Tractor Supply Company To Expand Carhartt Footprint In More Than 100 Retail Stores

BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — April 13, 2021 — Tractor Supply Co. today announced plans to expand its Carhartt offering in dozens of retail stores. Carhartt, America’s leading workwear manufacturer and a decades-long partner of Tractor Supply, will add several thousand additional square feet of branded, in-store shopping space to provide consumers with a dedicated shopping experience. The new “shop-in-shop” concept, which is currently in 10 stores, will roll out in more than 100 Tractor Supply stores in 2021, with an additional 25 stores added next year.

“Our Tractor Supply stores offer a unique assortment of products that cater to the Out Here lifestyle, and we know our customers depend on Carhartt for comfortable, durable clothes to get the job done,” said Seth Estep, executive vice president, chief merchandising officer. “This new store-within-a-store format was created with Tractor Supply’s customers at the center of the shopping experience. By partnering with Carhartt to double our selection, our stores have even more of what makes Tractor Supply a destination for everything — workwear and otherwise — that our customers need to take care of their home, land, pets and animals.”

The expanded merchandise selection available in the in-store shop includes bibs, rainwear, year-round fleece assortments, additional pants and jeans styles and more. Additionally, the product collection will include clothing for women, kids, big and tall and plus sizes, most of which are not currently available in Tractor Supply stores.

Both brands tested this strategy throughout 2018 and 2019 when Carhartt installed three shop-in-shop spaces each year, measuring between 1,200 and 1,400 square feet, at Tractor Supply locations in California, Kentucky, Michigan, New Jersey and New York. These expanded in-store shops feature similar signage, branding and premium fixtures consumers would find at any of Carhartt’s 33 company store locations.

“By expanding our presence at these retail locations, Tractor Supply shoppers will experience the Carhartt brand in a whole new way,” said Tony Ambroza, chief brand officer at Carhartt. “We look forward to growing our longstanding partnership with Tractor Supply as we work to bring our rugged workwear products to the country’s hardest-working people.”

Customers can also shop an expanded online assortment of Carhartt products, including more sizes and colors, at TractorSupply.com.

Posted April 13, 2021

Source: Tractor Supply Co.

Eurofins Joins The Microfibre Consortium As A Third-Party Laboratory Member

LUXEMBOURG — April 13, 2021 — Eurofins is pleased to announce that it has joined The Microfibre Consortium (TMC) as one of the first third party laboratory members, alongside clothing brands, retailers, textile manufactures and research organizations, to facilitate the development of practical solutions for the textile industry to minimize fiber fragmentation and release to the environment from textile manufacturing and product life cycle.

Fiber fragments, or microfibers, are of particular concern to environmentalists because of their potential for accumulation in and pollution of oceans. They could also be ingested by marine life and enter the human food chain, with implications for health. The textile industry has become increasingly aware of this pressing issue.

The Microfibre Consortium is a membership-based organization that works with the textile industry to minimize fiber fragmentation and release. In partnership with the University of Leeds and the European Outdoor Group (EoG), it has developed a standardized test method that can reliably measure the amount of fiber fragments released from textiles during domestic laundering. This method will provide the basis for determining the scale of microfiber release as well as support in the process of finding solutions to microfiber pollution.

Utilizing its global network of testing laboratories and technical expertise, Eurofins will support the industry by providing TMC standardized test method services. Customers will gain access to testing services to support the understanding of the issue, whilst demonstrating their environmental responsibility and improving sustainability along the supply chain. Roll out of the test method will result in the adoption of standard measurement across the industry. The method is also being considered by European and international standards organizations.

Posted April 13, 2021

Source: Eurofins

David’s Bridal Appoints Bryan Dow As Vice President Of Global Creative & Brand Marketing

CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. — April 13, 2021 — David’s Bridal announced today that Bryan Dow has been appointed vice president of Global Creative & Brand Marketing. Dow joined the company on April 5, 2021.

Dow comes to David’s with more than 20 years of strategic creative and brand marketing experience holding multiple leadership roles at national brands including OshKosh B’gosh, DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse, and Lands’ End. In his new role at David’s Bridal, Bryan will lead the brand and creative teams with a strategic focus on accelerating the company’s brand presence and creative marketing strategies. Bryan will report to Kelly Cook, chief marketing and IT officer of David’s Bridal.

“Bryan is fun and fearless — and will be fantastic leading and reimaging all of our brand strategies. More importantly, he is a #servantsheart leader and truly believes ‘you’re either serving the customer or serving someone who is.’ He is a leader with the rare combination of creative passions, business acumen, digital prowess, and content innovations,” Cook said. “This approach ensures we are always re-thinking how we are delivering magical moments. We are absolutely thrilled to have him on our team.”

“I am honored to join a powerhouse like David’s Bridal during such an exciting time of transformation,” Dow said. “I look forward to working with an incredibly talented team to continue building on the success David’s has established in serving today’s modern bride.

Dow is a proven leader, bringing broad business knowledge and expertise to the David’s team. He has held multiple leadership positions with national retailers throughout his tenured career developing high-performing multichannel brand campaigns. Dow carries a wealth of experience in omni-channel creative growth and strategy. He most recently served as senior creative director for global children’s apparel brand OshKosh B’gosh. In his role, he developed, directed and oversaw the execution of re-igniting the brand’s identity across all communication channels.

He led the global creative brand in their tri-brand expansion: Carter’s, OshKosh B’gosh and SkipHop. Prior to OshKosh B’gosh, Dow served as the multichannel creative director for DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse, leading the creative in the launch of the “shoe lover” campaign and becoming a member of the Directors’ Guild of America. There he demonstrated his agility and growth mindset playing an integral role in transforming the brand’s creative initiatives and reshaping their omni-channel presence. Prior to DSW, Bryan held creative leadership positions at Lands’ End and Saks Incorporated.

Posted April 13, 2021

Source: David’s Bridal, Inc.

Design Trade Service Functions As A Full-Time Assistant To Interior Designers

DUNEDIN, Fla. — April 1, 2021 — Design Trade Service is a fast-growing resource exclusively for interior designers. The company offers interior designers with immediate access to complete catalogs from major furniture manufacturers and the lowest to-the-trade pricing. Additionally, with an ever-growing increase in e-commerce due to COVID-19, Design Trade Service provides a seamless process for interior designers to source from multiple vendors at once.

“Consumers, the designer’s clients, have increasingly turned to e-commerce to shop for and procure furniture so it has become increasingly important for designers to quickly provide competitive prices for their clients,” said Greg Wyers, president of Design Trade Service.

“Designers can combine multiple products from multiple manufacturers on the same order and DTS will provide all order and shipping information per item throughout the fulfillment process,” Wyers said. “DTS will also assist in addressing all shipping and manufacturing issues on behalf of the designer.”

The platform hosts a wide variety of well-known brands including, Loloi, Four Hands, Hooker, and many more.

As interior designer, Shannon Adamson shares, “If you are sourcing the majority of your furniture and product from retail vendors who also sell to your clients, you are missing out on a significant opportunity to offer your clients better prices for higher quality, more unique pieces while making more unique income for your business.”

Ultimately, designers are discovering how much time and money they can save by channeling multiple orders through one low-priced source and having one single point of contact for all follow up.

The platform offers free sign-ups for its DTS Premier Program or the DTS Pro Program at $29/mo or $299/yr. See here for more sign-up information:
https://designtradeservice.com/login.php?action=create_account

Posted April 13, 2021

Source: Design Trade Service

Gerber Technology Empowers Cost Reduction As Global Prices Continue To Rise

NEW YORK CITY — April 13, 2021 — As material and product prices in the industrial markets continue to rise, Gerber Technology is proud to announce major enhancements to their software offerings that will empower cost reduction and optimize the manufacturing process. Over the last year, Gerber has heavily invested in their AccuMark® Product Family and CutWorks software to ensure furniture, transportation, composites, and technical textile manufacturers have the technology they need to improve margins, optimize production and reduce expenses so they can combat the rising price of materials and transportation.

Gerber’s latest software releases will empower manufacturers to handle the rise in costs by providing better transparency and more traceability. Manufacturers will reduce errors, improve sustainability, increase material utilizations via a unique nesting algorithm and reduce costs.

“Right now manufacturers, especially those in industrial markets, are struggling to combat the rise in prices, which means they’re either having to decrease their margins or increase the price of their final product,” said Ron Ellis of Gerber Technology. “With the latest enhancements to AccuMark and CutWorks, manufacturers will be able to design to cost and optimize their processes. They’ll also be able to achieve additional fabric savings to further reduce costs while improving the quality so they can maintain their current margins without increasing prices for their end customers.”

Gerber has heavily invested in CutWorks and put forth a roadmap to offer more enhancements, more frequently. The development, piece nesting and tool-path programming software is a modular software designed to be customized based on your business needs. CutWorks accepts pattern data in a variety of formats and turns it into a cut job for a cutter.

The V13 release of the software focuses heavily on improving nesting engines, maximizing precision with enhancements to ManualNest and offering more visibility into the supply chain. CutWorks will allow companies to easily design to cost faster than ever and without error. Gerber will continue to update and optimize nesting algorithms and make them easily accessible to all customers on contract. Additionally, Gerber is offering enhanced training to ensure all operators are able to get up to speed quickly.

From home and leisure to boating to recreational vehicles, manufacturers are experiencing a major increase in demand while also facing an increase in cost of materials and shipping. According to an article in the Washington Post, “ocean freight shipping fees from Asia to the United States have quadrupled in some cases, from about $1,500 per container to $6,000.” Raw materials are also expected to increase 2.9 percent through 2021, which means manufacturers cannot afford costly mistakes in cutting or unoptimized nesting.

“We’re absolutely enjoying CutWorks. I will recommend we put Industrial Nest on all of our cutters,” said Osagie Agboh, senior continuous improvement engineer of ILC Dover, who has an 18.5 percent yield improvement by switching from manual nesting to CutWorks.

Gerber has also focused heavily on enhancing their AccuMark Product Family, which includes AccuMark, AccuPlan™ and AccuNest™, The newest release focuses heavily on adding more integration and automation for a streamlined, CAD to cut room workflow that seamlessly connects with your ERP system and other tools you’re already using. With the latest version of the AccuMark Product Family, manufacturers will not only accelerate time to market but also improve quality, reduce errors and provide better control over their final product. The latest version of Gerber’s cut planning software, AccuPlan, and automated nesting software, AccuNest, boost productivity by as much as 80% and offer an average fabric saving cost of 1.5 percent.

“I sent Gerber 30 of the best laid markers that we created manually, not expecting AccuNest to beat the efficiency,” said Roger Leonhardt of Bassett Furniture. “To my surprise, AccuNest beat our layouts every time! We saved about a half yard on average. Most railroad fabric nests are breaking 93-95 percent yield.”

Posted April 13, 2021

Source: Gerber Technology

New Epson Industrial-Level Dye-Sublimation Solution Helps Print Shops Meet Growing Demand With Customized Just In Time Textile Production

Epson’s new SureColor F10070H 76-inch industrial-level dye-sublimation printer delivers round-the-clock productivity and offers multiple ink configurations, including Light Cyan and Light Magenta or Fluorescent Pink and Fluorescent Yellow, enabling shops to deliver bright and vivid customized apparel, décor and novelty goods.

LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. — April 13, 2021 — As demand for domestically made products continues to surge, it is more important than ever for textile and apparel print shops to fulfill large, custom orders in shorter lead times. Epson today expanded its lineup of textile printing offerings with the industrial-level SureColor® F10070H dye-sublimation 76-inch wide-format printer to meet evolving customer needs. Delivering round-the-clock productivity at unmatched speeds and at a lower price than comparable solutions,1 the SureColor F10070H offers multiple ink configurations, including Light Cyan and Light Magenta or Fluorescent Pink and Fluorescent Yellow, enabling shops to deliver bright and vivid customized apparel, décor and novelty goods just in time.

“As textile and apparel manufacturers expand production strategies to meet faster lead times, the SureColor F10070H enables shops to create high-quality customized clothing, unique sportswear, individualized novelty products, customized socks, décor pillows, and more in the amount needed,” said Tim Check, senior product manager, Professional Imaging, Epson America. “The industrial-level SureColor F10070H enables producers to support just in time digital production, eliminating the need for stockpiling garments and allowing shops to easily replenish weekly demand. Moreover, the SureColor F10070H is one of the fastest in its price point and costs about half the price of competitive solutions available today.”

With six new user-replaceable 4.7-inch PrecisionCore® printheads and UltraChrome® DS6 ink technology,* the SureColor F10070H delivers industrial-level, roll-to-roll performance at speeds up to 2,635 sqft/hr2 with exceptional color saturation and high contrast. Leveraging six-colors, including Light Cyan and Light Magenta or Fluorescent Pink and Fluorescent Yellow ink configurations, the SureColor F10070H provides the ability to expand color gamut and bring bright, vivid colors to the production of custom sportswear, fashion items, décor, soft signage, and more with high levels of personalization. The cost-effective, high-capacity replaceable ink pack system holds 20L of ink per color, allowing for longer print runs with less user intervention. Engineered for demanding industrial environments, the SureColor F10070H includes advanced auto paper-tension control and a fabric head wiper for simple, continuous production with predictable performance.

A true turnkey solution for seamless workflow, the SureColor F10070H comes equipped with easy-to-use Epson Edge® workflow software featuring an Adobe® PostScript® 3™ engine for color management, smart nesting, pattern repeats, and more. The printer also comes with Epson Cloud Solution PORT, providing a live view of the printer fleet including production rates and printer utilization to optimize workflow.

More about the SureColor F10070H

The SureColor F10070H consistently produces high-quality textiles, apparels and more, with a range of features, including:

  • Breakthrough Productivity – Six 4.7-inch PrecisionCore printheads deliver industrial-level, roll-to-roll performance at speeds up to 2,635 sqft/hr2
  • Brilliant Image Quality – UltraChrome DS6 ink technology produces exceptional color saturation and high contrast
  • Multiple Ink Configurations Available – CYMK plus either Light Cyan and Light Magenta or Fluorescent Pink and Yellow
  • Predictable, Reliable Performance – Advanced auto paper-tension control and fabric head wiper enable simple, continuous production
  • More Ink; Less Downtime – Low-cost, high-capacity replaceable ink pack system holds 20L of ink per color to ensure long print runs without user intervention
  • Seamless Workflow – Powerful Epson Edge workflow software featuring an Adobe PostScript 3 Engine
  • Epson Cloud Solution PORT – Live production monitoring of printer fleet, including production rates and printer utilization
  • Performance Optimized Epson DS Transfer Paper – Multipurpose, Rigid Photo Optimized, Adhesive Textile, and Production papers available

Support and Availability
The Epson SureColor F10070H will ship direct from Epson America starting in July. There are several Epson PreferredSM Plus service coverage plans available that includes toll-free advanced telephone access Monday through Friday and usually next business-day on-site service in the unlikely event of any hardware failure.

* This product uses only genuine Epson-brand ink packs. Other brands of ink packs and ink supplies are not compatible and, even if described as compatible, may not function properly.

1 The SureColor F10070H offers higher throughput than other products in the $50k-$180k price range.

2 Print speeds are based on the print engine speed only. Total throughput time for any print depends on various factors including workstation configuration, file size, print resolution, ink coverage and networking. Actual print speeds will vary.

Posted April 13, 2021

Source: Epson America, Inc.

Haggar Clothing Co.: The Inevitable Return Of Zippers And Buttons

People want to celebrate the special moments that they may have missed out on over the past thirteen months. They need new clothes for those occasions. They want to look good and feel good in what they wear. Haggar meets those needs.

DALLAS — April 13, 2021 — While there may not be an official return-to-the-new-norm date, one thing is for certain; Americans are beginning to rebuild their closet for the inevitable comeback and seeking new transitional pieces from their overly worn pandemic sweats.

Haggar Clothing Co., America’s leading men’s dress pant and apparel brand, is providing the much-needed solution for back-to-occasion wear. With products such as the Cool Right® Performance Flex Pant, Haggar fulfills the new demand with innovative features including four-way stretch fabrics, comfort waistbands, moisture-wicking properties, wash & wear products, and eco-friendly yarns.

Over the past month, Haggar has seen a revival of business in both dress and casual wear. Traffic in retail stores and sales of Haggar products have rebounded earlier than expected and beyond what the company originally anticipated with numbers that approach, or even exceed, their 2019 sales performance.

“Weddings, graduations, and other events that were once postponed are now being planned, creating a sales surge for jackets, dress pants, and khakis. Our data and sales results tell us that people are growing confident about going out and are feeling the need to socialize,” said Michael Stitt, President and Chief Executive Officer of Haggar Clothing Co. “People want to ease back into the look they once wore with fresh new clothing that has greater comfort and easier care. Haggar is fulfilling that need.”

Haggar has seen a substantial sales increase for their suits, dress pants, and iron-free khaki products for which they’re well known. Sales in March 2021 were 58% higher than in February. Notably, nationwide purchases of Haggar products over the last two weeks were within 10% of pre-pandemic numbers.

And then there’s the practical matter of a wardrobe refresh. Whether it’s the change in physique à la “the COVID-15” that is prompting the over-indexing sales of larger sizes that Haggar data illustrates, or the very real fact that many are interviewing for their next career move, one thing is for certain – people need new clothes for specific occasions in their life.

“Clothes don’t make the person, but they make the first impression. You’re not going to show up to your first date or interview in your 2020 sweats,” said Tony Anzovino, Chief Merchandising and Sourcing Officer, Haggar Clothing Co. “You’re going to dress even better than the occasion calls for. It’s the old saying, ‘dress for the job you want.'”

The country is still on the road to recovery, and though COVID-19 may not be eradicated, consumers are feeling confident, optimistic, and eager for a sense of familiarity of a pre-pandemic world. Haggar expects that confidence will continue to build and is pleased to provide fashion-right, comfortable, easy-care clothing to American consumers over the months to come.

Haggar’s Cool Right® Performance Flex, Iron Free Premium Khaki™, Premium Comfort Dress Pants, and J.M. Haggar™ Suit Separates are available at Haggar.com and fine stores everywhere.

Posted April 13, 2021

Source: Haggar Clothing Co.

JanSport Launches Backpack Line Made With 100-Percent Surplus Materials

JanSport’s Surplus Ski n’ Hike collection is made with 100-percent excess materials.

DENVER — April 12, 2021 — JanSport today introduced Surplus Ski n’ Hike, the brand’s first backpack collection made with excess factory materials that may have otherwise ended up in landfills. The launch marks another milestone in the brand’s mission to become a leader in sustainable backpack design and manufacturing. The new collection will be available beginning Monday, April 12, 2021 on jansport.com/surplus.

The U.S. EPA estimates that 85% of all textile waste ends up in landfills1. Available in Vintage Pink, Red Tape and Forge Grey, the Surplus Ski n’ Hike collection revives an iconic JanSport style made entirely from excess material supplies, underlining JanSport’s commitment to mindful usage of raw materials and manufacturing practices. Every component of this limited-edition pack collection, from the fabric and lining to the ladder locks and zipper pulls, is derived from pre-existing factory materials.

Understanding the principles of Generation Z and their conscious consumption habits rooted in activism has generated a strong connection between JanSport and its target consumer. This relationship has also fueled the brand’s overall commitment to produce more product offerings that meet their standards of sustainability while remaining fashionable and functional, such as the Recycled SuperBreak launched last year; JanSport’s first backpack made in part with 100% recycled fabric.

“As part of our sustainability efforts, JanSport wants to keep fabric off the cutting room floor and ensure that our unused products do not go to waste. We challenged our designers to construct a backpack collection entirely from surplus fabrics and components from our factory, and we could not be more impressed with the result,” says Roger Spatz, President at JanSport. “The Surplus Ski n’ Hike breathes new life into an archived silhouette and uses the textiles in a smarter, more sustainable way that prevents these elements from potentially going into landfill.”

The Surplus Ski n’ Hike is just the latest step in JanSport’s sustainability journey. JanSport continues to be transparent by tracking its progress in sustainability with recent notable milestones and initiatives, including:

  • Combatting Plastic Waste: JanSport saved the equivalent of 13,000,000 plastic water bottles* last season by using recycled fabrics and linings in certain styles.
  • Fostering Renewable Energy: Incorporating energy efficiency and renewable energy sources into the supply chain to help reduce our carbon footprint.
  • Mindful Processing and Manufacturing: All JanSport products are designed to be PVC-free.
  • Greener World: JanSport uses 100% recycled paper for their product hangtags, helping to alleviate the effects of the manufacturing process on our planet and overall wellbeing.
  • Continuously Making Things Better: JanSport holds itself and its business partners to the highest ethical standards, focusing on safe and lawful manufacturing practices that adhere to the Fair Labor Association code of conduct.

*Based on a 16oz bottle.

Posted April 13, 2021

Source: JanSport®

Virginia Governor Northam Announces STS Group Will Invest $39 Million To Locate New Facility In Wythe County, Creating 120 New Jobs

RICHMOND — April 8, 2021 — Governor Ralph Northam today announced that STS Group AG, a global system supplier of interior and exterior parts for commercial vehicles, will invest $39 million to establish its first U.S. manufacturing operation in Wythe County’s Progress Park. The new facility, operating as subsidiary STS Group North America, will supply Volvo Trucks in Pulaski County and other truck and automotive facilities throughout the Midwest and Southeastern U.S. markets. Virginia successfully competed with North Carolina for the project, which will create 120 new jobs.

“The presence of STS Group North America in Wythe County will go a long way toward strengthening Virginia’s growing automotive manufacturing sector,” said Governor Northam. “This is just the latest example of an international company selecting our Commonwealth as the ideal location to do business, thanks to our competitive operating costs, world-class workforce, and outstanding quality of life. We thank STS for creating new jobs and investing in Southwest Virginia and look forward to building a strong partnership in the years to come.”

STS Group AG, headquartered in Hallbergmoos, Germany, develops, manufactures, and supplies products and solutions for components made of plastic or composite material (hard trim products) for the automobile and trucking industries. STS Group’s customer base includes a number of major automobile and commercial vehicle producers. The company operates 12 plants in four countries on three continents, with production facilities in its key regional markets of Europe, China, and the Americas.

“We are excited that Virginia stood out as the prime location for STS Group’s U.S. operations and are confident the company will benefit from our business-friendly environment and market access,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball. “This region of the Commonwealth has a thriving automotive cluster that has the positive ripple effect of attracting global suppliers like STS. We are grateful for this investment in Southwest Virginia and the creation of 120 manufacturing jobs in Wythe County.”

“As a leading system supplier for plastic and composite components for the automotive industry, we make strategic location decisions to better serve our customers,” said Mathieu Purrey, CEO of STS Group AG. “At the crossroads of Interstates 81 and 77, Progress Park in Wythe County is strategically located close to several facilities of our key global customers. We received a warm welcome and extensive support from both the Virginia Economic Development Partnership and the Joint Industrial Development Authority of Wythe County during our site selection process. The genuine and creative effort from the Wythe County team in helping us obtain necessary financial support to start up this new facility played a key role in selecting Wythe County as the home for our first U.S. plant. We like the pro-business environment we see in the greater Wytheville area and we are confident in our choice. We look forward to contributing to the region’s economy and to the community’s well-being.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) worked with Wythe County and the Joint Industrial Development Authority (JIDA) of Wythe County to secure the project for Virginia. Governor Northam approved a $500,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist Wythe County with the project. The Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission approved $80,000 from the Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund for the project. The company is also eligible to receive state benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development.

Support for STS Group North America’s job creation will be provided through the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program, a workforce initiative created by VEDP in collaboration with the Virginia Community College System and other higher education partners, with funding support from the Northam Administration and the Virginia General Assembly. Launched in 2019, the program accelerates new facility start-ups through the direct delivery of recruitment and training services that are fully customized to a company’s unique products, processes, equipment, standards, and culture. All program services are provided at no cost to qualified new and expanding companies as an incentive for job creation.

“Wythe County welcomes STS Group to Progress Park for the location of its first U.S. operation,” said Brian W. Vaught, chairman of the Wythe County Board of Supervisors. “Our workforce, prepared sites, and an economic development-focused Board of Supervisors mean that we are open for business and strategically positioned for growth. I appreciate the other members of the Board of Supervisors, as well as our partners with the JIDA, for working so hard during a global pandemic to make this project happen.”

“We are excited that STS Group will be joining our strong automotive sector here at the crossroads of Southwest Virginia,” said David A. Kause, chairman of the Joint Industrial Development Authority of Wythe County. “The Joint IDA worked extensively with the company, our partners at the state and local level, and those in the private sector to help bring this manufacturing project to fruition. We thank everyone for the teamwork that exemplifies the best of economic development.”

“It is great to see the Tobacco Commission’s investment in Progress Park paying off,” said Ed Owens, chairman of the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission. “The Commission has always taken a long-term view toward improving the economies of the regions we serve, and with this announcement we can see that strategy paying dividends. I look forward to seeing STS Group get its operation underway and wish the company the best in the years to come.”

“I am very pleased to learn of the decision by STS Group AG to locate in Wythe County in Progress Park,” said Delegate Jeffrey Campbell. “Bringing high-quality jobs like these to our area remains a top priority as we try to retain the next generation of Wythe Countians that we have such a significant public investment in. I sincerely appreciate the hard work and dedication that VEDP, the Wythe County Board of Supervisors, and the JIDA have invested in bringing STS Group to Southwest Virginia.”

Posted April 9, 2021

Source: Virginia Office of the Governor

Precision Textiles Develops Biodegradable Fabric For Disposable Medical, Isolation Gowns

TOTOWA, N.J. — April 8, 2021 — Precision Textiles — a supplier of coated fabrics, nonwovens and laminations for the bedding, automotive and healthcare industries — is expanding its commitment to the development of more sustainable products with its newly launched EcoGuard material. The domestically produced, eco-friendly fabric was developed for use in personal protective equipment (PPE), specifically disposable medical isolation gowns. This material contains an additive that helps it biodegrade up to 99 percent faster than typical polypropylene gown material.

“EcoGuard adheres to our corporate mission to manufacture products that pose low environmental risk,” said Scott Tesser, president of Precision Textiles. “Isolation gowns produced with polypropylene materials can take over 600 years to biodegrade in a landfill, leading to the emission of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. The additive in our EcoGuard material accelerates the biodegradation process to approximately six years, reducing the CO2 footprint that is harmful to the environment.

“Cost-wise, gowns made with EcoGuard make a great deal of sense. Not only are they better for the planet, but they are also in the same price range as the polypropylene gowns we make in our manufacturing facility.”

The additive in the EcoGuard material releases enzymes that allow the gowns to serve as food for microbes to consume, thus dramatically speeding up the biodegradation process. These gowns are easy to dispose of and recycle after use, which further helps the environment by reducing the waste mass in landfills.

Tesser added, “I am surprised that no one has been talking about the issue of polypropylene in PPE, especially at a time when COVID-19 has created a tremendous need for PPE for those on the front line providing medical care. These gowns are disposable, so they go right into landfills, making their biodegradation an important issue, especially since eco-consciousness among consumers continues to be on the rise.”

Medical isolation gowns certified by AAMI are classified at four levels depending on the medical applications in which they are used.  Gowns manufactured with EcoGuard are appropriate for applications ranging from AAMI Level 1 basic care to Level 4 high-risk situations.

According to ADTCC-ASTM guidelines, these gowns must pass tests for resistance to liquid penetration on impact from sprays and for liquid penetration on impact under constant and increasing hydrostatic pressure.

Made in the USA, EcoGuard medical gowns also comply with the Berry Amendment, which restricts the U.S. Department of Defense from using funds to procure clothing, fabrics, yarns, fibers, other textiles and food that is not grown, produced, reprocessed or reused in the United States.

Founded in 1987, Totowa, New Jersey-based Precision Textiles is a global supplier of coated fabrics, nonwovens and laminates for companies in the mattress, home furnishings, automotive and healthcare industries, as well as military apparel. With a specialized emphasis on flame retardant-compliant materials designed for use in mattresses and sleep products, the company manufactures its family of products at its 250,000-square-foot headquarters that includes a state-of-the-art laboratory, factory and warehouse. The company also operates four additional warehouses strategically located in the U.S., as well as a warehouse in Asia.

Posted April 8, 2021

Source: Precision Textiles

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