Mountain Hardwear Unveils Spring 2025 Collections Featuring Advanced Sun Protection and High-Performance Trail Gear

RICHMOND, Calif. — March 4, 2025 — Mountain Hardwear, supplier of high-performance outdoor apparel and gear, is proud to introduce its Spring 2025 collection featuring innovative Broad Spectrum Sun Protection styles and a new Trail Performance Kit designed for adventurers who demand the best in comfort, protection, and performance when outside seeking wilder paths.

Broad Spectrum: Go Broad Spectrum, Block More Rays

From desert treks to alpine pursuits, Mountain Hardwear engineers gear to withstand the elements — and the sun is no exception. Broad Spectrum Protection blocks both UVA and UVB rays and is always UPF50+ built to last for full spectrum adventure. In May 2024, Mountain Hardwear announced a partnership with the Skin Cancer Foundation to launch new sun protection apparel. This collaboration underscores Mountain Hardwear’s commitment to providing effective sun-protective clothing for outdoor enthusiasts.

The Spring 2025 lineup includes the all-new Sun Shield™ Hoody, plus returning favorites featuring Broad Spectrum, such as:

  • Crater Lake™ Collection;
  • Stryder™ Collection;
  • Canyon™ Long & Short Sleeve Shirts; and
  • Trail Sender™ Collection.

Introducing the Trail Performance Kit: Long Days Long Miles

Designed for endurance and athletic efficiency, the new Trail Performance Kit equips outdoor enthusiasts with lightweight, breathable, and packable essentials for conquering serious mileage without sacrificing comfort or protection.

Key pieces include:

  • Kor Airshell™ Hybrid Jacket – A cutting-edge extension of the beloved Kor Airshell collection, this hybrid design enhances protection from the elements while maintaining ultra-lightweight packability—the ultimate trail companion for variable conditions.
  • Lickety Split™ 20L Pack – A new addition to the lineup, engineered for fast-moving trail pursuits while packing just the essentials.
  • Shade Lite™ Short Update – Redesigned for improved mobility, breathability, and all-day comfort on the trail, with a new secure zippered phone pocket.
  • Splitsecond™ Tee – Keep cool when things get intense with moisture-wicking performance and plant-based odor control.

Mountain Hardwear recently welcomed Liz Derstine, an accomplished long-distance hiker and trail runner, as the newest member of its athlete team — just in time for the launch of the Spring 2025 Trail Performance collection. Liz’s expertise in pushing the limits on the trail perfectly aligns with the Trail Performance Kit’s focus on lightweight, protective, and endurance-driven apparel. Her experience covering long distances with efficiency and speed underscores the importance of gear that enhances mobility, breathability, and comfort, making her the ideal ambassador for Mountain Hardwear’s latest innovations. With Liz on board, the brand continues to solidify its commitment to supporting athletes who demand the best from their gear — mile after mile.

“Whether navigating exposed ridgelines or racing the sun through canyons, the Spring 2025 collection is built to perform in the harshest conditions,” said Mountain Hardwear Brand Manager Cale Meyer. “Our new Broad Spectrum apparel raises the bar for sun protection, while the Trail Performance Kit ensures adventurers can move fast and light.”

Posted: March 4, 2025

Source: Mountain Hardwear, Inc.

 

YKK Wins Top Prize At The “Orange Innovation Award 2024” Presented By The Ministry Of Economy, Trade And Industry

TOKYO  — March 4, 2025 — YKK Corp. won the top prize at the “Orange Innovation Award 2024,” organized by the secretariat of the Dementia Innovation Alliance Working Group (Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry; hereafter, METI) on February 19.

The Orange Innovation Award 2024 aims to promote the development of products and services in a variety of industries and fields that help people with dementia solve issues in their daily lives and accomplish the things they want to do, thereby increasing recognition of “development with the participation of people affected by dementia” and bringing about an inclusive society. Awards are given to user-friendly products and services that have been developed with an emphasis on the process of co-creation with people with dementia, as well as activities and initiatives that are implemented in the development process with the participation of people affected by dementia.

YKK has been championing a “participation-based development” approach, where zippers that are easy for anyone to open and close are developed and improved through direct dialogue with people with dementia who have handled the zippers. YKK was praised for its efforts to develop applications for multiple generations based on feedback from people with dementia. Additionally, YKK prepared various product samples, including the click-TRAK® Magnetic zipper, which uses magnetic force to align its openings, collaborating with a diverse range of stakeholders to develop these innovations.

The award ceremony is scheduled to be held on March 5.

YKK will continue to help create a society where everyone can live their lives comfortably by using its small fastening products.

Posted: March 4, 2025

Source: YKK Corporation

National Retail Federation (NRF) Urges U.S. Negotiations With Canada And Mexico, Not Tariffs

WASHINGTON — March 3, 2025 — The following statement may be attributed to National Retail Federation Executive Vice President of Government Relations David French regarding the Trump administration’s announcement that 25 percent tariffs on Canada and Mexico will go into effect immediately.

“The decision to impose tariffs on our North American neighbors and two of our largest trading partners is a significant measure. Unfortunately, it is one that will only hurt hardworking Americans and the businesses that strive to provide customers with the products they want and need on a daily basis.

“Tariffs are just one tool at the administration’s disposal to achieve a secure border, and we urge it to explore other options to accomplish the same goals. As long as these tariffs are in place, Americans will be forced to pay higher prices on household goods.

“We urge the Trump administration and our Canadian and Mexican counterparts to work together to quickly resolve our outstanding border security issues.”

Posted: March 4, 2025

Source: National Retail Federation (NRF)

AGC Chemicals And DRYFIBER Develop First Non-Fluorinated Oil/Water Repellent For Nonwoven Fabrics And Technical Textiles

EXTON, Pa. — March 3, 2025 — AGC Chemicals Americas Inc. (AGCCA) and DRYFIBER LLC, announce the development and production launch of the industry’s first non-fluorinated oil/water repellent for nonwoven fabrics and technical textiles. AGCCA will manufacture the repellent and work together with DRYFIBER to market it to the nonwoven fabrics and technical textiles industry. Production scale-up will occur in 2025, with commercialization projected for 2026.

AGCCA and DRYFIBER have collaborated to create this innovative coating technology based on polymer chemistry developed at Cornell University. When this thin polymeric coating is applied to textiles, it forms a microscopically rough texture that acts as a chemical barrier. Treated textiles repel oil-based stains and fluids, causing them to bead up so they can be easily cleaned.

These new coatings are ideal for industrial fabrics, upholstery, automotive and medical textiles, and filtration products. They can be applied via dipping or industrial spray-coating and provide a high-performance, sustainable alternative to fluorinated repellent technologies.

“Our partnership with DRYFIBER marks a significant milestone for AGC Chemicals Americas as we continue to deliver sustainable innovations for the nonwovens and technical textiles market. This development represents a breakthrough in stain-resistant technology, delivering the performance our customers expect without relying on fluorinated chemistries. We are proud to meet the growing demand for non-fluorinated alternatives with this solution,” said Tim Johnson, AGCCA’s FibraLAST business manager.

“Developing a working relationship with AGCCA has been instrumental in launching this innovative, patented technology. It addresses a critical industry need for non-fluorinated repellents that deliver exceptional performance. Together, we’re setting a new standard for stain resistance and leading the industry in the transition to a more environmentally friendly future,” added Jack Roe, managing director, DRYFIBER.

“Our collaboration with DRYFIBER has enabled us to engineer a truly unique technology. This achievement shows what can be accomplished when cutting-edge science aligns with a shared vision,” noted Jay Sacci, FibraLAST lead chemist, AGC Chemicals Americas.

“DRYFIBER is proud to collaborate with AGCCA in bringing groundbreaking technologies to the nonwoven fabrics and technical textiles market. Additionally, DRYFIBER serves various markets, extending the impact of this innovative technology across industries that demand high-performance, sustainable solutions like fashion and apparel,” said Greg Lucci, founding partner of DRYFIBER.

Posted: March 4, 2025

Source: AGC Chemicals Americas, Inc. (AGCCA) / DRYFIBER, LLC

The 63rd Edition Of Filo Closed With Positive Results

BIELLA, Italy — March 3, 2025 — The 63rd edition of Filo, the International Yarns and Fibres Exhibition, closed today in Milan by performing very positive results.

Despite the current economic downturn, buyers have appreciated highly valuable collections proposed by the exhibitors, which have shown the ability in innovation and research for sustainability of Italian and foreign textile producers.

Visitors have particularly appreciated Filo Capsule Collection, the collection of fabric samples carried out by Filo by using the materials proposed by the exhibitors, which have been produced by implementing the best manufacturing techniques and thanks to the collaboration with Tessitura Zanello and Ricamificio Vittorio Vanoni, and the support of ITA-Agency.

The flow of buyers was continuous over the two days of exhibition and the number of foreign visitors that participated in the 63rd edition of Filo has been high. In addition, the strong collaboration between Filo and ITA-Agency enabled to organise a delegation of buyers comprising thirty-five professionals and journalists working in the industry coming from France, the U.K., the USA, India, Denmark, Germany, Portugal, Spain, South Korea and Belgium.

Thanks to the activities of the Integrated Textile Supply Chain Project (PIF) of Piedmont Region, funded by the ERDF 2021-2027 Regional Operational Programme and implemented through Ceipiemonte – the Regional Agency for Internationalisation, the 63rd edition of Filo was attended by buyers coming from Denmark, Finland, Ireland and the U.K., as well as by a top-level delegation from Tunisia, led by the Ambassador of the Tunisian Republic in Italy, aiming at illustrating partnership opportunities among Tunisian companies, Piedmont and Italian companies.

Paolo Monfermoso, Responsible of Filo, declared: “The 63rd edition of Filo has closed by performing positive results. Despite the difficult situation of the international economy, also affected by significant geopolitical issues, Filo once more has proved to be a point of reference for the industry. The exhibition is appreciated for its effective approach, based on the belief that only work, the ability to focus on quality, sustainability and product innovation allow to face markets’ downturn. Therefore, according to the views of some exhibitors, positive signals are coming from the job done during the two days of Filo63, since textile professionals and buyers know well that at Filo, they can find here top-quality collections and services aiming at making collaborations and matching between supply and demand of yarns and materials easier’.

Manufacture has been at the core of the 63rd edition of Filo. A lot has been said during the Opening Ceremony, entitled ‘The Art of Manufacturing from Yarn to Fabric, from Ideas to Production: How to turn creativity into products’. In his video message, the Italian Minister for the Environment and Energy Security, Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, emphasized how the value of manufacturing is enhanced by “a unique and united supply chain – thanks to its top-level quality – intrinsically sustainable, also able to overcome market’s traps, such as giving importance just to price.”

While Matteo Zoppas, president of ITA-Agency, stressed the importance of “the support towards companies and exhibitions in promoting Made in Italy on international markets.” In addition, Zoppas has confirmed that, generally speaking, TA industry’s exports are not showing any signs of slowdown “although the situation needs to be assessed sector by sector.” The importance of trade fairs for manufacturing companies and beyond was  underlined by Raffaello Napoleone, who spoke at the Opening Ceremony in his capacity as President of IT-EX, the Association that brings together Italian organisers of international fairs, which Filo has recently joined.

Pier Francesco Corcione, general director of Unione Industriale Biellese, highlighted that it is “combining successful experiences with the ability to innovate and to raise competences of workers is crucial for the growth of this industry. Innovation and training’s excellence are strongly interlinked in manufacture.”

“Filo represents an excellence in the international trade fair panorama, a reference point for the textile sector and a showcase of manufacturing skills that make Piedmont, Italy and therefore Made in Italy the real protagonists worldwide. With a Cabinet that strongly believes in the potential of Italy’s manufacturing ability, as Region we continue to strongly invest in training and in companies’ internationalisation, since competitiveness goes through quality, innovation and competences’ excellence,” as the Vice-President of Piedmont Region, Elena Chiorino, declared.

Paolo Monfermoso highlighted: “Manufacture is always at the core of Filo, since companies participating in it are manufacturers. In this edition, however, we decided to emphasise some specific technical aspects, the importance of processes, leading us first to create Filo Capsule Collection, an absolute innovation within the international exhibitions’ panorama, and then to dedicate the Opening Ceremony to manufacture. Filo has confirmed its role as a working platform for the meeting of supply and demand, but also as a platform able to stir up dialogue on the main topics concerning the future of our industry.”

The 64th edition of Filo will be held in September 2025 on the 10th and the 11th at Allianz MiCo – viale Eginardo – Gate 3 – Milan.

Posted: March 4, 2025

Source: Filo

National Retail Federation (NRF) Chief Economist Says Data ‘Remains Strong’ But Public Policy Uncertainties ‘Blur The Economic Outlook’ For 2025

WASHINGTON — March 3, 2025 — Strong economic performance seen in 2024 is expected to carry over and influence growth this year, but there is a wide range of uncertainty as the White House and Congress make decisions that will impact the economy, National Retail Federation Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz said today.

“While the U.S. economy has entered 2025 with a fair amount of momentum, the mix of policies being debated on immigration, tariffs, deregulation and taxes blur the economic outlook and its narrative, with many crosscurrents at work,” Kleinhenz said. “While deregulation and tax cuts could provide positive momentum, immigration restrictions and tariffs could be a drag on the economy and have adverse effects. Although recent economic data remains strong, we are concerned about the downside risks.”

“Weak consumer perceptions and uncertainty from the lack of clarity regarding future government policies and regulations can significantly hinder business operations,” Kleinhenz added. “That, in turn, can cause a hesitation in consumer spending and make it difficult for companies to make investment and hiring decisions. We are watching carefully and hoping for the best as much depends on how and when these policies are put in place.”

Kleinhenz’s comments came in the March edition of NRF’s Monthly Economic Review, which said gross domestic product adjusted for inflation grew 2.8 percent in 2024, with “robust” consumer spending “fueling economic activity and making a consistent contribution to growth.” Overall consumer spending unadjusted for inflation was also up 2.8% year over year in 2024 and retail sales — excluding automobile dealers, gasoline stations and restaurants to focus on core retail — were up 3.6 percent unadjusted.

Consumers “remained engaged” in January, with core retail sales slipping 0.9 percent from December after a vigorous holiday season but rising 4.2 percent year-over-year, showing that “consumer fundamentals in early 2025 are still strong and are not showing significant indications of stress.”

Consumer spending has been supported by job and wage growth, and while the 143,000 jobs added in January were down from 207,000 in December, the unemployment rate fell to 4 percent after holding between 4.1 percent and 4.2 percent since last June. The data shows signs of worker scarcity rather than slack in the labor market.

Inflation increased more sharply than anticipated in January, with the Consumer Price Index up 3 percent year over year compared with 2.9 percent in December, and producer prices up 3.5 percent. Inflation has been rising since last October, and Kleinhenz said “the critical question is whether the trend will continue. Given the hot January inflation readings for consumer and producer prices alike, the Federal Reserve is unlikely to cut interest rates anytime soon.”

Consumers surveyed for the University of Michigan’s Index of Consumer Sentiment in February said they expect inflation to rise to 4.3 percent this year, up from 3.3 percent expected in January. That’s the highest inflation expectation since November 2023 and “likely reflected a concern about tariff-induced prices increases,” Kleinhenz said. The new number came as the index dropped to a low reading of 64.7 in February from 71.7 in January, marking the second monthly decline after five months of small gains.

As the leading authority and voice for the retail industry, NRF analyzes economic conditions affecting the industry through reports such as the Monthly Economic Review.

Posted: March 4, 2025

Source: National Retail Federation (NRF)

NCTO Raises Concern Over President Trump’s Tariffs On Mexico And Canada: Calls On Administration To Close De Minimis Loophole

WASHINGTON — March 4, 2025 — The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), representing the full spectrum of U.S. textiles from fiber to finished sewn products, issued the following statement today from President and CEO Kim Glas regarding the Trump administration’s notices imposing 25 percent tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada and additional 10 percent tariffs on China.

Statement by NCTO President and CEO Kim Glas:

“The newly imposed tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada threaten a crucial textile and apparel coproduction chain with our two valued trade partners — one that sustains nearly 500,000 American jobs and a total of 1.6 million jobs across North America.  Destabilizing this production chain coupled with the de minimis loophole will only exacerbate migration and the fentanyl crisis.  We appreciate that President Trump has drawn much needed attention to these significant problems, but we believe there is another way that achieves critical objectives that grow U.S. jobs, stabilizes the Western Hemisphere, and closes dangerous tariff loopholes that are hurting us all.  We want to work with the President to find solutions that work to meet all these objectives.

“The U.S. textile industry ships $12.3 billion, or 53 percent, of its total global textile exports to Mexico and Canada and those component materials often come back as finished products to the United States under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). This coproduction chain under USMCA represents $20 billion in two-way trade and spurs U.S. investment in the region as well as at home.

“Equally as important, it serves as an alternative and counterweight to the China-led, Asia- based production platform that competes based on illegal tactics, such as the used of forced labor, subsidies and counterfeits, and has largely come to dominate global trade.

“For these reasons, we are extremely concerned that the imposition of penalty tariffs on imports from our critical USMCA partners will only serve to benefit China and other Asian countries and harm the U.S. textile industry, which has lost 27 plants in the past 20 months.

“Separately, we welcome President Trump’s plan to impose an additional10 percent penalty tariff on imports from China, bringing the total of new tariffs on China to 20 percent this year. In fact, we encourage even higher penalty tariffs on China and recommend that these penalty duties be specifically targeted to finished apparel and textile imports.

“In addition, we are calling on President Trump to close the de minimis loophole to all commercial shipments from China, Mexico and Canada, and more importantly from all countries. This loophole facilitates 4 million shipments a day to the United States that often hide illegal and unethically made products, unsafe goods and illicit fentanyl and other narcotics to our doorsteps.

“Raising tariffs on countries without closing this destructive loophole will only serve to drive more shipments to the duty-free de minimis loophole. Incentivizing greater use of de minimis will further harm U.S. manufacturers and exacerbate the fentanyl crisis, because this loophole will continue to provide a workaround for importers of consumer products and drug cartels alike who are seeking to avoid punitive trade enforcement.”

“We look forward to continuing to work with the Trump administration on these important trade policies that have widespread implications for the U.S. textile industry and those of our free trade partners. This is a pivotal moment for the domestic textile industry, and we believe the right policies will preserve and bolster this vital manufacturing base and spur more job creation and investment.”

Posted: March 4, 2025

Source: The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO)

The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) To Host Textile Events Addressing Critical Sustainability Challenges

DURHAM, N.C. — February 28, 2025 — The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) announces a series of upcoming conferences dedicated to addressing pressing environmental concerns in the textile and apparel industry. These events will provide crucial platforms for industry professionals to collaborate on innovative sustainability solutions.

Building a New Method Forward for PFAS in Textiles Conference

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) continue to garner significant attention in textile manufacturing, given their prevalent usage in enhancing durable water repellency and stain resistance along with growing health and environmental concerns. As the discourse evolves, open collaboration among diverse perspectives is vital to making progress.

The 2025 PFAS Conference will be held in Raleigh, North Carolina on April 24-25, 2025, at the StateView Hotel to facilitate productive multi-stakeholder discussions. AATCC looks forward to expanding the coalition and empowering attendees to take the next actionable steps towards updating best practices for PFAS textile usage — working to better safeguard consumers while enabling industries to thrive responsibly.

Cotton vs. Rayon: A Look at Sustainability Issues

As consumer demands for sustainable fashion continue to rise, companies are increasingly seeking more eco-friendly fiber choices. Both cotton and rayon are frequently promoted for their sustainability attributes — cotton as a traditional natural fiber and rayon as a man-made cellulosic alternative. Both fibers have seen renewed interest as consumers seek options that are free from petroleum inputs, don’t contribute to microplastic pollution, and offer desirable features like comfort and excellent dyeability.

Renée Lamb, Assistant Professor at Virginia Commonwealth University, will host a Digital Learning session on May 19 at 10 a.m. ET that will dig deeper into each fiber. Her expertise in sustainable design, ethical consumerism, and conscious fashion development will guide the discussion weighing the pros and cons for each and asking if one over the other might be a new sustainability superhero.

Circularity Conference

As the textile industry faces mounting pressure to reduce environmental impact, circularity has emerged as a critical framework for sustainable transformation. This conference will bring together industry leaders, researchers, designers, and policy experts to address the complex challenges of implementing truly circular systems across the textile value chain.

The Circularity Conference will take place June 17-18, 2025, at the University of Rhode Island in Kingston, RI. AATCC invites industry professionals to mark their calendars for this two-day conference focused on comprehensive discussions and explorations of sustainable strategies within the textile industry.

Posted: February 28, 2025

Source: The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC)

KARL MAYER : PRODYE® Keeps On Going Successfully In The Denim Market

OBERTSHAUSEN, Germany — February 28, 2025 — KARL MAYER is expanding its position in the denim market with a double success. The manufacturer of indigo dyeing machines was able to place two important orders in Turkey and Egypt at the beginning of the year, thereby consolidating existing partnerships and gaining a new customer. The orders were booked in January and delivery is scheduled for the second half of the year.

Dieter Gager

“We are delighted that denim manufacturers have confidence in us despite the multiple global crises and are working with us to modernize and expand their capacities. The repeat success in the Egyptian market is particularly important for us. Our intensive work in this up-and-coming denim country has paid off,” said Dieter Gager, sales manager of the Karl Mayer Warp Preparation business unit.

Building on successes with the PRODYE®-S

A PRODYE®-S was ordered in Egypt. The machine for slasher dyeing is going to a fully integrated denim manufacturer that serves the entire product range in this area and is modernizing its capacities with the follow-up order. Due to his positive experience with the machine from a previous project, he once again decided in favor of Karl Mayer’s offer.

The PRODYE-S convinces with clear efficiency and sustainability advantages. Thanks to the special design of its dyeing vat, the innovative machine achieves deeper indigo shades than conventional counterparts on the market, needs only eight dyeing boxes and therefore requires significantly less total volume of the dye bath. An indigo circulation system with a high flow rate, low speed and closed vat design also enables savings of up to 20 % in hydro and caustic soda. In addition, the yarn tension is perfectly controlled throughout the entire process for high weaving efficiency.

Dieter Gager is optimistic that this performance will lead to further investment in Egypt, as the country is seen as a beacon of hope for the denim industry. Egypt has been known for its long-staple cotton for many years. Now it is offering favorable conditions for the entire production chain. Companies that settle in Egypt’s designated free zones benefit from special concessions, for example in terms of taxation, and there are special export advantages. The country also offers short transit times to the USA and the EU. An infrastructure expansion program in Egypt is also shortening domestic transport times.

Gain a new customer with the PRODYE®-R

A PRODYE-R will be delivered to Turkey to equip a new customer. The investment is part of a project with which the Turkish denim manufacturer wants to make its production more lucrative. In addition to the actual dyeing technology, it has also ordered all machines and equipment needed for rope dyeing from Karl Mayer. The full one-stop package consists of various creels, the BALL WARPER, the LONG CHAIN BEAMER and the PROSIZE yarn sizing machine.

Thanks to its innovative solutions for dyeing and sizing, Karl Mayer has established a strong position in the Turkish market over the last seven years. Thanks to an intelligent sizing box concept, the PROSIZE ensures optimum sizing application and highest cover factor. In addition, less size add-on is required – a saving of up to 10% can be achieved here – and the yarn is wound extremely gently onto the warp beams. The latest new developments such as CASCADE offer even more benefits. The pioneering steam and condensation system uses up to 7 percent less steam during the drying process and therefore scores equally well in terms of environmental protection and production costs.

The BALL WARPER convinces with its controlled, tension-controlled, careful and extremely precise operation.

The Long Chain Beamer scores with its reliable process control, simple operation, perfectly cylindrical beam winding and flexibility. An integrated, reverse-driven compensator also enables the operating status during rope feeding to be changed at constant rope tension levels.

The PRODYE-R offers similar benefits to slasher dyeing. The dyeing vat for rope dyeing also enables deeper indigo shades with fewer — in this case nine — dyeing boxes and a 20 percent saving in hydro and caustic soda. The rebeaming step is also extremely efficient. Thanks to perfect tension control throughout the entire process and a programmable coiler, an output increase of 10 to 20 percent is possible.

In addition to sophisticated technical solutions, Karl Mayer offers its customers expertise and support for their projects. In its Research & Development Centre for denim in Rotal, they can carry out tests, develop ideas and exchange opinions with the company’s experienced specialists.

Posted: February 28, 2025

Source: KARL MAYER

Jakob Müller Group Implements Strategy 2030 With Concrete Measures

JMG’s Group Management Team (left to right): Fabian Voser, COO; Hanspeter Weilenmann, CFO; Andreas Conzelmann, CEO; Stephan Bühler, owner; Bertram Wendisch, chief technology officer; and Benedikt Rentsch, chief commercial officer, who will assume his new position as of March 1, 2025

FRICK, Switzerland — February 28, 2025 — The Jakob Müller Group (JMG), a producer narrow fabric machinery, is pushing forward with the implementation of its JMG 2030 strategy. This strategy aims to solidify the company’s market leadership, respond more agilely to the dynamic industry landscape, and align even more closely with customer needs. The current measures focus specifically on the company’s core competencies and include, among other things, simplified corporate structures, adjustments and expansions of the product portfolio, a new acquisition, and targeted customer initiatives. With this, JMG strengthens its position in the market and lays the foundation for sustainable growth for the long-standing Swiss company.

The Swiss industrial landscape is changing – as is the global textile machinery industry, for which JMG manufactures machines and system solutions. As part of its JMG 2030 strategy, the world’s leading machine manufacturer has now presented a series of measures designed to secure its market leadership and enable long-term growth.

JMG is investing specifically in strengthening customer focus and modernizing both its product portfolio and global internal processes. This includes the creation of innovative customer collaboration platforms, the expansion of the product portfolio in the volume segment, the optimization of the service offering, as well as the simplification of corporate and management structures.

Focus on core competencies and operational excellence

As part of its strategic realignment, JMG will increasingly focus on its core segments of Weaving, Label Production Systems, Warp Crochet Knitting, as well as Dyeing and Finishing. At the same time, the Winding & Making-up and Warping Systems segments at the JMG site in Schwelm, Germany, will be discontinued, with essential technologies and products being transferred to other areas. In addition, the Finishing segment will be relocated from Kadan, Czech Republic, to JMG’s sister company Benninger in Pune, India. These measures will lead to structural adjustments at the locations in Germany and the Czech Republic, where production will be gradually reduced.

“Even though these decisions were not easy for us, they are necessary to secure the future viability of the Jakob Müller Group. Our resources must be specifically directed where we see the greatest growth potential,” says owner Stephan Bühler. Andreas Conzelmann, CEO of JMG, adds: “By focusing on our core segments, we are strengthening our innovative power and competitiveness – and ensuring that we can continue to offer our customers the best solutions in the future.”

Unifying JMG’s brand identity and strengthening the global market position

COMEZ, the leading manufacturer of crochet and warp knitting machines in Italy, will be fully integrated into JMG and will operate under the name Jakob Müller Italy in the future. With investments in research and development – including the acquisition of MEI International, a renowned Italian manufacturer of label weaving machines – JMG will drive next-generation solutions and expand its product portfolio to include innovative air-jet technology. Further information regarding the acquisition of MEI will be provided in a separate announcement.

Sustainably improving customer experiences

Creating outstanding customer experiences is at the heart of the JMG 2030 strategy. The strategic investments in innovation and operational excellence enable JMG to offer state-of-the-art solutions, faster turnaround times, and an enhanced customer experience. A key element of this customer-centric approach is the opening of the new Customer Center and of the LAB1887 in Frick, Switzerland, in late summer 2025. This innovation factory serves as a development center where customers, together with JMG, can explore new technologies and develop novel applications for narrow fabrics.

“Our JMG 2030 strategy underscores our company’s commitment to long-term stability, sustainable growth, and maintaining our position at the forefront of the narrow fabric industry,” says Andreas Conzelmann. “The changes we are implementing will enable us to become a more agile, customer-focused company – ready to seize future opportunities.”

Posted: February 28, 2025

Source: Jakob Müller Holding AG

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