Merrow Manufacturing & Precision Fabrics Group Create New U.S.-Made, Reusable PPE To Optimize Availability, Protection And Comfort For Frontline Healthcare Providers

FALL RIVER, Mass. — September 29, 2021 — An unprecedented backlog of all imports, which includes medical products, is creating a crippling supply chain crisis throughout the United States. Last week, the Port of Los Angeles/Long Beach announced that a record 70 container vessels were waiting offshore to unload their goods. In response, Merrow Manufacturing and Precision Fabrics Group (PFG) have mobilized their resources to alleviate widespread shortages, sub-standard design, highly variable quality, and increased prices of PPE with the creation of domestically produced reusable Level 1 and 2 isolation gowns. This proprietary gown design was created in collaboration with a group of infection prevention nurses and medical product engineers. The Merrow and PFG teams responded to the nurses’ acute concerns around PPE: “Will we get it? Will it perform?”

“Our mission has been to intensively listen and incorporate the nurses’ experience, insights, needs and wants into a protective gown that will provide comfort and freedom of movement, without sacrificing full-on protection during this incredibly strenuous COVID era,” says James Barry, Business Manager of Healthcare Products at PFG.

In addition to being reusable up to 125 times, these medical protective gowns are made of high-performance, antimicrobial, medical grade fabric, engineered for optimal protection of the body and neck areas, while also being priced competitively with lower quality, disposable PPE alternatives on a cost-per-use basis.

According to Merrow Manufacturing CEO Charlie Merrow, this advancement in isolation gown design and fabrication will not only sustain a supply of much needed U.S.-sourced PPE for healthcare workers, but also lower costs, enhance efficiencies, and maintain quality.

“The scarcity of PPE in the U.S. during 2020 preceded a hospital staffing crisis that is currently forcing some facilities to ration care. The latest increase in COVID cases only exacerbates the potential for substantial supply-chain disruption that has ensnared movement of goods worldwide,” says Merrow. “By combining this new innovative product with our sustainable production model, we can prevent a catastrophe.”

Merrow and PFG’s post-pandemic industrial-based expansion of 100% USA sourced medical protective equipment, with a mission to operate at scale and as a sustainable, agile, industrial platform, strengthens the nation’s public health and medical infrastructure and ensures a continuous, accessible, secure source of PPE supply. The facilities in which they are manufactured are registered with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Proven in independent testing, the Merrow/PFG L2 Medical Gown meets and exceeds ASTM Level 1 & 2 standards.

With flu season rapidly approaching, private and public healthcare institutions are searching for immediate, reliable solutions to supply chain disruptions. This nurse-engineered product’s unique combination of secure domestic supply, innovative technology, and improved sustainability has the potential to resolve these issues and provide safety for providers, patients, and public health agencies. Federal and State organizations aligned with this mission are encouraged to contact Merrow and PFG.

Posted September 29, 2021

Source: Merrow Group Companies

The American Apparel & Footwear Association Calls On House To Move Forward With Shop Safe Act After Bill Passes Committee

WASHINGTON, D.C. — September 29, 2021 — The American Apparel & Footwear Association called on the House to quickly approve the SHOP SAFE Act, following its advancement out of the Judiciary Committee today. The bipartisan bill would establish trademark liability for e-commerce platforms when a third-party sells a counterfeit that poses a risk to consumer health or safety via its platform.

“The proliferation of counterfeit products on some of our most trusted online marketplaces hampers American business and puts American consumers in harm’s way,” said Christina Mitropoulos, Director, Brand Protection & Manufacturing Initiatives at the American Apparel & Footwear Association. “We are glad to see Congress prioritize the protection of American intellectual property with this bipartisan bill, and look forward to working with members of the House Judiciary committee to improve the language of the bill ahead of its vote on the floor.”

AAFA has advocated for widespread action to prevent the sale of counterfeit products. In addition to supporting the SHOP SAFE Act, AAFA has come out in support of the INFORM Consumers Act, which would increase transparency when shopping online. AAFA has also submitted recommendations to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office regarding secondary trademark infringement liability through ecommerce. Further, a recent report by AAFA highlights that the problem of counterfeit sales has expanded from third-party marketplaces to include mainstream social media platforms.

Posted September 29, 2021

Source: The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA)

Culp Inc. Adds Three New Independent Directors — John Baugh, Kimberly Gatling, And Jonathan Kelly Elected To Board Of Directors

HIGH POINT, N.C.— September 29, 2021 — Culp, Inc. (Culp) today announced the election of John A. Baugh, Kimberly B. Gatling, and Jonathan L. Kelly as members of its Board of Directors following the company’s annual meeting of stockholders held earlier in the day.

Mr. Baugh, Ms. Gatling, and Mr. Kelly join the company as new independent directors, each bringing unique experiences and professional backgrounds to Culp.

Mr. Baugh is the Vice President of Investor Relations at PROG Holdings, Inc., a publicly traded fintech holding company headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah. Prior to joining PROG Holdings in September 2020, he was a sell-side analyst with Stifel Financial, serving as Managing Director, Senior Equity Research from 2005 – 2020. He also served as a sell-side analyst for Legg Mason Securities from 2004 – 2005 and Wheat First Union/Wachovia Securities from 1983-2004. During his 37 years as an analyst, he covered industries including home furnishings, retail, building products, and lease-to-own, including coverage of Culp and many of its largest customers. He brings to Culp a deep understanding of capital markets and institutional investing, as well as substantial knowledge about the furniture and bedding industries, both domestic and international.

Ms. Gatling has been a partner at Fox Rothschild since 2008 and has served as the Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer for all the firm’s 27 offices since 2020. She is a United States Registered Patent Attorney and a North Carolina State Certified Trademark Specialist, and her legal practice is focused on intellectual property and information technology. Over the course of her legal career, she has counseled a variety of clients in the textile industry, and in her role as Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, she develops strategies that increase and promote an inclusive environment at all levels of the law firm. Gatling is the incoming Chair of the Board of Directors for the Cone Health Foundation, serves as an Associate Director for Truliant Federal Credit Union, and is a Trustee for North Carolina A&T State University. She brings a robust skillset to Culp including extensive corporate governance and legal knowledge, data protection, technological innovation, product development, intellectual property protection and enforcement strategy, and marketing and advertising expertise.

Mr. Kelly is the founder and chief executive officer of Asymmetric Holdings Worldwide, a North Carolina-based investment holding company focused on investment strategy and capital allocation. He has over two decades of experience working with closely held multinational firms and family offices on principal investment, M&A, and capital allocation strategies, including Orient Global, Koch Industries, Abu Dhabi National Energy Company, HBK Investments, and the Heinz family. He has also served on the board of directors of Quintet, a U.S.-based operator of limited-service restaurants, Grupo SALA, a pan Latin American specialty waste portfolio company of ACON Investments, and Viet Thai International JSC, an ASEAN-based consumer conglomerate. Kelly is a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization and the National Association of Corporate Directors. He brings deep knowledge and experience in investment and capital allocation strategy, financial management, strategic planning, and global M&A, as well as an understanding of the complex legal, regulatory, and finance issues facing international businesses.

At the company’s annual meeting of stockholders, eight nominees were elected to the Culp Board of Directors. In addition to Mr. Baugh, Ms. Gatling, and Mr. Kelly, the following incumbent directors were re-elected: Robert G. Culp, IV; Perry E. Davis; Sharon A. Decker; Fred A. Jackson; and Franklin N. Saxon.

Iv Culp, president and chief executive officer of Culp, Inc., said, “We are delighted to welcome John Baugh, Kimberly Gatling, and Jonathan Kelly to our Board of Directors. Each of these very capable individuals has demonstrated strong leadership in their respective professions with extensive corporate and industry experience that will complement the work and expertise of our other Board members. One of our top priorities is to have a Board of Directors that brings together individuals with diverse skills and ideas, from varying backgrounds and experiences, to create balanced, objective, and thoughtful decision-making that best serves shareholder interests and maintains sound governance practices. We will benefit from the fresh insight, experience, and perspective of our new members as we focus on executing our growth strategy. Additionally, they have each demonstrated a commitment to public service and community leadership, which aligns well with our corporate culture. We look forward to working together to further enhance Culp’s leadership position in today’s global marketplace and delivering greater value to our shareholders.

“Today’s annual meeting also marks the completion of terms for two of our directors, Ken Larson and Ken McAllister. Ken Larson has been a director of Culp since 2004 and Ken McAllister has served since 2002. We are extremely grateful for their guidance and invaluable contributions to Culp’s growth and success over the course of their tenure, and we wish them both all the best,” said Culp.

Culp, Inc. is one of the world’s largest marketers of mattress fabrics for bedding and upholstery fabrics for residential and commercial furniture. The company markets a variety of fabrics to its global customer base of leading bedding and furniture companies, including fabrics produced at Culp’s manufacturing facilities and fabrics sourced through other suppliers. Culp has manufacturing and sourcing capabilities in the United States, Canada, China, Haiti, Turkey, and Vietnam.

Posted September 29, 2021

Source: Culp, Inc.

Introducing GORE-TEX Products With An Innovative Expanded Polyethylene (ePE) Membrane

ELKTON, Md. — September 29, 2021 — W. L. Gore & Associates (Gore) has announced that the consumer business of its Fabrics Division will be introducing the use of expanded Polyethylene (ePE) as a new complementary material platform to serve as the basis for their membrane technologies. Gore’s new ePE membrane will appear in GORE-TEX brand consumer products beginning in the Fall/Winter 2022 season.

Products featuring Gore’s new ePE membrane will be introduced in a selection of consumer-end uses including general outdoor and lifestyle garments, lifestyle footwear and snow sports gloves from select customers including (but not limited to) Adidas, ARC’TERYX, Dakine, Patagonia, Reusch, Salomon and Ziener.

The announcement of Gore’s new ePE membrane reaffirms the GORE-TEX brand’s ongoing commitment to responsible performance – defined by Gore as applying the brand’s unique experience, science and capabilities on a continuous journey to unlock new levels of both performance and sustainability.

Gore applied their decades of scientific knowledge and polymer expertise to discover the combination of the right materials and processes that manipulate ePE into a strong microporous material.

Posted September 29, 2021

Source: W. L. Gore & Associates (Gore)

Benetton Group Entrusts Dematic With An Automation Solution For Key Logistics Facilities In Italy

CERNUSCO SUL NAVIGLIO, Italy — September 29, 2021 — Dematic is proud to announce today an agreement with Benetton Group, one of the best-known fashion companies in the world with the iconic brands as United Colors of Benetton and Sisley, with a retail network of over 4,000 stores.

At the end of 2022, Dematic will implement a solution featuring an AutoStore™ system in the Benetton Group’s logistics facilities in Villorba (TV), Italy with the aim of boosting its e-commerce channel by optimizing storage capacity and order processing.

The Benetton Group has been seeking to make its picking operations more efficient, flexibile and agile by reducing required space, improving picking times and extending the life of its logistics facilities.

Flavio Este, Dematic Italy Managing Director said, “As an expert in automation, has been exciting to be so close to such a forward-looking customer and build a solid partnership for the future of their commerce.”

Rosario Filomena, Dematic Italy Sales Manager who handled the negotiation, continued, “The Benetton Group will be able to achieve its e-commerce objectives with this scalable solution featuring AutoStore, a very compact, easily expandable high-performance storage system with minimal energy consumption and a high degree of security.”

“We chose Dematic because we were interested in a partner with significant experience in the e-commerce sector and a solid international background,” declared Valentino Soldan, Head of Logistic at Benetton Group. “We are convinced their AutoStore-based solution will meet our business needs perfectly, and we are confident in facing an increasingly challenging market with a structured and technologically advanced solution, capable of accompanying our development for many years to come.”

Dematic software will control and manage the entire operation. The AutoStore system will be implemented with 60,000 bins and orders will be picked by 53 mobile robots that travel over the top of the storage units and descend into the units to access the bins with the requested items. The robots then transport the items to one of 12 pick stations where the items are grouped together for further processing in production. (Benetton Group staff previously had to travel long distances to pick individual items.)

Posted September 29, 2021

Source: Dematic

INDA And EDANA Jointly Publish The Global Nonwoven Markets Report A Comprehensive Survey And Outlook Assessing Growth Post-Pandemic

CARY, NC / BRUSSELS, Belgium — September 29, 2021 — A new report published by the two leading nonwoven trade associations forecasts strong market demand for nonwovens  materials through the next five years, according to the joint publication from EDANA and INDA’s Global Nonwoven Markets Report, A Comprehensive Survey and Outlook, 2020–2025.

This is the seventh edition of the Global Nonwoven Markets Report, formerly titled Worldwide Outlook for the Nonwovens Industry, and is available for purchase from both INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, and EDANA, the International Association  Serving the Nonwovens and Related Industries.

This comprehensive report provides in-depth information and analysis of the global nonwoven macro drivers, supply and demand, and regional trade. Among the highlights of the report:

  • In the historical period (2010–2020) production increased 6.2% annually, led by growth in the spunlaid processes  and drylaid hydroentanglement.
  • China led the growth in production, adding an additional 4.7 million tonnes from  the end of 2010 through to the end of 2020, representing a 11.5% annual growth rate.
  • Across the nonwoven end use segments, the wipes, filtration, medical segments expanded at the fastest rates, given the industry’s rapid response to provide materials that keep the surfaces we touch clean, protect the air we breathe, and provide a barrier to keep our bodies safe.

“The worldwide nonwovens industry’s prospects are excellent and it remains an exciting industry in which to be involved,” said the report’s co-authors Jacques Prigneaux, Market Analysis and Economic Affairs Director at EDANA and Brad Kalil, Director of Market Intelligence and Economic Affairs at INDA.

The report includes detailed regional information and forecasts on production, technology and investment requirements for North America, Greater Europe, Asia and the South America region. The report further features regional views of economic growth, population, product by end use, and trade flows. Other key topics include raw material usage and a detailed appendix.

“As strategic partners, INDA and EDANA are committed to promoting the sustained growth of the nonwovens industry. This report provides the industry’s best estimates on future demand by the key nonwoven segments and it is predicated on sound macro-economic analysis,” said INDA President Dave Rousse. “This Global Nonwoven Markets Report is an essential planning resource for all those involved in global strategic planning for nonwovens throughout the supply chain.”

“With the remarkable growth and global success of nonwovens, both industry insiders among our member companies and outsiders, from financial analysts to potential investors, require more than ever reliable sources of market information as well as forward-looking data. This new report issued by our two leading nonwovens industry associations builds on decades of experience, and of close observation and direct data collection from hundreds of companies,” said EDANA General Manager Pierre Wiertz. “Produced by the industry for the industry, this is therefore a unique tool and a more legitimate and reliable source of data than any other report about nonwovens.”

The report is available for purchase now and delivery starting on September 30, 2021. For  more information or to purchase, contact:

INDA: https://imisw.inda.org/store/searchresults.aspx?categoryid=2

EDANA: https://www.edana.org/publications/statistics-nonwovens-report

Posted September 29, 2021

Source: INDA, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry / EDANA

SVP Global Ventures To Foray In To Technical Textiles; Plans Investment Of Rs. 100 Crore

MUMBAI — September 29, 2021 — With a vision to be a fully integrated and globally competitive textile manufacturer, SVP Global Ventures Ltd, India’s largest compact cotton yarn manufacturer is foraying into technical textiles. Company is investing around Rs. 100 crore in setting up a 4,375 MT per annum green-field facility for technical textiles at Jhalawar, Rajasthan. Company plans to manufacture protective uniforms and functional garments, medical textile,  mobiltech, hometech, anti-odour and antibacterial knitted fabric for sports, medical and cosmetic uses in apparel and expand gradually in other products. The company plans to commence commercial production in 12 to 15 months.

Technical Textiles is a high-tech and innovation driven industry which is steadily gaining ground in India. Technical textiles are functional fabrics that have applications across various industries including automobiles, civil engineering, construction, agriculture, healthcare, industrial safety and waste management among others.

Commenting on the development, Mr. Chirag Pittie Director of SVP Global, said “Technical textiles industry is expected to be the next sunshine industry and it is expected to get much needed impetus from production linked incentives announced by the Government recently. Looking at the bright prospects for the industry, the Group decided to enter this field. The new facility is adjacent to our existing facility in Jhalawar (Rajasthan). The expansion will complement our core business and the plant is expected to start commercial operations in 12 to 15 months”.

On September 8, Central Government announced an incentive scheme for attracting private investments into the labour-intensive textiles sector including 10 technical textile products. Under the production-linked incentive scheme – the government will offer incentives of around Rs 7,000 crore to man-made fibers and around Rs 4,000 crore to technical textiles. An incentive of 3 per cent to 11 per cent of the annual incremental revenues’ for five years will be provided to existing as well as proposed investments in the sector. The industry is expected to see a quantum jump and could reach the size of USD 5 billion in the next 3-5 years.

Maj Gen OP Gulia, SM, VSM (retd) CEO of  SVP Global, said, “Capex for the proposed green-field facility for technical textile is expected to be around Rs. 100 crore and will be funded from Internal accruals. Together with Government support and bright prospects for the industry, we expect the forward integration will make significant contributions to the group’s topline and margins. We expect revenues of approximately Rs. 175 crores per year from the technical textiles.”

Established in 1898, by Shri Vallabh Pittie, SVP Group is primarily engaged in manufacturing of polyester, polyester & cotton blend, and 100% cotton yarn across 3 state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Jhalawar (Rajasthan), Ramnad (Coimbatore) and Sohar (Oman). Company has a vision to become a world-leading, fully integrated textile company in manufacturing yarn, fabric and garments.

The Group has recently commenced commercial operations at its mega textile plant in Oman. It has invested USD 150 million (around Rs. 1,100 crore) in setting up 1.5 lakh spindles and 3,500 rotors facility at Sohar Free Trade Zone in Oman. The expansion offers many strategic operational and logistics benefits over a long period of time. With the completion of expansion at Sohar, the total operational capacity of the company has increased to 4 lakh spindles and 5,900 rotors.

The Company has reported robust financials for the Q1FY22 with net sales of Rs. 412 crore, growth of over 300% Y-o-Y. EBITDA for Q1FY22 stands at Rs. 91 crore (EBITDA Margin of 22.2%) and Net Profit at Rs. 39 crore (PAT Margin of 9.5%).  For FY21, company reported total income of Rs. 1422 crore, EBITDA at Rs. 234 crore and PAT at Rs. 25 crore. The order book of the company currently stands at Rs. 5,000 crore which is equivalent to next 2-3 years of revenue.

SVP Global is among top 2% Indian Manufacturers with technology less than 5 years old and output of 153-154 grams per spindle per shift, which is highest in the industry. Company’s manufacturing facilities are equipped with latest technology automated machinery equipped with Artificial Intelligence and IOT capabilities from Blow Room to Windling. SVP Global is accredited as an approved supplier for leading brands including IKEA and Zara.

Posted September 29, 2021

Source: SVP Global Ventures Ltd

Archroma Announces A General Price Increase Across Its Portfolio

REINACH, Switzerland — September 29, 2021 — Effective 01 October 2021, Archroma will increase the prices of its products by up to 0.25 USD per kg. These adjustments will apply to all Archroma products globally. The increase is necessary to offset the ongoing exceptionally high freight and logistics costs.

“Archroma made every effort to absorb these increases,” says Marcos Furrer, Chief Operating Officer at Archroma. “We have however reached a point where these adjustments are needed for us to be able to maintain our service levels.”

Posted September 29, 2021

Source: Archroma

Suominen’s New Product, HYDRASPUN® Aquaflo, Sets A New Standard For Moist Toilet Tissue

HELSINKI — September 29, 2021 — Suominen has successfully developed HYDRASPUN® Aquaflo, a moist toilet tissue with even better dispersibility. HYDRASPUN® Aquaflo offers near parity dispersion with dry toilet tissue but with premium thickness for a better consumer experience in use. With HYDRASPUN® Aquaflo, Suominen sets a new standard for dispersible nonwovens.

Suominen’s new flushable nonwovens substrate, HYDRASPUN® Aquaflo passed the stringent standards for dispersibility set by both the International Water Services Flushability Group (IWSFG) and INDA/EDANA (GD4) in independent testing.

“We are extremely proud to launch HYDRASPUN® Aquaflo. Its 100% cellulosic fiber composition is evidence of sustainable origins and its capability to fully and rapidly break down in wastewater provides biodegradability in disposal, giving consumers an end-to-end eco-friendly solution for personal care. Dry toilet tissue is recognized as the material most capable of breaking down in sewer systems and HYDRASPUN® Aquaflo was developed with this result in mind, “says Andrew Charleston, Manager, Category Management, Americas.

HYDRASPUN® Aquaflo is proof of Suominen’s emphasis on delivering industry leading innovations and its position as a clear frontrunner in innovative and sustainable nonwovens.

Posted September 29, 2021

Source: Suominen

Hexcel And HP Composites Collaborate To Develop Class A Body Panels

STAMFORD, Conn. — September 28, 2021 — Hexcel has collaborated with HP Composites S.p.A (HP Composites), a world leader in the production of carbon fiber components for automotive and motorsports, to develop carbon fiber Class A body panels. Hexcel HexPly® XF surfacing technology is being extensively used by the Italian component producer to manufacture external body panels and other components for supercars such as Alfa Romeo’s stunning new supersport sedans, the Giulia GTA, and GTAm.

With five production plants in Italy, HP Composites has built an impressive track record of high-performance composite successes on both road and racetrack. HP has combined this processing expertise with Hexcel HexPly® XF3 surfacing material, HexPly® M47, and HexPly® M49 prepregs, working to the highest standards set by the most prestigious supercar OEMs and leading motorsport teams.

Hexcel’s automotive composites portfolio is the result of decades of industry experience and the creation of strategic partnerships to develop and optimize leading-edge technologies. HexPly XF3 is an epoxy prepreg surface material, developed with processing input from the HP Composites team to address the challenges of producing high-quality Class A automotive body panel surfaces with excellent resistance to aging tests.

Applied as the first ply in the mold and after curing at 120-180˚C in an autoclave, HexPly XF3 produces a smooth part surface with no porosity, that requires minimal preparation for painting.

HexPly XF3 is supplied in an easy-to-handle roll format with good tack and drapability. After curing, it can be easily prepared for painting with a rapid sanding process. HP Composites has incorporated automated robotic sanding techniques for this finishing stage with the paint-ready HexPly XF3 surface providing excellent paint adhesion according to EN ISO 2409.

HP Composites typically uses autoclave processing for HexPly XF3 parts, maximizing weight savings and structural performance of the final components. In addition, HP has also developed its own proprietary press and compression molding processes, including Air Press Moulding® technology, compatible with HexPly XF3 and other HexPly prepregs for higher volume production series that require increased production rates.

“Our long-term experience has given us a detailed understanding of the critical features that influence how prepregs and surfacing technologies interact with different production processes,” said Abramo Levato, General Manager, HP Composites S.p.A. “The relationship we have with Hexcel is both highly technical and highly supportive. As a result we have a complete material package for high-quality Class A body panels that are formulated specifically with our requirements in mind.”

“Combining the expertise of HP with a strong technical interaction and collaborative dialogue, Hexcel and HP were together able to develop the optimum HexPly XF surfacing technology,” said Claude Despierres, VP Sales and Marketing, Hexcel. “With HexPly XF3 we satisfy the toughest industry standards.”

Posted September 29, 2021

Source: Hexcel Corporation

1...766767768...2,620Page 767 of 2,620

Sponsors

Breaking News

Load more

Digital Issue

2026 Quarterly Issue Number I

View Latest Digital Issue

FEATURED ARTICLES

© Copyright 2017 Textile Industries Media Group, LLC.