TRSA 11th Annual Legislative Conference: Virtual Hill Day A Resounding Success

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — March 29, 2021 — TRSA held its Hill Day on March 25 to close its 11th Annual Legislative Conference. The meetings were a resounding success, with a total of 96 linen, uniform and facility services industry executives taking part in 110 meetings with members of Congress and key staff members. TRSA staff joined members on the calls, the majority of which took place via Zoom video conference.

TRSA member executives met with congressional representatives from 27 states as well as the territory of Puerto Rico. This year’s meetings took place virtually as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic suspending in-person meetings at the U.S. Capitol building.

The executives had three key issues to discuss during the meetings, including:

  • FEMA Designation for Timely Restoration of Laundry Operations Issue Paper;
  • Increase Healthcare Worker and Public Health & Safety (Reusable PPE) Issue Paper; and
  • Industrial Laundering of Scrubs Issue Paper.

“I thought that TRSA did a great job spelling out exactly what was expected of members to do in order to help push the legislative agenda in favor of our industry,” said Kelly Johnson, a regional manager at Alsco Inc. based in Phoenix. “I would definitely be involved again and look forward to seeing if our efforts result in any substantial change.”

As a result of the meetings, TRSA has several action items to follow up on with legislators on behalf of the industry. For more information on TRSA’s Hill Day Meetings and industry advocacy efforts, contact Vice President of Government Relations Kevin Schwalb at kschwalb@trsa.org.

The Virtual Hill Day was part of TRSA’s 11th Annual Legislative Conference & Industry Awards Dinner, a two-day in-person and virtual event. Sponsors include Alliant Systems, Kannegiesser ETECH, JENSEN USA Inc., Lavatec Laundry Technology Inc. and Pellerin Milnor Corp.

Posted March 29, 2021

Source: TRSA

Hexcel Joins ASCEND Project To Accelerate Development Of Lightweight Advanced Composites

STAMFORD, Conn.  — March 29, 2021 — Hexcel is proud to announce its role within the recently launched UK-based project called ASCEND (Aerospace and Automotive Supply Chain Enabled Development) that will focus on developing high-rate manufacturing and processing technologies that will accelerate the development of new, lightweight advanced composite materials.

Hexcel will join lead partner GKN Aerospace and 13 other project stakeholders in a collaboration across the UK supply chain to develop the technologies and automation equipment required to manufacture lightweight, more fuel-efficient structures for sustainable air mobility, aerospace, and automotive industries.

Hexcel will contribute to the ASCEND project framework, developing a new HexPly® fast cure prepreg system that will significantly reduce component processing times compared to existing aerospace prepregs.

In addition to its new fast curing prepreg technology, Hexcel’s range of Liquid Composite Moulding (LCM) products will be incorporated into the ASCEND project work packages. The project will use both HiTape® advanced unidirectional dry carbon reinforcements and HiMax® multiaxial non-crimp fabrics reinforcements.

The ASCEND project will allow Hexcel to collaborate with Tier 1 companies, engineers, tooling specialists, and production equipment OEMs to deliver both prepreg and Liquid Composite Moulding solutions that meet both the performance targets and satisfy the processing requirements for high-rate automated manufacture. The technical integration enabled by the ASCEND project partnerships will ensure a complete understanding of customer performance and processing needs, coupled with the opportunity to industrialize new technologies utilizing the extensive capabilities of GKN’s Global Technology Centre in Bristol.

Paul Mackenzie, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Hexcel, said “We are proud to be part of the ASCEND program, and we look forward to working with other leading companies as we develop processes and materials that help to make the next generation of sustainable air mobility, aerospace, and automotive vehicles possible. This project offers the perfect platform for Hexcel to collaborate and further develop our HexPly, HiMax, and HiTape technologies.”

The ASCEND partners working alongside Hexcel include Assyst Bulmer, Airborne, Cobham Mission Systems Wimborne, Cygnet Texkimp, DES Composites, FAR-UK Ltd, Hive Composites, LMAT, Loop Technology, McLaren Automotive, The National Composites Centre, Solvay Composite Technologies, Rafinex, and Sigmatex (UK). Together, the group looks forward to delivering the material and automation innovations that will power more sustainable mobility solutions of the future.

Posted March 29, 2021

Source: Hexcel Corporation

Workers United/SEIU Celebrates Biden Administration Commitment To Good Jobs Creating Safe Masks For Essential Workers: Up To 17.7million Face Masks To Be Made In America From American Sourced Supplies

WASHINGTON — March 26, 2021 — Today the Biden Administration announced a procurement award to the partnering bid between New York City-based Ferrara Manufacturing and Parkdale Mills, Gastonia, N.C., for up to 17.7 million face masks, to be made in America from American sourced supplies. Workers United/SEIU has represented the skilled sewers at Ferrara Manufacturing for decades, and also represents the manufacturing workforce at Unionwear of Newark, N.J., who will be one of the subcontractors used to produce this significant order in the immediate future. The government said it could purchase up to 22 million masks under the two contracts announced today. The face masks will be provided by the federal government to community health clinics, food pantries, and soup kitchens across the nation.

Workers United President Lynne Fox: “This award is exactly what it means to Build Back Better. The Biden Administration has proven today that when the federal government leads a key marketplace as a buyer, with the right standards, American companies and workers can meet the demand, stabilizing and creating good jobs and economic recovery. And these essential workers can rest assured they are getting top quality safe products, made by their neighbors and allies right here in America.We are honored to partner in helping serve our nation’s ongoing crisis.”

Workers United Secretary Treasurer Edgar Romney: “I am thrilled for the family owners at Ferrara, and for all the union members who work there and at Unionwear. For the past year, these workers and other Workers United members at over 30 companies responded to this horrible pandemic crisis by using their skills to make millions of masks, gowns, and face shields for essential workers and the general public all over America. As New Yorkers, we faced devastating loss with courage, creativity, and service. Bravo to all of them and to the team at Parkdale Mills, and to the Biden Administration for this example of what we are capable of in this country.”

Posted March 27, 2021

Source: Workers United/SEIU

Biden Administration Awards 2 Contracts For More Than 17 Million American-Made Face Masks To NCTO’s Parkdale Mills, Ferrara Manufacturing Inc.

WASHINGTON, DC — March 27, 2021 — The Biden Administration has awarded two contracts to National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) members Parkdale Mills and Ferrara Manufacturing Inc., following through on the president’s pledge to procure millions of fully Made in America face masks for community health centers, food pantries and soup kitchens across the country. A third contract is expected to be awarded to a small business early next week.

Gastonia, N.C.-based Parkdale Mills, the nation’s largest cotton yarn spinner, has partnered with Ferrara Manufacturing, a tailored clothing company based in New York City’s garment center whose workforce is union represented by Workers United/SEIU, to manufacture over 17 million reusable masks. The government said it could purchase up to a maximum of 22.2 million masks under the two contracts announced today. The masks will be Berry compliant and thus 100-percent U.S.-made.

Ferrara Manufacturing and Parkdale Mills will contract with additional U.S. companies across the manufacturing supply chain, employing nearly 5,000 American workers as a result of these awards.  Parkdale will be utilizing yarn from their facilities in NC, VA, and GA and Ferrara will deploy their cut and sew operations in New York City.  Additional suppliers include:

  • Clover Knits (SC)
  • A&E (NC)
  • America Knits (GA)
  • Apex Elastic (NC)
  • Texlon Plastics (NC)
  • Cotswold Industries (NY/SC)
  • South Fork Industries (NC)
  • USC Bag (New Mexico)
  • Fitessa (Simpsonville SC)
  • Unionwear (NJ)
  • Lynda Studios (NY)
  • Domoi Collection (NY)

“The entire Parkdale team wants to thank President Biden and his administration for this opportunity to make reusable cotton face masks for millions of Americans,” said Davis Warlick of Parkdale Mills. “By procuring 100-percent American-made masks, we are putting thousands of workers across the United States to work to help our most vulnerable communities. We are excited to partner with Ferrara Manufacturing and are proud of our supply chain partners and their hard work to make this product crafted with pride in the United States.”

Gabrielle Ferrara, COO and owner, of Ferrara Manufacturing: “This is another amazing moment for our industry to come together to produce lifesaving PPE for people who need it most. Ferrara is proud to partner with Parkdale Mills and we want to thank the administration for supporting our workforce, who have sacrificed so much during the pandemic to answer the call of the nation to produce million masks. We also greatly appreciate the strong support and partnership of Workers United/SEIU to help amplify the needs to bolster this critical supply chain. We are honored to have this opportunity.”

The U.S. textile industry has produced over a billion lifesaving PPE and other medical products over the last year. Since the spring of 2020, both Ferrara and Parkdale have retooled their production chains to help produce millions of masks and gowns to help workers on the frontlines.

Kim Glas, president and CEO of NCTO: “We want to sincerely thank President Biden for his leadership and support of American manufacturing workers with this purchase. We appreciate the administration’s commitment to purchase fully made in America masks and we believe this is a significant opportunity to continue to showcase our incredible domestic textile industry and all of its capabilities. We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to onshore these critical supply chains long-term and we look forward to working with the administration and Congress to advance long-term policies to bolster this critical production capacity here in the United States.”

Posted March 27, 2021

Source: The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO)

Angelica Recertifies Four Laundries For Hygienically Clean Healthcare

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — March 26, 2021 — Angelica, one of the nation’s largest healthcare linen providers, has recently recertified its Pomona, Calif., Somerville, Mass., Dallas, Texas and Houston, facilities as part of the Hygienically Clean Healthcare Certification Program.  Angelica maintains this certification at all 21 of its facilities resulting in the most hygienically clean healthcare certified laundries in USA.

Hygienically Clean is the quantified, validated standard and measure for hygienically clean textiles in North America since 2011,  and achieving this certification is reflective of their commitment to Best Management Practices (BMPs) in laundering as verified by on-site inspection and their capability to produce hygienically clean textiles as quantified by ongoing microbial testing.

Angelica’s locations are in Phoenix, Arz.; Colton, Fresno, Orange, Pittsburg, Pomona, Sacramento, and San Fernando, Calif.; Holly Hill and Tampa, Fla.; Rockmart, Ga.; Chicago, Ill.; Somerville and Worcester, Mass.; Henderson, N.V.; Batavia, N.Y.; Lorain, Ohio; Pawtucket, R.I.; Columbia, S.C.; and Dallas and Houston.

The Hygienically Clean Healthcare certification confirms the organization’s continuing dedication to infection prevention; compliance with recognized industry standards; and processing healthcare textiles using BMPs as described in its quality assurance documentation, a focal point for Hygienically Clean inspectors’ evaluation. The independent, third-party inspection must also confirm essential evidence that employees are properly trained and protected, managers understand regulatory requirements (including OSHA compliance) and the physical plant operates effectively.

“Congratulations to Angelica on their recertifications,” said Joseph Ricci, TRSA president and CEO. “This achievement proves their continued commitment to infection prevention and that their laundry takes every step possible to prevent human illness.”

Posted March 26, 2021

Source: TRSA

Fibertex Nonwovens Expanding Operations In Laurens County, S.C. — More Than $49.5 Million Investment

COLUMBIA, S.C. — March 23, 2021 — Fibertex Nonwovens Inc. (Fibertex), a manufacturing company that specializes in spunlace products, today announced plans to expand operations in Laurens County, S.C. The more than $49.5 million investment will create 39 new jobs.

Founded in 2016, Fibertex operates a state-of-the-art spunlace production line, manufacturing products mainly for the wipes industry.

Located at 100 Iso Parkway in Gray Court, Fibertex’s expansion will include a second spunlace production line for rolled nonwoven fiber products. Fibertex also acquired an 84-acre industrial plot adjacent to the company’s existing facilities.

The expansion is expected to be completed by 2023. Individuals interested in joining the Fibertex team should visit the company’s careers webpage.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development awarded Laurens County a $100,000 Rural Infrastructure Fund grant to assist with costs related to this project.

“Market trends are finding support in the added focus on health and hygiene, more emphasis on local production and on sustainability, which is to our benefi,” said Fibertex Nonwovens CEO Jorgen Bech Madsen. “With this new investment, we’ll be able to build an extremely strong position in the important North American market for, among other things, high-performance wipes for sanitizing and disinfection purposes in the healthcare/medical sector, sustainable personal care products, a range of industrial applications, as well as in the automotive industry and the construction sector.”

“We are proud to celebrate the expansion of yet another South Carolina company,” said Governor Henry McMaster. Fibertex’s decision to further its commitment to Laurens County is proof that South Carolina’s economic development strategy is working, and we look forward to continued success for this great company.”

“South Carolina’s world-class workforce and pro-business climate have made our state a prime location for industries of all types,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt. “As a result, various sectors within our borders continue to thrive, and we congratulate Fibertex on their growth in Laurens County.”

“Laurens County continues to be a place where business thrives, especially international businesses such as Fibertex,” said Laurens County Council Chairman Brown Patterson. “We are excited about their continued growth in Laurens County and the opportunities they are creating for our citizens. We look forward to continuing our already great relationship with their fine company.”

Posted March 26, 2021

Source: South Carolina Office of the Governor

Scott Brothers Global Teams Up With Home Textile And Décor Manufacturers To Extend Product Offerings From Blue Ridge, Brentwood Originals, Welspun USA, And Mohawk

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — March 26, 2021 — Scott Brothers Global (SBG) announced today that it’s scaling up development and production with new and wide-ranging quality product assortments available for retail as early as summer 2021.

With the increasing demand for home goods and products, SBG and partners are bringing fresh and innovative styles and products poised to deliver wide-ranging appeal as well as exclusive collection opportunities for retail outlets nationwide. Brentwood Originals, Welspun USA, Blue Ridge, and Mohawk are among the licensees who are partnering with SBG to debut new collections across multiple channels this year, and for the first time, SBG will be partnering with Essential Art to bring wall and tabletop art collections to Scott Living.

SBG’s founders, designers  Drew and Jonathan Scott, are committed to working with their licensees to create new products and categories both within Scott Living, and beyond, to collaboratively work with retailers to reach a wider consumer base.

“We’ve seen the need for products and styles that work for everyone,” said Drew Scott. “Consumers are looking for versatility and compatibility in this space, and Scott Brothers Global will deliver both.”

“There’s no question we’re going to deliver products that create a warm, welcoming home,” Jonathan Scott said. “This is personal for us, and we’re going to continue to bring our personal touch to everything we do — including our upcoming lines.”

Commerce Department Data shows that in February alone, Americans spent an estimated $11.3 billion at furniture and home furnishing stores, up 12 percent from February 2020.

“We’re focused on strategic growth that responds to the demand retailers are experiencing across price points and styles,” said Laura Aldrich, SBG executive vice president for licensing. “Our partners share that commitment, and our consumers stand to benefit.”

As part of the announcement, SBG has shared some general details outlining the products and collections they have coming out with their partners:

Welspun USA – Fashion bedding and bath

SBG welcomed Welspun into its brand portfolio in 2017  to partner on producing fashion bedding for QVC.  The collection  remains  one of the most popular on the shopping network. New Fall ’21 product will be available to all channels through multiple SBG brands and will feature everything from modern graphic patterns to textures inspired by nature and will be previewed at Textile Market this month.

Brentwood Originals – Decorative pillows, throws, poufs, and dog beds

Brentwood is proudly debuted its Fall ’21 Scott Living collection at Textile Market. The collection is cozy, yet sophisticated textures mixed with modern and elevated geometrics in neutrals and jewel tones.

Blue Ridge Home Fashions – Down and down alternative filled utility bedding products

SBG welcomed Blue Ridge into its brand portfolio in  2019 to partner on producing bed pillows, comforters, and feather beds for Amazon, Wayfair, Macys.com, Kohls.com, Lowes.com, and more.

Mohawk – Area rugs

SBG and Mohawk launched Scott Living and Scott Living by Karastan in Fall of 2018. The collections have been huge sellers for Lowe’s, Homedepot.com, Kohls.com, Macys.com, Amazon, Wayfair, and furniture stores coast to coast. New brand is debuting at High Point Market in June.

Essential Art – Wall and tabletop art

Scott Living is partnering with Essential Art to launch a new collection later this Spring. The debut collection will feature a Palm Springs mid-century summer aesthetic with mod geometrics, and desert nature shots.

Posted March 26, 2021

Source: Scott Brothers Global LLC

Bureau Veritas Acquires Jianchuang, A Specialist In Softlines Testing For The Online Retail Marketplace

SHANGHAI, China — March 25, 2021 — Bureau Veritas is pleased to announce the acquisition of Zhejiang Jianchuang Testing & Technology Service Co. Ltd. (Jianchuang), a Chinese testing organization for softline products active in the online retail marketplace.

With China continuing to focus on domestic market consumption growth; testing specialists with the local market knowledge and business practices are critical for sustained growth. China is already one of the largest apparel markets in the world and with d-commerce being the major apparel retail channel, Jianchuang’s focus on softlines, online and location in Hangzhou, China’s e-commerce Center and Local Brand Center of East China, will be a key benefit to Bureau Veritas.

With the testing business established in 2015, Jianchuang provides a fast testing service for a wide variety of softline products such as apparel and home textiles servicing hundreds of online brands and thousands of vendors/factories selling within the growing China Market.

Catherine Chen, President of Bureau Veritas Consumer Products Services commented, “With the acquisition of Jianchuang (JC), Bureau Veritas acquires a strategically located testing hub in Hangzhou with in-depth local knowledge on e-commerce & Local Brands and services being delivered 24/7. This strategic partnership is well aligned to Bureau Veritas CPS’ diversification strategy; two critical foundations being China Retail and Online. With JC on board, we will continue our acceleration in these spaces in China, but also worldwide as we replicate the successful service model into selected consumer goods testing labs worldwide to support growth in the China & Online Markets.”

Posted March 25, 2021

Source: Bureau Veritas

ANDRITZ Receives Order For Needlepunch Production Lines From Chongqing Double Elephant, China

Andritz ProWid

GRAZ, Austria — March 25, 2021 — International technology Group ANDRITZ has received an order to supply four new needlepunch lines for nonwoven production from Chongqing Double Elephant Microfiber Material Co. Ltd., China. These lines are scheduled for installation and start-up in the fourth quarter of 2021.

The needlepunch lines by Andritz are designed to process islands-in-the-sea fibers dedicated mainly to the production of high-quality man-made leather products. Once completed, the lines will produce 30 million meters a year of microfiber nonwoven materials.

The production lines are equipped with an Andritz carding machine and the newly developed Profile® crosslapper as well as the advanced-technology ProWid closed-loop system from Andritz. The system can monitor the weight uniformity (CV%) of the entire product online and predict the weight distribution changes caused by the bonding process. In addition, the web weight can be reduced by controlled stretching, which solves the issue of fiber accumulation at the edges caused by traditional crosslapping methods. Both the weight and the uniformity of the product can be automatically adjusted via the closed-loop function as set on the Andritz gauge.

Chongqing Double Elephant Microfiber Material Co., wholly owned by listed Wuxi Double Elephant Microfiber Materials Co. Ltd., is located in the Changshou National Economic and Technological Development Zone of Chongqing City. The company is active in the research, development and manufacture of microfiber materials, polyurethane man-made leather and polyurethane resin.

Posted March 25, 2021

Source: ANDRITZ

RadiciGroup Joins Bocconi SDA Monitor For Circular Fashion

MILAN, Italy — March 25, 2021 — RadiciGroup — an Italian multinational founded in Bergamo and leader in the production of polyamide polymers, advanced textile solutions and engineering polymers for applications in a variety of industries, including textiles and fashion —  is participating in the “Monitor for Circular Fashion”, an innovative Italian project launched by the SDA Bocconi School of Management and Enel X, with the objective of creating an Italian fashion community through the collaboration of the supply chain players most committed to the sustainability agenda.

The initiative aims to assess the state of maturity of the circular economy in the Italian fashion industry, to define an ambitious plan integrating circularity in fashion and to develop new concrete and measurable circular economy solutions through the sharing of best practices, with the goal of making the strategic fashion sector ever more sustainable.

Marco De Silvestri, sales and marketing director of RadiciGroup Advanced Textile Solutions – Apparel & Technical, commented: “The evolution of fashion with a view to promoting sustainability is a key element in the reboot of this strategic sector of our economy. As upstream players in the supply chain, we have always tried to share our knowledge of materials and deliver solutions featuring both better performance and respect for the environment. We have implemented a circular economy business model, striving to create durable, quality products by investing in innovation, using low-impact and recyclable raw materials, choosing renewable sources, minimizing waste, perfecting processes and adopting rigorous environmental impact measurement systems.”

However, we are convinced the circular economy cannot be put into practice by anyone working alone,” De Silvestri continued. “That is why we have enthusiastically joined this community, where we will work as a team with other fashion industry players to share excellent practices and lay the groundwork for developing innovative, sustainable and measurable solutions for the Italian fashion industry.”

Posted March 25, 2021

Source: RadiciGroup

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