Nufabrx Ranked Number No. 2 In Pharmaceuticals, No. 8 Fastest-Growing Company In North America On The 2021 Deloitte Technology Fast 500™

CONOVER, N.C. — November 17, 2021 — Nufabrx, a supplier of HealthWear™, with the patented technology of embedding medications directly into clothing, today announced it ranked No. 8 on the Deloitte Technology Fast 500™, a ranking of the 500 fastest-growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences, fintech, and energy tech companies in North America, now in its 27th year. Nufabrx grew 22,957 percent during this period and landed the top spot in the Southeast and No. 2 Nationally in the Biotechnology/Pharmaceutical Sector.

Nufabrx’s CEO Jordan Schindler credits the team’s constant desire to innovate and think outside the box, with the company’s 22,957-percent revenue growth. He said: “Clearly consumers, retailers and partners alike are excited about the idea of simplified health and wellness simply through the everyday clothing that we wear. Instead of having to apply a cream, take a pill or stick on a patch, getting dressed in the morning is the ideal way to solve for patient compliance and improve well-being.”

“Each year the Technology Fast 500 shines a light on leading innovators in technology and this year is no exception,” said Paul Silverglate, vice chair, Deloitte LLP and U.S. technology sector leader. “In the face of innumerable challenges resulting from the pandemic, the best and brightest were able to pivot, reinvent and transform and grow. We celebrate the winning organizations and especially the talented employees driving their success.”

“The pandemic has underscored the urgent need for tech solutions in a variety of areas across health care, fintech, energy tech, entertainment, to name a few, so reliance on innovators like the winners of the Technology Fast 500 is more important than ever,” said Christie Simons, partner, Deloitte & Touche LLP and industry leader for technology, media and telecommunications within Deloitte’s audit & assurance practice. “These companies are not only at the cutting edge, transforming the way we do business, but most importantly, recognize the strategic importance of ongoing innovation, especially in the ever-changing world of technology.”

Overall, 2021 Technology Fast 500™ companies achieved revenue growth ranging from 212 percent to 87,037 percent from 2017 to 2020, with median growth of 521 percent. Nufabrx ranked #1 in North Carolina, #1 in the Southeast, and #2 Nationally in the Biotechnology/Pharmaceutical sector.

Posted November 17, 2021

Source: Nufabrx (Textile-Based Delivery Inc.)

Mass. Manufacturing Innovation Initiative: Baker-Polito Administration Awards $2.3 Million In Manufacturing Innovation Funds

LOWELL, Mass. — November 17, 2021 — Yesterday, the Baker-Polito Administration announced a new $2.3 million grant to Lowell-based composites manufacturer Specialty Materials Inc., an award from the Commonwealth’s Massachusetts Manufacturing Innovation Initiative (M2I2). The award will support the expansion of Specialty’s production of its boron-based composite materials, materials widely used in aerospace, sporting goods, and industrial applications to strengthen products. The M2I2 grant will support a project that will nearly triple the size of the Specialty Material’s manufacturing capability, adding an additional 75 employees and $6 million per year of spending in Massachusetts.

Lt. Governor Karyn Polito joined Specialty Materials executives and leaders from the Center for Advanced Manufacturing at the MassTech Collaborative, the organization that manages the M2I2 program, for the announcement of the award at Specialty’s facility in Lowell. As part of today’s visit, the Lt. Governor joined state and local officials to tour the company’s manufacturing floor, to highlight boron-based materials used in high-tech aerospace platforms including the F-15 fighter, the Blackhawk Sea Stallion helicopter, and NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, as well as recreational products including fishing rods made by the R.L. Winston Rod Co.

“Massachusetts is a hub for innovation in a wide range of sectors, including aerospace and defense,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Through the M2I2 program, and by working with cutting-edge companies like Specialty Materials, we’re ensuring that advanced manufacturers in Massachusetts have the support they need to grow their business and expand their workforce.”

“Lowell has been a center for manufacturing innovation for decades and that tradition continues through companies like Specialty Materials,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “We’re honored to support this small, woman-owned business, providing key capital support that will help them increase production and create jobs in the Merrimack Valley.”

The project will expand the production capacity needed to support growing business lines focused on the aerospace, satellite, hypersonics, nuclear, and sporting goods segments. This expansion will provide a broader economic impact on the state, further supporting Specialty’s current Massachusetts-based customers, in addition to the continued purchases with Mass.-based businesses.

“It is an incredible honor to be awarded this grant from M2I2,” said Monica Rommel, CEO of Specialty Materials. “The M2I2 grant allows us to not only expand the work we are already doing, but to have an even greater impact on the broader community and the state that we live and work in. Our composites are state-of-the-art and help companies create more innovative, safe, high-performing products. We are proud to be able to bring on more team members with the skills and passion we need to do our work better, continue to innovate and make a greater impact on our community.”

“Lowell is our home, and we are excited to become an even bigger economic driver in the community with the help of M2I2 and the Center for Advanced Manufacturing,” Rommel added.

“Seeing this manufacturing process first-hand highlights how critical these boron-based materials are to strengthen their customers’ products,” said Christine Nolan, Director of the Center for Advanced Manufacturing. “Specialty is not only unique to Massachusetts, but a singular supplier of these types of materials nationally and globally. This business growth will necessitate the need for more well-trained workers, which our Center is also focused on through the M2I2 program and efforts like the DoD-funded MassBridge project.”

The Baker-Polito Administration has committed more than $100 million in funding to the M2I2 effort, which allows the Commonwealth to co-invest in projects supported by the national Manufacturing USA initiative, helping promote innovation and job growth across the state. Specialty Materials has also received support from the Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA) national manufacturing institute based in Cambridge.

“AFFOA is excited by the expanded boron fiber manufacturing capabilities enabled by this grant, positioning Specialty Materials as a global leader for multi-functional fiber and composites development for critical defense and commercial needs,” said Dr. Alexander (Sasha) M. Stolyarov, CEO of AFFOA.

The award to Specialty Materials brings the total amount invested from the M2I2 effort to more than $70 million, boosting advanced manufacturing projects throughout Massachusetts, supporting critical R&D infrastructure, and workforce training programs. The Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development and the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MassTech) co-manage the M2I2 effort.

“Specialty Materials is a remarkably innovative company that has succeeded in leveraging the resources available in Lowell to thrive and grow in the city,” said City Manager Eileen Donoghue. “The company is an outstanding example of the kind of advanced manufacturing opportunities that exist in Lowell. I am confident that they will put the support received through the M2I2 program to effective use in expanding their positive impact on our local economy.”

According to Manufacturing in Massachusetts, 10 percent of the Commonwealth’s total economic output is tied to manufacturing, and Massachusetts companies exported $26 billion in manufactured goods in 2016 alone. Roughly 250,000 employees work in the Commonwealth’s manufacturing sector, comprising 7.8 percent of the total workforce in the state.

Posted November 17, 2021

Source: Mass. Center for Advanced Manufacturing at MassTech

WIRKsam – Shaping Economic Change In The Rhenish Textile And Coal Region With AI

AACHEN, Germany — November 17, 2021 — Shaping economic change in the Rhenish textile and coal region together with artificial intelligence (AI) — this is the goal of the WIRKsam competence centre launched at the beginning of November. The joint project, funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, is researching innovative forms of work to secure employment, create attractive jobs and strengthen regional companies.

With a focus on the strengths of the Rhenish — a region and a former government district in the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate — mining area, WIRKsam is to establish itself as a central point of contact and align various scientific institutions and their research specifically to the challenges of the regional working world. Funded by the BMBF with 14 million euros over five years, the project is fundamentally about transferring scientific findings into company practice and into the wider society. After the funding phase, the centre of excellence will continue to work independently.

Prospects: Attractive jobs in the lignite mining region

The region on the left bank of the Rhine is not only a lignite mining area, but also a historically grown textile region where technical textiles are produced today, for example for medical technology or plant and vehicle construction. This offers valuable future prospects for the employees affected by the lignite phase-out.

Against this background, the aim of the WIRKsam centre of excellence is to research the extensive possibilities of artificial intelligence for shaping the future world of work and to transfer them to companies. AI applications are used to develop innovative work and process flows to create attractive workplaces and increase the competitiveness of local companies.

Together: business and science

The special feature: research institutions and companies from the Rhenish textile industry and related sectors work together in the center of excellence. Research partners are the Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University and the Institute for Mobile Autonomous Systems and Cognitive Robotics (MASCOR) of FH Aachen University of Applied Sciences, headed by ifaa – Institut für angewandte Arbeitswissenschaft e.V. (Institute for Applied Work Science).

Nine regional companies are involved so far; more will join. AI applications are being developed and exemplarily implemented for their respective needs. In this way, the diverse potentials of AI for work design are being tested and qualification requirements derived. These results will not only increase the global competitiveness of the textile industry and other sectors; they will also secure jobs and make an important contribution to overcoming structural change in the Rhenish lignite mining area.

WIRKsam is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research as part of the funding measure “Regional Competence Centres for Labour Research” and is supervised by the Karlsruhe Project Management Agency (PTKA) (funding code: 02L19C600). The WIRKsam competence centre will be based in Hürth, Germany, on the edge of the Rhenish mining area as soon as the conversion work on the former TV studios on the Euronova campus is completed.

Posted November 17, 2021

Source: ITA – Institut für Textiltechnik of RWTH Aachen University

U.S. Polyester Textured Yarn Producers Applaud U.S. International Trade Commission’s Final Unanimous Affirmative Injury Determination On Imports Of Polyester Textured Yarn From Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, And Vietnam

WASHINGTON — November 16, 2021 — On November 16, 2021, the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) reached a unanimous affirmative decision in the final injury investigation on imports of polyester textured yarn from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam (subject imports).

The lead counsel for the domestic industry, Paul Rosenthal of Kelley, Drye & Warren LLP, commented: “The Commission’s decision gives new hope for the domestic producers and their workers as fair pricing will be restored to the market. The industry is grateful for the work of the Commissioners and staff, and looks forward to rehiring workers to serve their customers.”

As a result of the USITC’s final affirmative determination, which is expected to be published in early December, the U.S. Department of Commerce will issue antidumping duty (AD) orders covering the subject imports. The AD orders are expected to be published by the end of December 2021. The orders will put into place the Commerce Department’s final dumping rates that were published on October 25, 2021. The rates are as follows:

Polyester Textured Yarn Imports from Indonesia
Producer/Exporter Dumping Rate (%)
PT. Asia Pacific Fibers Tbk 26.07
PT Polyfin Canggih 26.07
Mutu Gading 7.47
All Others 7.47
Polyester Textured Yarn Imports from Malaysia
Producer/Exporter Dumping Rate (%)
Recron (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. 8.50
All Others 8.50
Polyester Textured Yarn Imports from Thailand
Producer/Exporter Dumping Rate (%)
Jong Stit Co., Ltd. 56.08
Sunflag Thailand Ltd. 14.47
All Others 14.47
Polyester Textured Yarn Imports from Vietnam
Producer/Exporter Dumping Rate (%)
Century Synthetic Fiber Corporation 2.58
Nam Viet Produce Polyester Co., Ltd. 22.36
Vietnam-wide/All Others Rate 22.36

 

Based on today’s affirmative vote, importers must post cash deposits for each shipment of the subject imports, as indicated in the chart above.  Importers’ liability could increase or decrease depending on the extent of dumping the Commerce Department finds when it conducts a review of the level of dumping, which is expected to take place in 2023.

Andritz

In October 2020, two major U.S. synthetic yarn producers — Unifi Manufacturing Inc. and Nan Ya Plastics Corp., America — filed petitions with the Commerce Department and the USITC alleging that dumped imports of polyester textured yarn from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam were causing material injury to the domestic industry.  The Commerce Department initiated the investigations in November 2020, and the USITC preliminarily determined in December 2020 that imports from the four countries are causing injury to the U.S. domestic industry.  As noted above, in October 2021, the Commerce Department calculated final AD cash deposit rates.

Imports of polyester textured yarn from China and India are currently subject to significant double- and triple-digit AD and countervailing duties as a result of prior investigations that concluded in January 2020.

The product covered by the investigation, polyester textured yarn, is synthetic multifilament yarn that is manufactured from polyester (polyethylene terephthalate). Polyester textured yarn is produced through a texturing process, which imparts special properties to the filaments of the yarn, including stretch, bulk, strength, moisture absorption, insulation, and the appearance of a natural fiber.  This scope includes all forms of polyester textured yarn, regardless of surface texture or appearance, yarn density and thickness (as measured in denier), number of filaments, number of plies, finish (luster), cross section, color, dye method, texturing method, or packing method (such as spindles, tubes, or beams). Polyester textured yarn is used in many applications including apparel, automotive, furniture, bedding, carpet, fabric, and socks.

The petitioning companies are represented by Kelley Drye & Warren LLP.

Posted November 17, 2021

Source: U.S. Polyester Textured Yarn Producers

Precision Textiles Will Open New Factory In Phoenix To Better Serve Customers In Western United States

TOTOWA, N.J. — November 17, 2021 — Precision Textiles has signed a lease for a 50,000-square-foot manufacturing and distribution center at 711 South 47th St. in Phoenix, Ariz., that will serve its customers throughout the western U.S. The company will employ 35 at the facility, which is expected to be operational in the first quarter of 2022.

The lease signing comes on the heels of the company’s opening of its 170,000 square-foot manufacturing plant in Troy, N.C., in September and brings the total number of domestic manufacturing plants to three, including the company’s New Jersey headquarters. The facility will produce all of the company’s bedding product lines, further expanding its volume of high loft quilting fiber and needle-punch nonwovens in the United States to keep pace with its strong sales growth.

“Demand for our products is high in the bedding industry, which has fueled our expansion. The Arizona facility is close in proximity to many of our customers, which was a primary factor in the choice for this location. Not only will it enable us to be more responsive to our partners in the western region, but it will also allow us to reduce shipping time and deliver product to them more efficiently,” said Scott Tesser, CEO of Precision Textiles.

Posted November 17, 2021

Source: Precision Textiles

Dimension-Polyant Introduces Sustainable X-Pac® Fabric Collection

PUTNAM, Conn. — November 17, 2021 — Dimension-Polyant, the world’s largest sailcloth producer and manufacturer of X-Pac® lightweight, durable and 100-percent waterproof laminates developed for packs and bags has launched its new RX line of sustainable fabrics, which are certified cradle-to-gate climate neutral and carry the company’s cleenTEC® seal.

Ready to tackle the outdoor elements, X-Pac RX 3-layer laminates are made with a 100 percent post-consumer polyester face fabric and X-PLY® reinforcement. The recycled polyester fiber is made from discarded PET bottles sourced in the United States.  As with all X-Pac materials, the RX laminates are made in Dimension-Polyant’s Putnam, Conn., facility, which is 100-percent climate neutral.

“Every detail was thought through and accounted for when making our sustainable collection of RX fabrics,” said Taylor North, head of Technical Fabrics, Dimension-Polyant. “It was critical that our RX recycled material came from domestically-sourced recycled PET to align with the domestic manufacture in our climate neutral facility to help minimize our environmental impact. We are proud to have attained the cradle-to-gate climate neutral certificate for our RX fabric line, which we believe is the first and only climate-neutral laminate made for packs.”

X-Pac RX 3-layer laminates feature its distinguishable X-PLY fiber reinforcement technology for an innovative three-layer construction that’s rugged, flexible and 100-percent waterproof. A lighter-weight polyester film backing provides a sleek, technical appearance.

Built for the long haul, the RX fabric collection includes:

  • RX15: Lightweight 150 denier face fabric for rapid ascent packs, pouches or as a great liner for a technical pack.
  • RX30: A 300 denier face fabric that features the most balanced construction for performance outdoor or urban applications.
  • RX36: Highly technical face fabric blending the performance of the 300 denier fiber and durability of 600 denier fabric. Great for day packs, frame bags and travel bags.

Dimension-Polyant’s Putnam, Conn., and Kempen, Germany, production facilities have been 100 percent climate-neutral since early 2021. Carbon emissions have been recorded within the DIN ISO 50001 framework and significantly reduced through the use of green electricity, green gas and other measures. All remaining emissions are being reduced by our climate offset program in corporation with ClimatePartner and its Plastic Free Oceans climate protection project.

Dimension-Polyant minimizes its environmental impact by producing the highest quality and long-lasting materials to help keep products out of the landfill. To help consumers identify its eco-friendly materials, Dimension-Polyant developed its cleenTEC seal. Materials carrying the cleenTEC seal are guaranteed climate neutral and include recycled or bio-based components.

“We are really excited about our new RX line as feedback from brand partners has been very positive,” North said. “The RX fabric line is the first of many eco-friendly pack materials on our journey to further developing sustainable and durable material solutions to help brands build the best packs possible.”

Posted November 17, 2021

Source: Dimension-Polyant

Direct-To-Garment Printer Manufacturer Polyprint Announces The Creation Of Polyprint Iberia, In Valencia Spain

THESSALONIKI, Greece — November 17, 2021 — After more than 12 years of partnerships throughout the national territory, Polyprint is now taking a step forward and collaborating with a team of DTG industry experts to establish Polyprint Iberia, which will centralize the brand’s operations in Spain and in regions of Portugal (in collaboration with our existing dealer in the area). This joint venture between Polyprint and Polyprint Iberia is focused on addressing, not only the constantly growing demand for DTG products in these areas, but also on better serving current and future equipment users.

“Our presence in the Spanish market, since 2008, has helped numerous clients start and grow their garment decoration business successfully, relying on the latest DTG technological advances,” stated George Benglopoulos, Polyprint’s CEO. “Polyprint Iberia will allow us to have a closer relationship with our customers by creating an extensive network that will offer Polyprint products, high-quality educational services, ongoing support and short delivery times, anywhere within the peninsula.”

The creation of this new entity demonstrates Polyprint’s commitment to putting customers first by extending its reach. Polyprint’s strategic growth will offer the best possible service to TexJet® DTG printer, and to automatic PreTreater machine end-users. In addition, it will allow us to forge customer-focused business alliances that will streamline our local efficiency.

The Polyprint Iberia team is a highly qualified group of DTG industry professionals. Quique Torró will be heading this team, an experienced technician with extensive knowledge on Polyprint products. “I am really excited about the launch of Polyprint Iberia. We are committed to helping businesses advance by making the most of their DTG equipment. The Polyprint customer community will greatly benefit from this big step.” says Quique Torró.

Customers will be able to find an ecommerce site at www.polyprintiberia.com with the full catalogue of inks and consumables. Numerous guides, manuals and courses will be soon available, for customers to get the most out of Polyprint’s equipment.

Polyprint’s current dealer network will serve its customers as usual. Polyprint Iberia can be reached by email at: soporte@polyprintiberia.com and by phone at: +34 655 255 392.

Posted November 17, 2021

Source: Polyprint

Frankfurt am Main: Techtextil And Texprocess 2022: Discover Innovations Live Once Again

FRANKFURT AM MAIN, Germany  — November 17, 2021 — Restart after the pandemic: Techtextil and Texprocess are once again set to bring together the technical textile and textile processing sectors at physical events in Frankfurt am Main from June 21-24, 2022. Trade visitors can look forward to numerous exhibitors and a broad spectrum of themes.

With around eight months still to go before the first editions since the corona pandemic of Techtextil, the leading international trade fair for textiles and nonwovens, and Texprocess, the leading international trade fair for processing textile and flexible materials, around 900 exhibitors from currently 45 countries, including the organizers of numerous joint stands, have already registered to take part in Frankfurt am Main.

The registration status is over 85 percent for Techtextil and over 70 percent for Texprocess based on the last events in 2019.

“The sector is in motion again and people have a great need to find out about the latest developments and see innovations live. Over the last one and a half years or more since the outbreak of the pandemic, companies have had faced a variety of new challenges. Many of the companies have undergone a complete restructuring and, simultaneously, launched a host of innovations. Now, they want to discuss them with an international audience of trade visitors,” said Olaf Schmidt, vice president, Textiles & Textile Technologies at Messe Frankfurt.

“Techtextil and Texprocess will provide a look ahead in June 2022. The distortions of the industry due to the pandemic and the commitment to sustainability are directing the focus even more toward flexible, digitally automated and sustainable production structures. Among other things, these will also be more regional than before,” said Elgar Straub, managing director, VDMA Textile Care, Fabric and Leather Technologies. “Adapted technological solutions exist and are increasingly in demand. The high registration numbers show the need for exchange.”

Both trade fairs will be held as hybrid events with many supplementary digital services for exhibitors and visitors in addition to the live exhibition and program of events.

Sustainability as a key theme

From the UN Decade of Action, which calls for the implementation of sustainable development targets on a global level by 2030, to the EU Green Deal, which aims to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050, or the Act on Corporate Due Diligence Obligations in Supply Chains (‘Lieferkettengesetz’) recently passed by the German government, which makes companies responsible for human-rights infringements in their supply chains, sustainability is a vital subject that is also driving the textile industry and to which, given its size and impact on people and nature, the sector can make a substantial contribution.

With Sustainability@Techtextil and Sustainability@Texprocess, the two leading fairs will put the spotlight in June 2022 on the sustainability concepts of the companies and organisations taking part. Expert discussions will supplement the subject. Moreover, a special category of the Techtextil and Texprocess Innovation Awards will honour outstanding achievements relating to sustainability in the sector.

New: area for international textile start-ups

Dynamic and multifarious: the textile sector is in motion and textile start‑ups are active in numerous future-oriented fields, such as 3D design, blockchain, e-commerce and sustainability. For the first time, Techtextil and Texprocess will introduce international start-ups for technical textiles and textile processing on a special area supplementing the popular ‘Young Innovative Companies from Germany’ area supported by Germany’s Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs, which spotlights companies based in Germany that have been on the market for a maximum of 10 years.

Additionally, young people in the textile sector can benefit from the Texprocess Campus with its presentations by universities and other institutes of higher education.

Focus on the denim industry at Texprocess

From cotton growing, via dyeing processes that conserve water, to finishing: the timelessness of denim fashion has not only given rise to a host of myths and facts revolving around sustainability but also to a multitude of innovations in the sector. With the Denim Future Factory (DFF), the denim industry will be a thematic focal point at Texprocess 2022.

Programme of events with forums and innovation awards

With the Techtextil and Texprocess Forums, visitors to both fairs can look forward to highly topical and multi-faceted insights into a wide variety of subjects throughout the two events. The Techtextil and Texprocess Innovation Awards will also be given for outstanding new developments in the fields of technical textiles, nonwovens and functional apparel textiles, as well as technologies and methods for processing textiles and flexible materials, in 2022.

New layout and hygiene regulations

In 2022, Techtextil and Texprocess will be held for the first time in the western section of Frankfurt Fair and Exhibition Centre with Halls 8, 9, 11 and 12. With regard to the applicable hygiene regulations, Messe Frankfurt maintains close contact with the relevant authorities in order to ensure the best possible protection of exhibitors and visitors at all times.

Techtextil and Texprocess from now on always in even years

With the postponement of the two fairs until 2022, both will change their cycle of events and shift permanently to even years. The new dates for the subsequent edition have also been set: 23 to 26 April 2024.

Registrations for the coming editions of Techtextil and Texprocess are still possible.

Posted November 17, 2021

Source: The Messe Frankfurt Group

Motion Industries Names John Watwood Vice President Of Operations Integration

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — November 16, 2021 — Motion Industries Inc. — a distributor of maintenance, repair, and operation replacement parts, and a provider of industrial technology solutions — is pleased to announce the promotion of John Watwood to vice president of Operations Integration, effective immediately.

Watwood moves to this position from vice president/group executive for the Southeast, to which he was promoted in 2019. In his new and expanded role, he will be responsible for Motion’s Distribution/Fulfillment network, Branch Operations Support and Enterprise Excellence. He will report to Joe Limbaugh, executive vice president of Supply Chain, Operations Support, Marketing, and Enterprise Excellence.

“John’s experience, aptitude and tenure make him uniquely qualified to lead in these important areas, and we are excited to have him on board,” Limbaugh said. “The transition process will begin immediately and will be complete by January 1. We look forward to seeing the impact of John’s influence.”

Watwood has more than 20 years of experience in various sales and operations roles in both manufacturing and distribution — including his employment with Motion Industries, which began in 2008. In addition, he played an integral role in the development and deployment of Motion’sProject Challenge, a pilot which transformed a traditional branch structure into a territory-based sales area supported by a local fulfillment center.

A graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham (BS Industrial Distribution and Marketing), Watwood also earned an MBA at the University of North Alabama.

Posted November 16, 2021

Source: Motion

Carhartt, Chipotle Team Up To Support Future Of Farming With New Collection, Film Premiere

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.  — November 16, 2021 — Chipotle Mexican Grill today unveiled a new film called “A Future Begins” created by Observatory, a sequel to Chipotle’s award-winning 2011 film “Back to the Start” featuring Willie Nelson’s cover of Coldplay’s “The Scientist.” “A Future Begins” premieres new music from GRAMMY AWARD®-winning singer/songwriter Kacey Musgraves who reimagined Coldplay’s “Fix You,” as the score to the film.

“A Future Begins” can be viewed in its entirety here: https://youtu.be/HnwzRmqbWwE.

Coldplay’s 2005 classic “Fix You” reimagined by Kacey Musgraves is available to stream or buy on all digital platforms now: https://Kacey.lnk.to/fixyou.

At a time where Americans are coming together for the holidays, Chipotle has unveiled a new stop motion animation, based on the true story of a Chipotle farmer, that champions a family farm’s remarkable revival. The production begins by depicting a farming family sending their child off to college. While the family battles to keep their farm intact, ultimately putting their land up for sale, the child struggles to discover his calling away at school. After a moment passes where his true duty becomes clear, the child returns to save the family farm by introducing new technology and sustainable growing techniques, which are inspired by current Chipotle suppliers and partners.

The Bigger Picture

The emotionally charged, short film creatively shines a light on the enormous challenges facing the U.S. farming industry today. Over the last five years, U.S. agriculture lost over 40 times more farmers than it gained*, challenging the future of small and midsized farms throughout the country. Chipotle, which sources more local produce than any other national restaurant brand, is committed to Cultivating a Better World by sourcing meat that is raised without sub-therapeutic antibiotics and growth hormones and supporting farms that treat their animals humanely and prioritize environmentally friendly farming practices.

“I truly believe in supporting family run businesses. I come from a family of small business owners myself where I’m from down in Texas,” said Musgraves. “I know that the American farm has faced a huge range of challenges over the last decade that threaten its survival, and the future of farming depends on supporting that next generation of young farmers. To be able to reimagine such a classic song while supporting an amazing cause with Chipotle really means a lot to me.”

In addition to creating “A Future Begins,” Chipotle is supporting farmers with the following initiatives.

Chipotle and the 2023 Farm Bill

The biggest barrier to entry for many aspiring young farmers is access to land. In the last decade alone, the U.S. has lost more than 20 million acres of farmland, a trend that continues at an average rate of 2 million acres per year**. As a response to this development, Chipotle is supporting the National Young Farmers Coalition and its movement to advocate for policy change in the 2023 Farm Bill that would facilitate equitable access to up to one million acres of land for the next generation of farmers.

To join the campaign and impact the 2023 Farm Bill, guests can visit: www.chipotle.com/farmers. Adding your name will help the National Young Farmers Coalition advocate for Congress to invest $2.5 billion toward securing access to up to one million acres for young farmers.

Through the brand’s real change feature, guests can also support the National Young Farmers Coalition by rounding up their order total to the next highest dollar amount on the Chipotle app or Chipotle.com through the end of November.

This program is in addition to Chipotle’s larger commitment of $5 million over the next five years to support the future of farming. Chipotle is helping farmers under the age of 40 who meet its Food with Integrity standards secure long-term contracts. In partnership with the National Young Farmers Coalition, the brand is also allocating money to fund an annual Seed Grant program, which will assist young farmers who are starting or building their farms.

“‘Back to the Start’ was an iconic moment in advertising almost a decade ago, serving as the brand’s first-ever national TV ad,” said Chris Brandt, Chief Marketing Officer at Chipotle. “While Chipotle’s values remain unchanged, the urgency behind our efforts to revitalize farming has only intensified. ‘A Future Begins’ opens the next chapter in our mission to make real change for the future of real food.”

Carhartt Collaboration

To commemorate the premiere of “A Future Begins,” Chipotle teamed up with Carhartt, America’s premium workwear brand, for a pair of exclusive launches. The partnership highlights Chipotle and Carhartt’s shared commitment to the future of farming.

  • Limited Edition Pieces
    • Chipotle and Carhartt will be dropping a handful of limited edition pieces, including a custom apron, jacket, hat, and a variety of patches highlighting Chipotle’s mission to support the next generation of farmers. The line is scheduled to drop on November 19 at 9am PT/12pm ET on chipotlegoods.com. Profits from sales of these items will be donated to initiatives focused on supporting young farmers and making apparel and food more sustainable.
  • Shop the Look
    • Using some of its classic pieces, Carhartt has created four shoppable looks inspired by characters featured in “A Future Begins.” Fans can shop the looks now by visiting: www.carhartt.com/chipotle.

*SOURCE: USDA Farms, Land in Farms, and Livestock Operations – 2010 Summary and USDA Farms and Land in Farms – 2020 Summary

**SOURCE: Farm Progress

Posted November 16, 2021

Source: Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.

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