A. B. Carter Inc. Promotes T. Henderson Wise To President And CEO

Wise

GASTONIA, N.C. — March 22, 2022 — The board of directors of A. B. Carter Inc. recently announced the promotion of T. Henderson Wise to the position of president and CEO. Wise joined the company in 1994 and has most recently served as president and COO. Wise received his Bachelor of Science degree in textile engineering from Auburn University. He is married to Suzanne Wise and they have two children, Griffin and Whitner.

Founded in 1922, A. B. Carter Inc. is universally recognized as a global supplier of spinning solutions for the fiber and yarn manufacturing sectors of the textile industry. Core products include steel and nylon travelers, rings, bobbins, tapes and belts, air splicers and knotting equipment, and laboratory testing equipment. Stainless steel belts, counterbands, pressure rolls, and other accessories are supplied to the carpet industry. Headquartered in Gastonia, N.C., A. B. Carter has offices in five countries and agents in 44 countries.

Posted: April 5, 2022

Source: A. B. Carter Inc.

Green Theme Technologies launches EMPEL DSR™

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — March 31, 2022 — Green Theme Technologies Inc., a provider of innovative and sustainable textile finishing technologies, is proud to launch EMPEL DSR with PFAS-free chemistry to provide durable stain protection across a wide range of textiles.  EMPEL DSR creates a protective PFAS-free treatment that outperforms other currently available C6 and C0 options.

Tricky stains, such as mustard, red wine, coffee, salad dressing, suntan oil, and motor oil, were applied on polyester and acrylic fabrics commonly used in upholstery and outdoor furniture. Researchers let the stains sit for 24 hours. The soiled samples were then washed in a home washing machine for one cycle in cold water with liquid detergent. The post laundry scores show excellent results following the AATCC 130 stain standards.  GTT found that their EMPEL DSR continued to release new stains even after 20 previous wash cycles.

Different from other stain repellent platforms that rely on PFAS or other harmful chemicals, the  EMPEL DSR product encapsulates each fiber inside a yarn with an ultra-fine protective polymer. This polymer barrier prevents stains from contacting the fibers and from adhering to fabrics. The stains are then more easily released in a normal cold-water laundry cycle.

According to GTT VP Martin Flora: “The goal was to safely protect fabrics from stains for easier cleaning at lower temperatures. EMPEL DSR also helps brands create lasting sustainable products by protecting the fabric from common deep penetrating stains that typically ruin the appearance of upholstered furniture and apparel.”

Certified by Oeko Tex for general environmental safety and by Bureau Veritas as PFAS-free, GTT’s  EMPEL DSR has numerous applications across industries and around the globe. The high-performance sustainable approach provides cleaner solutions from children’s clothing to outdoor furniture.

GTT’s  EMPEL DSR is currently being released with select partner brands.

Posted April 5, 2022

Source: Green Theme Techologies

 

Kornit Digital Introduces High-Volume Digital Production Solution For Vibrant Decorative Designs On Polyester And Polyester-Blended Apparel

ROSH HA’AYIN, Israel — April 4, 2022 — Kornit Digital Ltd. introduced today its distinctive Kornit Atlas MAX Poly system — a direct-to-garment (DTG) solution delivering superior-quality digital decoration for vibrant, colorful design on polyester and poly-blended apparel.

Kornit’s Atlas MAX Poly capitalizes on the demand for fashionable, unique sportswear and apparel. As the industry emerges from a post-pandemic environment in which athletic and leisurewear became mainstream, there is increasing demand for apparel combining polyester and poly-blends with vivid designs across a range of colors. Atlas MAX Poly can transform the multi-billion-dollar professional and recreational sports apparel and teamwear markets, limited today by limitations in mass customization of polyester.

“Kornit Atlas MAX Poly is a game-changer,” said Omer Kulka, chief marketing officer at Kornit Digital. “As fashion and sports apparel merge, there’s new opportunity for innovative fashion on polyester, currently the fastest-growing textile vertical. For the first time, recreational sportswear, promotional, and sports brands can embrace vibrant and colorful design with Kornit’s proven MAX technology — setting superior quality standards for on-demand production previously not possible.”

Unveiled during Kornit Fashion Week Tel Aviv 2022, Atlas MAX Poly incorporates Kornit’s field-proven MAX technology for high-quality premium decoration, process automation, and smart autonomous quality control. With Kornit’s XDi decorative applications, Atlas MAX Poly enables endless designs and creativity on polyester, and empowers new styles for multiple effects and unlimited combinations such as emulating threadless embroidery, high-density vinyl, screen transfer emulations, and 3D effects.

The solution is compatible with mesh and plain fabrics, including brushed polyester, while maintaining durability and breathability. It brings the highest throughput for on-demand polyester decoration, reducing total cost of ownership to drive profitability. Customers gain competitive advantage via Pantone color-matching and a wide color gamut including neon colors for bright and vibrant impressions, using single-step mechanisms minimizing production footprints while maximizing versatility.

Beyond superior quality, graphics, color, and application variety, Kornit Atlas MAX Poly offers efficient, reliable, profitable end-to-end polyester production via:

  • Kornit’s ActiveLoad automated garment-loading and pallet adjustment for repeatable, high-quality output with minimal errors reducing time and waste, eliminating operator ramp-up and boosting throughput up to 20%.
  • Seamless integration with KornitX Global Fulfillment Network, enabling a pixel-to-parcel-to-doorstep experience. This unleashes untapped demand for polyester short-run production, personalization, and disruptive direct-to-fan and direct-to-recreational business models.
  • Integration with KornitX’s workflow ecosystem and Kornit Konnect™ dashboard, optimizing process visibility and control, adding data-driven insights for production floor efficiencies.

Kornit Atlas MAX Poly is successfully deployed across four global beta customer sites with expected availability in 2Q22. Click here to view Kornit MAX technology in action and learn more about Kornit Fashion Week Tel Aviv 2022 in our digital press kit.

Posted April 5, 2022

Source: Kornit Digital

Mystery Ranch® Backpacks Partners With CORDURA® Brand To Debut Cordura re/cor™ Recycled Nylon 6,6

BOZEMAN, Mont. — March 7, 2022 — MYSTERY RANCH — a pack company built on a heritage of comfortable load carriage, function, and durability for people who have a mission to accomplish — announces its partnership with INVISTA’s CORDURA® brand and the debut of Cordura re/cor™ RN66 in its Fall 2022 new product line-up.

For over 20 years, Mystery Ranch has been building some of the finest load carriage equipment for elite military, wildland firefighters and mountain professionals. This August, Mystery Ranch will unveil the DISTRICT Series, a new line of everyday carry bags and packs made with Cordura re/cor fabric, urging the outdoor industry to ‘Expect More, Waste Less.’ Nylon 6,6 challenges the throw-away mentality within the textile industry, making it easier for consumers to understand how one ingredient and quality craftmanship can allow them to get maximum life from their gear and apparel. For those who demand durability and sustainability, there’s no better choice.

Mystery Ranch President Alex Kutches stated: “Our company partnership with Cordura has a long and special history, but the launch of the DISTRICT Series heralds a new chapter in our brand story and our unyielding focus on design and innovation. With Cordura re/cor, we are able to remain committed to product quality and durability and introduce our first line of packs made from fully recycled materials.”

“Innovation is at the core of what Cordura truly is, and Mystery Ranch is no different,” added Cindy McNaull, Cordura Business Development Director. “We make it a priority to continually bring new ideas and products to our brand and retail partners. As the world evolves, we know a large piece of that will fall within stewardship and sustainability. We’ve put this work at the front of our efforts. At Cordura, we believe that “Sustainability Begins With Products That Last™.” Mystery Ranch operates from the same value set, and they truly are the perfect partner to help us bring this new fabric to market.”

More about the Fall ’22 DISTRICT Series:

Mystery Ranch has been committed to conserving the environment. Minimizing poly bagging and incorporating recycled and recyclable materials in our packaging program was a start, but there is always more to be done. Enter Cordura re/cor fabric — high-quality yarns spun into durable fabrics made from reclaimed waste resources — an advanced, new fabric used in our DISTRICT Series packs. Featuring a collection of five perfectly organized packs and bags, the DISTRICT 2, 4, 8, 18 and 24 are ideal companions for travel, back-to-school, and your next favorite outdoor adventure.

Posted April 5, 2022

Source: Cordura

Nester Hosiery Elevates Donna Anderson To Vice President Of Finance

MT. AIRY, N.C. — April 4, 2022 — Nester Hosiery, a U.S. manufacturer of performance merino wool socks and parent company of the Farm to Feet sock brand, has promoted Donna Anderson to vice president of Finance.

“Donna has skillfully guided us through the challenges posed by the pandemic and helped us manage our continued growth,” said Kelly Nester, Nester Hosiery CEO. “As VP of Finance she’ll be joining our senior leadership team where she will have an even greater impact on the success of the company.”

Anderson joined Nester Hosiery as Controller in 2016, a position she has held until this promotion. Prior to Nester Hosiery, Anderson spent over 25 years at Renfro Corp., another Mount Airy based sock producer, where the last position she held was senior accounting manager.

Posted April 5, 2022

Source: Nester Hosiery

X-Rite Announces Fleet Management Dashboard To Ensure Color Measurement Device Performance

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — April 5, 2022 — X-Rite Inc. and Pantone LLC have announced X-Rite Link. This intuitive cloud-based platform provides real-time insights into color measurement device health. Customers can monitor their entire fleet from one central dashboard to reduce manual management, optimize performance, and streamline the servicing process.

“Achieving consistent and accurate color in production requires well-maintained instrumentation,” said Ben Spiegel, Global Services Innovation manager, X-Rite. “X-Rite Link provides corporations with data-driven insights into fleet performance, even across multiple locations, to maximize efficiencies and reduce color errors. With visibility into device calibration, location, certification, maintenance, and much more, managers can have confidence in every measurement.”

X-Rite Link features:

  • Up-to-date status on each color measurement device including certification, warranty, and Service Care Plans;
  • A map of device locations;
  • Monthly calibration reports;
  • Live updates and tracking for service requests; and
  • Access to past service records.

Using X-Rite Link, customers can track NetProfiler® optimization and inter-instrument agreement across their fleet of devices to maintain peak performance. NetProfiler is a blend of software and physical color standards that makes it easy to adjust, validate, and align multiple devices for tighter color tolerances and improved global color consistency across the supply chain. X-Rite Link allows users to see fleet statistics over time or drill down into an individual device. This helps identify devices that may drift over time and require servicing.

Posted April 5, 2022

Source: X-Rite

Milliken & Company Introduces Fiberglass-Free Mattress Sock, SimplyFR™

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — April 5, 2022 — Milliken & Company has announced a new product to their mattress textiles portfolio,  SimplyFR™, a fire resistant mattress knit sock made without fiberglass, antimony or topical FR finishes. SimplyFR made its debut at the 2022 International Sleep Product Association Conference and is available now for inclusion in upcoming mattress launches.

Designed to fit most mattress types, SimplyFR does not contain a PFAS finish and exceeds all current regulations, including 16 CFR 1633 and 16 CFR 1632 compliancy.

In recent years, market demand for fiberglass-free options has skyrocketed. After years of sub-par options, many imported without the attention to quality, top mattress manufacturers began searching for superior products that addressed both the compliance standards and comfort end users expect. With those requests coming in, Milliken began development of SimplyFR in late 2019.

“We have strong relationships with our customers because of our reliability. SimplyFR embodies what Milliken does so well — pulling together the right resources across the company to come up with the right solution,” said Will Ringo, bedding product manager for SimplyFR. He adds, “With this specific product, we didn’t just look at what our customers wanted right now but what they’re going to need in five, 10 years down the road. That’s the solution we delivered—a better product for consumers that’s safe.”

Milliken’s Rapid Prototype Center (RPC) played a critical role in bringing the product to market quickly, allowing the development team to do small scale testing before finalizing the yarn structure. In the RPC, Milliken engineers are able to provide fiber-to-fabric solutions to customers in two and a half weeks.

Milliken has a trusted history, having been in the textile industry for more than 150 years and the bedding industry specifically for nearly 20 years. Proudly made in the USA, SimplyFR is developed from the same type of fire resistant material trusted by firefighters on the front lines.

Posted April 5, 2022

Source: Milliken & Company

MagnaColours® Introduces GOTS-Approved PFC-Free Water Repellent Treatment

Barnsley, England — April 5, 2022 — Manufacturer of textile screen printing inks, dyes, and functional finishes, MagnaColours®, has launched a brand-new PFC-free durable water repellent treatment, ITOGUARD AQUASHIELD+.

Responding to the continued drive to eliminate PFCs or perfluorinated chemicals (commonly found in water-repellent treatments) from the garment and textile supply chain, the latest innovation in the MagnaColours ITO range has been specially developed to provide an enhanced mix of high performance and environmental sensitivity.

AQUASHIELD+ offers superior water-repellency performance over conventional paraffin wax or acrylate-based products and can be applied to cellulosic, synthetic, and blended fabric compositions.

The product offers high levels of water-repellency performance when applied to textiles – even at low concentrations, allowing for reduced manufacturing associated costs. Unlike existing PFC-free water-repellent treatments, a key feature of AQUASHIELD+ is its durability to dry cleaning treatment, significantly widening fabric end-use opportunities for manufacturers and retailers alike.

AQUASHIELD+ has been put through its paces in the MagnaLab to ensure if fulfils the technical requirements of leading garment retailers around the globe. What’s more, the product is also certified as an approved input for the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), meeting world leading standards for textile processing across a variety of ecological criteria. GOTS approval also ensures AQUASHIELD+ qualifies for ZDHC (Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals) Level 1 certification, joining a vast range of Magna products available to textile processors throughout the industry.

“AQUASHIELD+ is a key addition to our portfolio of functional finishes within the ITO range of textile dyes and chemicals,” said Andy Lee, business manager for Dyes & Chemicals, MagnaColours. “As the industry drive continues to push towards the elimination of PFCs from the supply chain, this product delivers on both superior performance and ecological safety. We’re proud that Magna is at the forefront of sustainability throughout the textiles industry, be that screen printing, dyeing, or finishing.”

Posted April 5, 2022

Source: MagnaColours

STOLL Expands Its CMS Range For The Volume Market With The CMS 503 ki

OBERTSHAUSEN, Germany — April 5, 2022 — STOLL completes its product range for the volume market with a new CMS model. With three knitting systems, the newcomer called CMS 503 ki is even more productive than its neighbor in the range, the CMS 502 ki, and covers the same range of applications as the latter. A wide range of fully fashion articles can be produced with maximum efficiency. And it does so with low operating effort and high operational reliability. Equipped with STOLL’s proven technology, the CMS 503 ki is as easy to handle as ever and operates with high reliability.

With the new knitelligence® machine generation, the CMS 503 ki is also prepared for the special requirements of the modern digital age: Process automation, transparency, digitization, faster response times, shorter production cycles, networking, and new business models are just a few aspects that open up completely new opportunities.

The CMS 503 ki is offered in gauges E3,5.2, E7.2 and E14/12. Other gauges can be requested. The working width is 45″.

Series production of the highly economical machine will start on April 1, 2022, and the innovation will make its first public appearance at the ITM from June 14-18, 2022, at the Tüyap Exhibition and Congress Center in Istanbul, on the KARL MAYER Group’s stand, number 714 A, in Hall 7. According to Area Sales Manager Lutz Vogel, many Turkish flat knitters have been successfully investing in the various CMS 530 and CMS 502 generations for years in order to successfully expand their businesses. “Now our customers are eagerly awaiting the new CMS 503 ki,” explains the sales professional with an expectant look at the trade show.

Posted April 5, 2022

Source: Stoll

American Textile Co. Announces New CFO: Karen Rocco First Female CFO In Company’s History

DUQUESNE, Pa. — April 5, 2022 — Bedding manufacturer American Textile Co. (ATC) today announced the promotion of Karen Rocco from vice president of Finance to CFO. Rocco will build on two decades of experience with the company as she assumes the position from John Riccio, who retired after nearly 30 years with the organization.

“American Textile Company is where I’ve built my career and I am humbled that my professional experience has helped pave the way for this new leadership opportunity,” said Rocco. “This organization has grown immensely during my time here and in this next phase of my career, my key objective is ensuring we remain a strong, growing company. I look forward to working hand-in-hand with our leadership team to help shape the future of the company.”

Rocco is a dynamic executive with extensive experience helping the company achieve steady growth. She joined American Textile Co.’s finance team in 2003 and spent 13 years as ATC’s Vice President of Finance. During her tenure, Rocco has helped the organization stay nimble while strategically navigating through economic crises, a global pandemic and the rapidly evolving retail landscape, resulting in consistent year-over-year growth. Prior to joining ATC, Rocco earned her CPA license and gained seven years of audit, consulting and tax experience in public accounting after receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Westminster College.

“This news is special to us because it’s exemplary of the kind of company we’ve built, a place where you can grow a career, experience new roles, and contribute to the community, while driving real transformation in the bedding industry,” said President and CEO Lance Ruttenberg. “We are fortunate to have an exceptional leader in Karen, and we are committed to being a place that fosters career opportunities for all of our employees.”

Rocco’s primary focus will be leading the team that advances the financial operations of American Textile Company. She takes over amid a global health pandemic that has disrupted nearly every aspect of consumers’ and workers’ lives. ATC has been in a unique position during this time, providing sleep solutions that meet consumers’ critical needs for comfort and cleanliness in the home. The brand’s current portfolio includes multiple top-selling brands including allergen barrier bedding AllerEase®, Tranquility™ weighted blankets, top mattress brand Sealy®, and premium mattress brand Tempur-Pedic®.

Posted April 5, 2022

Source: American Textile Co.

Sponsors