellites, Blue Origin, Vaya Space, RUAG Space USA, Diamondback America, ITT/Matrix Composites, Structural Composites, Compsys, Precision Shapes and Roswell Marine. SCCAP is a State of Florida-registered apprenticeship program and currently offers three apprenticeship occupations: Mechatronics Technician, Advanced Machinist and Fiber Composites Technician.
Comments from Industry Leaders
“It is a great honor and privilege to work along-side EFSC, SpaceTEC, IACMI and Davis Technical College in the development of our Fiber Composite Technician apprenticeship program,” said Bryan Kamm, SCCAP Founder and Lead Advisor. “The IACMI ACCP grant will help assure that our apprenticeship program will follow the best standards and curriculum available in the US and will produce a capable, skilled workforce to meet the needs of manufacturers within the DOD industrial base.”
“I’m grateful SpaceTEC Partners Inc.’s relationship with IACMI and the Space Coast Consortium Apprenticeship Program partners played a role in EFSC’s selection for this important strategic initiative,” said Steve Kane, executive director of SpaceTEC Partners Inc. “Garnering the support of IACMI to establish this regional training center further demonstrates the Space Coast region of Central Florida has the resources and capabilities to produce world-class technicians.”
“SCCAP is working hard to fill the local industry with a qualified workforce”, said Art Hoelke, vice president and general manager for Knight’s Armament and SCCAP’s Chair. “Our economy is only as strong as its workforce, and that strength is bolstered by a system that provides workers with access to the skills and training needed to be productive. SCCAP is looking forward to getting the fiber composite apprenticeship up and running in the coming months. It is a team effort from our local industry academia to the state and local government leaders.”
“Fiber Reinforced Composites are moving into many new and exciting applications,” said Scott Lewit, president of Structural Composites Inc. “At Structural Composites, we have deployed composites derived from the marine industry into the transportation market. Wabash National uses composites for semi-trailers, truck bodies, and the growing final mile delivery network. We are also moving composites into the rail market, automotive market, and recently installed the first composite bridge deck in Tennessee moving the technology into the infrastructure market. We fully support the need for trained composites technicians to meet the demand for these and other rapidly growing markets for composites.”
“As an advanced composites manufacturer supplying flight critical and structural composite parts to our nation’s defense, commercial, general aviation, and space industries, our team at ITT/Matrix Composites could not be more excited about this new learning center landing on our doorsteps,” said Mark Miller, Site leader for ITT/Matrix Composites. “With the tremendous growth taking place within our industry, developing a pipeline of highly skilled and trained technicians will be essential for growth and continued success. The teams at EFSC, SpaceTEC, SCCAP and IACMI are outstanding professional partners, focused on excellence, and we are excited to be working with them once again!”
WASHINGTON — July 28, 2021 — The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) President and CEO Kim Glas issued a statement today on the Biden administration’s proposal to increase domestic content rules for federal government purchases.
National Council of Textile Organizations President and CEO Kim Glas said:
“The U.S. textile industry, employing nearly 530,000 workers, greatly appreciates President Biden’s commitment to close Buy American loopholes and immediately increase domestic content requirements on purchases. For far too long, Buy American policies have contained loopholes that have undermined our U.S. domestic industrial base and its workforce. Today is a positive step forward and we look forward to working with the administration on this critical issue moving ahead.
We also want to acknowledge the incredible work that Celeste Drake, the administration’s Made in America Director, has completed on this effort.
With today’s announcement, domestic procurement rules would be immediately increased from 55 to 60 percent with the content threshold increasing to 75 percent over phases by 2029. It would also strengthen domestic supply chains for critical goods.
Increasing the domestic procurement threshold for domestic goods under the current Buy American law will bolster domestic production and stimulate more investment in U.S. manufacturing. We believe it is critical that taxpayer dollars are used to invest in American manufacturing and our workforce. It is essential that we close loopholes in our Buy America laws, expand application and produce coverage of domestic content rules, and close unnecessary waivers that undermine American manufacturing and its workforce.
As part of its efforts this year to buy American, the White House highlights in a Fact Sheet a purchase made by the Departments of Defense and Health and Human Services in March for over 22 million in American-made cloth face masks for communities hit hard by the pandemic.
We commend the Biden administration for the contracts awarded in March of this year for up to 22.2 million Berry-compliant masks. Production of these 100 percent U.S.-made masks has involved an extensive supply chain comprising 25 domestic companies and 5,000 American workers, and we must continue to build on this success and reshore momentum by continuing to award future contracts using a similar process. Our industry was proud to help fulfill President Biden’s commitment to up 22 million reusable masks made with 100 percent U.S. content.
The U.S. manufacturing industry has produced over a billion lifesaving PPE and other medical products over the last year as NCTO members retooled production chains in response to the nation’s needs. We have long advocated that 100 percent content is essential and Berry-like rules help bolster the full production chain.
We understand the administration is seeking to backfill the Strategic National Stockpile with essential products and NCTO, with other industry associations and labor unions, has urged the administration to continue purchasing Berry-compliant products for PPE.
This is essential to bolster our domestic industrial base at a time when PPE orders have diminished. Further, we believe Berry should apply more broadly to other mission critical products purchased by non-Defense federal departments and agencies like Homeland Security.
COVID-19 revealed the fragility in key aspects of our supply chain, and we believe strengthening our Buy American laws, coupled with other strong policies, will help onshore these and other critical supply chains.
Fully maximizing purchasing of Berry-compliant products moving forward is critical to sustaining and furthering the incredible progress made to date and should be considered as part of the administration’s onshoring and industrial expansion efforts.
Using the provisions of the Buy American Act alone is not sufficient to address U.S. national security needs. Our national security needs must foster investment in the capital-intensive raw material production processes upstream and downstream production in the supply chain. These upstream production processes are not only essential from an overall domestic capacity standpoint, but they are also the implementation point for a range of advanced technologies such as anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and other functional fiber, yarns, fabrics, and finishes.
We appreciate the Biden administration’s commitment to closing these loopholes and strengthening domestic supply chains. We look forward to continuing our work with the administration on these priorities as they consult with key stakeholders on implementation moving ahead.
Posted July 28, 2021
Source: The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO)
HOUSTON, Texas — July 29, 2021 — Orion Engineered Carbons S.A., has tasked Senior Technical Marketing Manager Carlos Hernandez with an expanded role. He takes on management responsibility for Orion’s technical service applications laboratory in New Jersey.
