North Carolina Industry Executives & Others Hold Press Conference Opposing HB 951

RALEIGH, N.C. — June 28, 2021— Carolina Utility Customers Association (CUCA) held a press conference to highlight the devastating impact a 50 percent increase in industrial customer rates will have on its members. Kevin Martin kicked off the event with a simple message. “We held this press conference as a voice for all consumers. Duke Energy has not engaged customers on the rate increases associated with this bill, but the company has already discussed the impacts with investors. Consumers need to know and voice their concern. We heard from manufacturers today who say their continued investment in North Carolina is at risk.”

Several industrial executives personalized the impact these cost increases would have on the industry. Dan Nation, director of Government Affairs for Parkdale Mills, noted that his company has nine plants in North Carolina and a 50 percent increase in energy costs over the next 10 years would devastate his industry. Jim Booterbaugh, president and CEO of National Spinning, has 350 employees in North Carolina and stated that this rate increase would end any thought of facility expansion, a comment echoed by Allen Smith of Elevate Textiles who described the global environment in which the industry operates. Brian Rosenstein, the CEO of TSG Finishing, talked about the long history of textiles in North Carolina and how his firm has operated in the state since 1960. Jay Flanary, director of Manufacturing, Frontier Yarns, argued that his company competes in the market every day, and he encouraged North Carolina to study competition in energy markets.

CUCA was joined by environmental and consumer advocates including Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC), the North Carolina Justice Center (The Justice Center), and Appalachian Voices. Each of these groups also opposed the legislation for reasons such as it does not help North Carolina reach its climate goals, it replaces coal plants with natural gas, and it continues Duke Energy’s overearning as rate increases are allowed through a multi-rate schedule. SELC and the Justice Center spoke of the negative impacts to low- and moderate-income residents across the state.

Posted June 29, 2021

Source: Carolina Utility Customers Association (CUCA)

Avgol Invests In New Capabilities At Russian Facility

UZLOVAYA, Russia — June 28, 2021— Avgol, a manufacturer of high performance non-woven fabric solutions, has announced it is investing in a new high-speed, high-capacity flexible multiple beam production line at its facility in Uzlovaya, Russia.

“The addition of this new line enables us to have greater production capacity for growing regional markets and support the release of new Avgol technologies,” said Tommi Bjornman, CEO of Avgol.

“Serving the growing baby diaper, adult incontinence and feminine hygiene markets along with satisfying sustained demand for meltblown filtration and medical materials, this investment enables Avgol to deliver an improved degree of service across the entire area while consolidating and strengthening our existing position,” he said.

Avgol, an Indorama Ventures Ltd. company, leads the global hygiene market with the most comprehensive range of ultra-lightweight spun-melt nonwoven fabrics. This new line at the company’s Uzlovaya facility, in the Tula Oblast region of Russia, will see Avgol investing in new Reicofil 5 (RF5) technology. The third line for this location will include biocomponent and corresponding high-loft capabilities thus producing materials for applications that meet the needs of upper tier products for Hygiene customers.

As part of the investment, Avgol is including new capacity for meltblown production with a dedicated line, ensuring a continuous supply of this critical material for the region.

One other aspect of the investment, and a new in-house capability for Avgol, includes the addition of cutting-edge lamination capabilities. These capabilities will allow Avgol to offer enhanced performance products into the existing markets the company serves, as well as allowing the company to explore new opportunities in other markets.

“The RF5 line, meltblown line and lamination capabilities will provide us a powerful set of platforms as a base from which to provide high-value products for our customers,” Bjornman said. “It will enable us to further diversify the Avgol innovation portfolio while remaining true to our roots.”

Bjornman further commented that the investment will also significantly support further sustainable product development in Avgol, under its innovative FIT™ (Forward Innovative Thinking) strategy. “Avgol is committed to the future of nonwoven fabrics with a particular focus on bringing polyolefins forward as viable resins in single use articles,” he said.

“We are excited to bring new assets, new capabilities, and new technologies that will challenge customer expectations of the nonwoven fabric industry.”

This investment will move the Russian production facility to the second largest site for Avgol. Its largest facility remains the Mocksville, N.C., site in the United States.

Posted June 28, 2021

Source: Avgol

Kelheim Fibres Presents Award At “Plan B” Start-Up Competition

Dr. Crnoja-Cosic (left) was honored to congratulate the newly founded team of Microbify GmbH

KELHEIM, Germany — June 28, 2021— For the fourth time, the international start-up competition “Plan B – Biobased.Business.Bavaria.” organized by BioCampus Straubing honoured the best new business ideas in the field of biobased solutions.

Dr. Crnoja-Cosic, director New Business Development, and Matthew North, commercial director, represented Kelheim Fibres at the award ceremony. The manufacturer of special viscose fibres has been working with the BioCampus Straubing for many years and is a supporter of the competition, this year as prize sponsors.

In this capacity, Dr. Crnoja-Cosic was honored to congratulate the newly founded team of Microbify GmbH on its third place and present it with a cheque for 3,000 euros. As a spin-off from the University of Regensburg, Microbify works, among other things, on the use of old natural gas storage facilities for the production of green natural gas using extremophilic microorganisms. Dr. Crnoja-Cosic particularly praised the approach of reusing existing infrastructure in an innovative way.

At the same time, she was enthusiastic about the scope of the competition: “62 applications from Germany and all over the world show how much creative potential has been mobilized here. At the same time, the start-ups prove that their ideas also work economically. Only the combination of both will really move us forward and make our dream of a bio-based economy a reality.”

Driving the change from a fossil-based to a bio-based economy is a declared goal of Kelheim Fibres — its specialty fibers are replacing fossil materials in more and more applications. To this end, the fiber manufacturer seeks inspiration and exchange within its own industry as well as with innovation partners from outside the industry, start-ups and science in an open innovation approach.

“The cooperation with BioCampus Straubing is very valuable for us,” Crnoja-Cosic said. “Here we find people who share our passion for seeking innovative answers to previously unsolved needs.”

Posted June 28, 2021

Source: Kelheim Fibres GmbH

Mimaki’s Arjen Evertse Promoted To General Manager Sales, EMEA

Arjen Evertse

AMSTERDAM — June 28, 2021— Mimaki, a manufacturer of inkjet printers and cutting systems, has today announced that Arjen Evertse has been appointed as general manager sales, EMEA, effective September 1, 2021. After founding a business to support the adoption of Mimaki technology in Eurasia, this increased responsibility and exciting new challenge is the latest step forward in Evertse’s successful 12-year long Mimaki career.

Evertse has held a variety of roles at Mimaki, including technical operator and senior management, but most recently, he has overseen Mimaki Eurasia, a Mimaki subsidiary.

“Working across the different departments and gaining experience in different roles within Mimaki has given me a real insight into the quality and capabilities delivered by Mimaki’s solutions,” Evertse explained. “As the years have gone by, I’ve witnessed Mimaki’s commitment to continue to develop its technology and bring some of the most pioneering solutions to market. It is this constant innovation that has inspired me, kept me loyal and motivated to achieve my goals, as well as always support Mimaki’s customers. This new role is the next, exciting stage of my Mimaki journey, and I can’t wait to get started.”

Evertse will succeed Ronald van den Broek, who has accepted a partner position at valued Mimaki customer and 3D print specialist, Marketiger.

“When you think of Mimaki, Arjen and I will be two of the faces that come to mind! We have both enjoyed extensive and exciting careers with the company. It will, therefore, be no surprise that, despite my decision to take on a new challenge, it is with a business that is as devoted to Mimaki technology as we are,” says van den Broek. “I truly believe that Arjen is the best person to take over my position as general manager sales, EMEA and am incredibly pleased to still be able to work with him, and the rest of the team, in my new role. I wish them all the very best for the future!”

Posted June 28, 2021

Source: Mimaki

ANEX/SINCE 2021 Exhibitor Preview: ANDRITZ

GRAZ, Austria — June 28, 2021— International technology Group ANDRITZ will be presenting its innovative nonwovens production and textile solutions at ANEX/SINCE 2021 in Shanghai, China, from July 22-24, 2021 (booth 1L10). The broad ANDRITZ product portfolio covers state-of-the-art nonwovens and textile production technologies such as air-through bonding, needlepunch, spunlace, spunbond, wetlaid/Wetlace, converting, textile finishing, airlay, recycling, and bast fiber processing.

ANDRITZ (China) ltd. Wuxi branch – the RIGHT partner for the Asian nonwovens industry

ANDRITZ (China) Ltd.’s Wuxi Branch has an experienced platform for production and service specially geared to the Asian nonwovens industry. It designs and manufactures cutting-edge lines for the ANDRITZ aXcess product range, which includes complete lines and individual machines for air-through bonding, needlepunch and spunlace processes. Thanks to its expertise, nonwovens producers have access to a full range of technologies for the production of high-quality nonwoven roll goods.

The service organization provides prompt delivery and excellent customer support. A team of technicians and process experts can be deployed quickly on demand to customer sites requiring full-range assistance. The ANDRITZ facilities include a roll service center with state-of-the-art grinding equipment and a test stand for various different roll types.

Needlepunched nonwovens made with ANDRITZ technology – Versatile and sustainable quality

Among the largest end-use markets for nonwoven products are materials for durable uses. Interior linings for cars, materials for construction, geotextiles, synthetic leathers for clothing and furniture, carpeting, filtration and many other industries rely on the use of nonwovens produced using the needlepunch method.

ANDRITZ needlepunch technology provides customers with a full range of solutions. For needlepunch materials, the ANDRITZ ProWinTM web control system optimizes web distribution, uniformity, profile, and structure. The ProWin system is a smart combination of the ANDRITZ weight profiling control technologies – ProDynTM and ProWidTM – used to gain the most advantages from both technologies in terms of fiber weight profiling on delivery to the crosslapper.

Produce bio-wipes using various ANDRITZ technologies

ANDRITZ Nonwoven’s processes play a pioneering role in the production of biodegradable materials. For many years, ANDRITZ has offered different processes, like spunlace, Wetlace and Wetlace CP, all with one goal in mind: Elimination of plastic components while maintaining the high quality of the desired product properties. Such processes achieve high performance entirely with plastic-free raw materials. The added benefit of using a blend of fibers, like wood pulp, short-cut cellulosic fibers, viscose, cotton, hemp, bamboo or linen, without chemical additives results in a 100% sustainable fabric, thus meeting customers’ needs exactly as well as supporting the strong tendency to move away from plastics and synthetics.

The latest development in this field is the ANDRITZ neXline wetlace CP line. This process combines the benefits of two forming technologies (inline drylaid and wetlaid web forming process) with bonding by hydroentanglement. Natural fibers, like pulp or viscose, can be processed smoothly and generate a high-performance and cost-efficient wipe that is fully biodegradable and plastic-free.

Posted June 28, 2021

Source: ANDRITZ GROUP

Epson Introduces SureColor F570 Professional Edition 24-Inch Desktop Dye-Sublimation Printer

LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. — June 24, 2021— Epson America today introduced the 24-inch SureColor® F570 Professional Edition desktop dye-sublimation printer. Ideal for professionals creating promotional products and apparel decorations, including personalizing awards, mugs, mousepads, and garment embellishments, the SureColor F570 Pro is engineered to deliver fast, reliable dye-sublimation printing right out of the box with demanding color accuracy requirements. The SureColor F570 Pro includes Epson Edge® Print Pro software with Adobe® PostScript® 3™ and PDF Print engines for professional results.

“We’re seeing professional users looking to enter the textile printer business with an easy-to-use dye-sublimation printer that still offers powerful print software allowing them to create personalized promotional products, fashion apparel and home décor and furnishings,” said Tim Check, product manager, Professional Imaging, Epson America Inc. “The SureColor F570 Professional Edition delivers one of the most compact, feature-rich dye-sublimation printers in the market with high image quality and commercial-grade reliability.”

The high-performance dye-sublimation printer delivers professional-quality prints using powerful PrecisionCore® print head technology. A true turnkey solution, the SureColor F570 arrives with a host of convenient features to streamline workflow, including specialized transfer paper for both rigid and soft media, a 50-sheet auto-feed tray and built-in cutter, and two full sets of inks.  Offering advanced features for easy dye-sublimation printing in a remarkably compact, space-saving design that maximizes workshop space, the SureColor F570 includes:

  • Astounding print quality: PrecisionCore MicroTFP® printhead offers Precision Droplet Control for outstanding clarity, plus commercial-grade reliability with Nozzle Verification Technology.
  • Bright, brilliant images: Vibrant ink delivers extraordinary color saturation and high contrast.
  • Professional software: Epson Edge Print Pro with an Adobe PostScript 3 and Adobe PDF print engine features job layout and nesting, pattern repeats, and advanced color controls for professional results.
  • Versatile media support: Accommodates rolls and sheets up to 24-inches wide; includes a 50-sheet feed tray and built-in cutter for added efficiency.
  • Replace ink less often: High-capacity ink bottles with auto-stop allow for easy, mess-free filling.
  • Tackle a variety of print jobs: General-purpose transfer paper produces amazing images on both soft and rigid materials.
  • Reliable performance: Backed by Epson world-class service and support1
  • Compact, clean design: Ultra small,2 sleek, minimal design easily fits on a desktop or on its own with optional stand (sold separately).
  • Intuitive operation: Large 4.3-inch LCD color touchscreen simplifies print tasks.
  • Flexible connectivity: Easily connect to the printer via USB, Ethernet or integrated wireless.

Availability

The SureColor F570 Professional Edition 24-inch dye-sublimation printer will be available in fall 2021 for $2,895 (MSRP) through authorized Epson Professional Imaging resellers. The SureColor F570 Professional Edition offers a standard Epson PreferredSM Limited Warranty, a one-year program that includes toll-free advanced telephone access Monday through Friday and is designed to work exclusively with Epson ink.3

1 See epson.com/support for details.
2 Product size excluding stand.
3 Epson strongly recommends the use of genuine ink to ensure optimal print quality and performance.

Posted June 24, 2021

Source: Epson

Champion Thread Bolsters Manufacturing Team With Industry Expert John Saunders

John Saunders

GASTONIA, N.C. — June 24, 2021— Champion Thread Co. — a producer and marketer of industrial sewing threads, engineered yarns, and other textile and sewn products accessories — welcomes industry veteran John Saunders to its team in the role of manufacturing manager. Leveraging decades of industry experience and knowledge, the third-generation thread and yarn expert will participate in and provide guidance to all CTC product and manufacturing strategies and processes.

“We are delighted to have John join the CTC team,” declared Champion Thread President Matt Poovey. “He brings extensive experience that will enable him to participate in the development and manufacturing of new and improved products that will continue to fuel our rapid product expansion and business growth. We look forward to John’s contributions to the future of Champion Thread.”

Before joining CTC, Saunders served as director of Engineering at his family’s renowned Saunders Thread Company business.  Over his distinguished career, he has amassed deep expertise in the development and manufacturing of specialty and engineered yarns, as well as aramid, filament, and other thread products.

“I am excited with the opportunity to continue contributing to the industry I love at Champion Thread,” noted Saunders. “I believe that this is the perfect time to be joining such a dynamic company. I am confident that we have the team, drive, and innovation needed to ensure a bright future at CTC.”

Posted June 24, 2021

Source: Champion Thread Company® (CTC®)

Danish Textile Brand Gabriel Opens Its Largest Showroom Globally In Chicago

CHICAGO — June 24, 2021— Danish textile brand Gabriel — offering high-end sustainable furniture fabrics — will open a showroom in the trendy, colorful and creative Fulton Market district in Chicago in September, 2021 at 333. N Green Street.

“Our vision for the showroom is to create an inspirational venue and meeting place for architects, designers and furniture manufacturers,” said Maegan Amato, sales director for Gabriel North America. “We want to create a hub of inspiration and product knowledge that encourages innovation, creativity and design.”

The 3,900 square foot open layout is Gabriel’s largest in the world with plenty of room for a diverse range of activities. Designed with various working areas and private nooks, the showroom provides designers, architects and other professionals with an inviting, inspiring and adaptable place to work, meet and network.

Encouraging flexible co-working, the showroom design taps into the trend of hot-desking and the idea of checking into work-anytime and anywhere to enjoy the benefits of cross disciplinary collaboration, community and creativity. With its large kitchen area and expansive patio, the showroom also offers the perfect setting for special events and meetings.

Dating back 170 years, Gabriel is deeply rooted in the Scandinavian design tradition, and the style and interior of the showroom draws clear inspiration from its Scandinavian heritage. The interior is characterized by an understated Nordic aesthetic complimented by furniture displays from internationally renowned partners all dressed in Gabriel fabrics. Guests can peruse built-in shelving units featuring Gabriel’s signature wool, recycled polyester (made from plastic bottles) and mesh fabrics on backs, cushions, screens and hangers showing the full range of colorways, as well as acoustic elements spread throughout the space with a sculptural expression.

One of the focal points of the showroom is a beautiful, modular sofa upholstered in 27 different colors in Gabriel’s wool and recycled polyester fabrics for visitors to “experience” the fabrics and get inspired on how to mix textures and colors.  Another special feature are the statement-making long fabrics lanes hanging from the ceiling that serve as a decorative element in the showroom.

“With our new Chicago venue, we once again expand our network of showrooms across the globe and move closer to our North American customers,” said Tobin Anderson, CCO for Gabriel North America. “We look forward to welcoming customers and partners and creating innovative furniture solutions.”

Conveniently located on the first-floor retail space in the Fulton Market district, the Gabriel showroom will contribute to an already edgy, bustling and fast-expanding neighborhood joining other notable design brands with a strong creative and urban vibe. The showroom is open Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm, and by appointment outside normal business hours.

Posted June 24, 2021

Source: Gabriel

Delta Galil Announces A Global Licensing With Wolford For Lingerie And Swimwear

TEL AVIV, Israel — June 23, 2021— Delta Galil Industries Ltd. — a global manufacturer and distributor of branded and private label apparel products for men, women and children — today announced a new licensing with Wolford — a market leader in high-end tights, SKIN WEAR, lingerie and body wear — to create, produce and market new women’s lingerie and swimwear collections. The Wolford collections will be launched worldwide in Spring/Summer 2022 through Wolford boutiques, leading department stores, selected multibrand and specialty shops, and on major online retail platforms.

“Wolford has been globally renowned for its luxurious quality, product innovations and sensual designs for over 70 years,” said Isaac Dabah, CEO of Delta Galil Industries. “We are extremely proud to partner with this iconic brand of Austrian heritage and leverage our design expertise to create new lingerie and swimwear collections and to distribute and market them to women across the globe.”

“Wolford has always been committed to creating the highest-quality, most essential and fashionable hosiery, skin wear and clothing that allows women to look and feel at their very best,” said Silvia Azzali, CCO of Wolford. “Lingerie and Swimwear have always been an important product category within our collections and part of our DNA. Thanks to this new collaboration with Delta Galil, we will be able to exploit the opportunities of growth offered by the market, making Swimwear and Lingerie a key pillar of our product differentiation.”

The newly developed Wolford lingerie collection features refined shapes and colors along with a variety of lace patterns. The collection also features an athleisure range as well as cotton and seamless intimate apparel. The swimwear collection offers one and two-piece suits as well as coverups made with luxury fabrics, sophisticated details and saturated colors.

In addition to being available at Wolford boutiques and online at Wolfordshop.com, the new collections will be available globally at premium department stores such as Neiman Marcus, Harvey Nichols, KaDeWe, Galeria Karstadt Kaufhof, Galeries Lafayette, and La Rinascente, and on e-commerce platforms that include Mytheresa, MatchesFashion, Net-A-Porter and Farfetch. In Russia, the collections will be distributed by Jamilco, giving continuation to the historic, successful partnership that lasts already 25 years.

Retail price points for the Lingerie and Swim wear collections will range from 40 to 225 euros in Europe and from $55–$320 in the United States.

Posted June 24, 2021

Source: Delta Galil Industries

Perennials Expands Mexico Textile Manufacturing Plant

DALLAS — June 24, 2021— Perennials and Sutherland LLC — a source in the international design industry and the provider of luxury furniture, performance textiles and accessories — has announced the expansion of Perennials Textiles Mexico (PTM). The epicenter of Perennials’ 100-percent solution dyed acrylic yarn production, PTM houses state-of-the-art facilities that feature safe and sustainable practices. The company approved a physical expansion, doubling the amount of operational space, as well as an additional hundred full-time positions.

“We are calling this investment, Megalodon Project, due to its immense impact in creating a brighter future,” said Miguel Maciel, general manager of PTM who is spearheading the onsite operations. “We are pleased that Perennials continues to grow in San Luis Potosi, which will provide direct benefits to our community and the state. This would not be possible without the commitment and quality of workforce within our operations, which continues to transcend borders.”

PTM’s space provides room to meet the rapid increase in product demand, where electronically controlled looms can produce thousands of yards of fabric per month. The expansion represents a multi-million dollar investment by the company and is well underway, with full operations expected to commence by Q-1 2022.

“This significant investment represents the strength of the Perennials brand and the confidence that we have in our Perennials Textiles de Mexico management and staff,” stated COO Chris Morris.

The expansion demonstrates Perennials’ resolve to supply the domestic and global market with the highest quality 100-percent solution dyed acrylic performance textiles available to the trade as well as select retail partners, such as Restoration Hardware and Serena and Lily.

“PTM is a genuine reflection of the solid partnership we have in Mexico,” says Ann Sutherland, CEO, of Perennials and Sutherland. “For 25 years, we have continued to meet our growing production needs, and our Mexican production has played a huge part in increasing Perennials’ global sales.”

Perennials Fabrics and Rugs are available to interior designers and architects through fine showrooms and studios worldwide.

Posted June 24, 2021

Source: Perennials and Sutherland LLC

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