Spinnova, Suzano Announce Woodspin Scaling Ambition To 1 Million Metric Tons Of Annual Capacity By 2031

JYVÄSKYLÄ, Finland — May 17, 2021 — Sustainable natural fibre company Spinnova and the world’s largest wood pulp producer Suzano have launched the construction of their joint venture smart factory in Finland. The facility, producing SPINNOVA® fiber, is the first step towards the ambition of scaling production volume to one million metric tons annually within 10 years.

Scaling to big volumes and providing the textile industry with a sustainable material that is competitively priced has been part of Spinnova’s vision from the start. Delivering one million metric tons of natural fiber capacity over 10 years would be a major step towards a more sustainable textile industry. Spinnova already works with global brand partners such as H&M Group and Bestseller.

Woodspin partners Spinnova and Suzano recently announced the 22 million euro investment to build the first commercial scale SPINNOVA fiber production facility in Finland. Construction has already started in Jyväskylä, and the sustainable, natural fiber is expected to be available at the end of 2022.

“We have created a modular and flexible technology that is easy to scale and set up around the world. That’s why we can scale according to the pace of demand,” explained Spinnova’s CEO and co-founder Janne Poranen.

Spinnova’s strategic partner Suzano is ready to increase volumes of Spinnova’s raw material, certified microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) to Woodspin in line with these plans. This has been part of Suzano’s long-term vision since their first investment in Spinnova in 2017.

“The first factory is a great start to realizing the vast, global opportunity of this innovation. We believe the Spinnova Technology will be highly scalable, and we support the ambition to ramp up the production in our joint venture to more than one million tons annual volume of SPINNOVA fiber within 10 years,” said Suzano’s New Business Executive Officer Vinícius Nonino.

In the Woodspin joint venture, Spinnova is the exclusive technology provider, while Suzano ensures the supply and quality of MFC. Spinnova has selected Valmet, a global leader in pulp and paper technology, as its partner to supply drying technology for the first SPINNOVA production line investment in Jyväskylä.

“We at Valmet are really excited to be part of this innovative approach to produce sustainable textiles from fiber based raw material. The fact that we want to support our customers in converting renewable resources into sustainable results, and that we are highly focused in R&D, makes us a good technology partner in this project,” said Jari Vähäpesola, Valmet’s Paper Business Line President.

Posted May 18, 2021

Source: Spinnova

Surgical Masks By Defender Safety Receive FDA 510(k) Clearance

PLAINVIEW, N.Y. — May 17, 2021 — Defender Safety, a trusted construction and healthcare safety products producer, recently received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its ASTM Level 1 Procedure Mask, ASTM Level 3 Procedure Mask, and ASTM Level 3 Surgical Mask. The 510(k) certification is yet another recognition of the high standards that have led countless businesses, healthcare facilities, and professionals to turn to Defender Safety surgical masks for protection against the transfer of microorganisms and particulate matter.

“Last February, as COVID made its way to the U.S. and a face mask shortage started to develop, we mobilized quickly, but responsibly. Ensuring our PPE is medical-grade for those that need it most has always been a top priority,” said Teddy Haggerty, founder and CEO of Defender Safety. “Receiving our 510(k) clearance is a great validator of the team’s dedication to developing a product that not only meets the needs of this moment but can serve as the choice PPE supply of the healthcare industry for years to come.”

Defender Safety surgical masks are tested in performance for bacterial filtration efficiency, resistance to penetration by synthetic blood, breathability, and flammability. The surgical masks consistently met the 510(k) standard in all areas. The ASTM Procedure Mask Level 3 and ASTM Surgical Mask Level 3 have a bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE) of  ≥98% and the ASTM Procedure Mask Level 1 has a bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE) of  ≥95%.

Defender Safety has supplied over 50 million pieces of PPE — medical-grade masks, gloves, disinfectants, and goggles — to more than 70 hospitals and other public entities across the northeast, including Mass General Brigham, companies such as Fastenal and W.W. Grainger, and local governments including New York State.

Posted May 18, 2021

Source: Defender Safety

B.I.G. Yarns Unveils ColorMind For Ultimate Design Freedom For Contract Carpets

WIELSBEKE, Belgium — May 18, 2021 — B.I.G. Yarns brings inspirational design freedom to high-end loop-pile contract and automotive carpets with the unveiling of ColorMind. The innovative yarn technology is B.I.G. Yarns’ first venture into a two steps yarn collection, offering a unique solution for creating multi-color PA6 yarns for any carpet design.

Available from mid-June 2021 in both standard and EqoCycle 75-percent recycled content yarn, designers are invited to work closely with B.I.G. Yarns experts to realize the designs they have always wanted. Combinations of variable levels of twisting and air entanglement, using up to six colors at once, elevate design possibilities beyond current limitations.

The ColorMind color bank features predefined colors, always in stock, meaning short lead times. Manufacturers can also benefit from customized lot sizes and bobbin length, creating even more flexibility and design freedom.

To preview a taster of the potential directions opened up for loop-pile carpets, B.I.G. Yarns has used the technology to achieve its own “Optica” dot effect and “Illusion” wave effect as inspiration for customers’ design explorations.

“ColorMind offers never-seen yarn diversity to support a new level of design sophistication in high-end carpet segments. We’re very proud and excited to enter into two steps yarns with a solution offering something truly special, the result of intensive dedication from our design and development teams,” comments Emmanuel Colchen, general manager, B.I.G. Yarns. “ColorMind combines our strengths in delivering high-performance, more sustainable yarns to fit the evolving demands of these segments, underpinned by our expertise in color sequencing and color mixing. We’re looking forward to exciting collaborations and innovative, eye-catching designs for future loop-pile carpets.”

ColorMind PA6 yarns are based on a unique Solution Dyed Nylon yarn and are suitable for Class 33 certification (heavy commercial use). The EqoCycle yarn version is mainly based on post-industrial waste and supports contract and automotive carpet manufacturers with a drop-in circular solution to reduce the ecological footprint of their end carpets.

Posted May 18, 2021

Source: B.I.G.

Winners Announcement: 2021 AATCC Concept 2 Consumer® Student Merchandising Competition

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — May 18, 2021— AATCC is pleased to announce the winners of the 2021 AATCC Concept 2 Consumer® Student Merchandising Competition!

AATCC received nine entries, with 19 students participating from five colleges and universities.

This year’s theme, Fashion Evolution, showcased AATCC’s Centennial—the Association’s 100th Birthday! The theme for AATCC’s Centennial celebrations is “Celebrating a Century—Focused on the Future!”

Fashion Evolution mirrored that theme. From the 1920s, when AATCC was founded, to the present day, students were asked to choose a decade from the last 100 years and reinvent the fashions for the 2020 decade, focusing on one or more of the following:

  • fit/sizing for various body types;
  • sustainable fashion;
  • personal protection; and
  • new textile materials/technology.

First Place

The Circular Edit by Evietta Chapman and Keaton Springer, University of Oregon

This group was awarded:

  • US$1000 from AATCC;
  • J.Crew monogrammed tote;
  • Mentorship/apprenticeship with a J.Crew merchant team member;
  • $300 from Farhan Patel; and
  • One-year free AATCC Student Membership.

Evietta Chapman is pursuing an Honors Bachelor of Science in Merchandising Management with a Minor in Business and Entrepreneurship.

She said: “This competition helped me gain a cohesive understanding of developing a line and provided me the opportunity to apply my undergraduate research findings regarding garment longevity to a real-life context. I am excited to pursue a career in merchandising and to use the knowledge from this competition about sustainability and innovation when I enter the workforce after I graduate this Spring.”

Keaton Springer is pursuing a BS in Apparel Design.

“I transferred skills that I learned in design and applied them to a merchandise concept,” she says. “I learned how production and operations are related and how to bring market trends up to design standards. In the future, I hope to work in the fashion industry abroad, bringing the values of sustainability and forward thinking to the world.”

Second Place

Embody by Julia Wazeter, Paige Divon, Karigen Emig, and Roula Khaldi, Thomas Jefferson University

This group was awarded $750 from AATCC and one-year free AATCC student membership.

These students are all majoring in Fashion Merchandising and Management.

Julia Wazeter revealed: “This collaborative project has further solidified the importance of thinking outside of the box to address gaps in the fashion industry. The market for inclusive brands, especially for the Gen Z target market, is very limited. Through extensive research, we were able to identify specific features and fabrics that will enhance the wearing experience for our customer, while keeping the styles trendy and 60s inspired.” Wazeter will begin her career as an Assistant Buyer at the Ross buying office in New York City.

Paige Divon said: “The competition taught me the importance of test methods to the fashion industry. I also learned through my team members and professor the power of collaboration! For the summer I plan on continuing an internship and preparing for my last undergraduate semester.”

Karigen Emig explained: “The AATCC competition honed my skills in collaboratively conceptualizing a brand from start to finish through extensive market, trend, and consumer research. I learned the importance of test methods to the industry and being able to identify the methods best suited for our size inclusive brand. For the future, I plan to complete my summer merchandising internship and seek entry-level buying/merchant positions.”

Roula Khaldi said: “I learned how to market our products to our target audience using different social media outlets. I plan to use my knowledge from this project and apply it to a future position in the fashion industry.”

Third Place

Fabricate Plentiful Pieces by Sabrina Leibowitz, Drexel University.

This student was awarded $250 from AATCC and one-year free AATCC student membership.

Leibowitz’s is studying for a BS in Design and Merchandising.

She said: “I have learned to use innovative thinking to curate a collection that resembles strong merchandising with progressive sustainable materials woven into every fiber. I plan to have a career in the fashion industry as a buyer or merchandiser, and I will emphasize the importance of developing a multifaceted product assortment with a vision that is meant to better the consumer and the world as I have learned from participating in the competition.”

Developers, Judges, and Sponsors

AATCC would like to extend appreciation to the following developers, judges, and sponsors. Without their expertise and assistance, the competition would not have been possible.

Developers:

  • Sandra Johnson, Senior Account Manager at Color Solutions International;
  • Nora Khanna, Product Development Manager at Pantone;
  • Kerry King, Vice President, R&D at Spoonflower Inc.;
  • Muditha Senanayake, Professor at Cal Poly Pomona; and
  • Alyssa McNamara, Research Associate at Spoonflower Inc.

Judges

  • Alan Biggerstaff, Senior Quality Manager at Walmart;
  • Catherine Harriman, Divisional Merchandise Manager at JCrew;
  • Maura McVeigh, Merchant at JCrew;
  • Ivy Menderson, Merchant at JCrew;
  • Farhan Patel, Marketing & Business Development Consultant;
  • Shannon Redell, Sr. Materials Research Developer at Columbia Sportswear;
  • Scott Wagner, Fabric Manager, PD&S at Levi Strauss & Co.; and
  • Jennifer Rivas, Senior Technical Design Manager at Walmart.

Sponsors

  • Farhan Patel
  • J.Crew

Posted May 18, 2021

Source: AATCC

Wrangler® Expands Outdoor Offering, Announces Its U.S. Launch Of Women’s All Terrain Gear By Wrangler™

GREENSBORO, N.C. — May 18, 2021 — Wrangler®, a global icon in jeanswear and casual apparel, today announced its U.S. summer launch of All Terrain Gear by Wrangler™ (ATG®) for women, extending the momentum of the original collection to female consumers seeking to unplug, connect with friends and family, and find comfort in the outdoors. Building on the brand’s successful men’s line, which launched in 2019 and has seen double-digit category growth, ATG by Wrangler now provides versatility, moveability and price accessibility to women seeking sensibility and effortless style in their wardrobe staples.

“True comfort and versatility are rooted in excellent fit and superior function, which we have been serving up for nearly 75 years,” said Jenni Broyles, vice president and general manager, Wrangler. “We knew when we launched the men’s line in late 2019 that we wanted to expand this collection to women, and our teams worked thoughtfully and diligently to understand what the female consumer wanted. Because of the passionate spirit for the outdoors, a strong connection to heritage brands with proven authenticity, and our brand’s ability to deliver on value, the ATG by Wrangler collection is set apart from anything else in the category.”

Category tested to offer strength and performance benefits seen in the industry’s leading outdoor lifestyle brands, the stylish aesthetic also makes each piece in the collection ideal for everyday wear. The women’s ATG by Wrangler line features a high back waistband for coverage and comfort during movement and fabric properties like wicking, UPF, water repellency, quick dry and stretch.

“The foundation of the Wrangler brand is connected directly to the outdoors, rooted in adventure and independence,” said Vivian Rivetti, vice president of design, Wrangler. “Many of us are drawn to the outdoors to reconnect, recenter and re-energize. The ability to feel oneself and present in our surroundings is key, and we’re thrilled to contribute to that experience by providing superior performance and wearability in our garments that inspire everyday confidence. We’re thrilled to be able to offer this sense of presence and comfort to as many consumers as possible by providing effortless wardrobe essentials for women.”

Designed to help women move with ease throughout their day, the collection includes layering pieces such as a tank, pocket tee and multiple mixed material shirts, along with several bottoms and an anorak windbreaker that allow for mixing and matching. All products incorporate recycled polyester and many also have other sustainable materials such as organic cotton.

Key products and features are as follows:

  • The Cargo Legging, which features a zip-stash pocket at the back waist, a scuff guard panel at the bottom hems, and cargo pockets.
  • The Cargo Boot Stretch Pant includes built-in UPF 50 protection, water repellent and quick-dry material, a reinforced kick panel, roll-up leg system and articulated knees.
  • The Trail Jogger features a comfort waist, side utility pockets, and articulated knees made from recycled material.
  • Shorts in the collection include the Skort, Corduroy Hike Short and Athletic Style Trail Short.
  • Shirts include a Knit Tee, Knit Tank and Mixed Material Utility Shirt.
  • The line also features a colorful half zip Windbreaker Anorak with a vented back yoke and an elasticized cuff, hem and hood.

Women’s ATG by Wrangler apparel features inclusive sizing from S-XXL and 4-20 for tops, bottoms and outerwear and is available in-store and online with price points ranging from $19.99 to $109.99.

Posted May 18, 2021

Source: Wrangler®

Domtar Expanding Engineered Absorbent Materials Facility

FORT MILL, S.C. — May 17, 2021 — Domtar Corp. today announced it will expand its Jesup, Ga.-based Engineered Absorbent Materials (EAM) facility. The project will play an integral role in helping the company grow its position as a leading global absorbent materials and technology business offering fluff pulp and airlaid nonwoven materials.

“This expansion is a strategic step toward strengthening our value proposition as an essential partner to absorbent hygiene customers around the world,” said Lewis Fix, Domtar vice president, commercial pulp and airlaid.

Domtar’s EAM facility has been developing and manufacturing innovative, high-quality absorbent core solutions since 1998. This expansion project will add a large scale Dan-Web airlaid production line to the facility. The machine will be fully operational in 2022, enhancing Domtar’s ability to supply both domestic and global customers with unique absorbent materials solutions.

Posted May 18, 2021

Source: Domtar

Barco® Uniforms Announces Digital Transformation With Launch Of New E-Commerce Site, Barcomade.com

LOS ANGELES — May 18, 2021 — Barco® Uniforms announced today a historic milestone in its 92-year history. The company has launched BarcoMade.com, its online retail store that makes it easier than ever for busy healthcare professionals to shop and learn more about their favorite Barco scrubs.

The new e-commerce platform provides greater flexibility for customers by allowing them to purchase directly from the site and also search for nearby retailers. As social media apps like Instagram and digital marketing channels play an increasingly important role in how consumers browse and shop, BarcoMade.com provides a seamless, intuitive user experience. Users can browse through the site’s thoughtfully selected brand collections, which include best-selling and globally popular brands like Grey’s Anatomy, Barco One, and Skechers Vitality Collection.

Founded in 1929 by Morris Barker, Barco’s journey began in 1936 when his stepson, Kenneth Donner, took the reigns as its innovative and passionate leader, developing Barco’s DNA around a culture of caring and enhancing healthcare workers’ lives by offering better options for their professional apparel with high-quality fabrics, superior fit and modern styling.

Today, the expansion into Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) is the start of an exciting new chapter for Barco, which has grown to become a global apparel industry powerhouse. Barco is widely recognized as the original innovator of  the modern premium healthcare scrubs industry. One out of every three healthcare professionals in the U.S. has purchased Barco-branded scrubs.

“For more than 90 years, Barco has earned its reputation for innovation with purpose. We honor our healthcare community by evolving with them, adopting the latest technologies and adapting our apparel to meet their changing needs and preferences. Now, more than ever, we must meet our customer where they already shop: online and mobile. The launch of BarcoMade.com is the natural next step in our company’s evolution to make good on our promise to improve the lives of healthcare professionals around the world,” said Ron Wagenseil, president and CEO, Barco Uniforms.

Barco has also announced the hire of Kerry McLeod as the company’s chief digital marketing officer. In her role, McLeod will oversee the company’s digital transformation and launch of the direct-to-consumer channel. Prior to joining Barco, she oversaw the e-commerce division of Delta Apparel, which included multiple unique websites, where she was responsible for all digital marketing efforts. She has served in senior leadership roles overseeing omni-channel marketing initiatives for companies ranging from Fortune 500 to digital startups.

“Kenneth Donner’s legacy and commitment to purpose-driven innovation is very meaningful, and it’s an honor to lead Barco on this exciting new journey,” said McLeod.

“A strong digital presence is not only a smart business decision, but it complements our existing retail strategy, which includes our network of retail dealers – a key differentiator and competitive advantage. We’ve focused on differentiating the product offerings across all of Barco’s channels so our customers have additional flexibility and shopping options. At BarcoMade.com, we have a dedicated platform to tell our brand story and build brand awareness on a global scale. Naturally, launching a dedicated e-commerce platform helps us expand our reach to more global markets, but we also gain invaluable consumer insights that will allow us to continue to launch and refresh future products at a faster rate, further optimizing the in-store retail experience,” added McLeod.

Retail Dealer Network

Barco products are currently sold through a global distribution network of dealers in over 40 countries and territories. Retail dealers will continue to play a valuable role in Barco’s long-term sales strategy. BarcoMade.com will act as a complementary retail channel and Barco will continue to provide its dealers with exclusive inventory and SKUs.

Brands included on BarcoMade.com

Grey’s Anatomy by Barco

Since 2006, Barco has partnered with ABC to curate authentic Grey’s Anatomy™  by Barco Professional Wear, inspired by the hit medical drama now in its 17th season on television. It quickly achieved global success as the scrub brand of choice for millions of healthcare professionals around the world. It has become the benchmark for premium medical apparel, recognized for the high-quality fabric and exceptional fit that helps them look, feel and perform better while taking care of patients. The Grey’s Anatomy brand has expanded to include four unique sub-brand collections offering a wide variety of styles that appeal to both a new generation of healthcare professionals as well as ones who have already chosen to wear Grey’s Anatomy since the beginning of their careers.

Barco One

As part of the company’s ongoing innovation leadership and commitment to make a difference through sustainable technology advancements, Barco One scrubs incorporate five recycled plastic bottles into the fabric of each garment. Barco One offers modern styling and a proprietary innovative performance technology that adapts to body temperature and climatic variances. Since the brand was launched in 2016, it has seen double-digit growth annually and has quickly become the number one choice for millions of healthcare workers and veterinarians, who love the proprietary fabric’s anti-static properties and Quick-Shed™ technology, which releases animal hair quickly from the surface of the fabric.

Skechers Vitality by Barco

Launched in 2018, Skechers™ by Barco is a true lifestyle brand that also advances the company’s sustainability mission. The scrubs are made from seven recycled plastic bottles per garment in an effort to reduce the volume of plastic in the ocean. The Skechers Vitality collection continues to be one of the most popular brands for hospital groups due to its exceptional fit, comfort and value, offering a high-quality, easy-care fabric at an affordable price for all healthcare workers.

As Barco begins this new chapter, the company continues to see dynamic market share growth and build on the global popularity and success of its apparel brands while staying true to its purpose of making a difference in the lives of healthcare professionals around the world.

Posted May 18, 2021

Source: Barco™ Uniforms

Culp Highlights  Sustainability Efforts With Livesmart Evolve®

HIGH POINT, N.C. — May 18, 2021 — Culp Inc. (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, CULP) continues to advance its efforts to promote environmental sustainability, announcing today that since the introduction of its LiveSmart Evolve® fabric line in 2019,  CULP has helped divert over 63 million plastic bottles out of waste streams by incorporating REPREVE® recycled fiber into its upholstery and mattress fabrics products, including its LiveSmart Evolve fabric line.  LiveSmart Evolve is made with at least 30 percent or more of Repreve yarn, a high-quality polyester yarn made by Greensboro, N.C.-based Unifi Inc. from recycled post-consumer plastic bottles.

Due to the pandemic and an increased consumer focus on the safety and comfort of the home, CULP has seen strong interest across its LiveSmart portfolio of performance fabric products, including LiveSmart Outdoor®, LiveSmart Ultra™, LiveSmart Barrier Plus™, and LiveSmart Evolve. The company, as part of its commitment to environmental responsibility, has worked to strongly promote its LiveSmart Evolve line as a product that builds on the stain-resistance and cleanability of its LiveSmart performance fabrics by bettering the planet and offering environmentally-conscious consumers the ability to be a part of positive change to conserve natural resources.

“CULP is grateful to have such a strong relationship with Unifi, and the use of Repreve in our upholstery fabrics has been a phenomenal success,” stated Tammy Buckner, senior vice-president of marketing and design for Culp Upholstery Fabrics. “At least 80 percent of plastic flows into the oceans from land, totaling over 8 million tons per year. But we’ve worked to turn this negative into a positive through our LiveSmart Evolve sustainability line. Demand for fabrics with a sustainability focus has been propelled during the pandemic. It is no longer just words, but consumers are taking action to make sure their home purchases reflect their own commitment to bettering the environment. By incorporating Repreve yarn into our fabric, we are working to reduce the plastic problem before it enters our landfills, rivers and oceans.”

Commenting on their combined efforts, Brian Moore, vice-president of global brand sales for Unifi Inc. stated: “Our partnership with CULP is a win-win for the environment. Together, we’re able to transform plastic bottles into Repreve recycled fiber and give them a second life while combining sustainability and performance. We’re proud to work today for the good of tomorrow.”

CULP also continues its focus on developing additional product lines designed for environmental sustainability, including mattress fabrics designed with certain recycled and biodegradable content.  “Utilizing recycled material and design that is dedicated to creating durable and long-lasting products, CULP is committed to being a part of the circular economy that keeps our products (and waste) out of landfills,” Buckner added.

In addition to CULP’s focus on environmental responsibility through its products, the company is also committed to other sustainability initiatives in its manufacturing and daily operations, such as the reduction of energy, water use, and waste. The company’s production facility in Quebec, Canada uses 99.8-percent hydro and wind power to provide clean renewable energy, and its production plant in Knoxville, Tenn., uses solar power for its operations. The company also practices water conservation and re-use at its Stokesdale, NC facility, and utilizes paper recycling programs across all of its U.S. and Canadian facilities. Additionally, in 2020, the company achieved landfill free status at all U.S. manufacturing facilities for its mattress fabrics division, and in 2021, the company joined the Sustainable Furnishings Council to help raise awareness and promote the adoption of environmentally sustainable practices in the home furnishings industry.

Posted May 18, 2021

Source: Culp, Inc.

AMETEK Surface Vision Appoints Mike Hevey New Global Business Manager To Ensure Growth Matches Customer Demands

HAYWARD, Calif. — May 18, 2021 — AMETEK Surface Vision, the leading provider of online surface inspection solutions, has appointed Mike Hevey as its new divisional vice president/global business manager.

His responsibilities include advancing the business by ensuring AMETEK Surface Vision continues to grow and helps customers meet their increased quality demands.

Hevey is confident customers will see seamless continuity in their relationship with the company as he takes over the role and aims to provide clients with easy access to the leadership team, company expertise, and innovative product solutions.

“I want to further improve the customer and supplier experience of working with AMETEK Surface Vision,” Hevey said. “New product offerings is an area of real focus — we have some new and exciting technologies at the early stages of production, and it is important that we work hard to make these developments a success.”

He added: “AMETEK Surface Vision has a highly skilled and talented team, and I want every employee to feel part of something that is bigger than themselves. I also want them to enjoy the challenges we face, to push boundaries, and have the self-confidence to deliver change.”

Most recently the Divisional Vice President of Engineering and Product Management for AMETEK Surface Vision, Hevey has a wealth of global business experience across a variety of industries. He has held roles at SEASPAN Shipyards in Vancouver, Canada, AMETEK LAND in the U.K., and Air Products, with positions in Europe, Russia, and Asia.

Hevey graduated from The University of Manchester Institute of Science & Technology in the U.K. with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. He also has an MBA in Engineering and Industrial Management from The University of Loughborough, U.K.

“I’ve had the privilege of working in some great companies, and with incredible people, all of whom I owe a great debt,” Hevey said. “It’s these experiences, working and living around the world, that I hope bring the perspective needed to help deliver further success at AMETEK Surface Vision.”

Mike will report directly to Justin Smith, Division Vice President and Business Unit Manager of AMETEK Process Measurement & Inspection, which encompasses AMETEK Surface Vision and AMETEK Land.

“I’m delighted to welcome Mike to this role and wish him every success,” Smith said. “I’m confident he is perfectly positioned to make AMETEK Surface Vision the recognized number one provider of automated visual inspection systems, and to ensure that we deliver the strategic partnership that our customers need to meet their most demanding quality challenges.”

Posted May 18, 2021

Source: AMETEK Surface Vision (formerly Cognex Surface Inspection Systems Division)

Avient Launches New Global Range Of Plastisol Special Effect Screen Printing Inks

CLEVELAND — May 18, 2021 — Avient Corp., a provider of specialized and sustainable material solutions and services, today announced the launch of a consolidated range of plastisol special effect inks and additives. Offered under the new Avient Specialty Inks brand, this consolidated portfolio unifies Avient’s highest performing specialty inks to make it easier for customers to access these products globally.

“With this initial launch under the new Avient Specialty Inks brand, we are offering all our customers a complete package of the best special effects and additive inks to simplify product selection, making it easier for customers around the world to select and order the right products for their needs,” said Tito Echiburu, general manager, Avient Specialty Inks.

Encompassing the most popular effects and additives, this portfolio offers dazzling shimmers, glitters, gels, texture effects, and performance-enhancing modifiers.

Avient Specialty Inks special effect inks and additives are commercially available globally. They are compatible for use with all screen-printing plastisol ink brands from Avient, including QCM, Rutland, Union and Wilflex.

Posted May 18, 2021

Source: Avient Corp.

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