Loepfe Brothers, Loptex Partnership Extends Vision For Yarn Contamination Detection

ZURICH, Switzerland/MONTANO LUCINO, Italy — March 9, 2021 — Loepfe Brothers Ltd. and Loptex S.r.l. have today announced a distinguished strategic collaboration targeted at further improving yarn quality and productivity for spinning mills.

Both companies have a long track record of supporting spinning industry customers with latest technology to improve their performance and profitability. Today, this new collaboration brings Loepfe’s YarnMaster Prisma and YarnMaster Zenit+ yarn clearers together with Loptex Exa and Centra sorters for a complete solution supplied by Loepfe.

This integrated offering combines the advantages of eliminating contamination at the opening stages of production with additional refinement of the yarn further down the line at the winding stage. The net result for spinning mills is production of the highest quality yarns while generating less waste, greater machine efficiency and less energy consumption.

Loptex CEO Renato Gerletti commented: “We welcome this collaboration which harnesses the strengths of both the Loptex and Loepfe products for our customers. There are many synergies between the approaches of our two companies, not least of these being our dedication to using leading edge technology to deliver great results for spinning mills everywhere.”

Loepfe CEO Dr. Ralph Mennicke added: “We are looking forward to working with the Loptex team. Next to our in-house R&D commitments, this is a complementary partnership that puts customer needs first and will deliver a vital combination of top quality and greater productivity to textile mills. As the industry emerges from one of the most difficult trading periods in living memory, we continue to be committed to rolling out new and innovative solutions over the months and years to come.”

Posted March 9, 2021

Source: Loepfe Brothers Ltd.

The National Retail Federation: Retail Imports Expected To Grow Dramatically During First Half Of 2021

WASHINGTON — March 6, 2021 — Imports at the nation’s largest retail container ports are expected to grow dramatically during the first half of 2021 as increased vaccination and continued in-store safety measures enable additional shopping options, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates.

“NRF is forecasting what could turn out to be record retail sales growth in 2021, and retailers are importing huge amounts of merchandise to meet the demand,” said NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold. “The supply chain slowdown we usually see after the holiday season never really happened this winter, and imports are already starting to grow again. Consumers haven’t let the pandemic stop them from shopping, and retailers are making sure their customers can find what they want and find it safely.”

“As COVID-19 ravaged the economy in 2020, it seemed as if any hope of recovery was distant,” said Hackett Associates Founder Ben Hackett. “Then came the rollout of vaccines that appear to be highly effective and are bringing strong signs of a quick recovery. The successful distribution of vaccines will help ensure that the economic recovery will likely be strong and sustainable.”

U.S. ports covered by Global Port Tracker handled 2.06 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units in January, the latest month for which final numbers are available. That was down 2.3 percent from December as the busy holiday season came to an end. But with a 13 percent year-over-year increase, it was the busiest January since NRF began tracking imports in 2002 and the first time the month has ever topped the 2 million TEU mark. A TEU is one 20-foot container or its equivalent.

While import numbers for both February and March are forecast to be significantly higher than normal, year-over-year comparisons are difficult because of the pandemic. February is traditionally the slowest month of the year as Asian factories close for Chinese New Year, but last year most remained closed into March because of the coronavirus, reducing numbers even further. This year, however, some remained open during the holiday in order to fill a surge in orders, and ships arriving at U.S. ports faced a backlog to unload. February results aren’t available yet, but the month was projected at 1.88 million TEU, up 24.4 percent over last year, while March is forecast at 1.98 million TEU, up 44.1 percent.

April is forecast at 1.9 million TEU, up 18.2 percent year-over-year; May at 1.92 million TEU, up 25.2 percent; June also at 1.92 million TEU, up 19.6 percent, and July at 2.02 million TEU, up 5.3 percent.

The first half of 2021 is forecast at 11.7 million TEU, up 23.3 percent from the same period in 2020, which experienced a major decline in imports due to COVID-19. Imports saw a total of 22 million TEU in 2020, up 1.9 percent from 2019’s 21.6 million TEU and beating the previous record of 21.8 million TEU recorded in 2018.

Global Port Tracker, which is produced for NRF by the consulting firm Hackett Associates, provides historical data and forecasts for the U.S. ports of Los Angeles/Long Beach, Oakland, Seattle and Tacoma on the West Coast; New York/New Jersey, Port of Virginia, Charleston, Savannah, Port Everglades, Miami and Jacksonville on the East Coast, and Houston on the Gulf Coast. The report is free to NRF retail members, and subscription information is available at NRF.com/PortTracker

Posted March 8, 2021

Source: The National Retail Federation (NRF)

Tempur Sealy International To Expand Manufacturing Operation In Scott County, Va. – Will Invest $16.7 Million

RICHMOND — March 4, 2021 — Governor Ralph Northam today announced that Tempur Sealy International Inc. will invest $16.7 million to expand its manufacturing operation in Scott County. The company will increase production to meet growing demand for its proprietary foam mattress and pillow products. Virginia successfully competed with New Mexico for the project, which will create 25 new jobs.

“Southwest Virginia has been an ideal base of operations for Tempur Sealy for nearly 20 years because of the region’s proximity to major interstates and access to the company’s customer base,” Governor Northam said. “As one of the largest employers in the area, this expansion will allow the company to increase production capacity to ensure the future viability of its Scott County plant. Creating quality jobs in the advanced manufacturing sector is more important than ever as we work to mitigate the economic impacts of the pandemic, and we thank Tempur Sealy for their continued partnership.”

Tempur Sealy designs, manufactures and distributes bedding products. The company’s highly recognized brand portfolio includes Tempur-Pedic, Sealy® featuring Posturepedic® Technology, and Stearns & Foster®. Headquartered in Lexington, Ky., Tempur Sealy operates two manufacturing facilities in Albuquerque, N.M., and Duffield, Va. Tempur Sealy employs more than 5,000 throughout the United States, with 300 employees at its Duffield facility.

“We are proud that Tempur Sealy has again chosen to reinvest in our Commonwealth and expand its presence in Scott County,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball. “As our manufacturing sector continues to thrive, Virginia’s commitment to job training and providing a skilled workforce pipeline ensures our valued businesses have the talent they need to grow. We appreciate Tempur Sealy’s commitment to Southwest Virginia, and congratulate the company on its continued success.”

“Tempur Sealy has expanded a number of times since opening in Scott County in 2001, and this expansion will enable the Duffield plant to increase its production and support the growth of Tempur Sealy’s award-winning products,” said Scott Thompson, Tempur Sealy chairman and CEO. “We have developed a strong relationship with the community, and we are fortunate to have a well-educated workforce committed to excellence in quality, safety, productivity, and environmental compliance. I want to thank the Commonwealth of Virginia, Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority, Tennessee Valley Authority, and Scott County for facilitating this project. The expansion will be essentially complete by the end of the year, and the capacity increase will be realized by 2022.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Scott County and the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) to secure the project for Virginia. Governor Northam approved a $110,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist Scott County with the project. Tempur Sealy International is eligible to receive state benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, as well as benefits from the Port of Virginia Economic and Infrastructure Development Zone Grant Program. Funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program. The company is also eligible for workforce development and training funds from VCEDA.

“We appreciate the investment in jobs and equipment that Tempur continues to make in Scott County,” said Danny Mann, chairman of the Scott County Board of Supervisors.  “Tempur is a strong regional partner and plays a vital role within the LENOWISCO region.”

“On behalf of the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority, we would like to congratulate Tempur Sealy on its expansion in Scott County, Virginia,” said Jonathan Belcher, Executive Director of VCEDA. “Since locating in the region two decades ago, this operation has been a tremendous asset for the entire region, providing excellent employment opportunities for the citizens of Scott County and Southwest Virginia.”

“Virginia’s economy benefits when a business like Tempur Sealy decides to expand,” said Virginia Port Authority CEO and Executive Director Stephen A. Edwards. “Our expansion and modernization efforts are resulting in efficiency and delivery of service for the cargo owners using The Port of Virginia. Our goal is to help Tempur Sealy capitalize on our performance and grow its business, and we look forward to serving as its international trade gateway for years to come.”

“This expansion is welcome and exciting news for Scott County and all of Southwest Virginia,” said Senator Todd Pillion. “Tempur Sealy is a great employer and partner in our region, and we are lucky to have them as a corporate citizen. I appreciate the hard work that has gone into securing this investment, which will create jobs and serve as a catalyst for growth in the community.”

“We are pleased with Tempur Sealy’s announcement to expand its manufacturing operation in Duffield,” said Delegate Terry Kilgore. “Tempur Sealy continues to be a great asset to Southwest Virginia, and I am grateful for the company’s decision to make this investment in Scott County.”

Posted March 5, 2021

Source: Virginia Office of the Governor

Florida A&M Athletics And NIKE Inc. Team Up For Six-Year Partnership

BEAVERTON, Ore. — March 4, 2021 — Florida A&M University Athletics announces a six-year partnership with NIKE Inc. to make Nike its official athletic footwear, apparel and equipment provider. Beginning July 1, 2021, Nike will supply Florida A&M Athletics with footwear, uniforms and apparel, extending a relationship that began more than 20 years ago.

The FAMU men and women’s basketball teams will be outfitted in LeBron James signature-branded uniforms, apparel and footwear, including colorways designed specifically for the university.

“Nike has long supported Florida A&M Athletics, and I’m committed to lifting up HBCU’s, so I was happy I rocked a pair of the PEs in-game and showcased a piece of what’s to come for the men’s and women’s basketball programs,” said James about the shoes he wore during his March 2 home game.”

The partnership expands Nike’s focus in deepening its relationships with HBCUs, working together with schools who share a long legacy in developing the next generation of global changemakers. NIKE Inc. will also support Florida A&M Athletics’ student-athlete development programs, offer internships and coordinate networking opportunities for Florida A&M students.

“Florida A&M has a rich tradition of excellence on the court and field, which not only includes athletic success, but equally important in academics, preparation for future careers and community engagement,” said Sonja Henning, Nike’s vice president of League Partnerships for North America. “Through our continued relationship with Florida A&M Athletics, we’ll have the opportunity to partner with some of the country’s preeminent student-athletes and the next generation of leaders.”

As part of Nike’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, Nike increased its HBCU hires from 8 percent in 2019 to 18 percent in 2020 through new partnerships with organizations that include the National Black MBA Association and Reaching Out MBA.

Posted March 5, 2021

Source: NIKE Inc.

TRSA Adds Industry Veteran Alan Maness To Staff

Alan Maness

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — March 5, 2021 — TRSA recently hired former Milliken executive Alan Maness as an industry liaison to serve its membership in the linen, uniform and facility services industry. Maness began his role at the association on March 1.

In his new role, Maness will serve as the staff liaison to the Safety Committee and the F&B/Hospitality Committee. He also will review the curriculum and help select faculty for TRSA’s Professional Management Institute (PMI) and Maintenance Management Institute (MMI), and work with a task force of subject-matter experts to identify and develop test questions and self-study materials for TRSA’s Maintenance Manager certification program. Maness also will assist in membership development and retention, as well as facilitating relationships with operators, supplier partners, and other associations and organizations to increase engagement and expand membership.

“I’ve known Alan since joining the industry,” said Joseph Ricci, CAE, TRSA president and CEO. “Alan’s experience will offer TRSA additional insight into improving member value, adding subject-matter expertise to his projects including liaising with members, committees and task forces, and other industry-related organizations.”

Maness recently retired after a 44-year career spanning textile manufacturing, human resources, sales and marketing. Before joining the team at TRSA, he served as the global director of sales and marketing at Milliken & Co., Spartanburg, SC, where he led the Milliken Table Linen business for five years as the division’s business manager. During his career at Milliken, he was active in the association, serving as the chair of TRSA’s Marketing Committee.

Maness has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Posted March 5, 2021

Source: TRSA

Dow Signs Memorandum Of Understanding To Establish South China Specialties Hub

ZHANJIANG, China — March 4, 2021 — Dow today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Zhanjiang Economic and Technological Development Zone Administrative Committee (Zhanjiang EDZ) to build the Dow South China Specialties Hub, a multi-year project providing customers local access to Dow’s portfolio of high value products and innovative technologies.

“Asia Pacific is the world’s largest chemicals market. Demands in the region are evolving towards high-value, specialty chemicals that help customers meet rapidly-developing megatrends in mobility, urbanization and sustainability,” said Jon Penrice, Dow Asia Pacific president. “The establishment of the Dow South China Specialties Hub would further position Dow to provide industry-leading materials science solutions to continue to grow with our customers in China and throughout the entire region.”

The new manufacturing hub would extend Dow’s local reach, further enhancing supply reliability, responsiveness to market needs and customized innovation, and better positions customers for success in markets including automotive, pharmaceuticals, cleaning chemicals, apparel, lubricants and adhesives.

Aligned to Dow’s focus on low capital intensive, fast payback and high return growth projects, under the MOU the Company would invest approximately $250 million to construct specialty polyurethanes and alkoxylates facilities, with a total product capacity of approximately 250,000 tons. The site also offers opportunity for future development and expansion at the Specialties Hub.

Henry Ling, vice president of operations, Dow Asia Pacific, said: “The South China Specialties Hub will be built to Dow’s world-class environmental, health and safety standards and aligned to Dow’s recent commitment to become net carbon neutral by 2050. The new hub will adopt and employ advanced digital, intelligence and automation technologies to create a manufacturing space of world-class safety, productivity, reliability and sustainability performance.”

“Dow is a global leader of material science solutions and we are happy to see its planned investment for establishing a specialties manufacturing hub in Zhanjiang,” said Liang Pei, party secretary of the Zhanjiang EDZ. “We are committed to turning our petrochemical park at the Donghai Island into a world-class one, providing a modern infrastructure and necessary supportive policies to Dow and the park’s other companies.”

The Dow South China Specialties Hub will be located at Donghai Island in Zhanjiang, the farthest southern tip of mainland China. Unique advantages include a deep-water port, transportation networks, and a world-class chemical park with advanced infrastructure and services. The strategic location enables Dow to cover demand across Asia Pacific.

Posted March 4, 2021

Source: Dow

Legacy Home Brand Fieldcrest® Joins JCPenney Exclusive Brand Portfolio

PLANO, Texas — March 4, 2021 — JCPenney is pleased to announce the addition of the celebrated home brand Fieldcrest® to its exclusive merchandise portfolio, which introduces an expanded high-quality bedding, bath, utility, and window selection. Trusted by consumers for more than 125 years and rooted in the textile mills of North Carolina, Fieldcrest blends luxurious materials, attention to detail, and best-in-class craftsmanship that stand the test of time.

“Welcoming the Fieldcrest brand to JCPenney is a proud moment for us and a key milestone in our journey to re-establish JCPenney as a leading home destination,” said Michelle Wlazlo, executive vice president and chief merchant. “As people spend more time at home and look to refresh their spaces, this collection features elevated yet attainable pieces that make everyday luxury possible.”

Featuring plush fabrics, neutral color palettes, and rich textures, the Fieldcrest assortment helps customers create an artfully crafted home. With thoughtful details like embroidery and piping, clean silhouettes, and sophisticated patterns, these timeless furnishings will bring a sense of calm to any space and ensure that customers’ most-loved items will last year after year.

Building on the momentum following the launch of the home brand Linden Street™ last spring, Fieldcrest is the newest addition to JCPenney’s home merchandise portfolio and the first of several new and refreshed home brands slated for this year. Fieldcrest reflects JCPenney’s commitment to offering fashion, quality, and value in our merchandise and complements the Company’s growing portfolio of national home brands such as Cambridge®, Cuisinart®, Luminarc®, Sonicare®, PowerXL®, Pure Enrichment®, Nordic Ware®, Schott Zwiesel®, SensorPEDIC®, Sharper Image®, Taste of Home™, Wilton®, and Zoku®.

Fieldcrest products are available exclusively at JCPenney in all stores and online at jcp.com starting March 4.

Posted March 4, 2021

Source: JCPenney

Milliken & Company Appoints Cindy Boiter As Executive Vice President, Chemical Division President

Cindy Boiter

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — March 4, 2021 — Milliken & Company is pleased to announce Cindy Boiter has been promoted to executive vice president and president of Milliken’s Chemical Division. Effective March 15, she will step into the role currently held by David Moody as he transitions to a role outside of Milliken.

“It is an exciting appointment for our company, as Cindy will become the first-ever woman division president at Milliken,” shared Halsey Cook, president and CEO for Milliken. “She is uniquely qualified to lead our chemical division thanks to her extensive experience in the division, the acquisitions she has completed and her embodiment of Milliken’s purpose.”

Boiter joined Milliken’s Chemical Division in 2012 as marketing, strategy and business development director and progressed to become the division’s CFO, where she played an integral role in its rapid growth. In 2018, she transitioned to Milliken’s chief strategy officer, where she led the company’s 2025 strategic planning initiatives and oversaw two significant acquisitions. Boiter is a recipient of the Milliken Honors Award for Diversity and Inclusion and is an active ally for associates worldwide.

“We also want to take a moment to thank David Moody for his 33 years of service at Milliken and wish him well as he moves to the next stage of his career,” Cook concluded.

Posted March 4, 2021

Source: Milliken & Company

Lear’s Pine Grove Facility Manufactures Over 4 Million Face Masks

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. — March 4, 2021 — Lear Corp., a global automotive technology leader in Seating and E-Systems, today announced that it has manufactured and distributed more than 4 million face masks from its Pine Grove, Pa., facility since the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lear installed mask-making equipment at the facility in 2020, in response to the COVID-19 crisis, with capacity available to make 600,000 units per week. From Pine Grove, Lear has distributed masks to distributors, schools, hospitals, civic departments, non-profits and company employees.

Given the aims of the recent Executive Order on Sustainable Public Health Supply Chain to build long-term capability in the United States to manufacture medical supplies for health care crises, the Pine Grove facility continues to be ready to supply domestic customers with locally made face masks.

“We continue to make available our manufacturing and technology resources to help address this health care crisis,” said Ray Scott, Lear president and CEO. “It’s important that we work together to help protect our communities, families and coworkers, and keep businesses operating.”

Using innovative cloth and fabric solutions from Lear’s Guilford Performance Textiles business, employees at the Pine Grove facility completed training to operate the mask-making machines and practice health protocols from Lear’s Safe Work Playbook to safely operate during the pandemic.

For its efforts, the plant was honored with Lear’s 2020 CEO Special Appreciation Award, the company’s highest award given to the plant or team that went above and beyond their day-to-day responsibilities to make a difference.

“The quick and safe implementation of face mask production capabilities at Pine Grove was made possible by the global Lear team’s procurement and engineering work and support from our union partners and the local government,” Scott said.

Posted March 4, 2021

Source: Lear Corp.

Piana Group To Launch Proprietary Antiviral Treatment

CARTERSVILLE, Ga.— March 4, 2021 — Piana Group — a 439-year-old textile company known for chemical treatment innovations for fiber and nonwoven textiles in automotive, appliance and bedding markets — has turned its resources towards COVID-19 protection.

According to the company, the new Piana Protection™ technology enables any textile or porous surface to be protected with an antiviral and antibacterial treatment with fibers that are treated throughout and highly durable. The Piana Group’s solution relies upon advanced silver chemistry and patented Piana fiber treatment processes that ensure efficacy within minutes of contact. Independent laboratory tests have shown a 99.8-percent reduction in viral activity in the first 30 minutes and 99.995 percent viral reduction after one hour.

Piana Protection fiber technology is currently specified for use in face masks which are pending final approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and will be available in the market in Spring 2021. This exciting new technology is highly versatile and will soon be integrated into a host of other consumer products including pillows, mattress toppers, filtration and seating applications. The proprietary antiviral and antimicrobial solution is pending approval by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Cushioning articles treated with Piana Protection will feature patent pending V-Smart™ nonwoven fiber construction. V-Smart materials are lightweight, highly resilient, moldable and have extremely high airflow to help maintain a cool, dry environment, according to the company. The addition of Piana Protection antiviral and antimicrobial treatments will further elevate the numerous distinctive attributes of this adaptable foam replacement material.

Piana Group products are manufactured using patented, ecologically sound manufacturing processes and are 100-percent recyclable, minimizing and reusing waste through our highly transparent, eco-friendly operations in Cartersville, Ga., and San Luis, Ariz.

Posted March 4, 2021

Source: Piana Group

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