NRF: Retailers Urge Bipartisan Approach To Modernize U.S. Transportation Infrastructure 

WASHINGTON — March 25, 2021 — The National Retail Federation today issued the following statement from Senior Vice President of Government Relations David French in response to a House committee hearing on transportation infrastructure. U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg provided testimony on behalf of the Biden Administration.

“The retail industry relies on our nation’s transportation infrastructure to move billions of dollars’ worth of merchandise every day to warehouses, distribution centers and stores and ultimately to consumers’ front doors. A healthy and efficient infrastructure system supports economic development and growth in our local communities. Businesses of all sizes depend on this essential framework to deliver goods safely and fastidiously to their customers.

“We ask Congress to focus its consideration on policies that improve and elevate our transportation infrastructure. Our national infrastructure priorities have fallen victim to politics time and again. This Congress has an opportunity to set aside goals that have nothing to do with transportation policy and set our economy on a road to growth.”

Last week, NRF sent a letter to members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee outlining the retail industry’s infrastructure priorities for the committee to consider as it begins to work on an infrastructure package.

Posted March 25, 2021

Source: The National Retail Federation (NRF)

INDA Launches On-Demand Nonwoven Training And Key Issue Webinars: Professionals Gain Career Development Access Anytime, Anywhere

CARY, N.C. — March 25, 2021 — INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, provides a wide-range of On-Demand training courses and issue-awareness webinars for nonwoven and engineered fabric professionals, available anytime, anywhere in the world. Full details available are available here: https://www.pathlms.com/inda/courses

Led by renowned subject matter experts, INDA’s On-Demand training programs are designed for all levels of professionals seeking to further their career and personal development.

“We are pleased to offer on-demand options for critical training and issue awareness content for all levels of professionals seeking to advance their career development. On-demand allows participants around the world the convenience of managing when, where, and for what duration they access this valuable content,” said Dave Rousse, INDA president. “This new offering meets today’s need for digital access to essential materials.”

Organized in modules, the digitally recorded training courses deliver premium on-point curricula matched to the business needs of both nonwoven newcomers and professionals with five-plus years of nonwoven technical experience. The program also includes sector-focused training on wipes and nonwoven filtration media to address product development needs, material properties, testing, and applications. All On-Demand training courses provide a certificate of completion and offer unlimited viewing for 90-days from date of purchase.

INDA now offers industry professionals a full range of training options with this new On-Demand offering in addition to the highly interactive Virtual, and traditional In-Person program.

INDA’s On-Demand program also offers recorded webinar presentations from subject matter experts providing critical insights on the key nonwoven issues of the day. Topics include plastics concerns in the nonwovens industry, the new ASTM performance standard for facemasks for the general public, and more to follow.

For a full schedule of 2021 training courses and webinars, visit www.inda.org/training

INDA’s On-Demand Program Includes:

  • Elementary Nonwovens Training Course — designed for non-technical industry this five-hour course provides newcomers the basics of nonwovens in simple, clear, concise language.
  • Intermediate Nonwovens Training Course — designed for industry professionals with five-plus years nonwovens’ experience or a technical background, this seven-hour course is a bridge between INDA’s Elementary Nonwovens Training Course and the Advanced Courses.
  • WIPES Academy (Training Course) — designed to cover every major facet of the wipes sector, including design, materials, production, cost implications, and packaging.
  • Filter Media Training Course — designed for professionals wanting to learn more about the development, testing and application of nonwovens in filtration.

Webinars on Critical Issues in Nonwovens Include:

  • New ASTM Performance Standard for General Public Facemasks and the Design Opportunities for Engineered Materials: Details the two performance levels of the new facemask standard, the test methods, and the opportunities created for facemask designers and filter media makers to differentiate and create competitive advantage.
  • Plastics Concerns in the Nonwovens Industry: Details the state of play in the EU and in North America, where legislative initiatives related to plastics have been introduced in California, Canada and the US Congress and the threats these initiatives pose to the industry.
  • Coming April 6: Spunbond/Spunmelt/”Spunlace” Capacity/Demand Scenarios Prompted by the Pandemic: Details the developments in these sectors, with data from the 2020 North American Supply Report, and an analysis and insights on developments caused by the pandemic response for wipes, medical gowns, and facemask materials.
  • Webinars from 2020 are also available “on-demand.”

On-Demand courses and webinars may be purchased here: https://www.pathlms.com/inda/courses

Posted March 25, 2021

Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

BRFL Textiles Hires Senior Management, Strengthens Plant Workforce By More Than Fifty Percent

MUMBAI — March 24, 2021 — BRFL Textiles Pvt. Ltd. (BTPL), home to India’s largest single-roof state-of-the-art fabric processing facility, has added several senior management to its team and grown its workforce from 1,300 to more than 2,000 employees within two months of raising private equity funding.

BTPL has hired more than 14 people in senior management roles across functions including a CFO, Processing In-Charge, heads of various departments (HR, Designing & Product Development, Quality Assurance, IT, Compliance & Legal, Accounts & Finance and Taxation) and senior managers (in Sourcing, Sales, Marketing & Merchandising), among others. In addition to the new hiring, the company has also introduced new employee focused initiatives including safety training, employee insurance assistance and an HR helpdesk to resolve employee queries. BTPL is currently searching for a COO who could complement the senior most management in achieving its ambitious financial targets while overall managing the plant.

With strengthened workforce and management, BTPL aims to reach its annual processing capacity of 144 million meters, or 400,000 meters per day, over due course of time. Recently, BTPL had completed an INR 2.4 Bn equity infusion from a consortium of marquee financial investors led by JM Financial India Fund II (an Indian sector agnostic growth private equity fund), Think Investments (a San Francisco-based investment firm) and others.

Speaking on the onboarding of new employees, Prashant Agarwal, managing director at BTPL, said: “We are delighted to strengthen our company workforce which will enable us to continue delivering superior quality fabrics, cater to the increasing demand, and strengthen our position in the industry. With the influx of new employees, our manufacturing capacities are now being further leveraged to expand our output and market presence. We will continue to further invest in people to ensure that our state-of-the-art plant is efficiently run and reaches its optimum processing capacity.”

Speaking on the rise in workforce, Ganesh Ghuge, head – Human Resources at BTPL, said, “At BTPL, we strive to provide our team members with the opportunities to grow and develop as we continue to focus on employee engagement initiatives. We are excited to welcome our new team members into the company and we are confident that these new inclusions will diversify our perspectives, bring in greater creativity, and build towards our goal of becoming one of the leading fabric processing houses in the country.”

BTPL has a strong presence in the B2B and B2C space alongwith long-standing relations with leading brands across the globe, and sells through large garmenters in India who also sell to domestic brands. On the domestic branded sales front, the distribution network of BTPL is spread across its own EBOs, over 100 distributors and over 8000 retailers.

BTPL was recently formed as a separate entity in August 2020 as part of a restructuring process undertaken by Bombay Rayon Fashions Ltd., in which it hived-off its Yarn Dyeing & Fabric Processing units located in Tarapur, into BTPL by way of a slump sale on a going concern basis. The Company’s brands, including Bombay Rayon, BRFL, Linen Vogue, Giza Classe, Dickens & Browne and others, were also a part of the transaction.

Posted March 24, 2021

Source: BRFL Textiles Private Limited (BTPL)

Freudenberg Performance Materials Launches Online Shop For Interlinings And Paddings For The Apparel Industry

WEINHEIM, Germany — March 24, 2021 — Freudenberg Performance Materials’ Apparel Business Unit has launched an online shop with a comprehensive range of interlinings, tapes, canvas and preformed materials, linings and comfortemp® thermal insulation.

The Freudenberg Performance Materials Apparel product suitable for a specific requirement is now also available from the company’s online offer. The full-solution provider is extending its service portfolio for industrial customers by an online shop and thus enhances the company’s customer orientation: Based on their individual fields of application, registered customers can get information about Freudenberg’s entire product offer, can check availabilities, order samples and thus buy their products fast, easily and directly 24/7.

More than 2,000 different products available from the online range

There’s a vast selection of articles. Customers can choose from more than 2,000 different products ranging from bonding solutions up to the recycling range. A clear structure by groups makes finding the right product easier: ladieswear and menswear, sportswear, outdoor and work clothes, shirts, jeans and leather as well as special ranges for the production of accessories, for appliqués or embroidery. The Freudenberg Apparel Online Shop has been available since December 2020 for first customers in Germany. The extension of the circle of customers with access authorisation will start in April. The online shop is a real plus for customers as Mark Flynn, owner of Wailua, said: “All articles and novelties at a glance, fast and easy processing – we are very happy about the start of the Freudenberg Apparel Online Shop. We as well as our customers can directly benefit from the easier handling right from the first login.”

Access with and without registration

In addition to their customer account for address and purchase order management, registered users have full access to detailed product information as well as technical data sheets in PDF format available for download. Individually selected preferred delivery dates or a wish list round off the online experience. But the online shop is also available without login — in catalogue format for full product search and information across the entire range. An application-oriented menu structure and detailed filter functions help customers during their search and guide them on their way to the selection of the desired product. Pictures with zoom function show the thickness, structure, strength and drape of the product and how it can be fused. The contact form allows customers to send a request for quotation — as long as they do not have their own access.

The online shop can be reached at https://shop.freudenberg-apparel.com

Posted March 24, 2021

Source: Freudenberg Performance Materials Holding SE & Co. KG

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Develops A Highly Permeable Superelastic Conductor Which Can Be Used For Wearable Electronic Applications

HONG KONG — March 24, 2021 — The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has developed a highly permeable and superelastic conductor which can be used for wearable electronic devices that can withstand long-time wearing. This novel conductor is fabricated by coating or printing liquid-metal onto an electrospun elastomeric fiber mat, which offers high permeability, stretchability, conductivity and electrical stability so as to be employed in various applications including health monitoring devices, soft robotics and on-skin electronics. This research, titled “Permeable superelastic liquid-metal fibre mat enables biocompatible and monolithic stretchable electronics,” was recently published in Nature Materials.

According to a study conducted by IDTechEx1 in 2016, wearable tech products will be the next big market after smartphones with the market size reaching over $150 billion by 2026. Electronic devices and systems with high stretchability are essential in the fields of wearable electronics, on-skin electronics, soft robotics and bioelectronics. However, many stretchable electronics are fabricated with impermeable elastic thick films, the long-time wearing of which can cause health concerns including skin irritation and inflammation. Moreover, low permeability will limit the use of multi-layered devices and hinder the development of advanced functionality of stretchable electronics.

To overcome these limitations, the research team led by Professor Zijian ZHENG, Professor of PolyU’s Institute of Textiles and Clothing (ITC), comprised of interdisciplinary academics from the Department of Applied Physics and the Department of Biomedical Engineering, PolyU, developed a new type of highly permeable superelastic conductor. The conductor enables the fabrication of biocompatible and multifunctional monolithic stretchable electronics. This new conductor is called “liquid-metal fibre mat” (LMFM) and is fabricated by coating or printing liquid metal onto an electrospun elastomeric fibre mat followed by a mechanical activation process in which the liquid metal self-organizes into a laterally porous and vertically buckled film hanging among the fibers. The LMFM possesses excellent permeability, retains super elasticity and ultrahigh conductivity in tensile testing. In addition, it shows excellent biocompatibility when directly applied to the human skin.

“We selected eutectic gallium-indium alloy (EGaIn), a type of liquid metal commonly used in soft electronics such as flexible printed circuit boards, as the conductive component for printing on the stretchable poly(styrene-block-butadiene-block-styrene) (SBS) mat, a material that is usually used for rubber products like gloves or balloons as an elastomer, to fabricate the LMFM. By repeatedly stretching the sample to a strain of 1,800 percent (or 18 times) for 12 cycles, porous morphologies will be formed to provide excellent permeability. We fabricated an LMFM sample with a 320μm thick SBS mat and a 0.8mg cm-2 mass loading of EGaIn. The moisture permeability of the sample (724g·m-2·day) is 22 times higher than that of the medical patch (31g·m-2·day). In vivo animal experiments on rabbit skin, it shows the excellent biocompatibility of the LMFM without causing any irritation,” Professor Zheng explained.

EGaIn is a metal that can be maintained in a liquid state under room temperature. It has low viscosity, high conductivity and low toxicity, and is also capable of forming a thin solid layer of oxide (Ga2O3) rapidly on the surface of EGaIn upon exposure to air offering soft and stretchable features. After stretching, the oxide formed on the surface of EGaIn buckles breaks up into holes providing an accordion-like structure for high stretchability and conductivity through the wrinkles.

Furthermore, the LMFM can be fabricated vertically and stacked in three layers of printed EGaIn electrical circuits on monolithic elastic mats — with one layer acting as an electrocardiography (ECG) sensor, another as a sweater sensor, and the final layer as an electrothermal heater. The fabricated three-layer sample, with a total thickness of 1mm, performs well while maintaining high permeability; it implies that the stacked architecture of the LMFM can provide excellent wearing comfort and multifunctionality.

To conclude, LMFM is a new type of stretchable conductor that is easily made by coating or printing liquid metal onto an elastic electrospun fiber mat. With a simple pre-stretch process, it can offer high permeability as well as conductivity. LMFM is also able to be stacked in multiple layers while maintaining high permeability. This innovative permeable and stretchable conductor can be adopted as a user-friendly platform needed to fabricate monolithic stretchable electronics that provide high integration density, multifunctionality and long-time wearability.

This research project is mainly funded by the Hong Kong Scholars Program as well as the Research Grants Council of Hong Kong. The research team will continue to further enhance the performance of LMFM and develop various types of healthcare-related electronic devices and systems.

1 Wearable Technology 2016-2026 report: https://www.idtechex.com/tw/research-report/wearable-technology-2016-2026/483

Posted March 24, 2021

Source: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU)

Arkema Celebrates The 40th Anniversary Of Its Pebax® Brand With Some Big Steps Forward In Sustainability

COLOMBES, France — March 24, 2021 — As an innovator in amino 11 chemistry derived from sustainable castor seeds, Arkema’s famous range of high performance thermoplastic elastomers has evolved to include a wide portfolio of advanced bio-circular solutions.

During its first four decades, the Pebax® elastomer family has proven itself in the sports shoe industry — setting countless world records along the way. It has also established itself as a reference material in a wide variety of industrial, consumer electronics, wearable device, and medical device applications that celebrate its outstanding energy return, lightness, and durable flexibility.

More recently, Arkema has taken several steps forward in terms of bio-sourced origin and the circular economy.

  • An entire range of Pebax Rnew® bio-based grades whose hard polyamide blocks are derived from Arkema’s flagship polyamide 11 chemistry; Available in Shore D hardness range of 30 to 80
  • A wide range of partially bio-based lightweight foams available commercially through Arkema’s network of partner foam producers — lighter and more resilient than traditional foams used in high performance sports shoes while retaining the explosive energy return for which Pebax polymers have become world famous
  • New partially bio-based hydrophilic grades particularly suited for breathable membranes for the sustainable apparel market
  • Recently announced Virtucycle® partnership program for recycling post-industrial and post-consumer polymers
  • Arkema and its partners have recently celebrated four years of successful implementation of the Pragati program* which drives sustainable castor bean farming in India; more than 4,500 castor seed farmers in India have now been certified
  • In support of our partner customers in the high performance sports market, Arkema has created a dedicated consumer-facing website www.pebaxpowered.com to educate consumers in terms of technical and sustainable performance

“Sustainability has been a major driver of our innovation,” said Erwoan Pezron, senior vice presidetn, High performance polymers. “We are proud to deliver advanced bio-circularmaterialsto our customers.We continue to innovate in exciting new arenas such as 3D printing, sustainable toys, and a wide variety of consumer applications. We look forward to an exciting future driven by our rich pipeline of new developments.!”

* The Pragati project is a collaborative project by Arkema. BASF, Jayant Agro-Organics, and Solidaridad, the implementing partner. The goal of the project is to encourage sustainable castor bean farming in Gujarat, India, where the majority of the world’s supply originates. Pragati is the Hindi word for progress.

Posted March 24, 2021

Source: Arkema

Intertextile Apparel’s Hybrid Platform Showcased The Latest In Post-Pandemic Innovation And Sustainability Last Week

HONG KONG — March 24, 2021 — The primary sourcing platform for the spring/summer season for the global industry wrapped up another successful edition last week. Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Spring Edition hosted nearly 2,600 exhibitors from 17 countries and regions and 80,533 buyers from March 17-19, with well-received online and hybrid solutions running in tandem with the physical fair.

Main themes emerging from the fair this year included an increase in innovative products resulting from the pandemic, the benefits for both domestic and international companies to have an in-person event, encouraging prospects in the Chinese market as it continues to rebound, and hope that more of the main textile markets will do the same as 2021 progresses.

Wendy Wen, senior general manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd. elaborated at the fair: “Following the two Intertextile Apparel editions in China in the second half of last year, we are delighted that we could offer another hybrid platform with new online solutions for the global industry to utilize this season. It was pleasing to see the number of exhibitors showcasing new products in response to the pandemic, particularly in the Functional Lab and All About Sustainability zones. And there are many positive signs and belief from participants here this week that the post- pandemic recovery in China will maintain its strength this year. We hope that by the Autumn Edition this August more of the global industry can gather here in Shanghai in-person to take advantage of this.”

Innovative and sustainable products in high demand

With consumers’ increasing focus on the health protection their garments can offer as well as the ecological footprint, the fair’s Functional Lab and All About Sustainability zones were must-visits for many buyers this edition, while innovations could be found in other areas also. Just a few of the many exhibitors offering products in response to the latest trends were Alumo AG from Switzerland, with their Alumo & weba brands, who cooperated with HeiQ Viroblock to apply antibacterial and antiviral technology into their fabrics. Biella Manifatture Tessili from Italy showcased their Defender collection which uses ViralOff technology to reduce the instance of viruses by 99%. Hong Kong’s Hansk New Materials presented their health protection, hygiene protection and anti- insect collections, while Successori Reda from Italy, a manufacturer of sustainable pure Merino wool fabrics, created their S/S 2022 collection in a fully digital manner so as to ensure greater waste reduction.

This edition’s fringe programme featured a number of events touching on innovation and sustainability, as well as opportunities in the current market climate, while the themes in the fair’s ever-popular
Intertextile Directions Trend Forum were heavily influenced by how society’s model is being challenged by the pandemic. And rounding out the complete sourcing experience for the textile industry, Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics was once again held alongside Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles, Yarn Expo Autumn, CHIC and PH Value.

Exhibitors’ responses

“Intertextile is the industry’s most important trade fair in China, so we’ve been participating for many years,” said Guanlian Yuan, Chinese Agent, Design Union, UK. “We have brought the latest prints sent over from London to showcase at the fair. Today the visitor flow is high and we’ve seen a lot of brand designers and fabric directors, who are all decision-makers.”

“Celeli has joined Intertextile for many years because it is a large-scale, professional exhibition with a good reputation,” said Leanne Li, Operations Manager, Celeli (Shanghai) Trading Co Ltd, China. “The fair is an important channel to discover new customers and since the pandemic, it has brought the industry together to create more opportunities for business exchange. As a high-end fabric supplier, we saw that pandemic restrictions had led to the increase of high-end fabrics in China. In the future, I think the domestic demand for imported fabrics will continue to grow and that Asian markets, especially China’s, have huge potential.”

“Intertextile is an influential and well-known platform for the industry and we are able to discover the latest trends here,” said Lynn Bao, Marketing Executive, Bros Eastern Co Ltd, China. “To target the market changes amid the pandemic, we have brought functional products including anti-bacterial viscose fibres and plant-dyed fabrics which match the current industry trends. Our export business is gradually recovering and we are optimistic about the future development of the industry.”

“We have brought our new S/S 2022 collection including our main hemp based range to the fair,” Jackal Tsang, Regional Sales, Orta Anadolu, Turkey. “We have focused on hemp because it is a sustainable material and naturally has anti-bacterial properties, making it a globally popular product right now. Because of the relatively quick recovery and rebound in the Chinese market, we have focused on the domestic market over the past year.”

“The fair is very effective for promoting our brand and our booth had an estimated 300-plus visitors yesterday,” said Yonghui Zheng, Manager, Shanghai IRIS Garment Accessories Co Ltd, Japan. “As the current trend is about environmental protection, our products are made with recyclable and eco-friendly materials and they meet the biggest sourcing needs in China. After participating in last year’s Autumn edition, we have increased our domestic sales and so we intend to participate in the August edition as well as the November edition in Shenzhen this year.”

“Our embroidery products have been particularly popular this year, and we have already received orders of more than 1,000 yards ready to be produced,” said Robert Wang, Senior Manager, Wedtex Industrial Corp, Taiwan. “Our customers all placed orders directly and we received orders with a total of around RMB 200,000. We welcomed about 30 groups of customers, and among them 12 groups were new.”

“Relaxing, comfortable, easy-care and eco-friendly products are the major trends now and the fair can help us explore these hot topics, which is one of the reasons why we continue to participate after 20 years,” said Hong Cui, Director of Sales, Vitale Barberis Canonico SpA, Italy. “We are showcasing our latest knitted and sportswear fabrics and have met with our most important customers in China that always come to the fair. Overall we are very optimistic about the Chinese market. I also saw that Intertextile is allowing exhibitors to promote online and for a period longer than the fair too, which I think is nice.”

“Many brands that sell online, offline or both, and including some well- known domestic brands for ladieswear have already visited our booth. Our latest products include a lot of eco-friendly fabrics, as well as fabrics that absorb sweat and are thinner and breathable,” said Jing Ren Li, Department Head, R&D Textile Co Ltd, Korea. “We participate in Intertextile every year and have noticed a rebound of customers at this edition. Overall our booth has been popular with both new and existing customers, so we are satisfied.”

“Amid the pandemic, we collaborated with HeiQ from Switzerland and added their antibacterial treatment to weba’s products to cater to pandemic-related trends,” said Ms Zheng Liu, Product Manager, Alumo AG, Switzerland. “These products are already in use in Europe and the US to make masks for the general public. The fair is an effective, prestigious platform for the industry to receive different customers in a centralised place over a short period of time. We can gather with existing customers while it is convenient for new customers to find us as well.”

Buyers’ impressions

“As a supplier of mid to high-end women’s clothing brands, we have specific requirements for fabrics,” said Lin Chen, Fabric Developer, Brand Retail Division, Ever-Glory International Group Corp, China. “Intertextile offers a rich variety of fabrics and gathers many outstanding exhibitors, which helps us achieve our goals easily and efficiently. So far, we have met several suppliers whom we would like to place orders with. With the increase of healthy lifestyles due to the pandemic, recycled, environmentally friendly and antibacterial fabrics will become major trends for the industry.”

“As the largest and most influential textile trade fair in China and even Asia, Intertextile is one of the trade fairs that I must visit every year,” said May Wu, Fabric Purchaser, CPAX Ltd, China. “Through the new Hybrid Showcase display area, I discovered a high- quality supplier, Sateri, and I will continue communicating with them after the fair. Intertextile plays an indispensable role in keeping up with industry trends, such as regenerated, natural, eco-friendly and protective products. I think these are the future direction of China’s market and even the global industry.”

Speakers’ thoughts

“The fair is very influential within the industry, so I hoped that by presenting I could understand the awareness for sustainable fashion in the Chinese market,” said Karen Du, Director, Sustainable Fashion, Impact Hub Shanghai / Managing Director, R.I.S.E. Sustainable Fashion Lab, China. “It is clear that the booths at Intertextile have become more and more ‘green’, which is great. The forum had a full house so the fair’s platform must be reflecting the feelings of everyone within the industry, with more and more businesses paying attention to sustainability issues.”

Seminar attendee feedback

“I joined Eastman’s seminar about cellulosic fibre and its latest applications because our company makes sweaters and we cooperate with Eastman on raw materials,” said Merry Yang, Deputy General Manager, Yarn & Suzhou Office, Neo-Concept (Holdings) Co. Ltd., China. The presenter introduced their new recycling solution and this kind of information is exactly what we are trying to understand. This year’s seminar sessions have been extended to three days, which is a great opportunity for us and we are grateful for what we can learn from the Intertextile platform.”

The next edition of Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics, the 2021 Autumn Edition, will be held from August 25-27, concurrently with Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Autumn Edtion, Yarn Expo Autumn, CHIC and PH Value. Intertextile Apparel is co-organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd; the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT; and the China Textile Information Centre.

Posted March 24, 2021

Source: Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd


Motion Industries Celebrates 75th Anniversary Rebrands As Motion

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — March 24, 2021 — Motion Industries Inc. (Motion) — a distributor of maintenance, repair, and operation replacement parts, and a provider of industrial technology solutions — is pleased to announce that it has achieved the 75-year milestone of business success.

“Motion’s success is a reflection of the hard work of all our team members and suppliers, as well as the trust of our customers, since our founding in 1946,” said Randy Breaux, Motion President. “We appreciate the support of everyone who has played a role in our proud historyand look forward to exponentially building on our success during the next 75 years and beyond.”

Various activities in celebration of this important milestone are planned throughout the anniversary year to engage employees, vendor partners and customers. New advertising and other communications will highlight the anniversary as well.

Humble beginnings

In 1946, the year following the end of World War II, two friends — a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and a U.S. Navy veteran — purchased the industrial parts supply business Owen-Richards and opened its first location in Birmingham. Over the years, the company expanded beyond Birmingham, first regionally and then nationally, and finally into Canada and other countries.

“Co-founders William Spencer and Caldwell Marks might be amazed — but not surprised — that 75 years later, the business would grow from that one location to over 700 branches, distributions centers and fabrication/repair centers spanning from North America to the Asia Pacific,” Breaux said. “Employees would grow in number from the first handful to more than 7,000 employees throughout these global locations; and, sales would grow from $500,000 plus in year one to over $5.5 billion annually.”

Service offerings have also vastly expanded over time from mainly power transmission parts sales to a wide and deep variety of product lines, services and technologies that are used every day across diverse industry markets.

This year also marks the 45th anniversary of Motion becoming a subsidiary of Genuine Parts Company in 1976. Motion’s sales that year were $93 million, earned from 60 branches in 11 southern states. The number of different items (or SKUs) in 1976 was over 100,000, compared to more than 10 million today. As GPC’s industrial segment, Motion represented 34% of its parent company’s 2020 net sales.

2021 Initiatives

In 2021, Motion is focused on key technological investments and the expansion of its services to directly benefit its customers. Investments in technology will support enhanced automation in the Company’s facilities. In addition, a world-class hydraulics facility is in construction near Motion headquarters and is scheduled to open in the fourth quarter. Expanded services in areas such as the Automation Solutions and Conveyance Solutions business units are also a priority, as is the Company’s new IIoT solution – P2MRO (Predictive Performance) – which is now offered to customers and already garnering customer savings and efficiencies.

The Evolving Motion Brand

Founded as Owen-Richards in 1946, Spencer and Marks renamed the company “Motion Industries” in 1972. The name conveyed the company’s purpose of keeping machinery — and industry — in motion.

Today, the Motion team takes deep pride in keeping industry’s operations and machinery running in continuous motion. Coinciding with this 75th milestone, in January 2021, the company announced a comprehensive rebrand from “Motion Industries” to “Motion,” with the intent to solidify the company’s structure and advance its position in the marketplace. The new, full logo appears on Motion’s website (Motion.com), and the transition is progressing across every aspect of the company.

Posted March 23, 2021

Source: Motion

The National Council Of Textile Organizations (NCTO) Re-Elects David Roberts, CEO Of Cap Yarns, As Its Chairman; Council Chairs & Board Members Elected

WASHINGTON, DC — March 24, 2021 — The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), representing the full spectrum of U.S. textiles from fiber through finished sewn products, held its officer elections for fiscal year 2021 today.

NCTO has re-elected David Roberts, CEO of Cap Yarns, as chairman and David Poston, president of Palmetto Synthetics, as Vice Chairman.

In addition to the appointment of a new chairman and vice chairman, NCTO elected chairs for each of its four councils. NCTO is comprised of four councils to ensure a broad representation of the industry supply chain. Each council has an allotted number of members who are elected to the association’s board of directors, in addition to the executive committee.

“I am pleased to announce our new officers, council chairs, and board and executive committee members for NCTO’s 2021 fiscal year,” said NCTO President and CEO Kim Glas. “David Roberts (CEO of Cap Yarns) has been re-elected as our chairman and David Poston (President of Palmetto Synthetics) has been re-elected as our vice chairman. I want to thank both of them for their vital contribution to the Board and NCTO. Their input is invaluable.”

“This is a critical juncture for our industry, which answered the call of the nation to produce lifesaving personal protective equipment (PPE) for frontline workers battling the COVID-19 pandemic,” Glas added. “We will continue to engage with all stakeholders to press for policies that support the industry overall, help onshore PPE production and create a permanent domestic supply chain.”

“With the support of our elected officers, NCTO will continue to work on behalf of its members to shape policies that will help our industry persevere and thrive. Through a dedicated association staff and a committed group of industry leaders, we will ensure that together we continue to have a seat at the table in Washington.”

Elected as NCTO Chairman and Vice Chairman for 2021 are:

  • Chairman – David Roberts, CEO of Cap Yarns, Inc. — Roberts is CEO of Cap Yarns Inc., based in Clover, S.C. Cap Yarns is a specialty yarn manufacturer and a leader in developing unique yarns for the knitting and weaving industry.
  • Vice Chairman – David Poston, president of Palmetto Synthetics LLC — Poston is President of Palmetto Synthetics, based in Kingstree, S.C. Palmetto Synthetics is a leading specialty synthetic fiber producer that has provided specialty thermoplastic fibers to companies across the globe.

Elected to the NCTO Board of Directors during the various Council meetings were the following:

  • Fiber Council – Jay Brinson of PHP Fibers; Tom Brekovsky of Auriga; Chuck Hall of William Barnet & Son; Melissa Minihan of The LYCRA Company; Alejandro Sanchez of DAK Americas; and Chip Stein of Stein Fibers
  • Yarn Council – Jim Booterbaugh of National Spinning Co.; Charles Heilig of Parkdale Mills; Eddie Ingle of Unifi; Robin Perkins of Frontier Yarns; Allen Smith of American & Efird; and Marvin Smith of Shuford Yarns
  • Fabric Council – Norman Chapman of Inman Mills; Kathie Leonard of Auburn Manufacturing; Chad McAllister of Milliken & Company; Leib Oehmig of Glen Raven, Inc.; Dirk Pieper of Sage Automotive Interiors; and Blake Millinor of Valdese Weavers
  • Industry Support Council – Cyril Guerin of Picanol; Ian Mills of Fi-Tech; and Marisa Fumei-South of Two-One-Two New York Inc.

Elected by their respective Councils to serve on the Executive Committee were: Ian Mills of Fi-Tech; Melissa Minihan of LYCRA; Leib Oehmig of Glen Raven; Robin Perkins of Frontier Yarns; Allen Smith of American & Efird; and Chip Stein of Stein Fibers

Elected to chair the Councils:

  • Fiber Council: David Poston of Palmetto Synthetics
  • Yarn Council: Robin Perkins of Frontier Yarns
  • Fabric and Home Furnishings Council: Leib Oehmig of Glen Raven, Inc.
  • Industry Support Council: Ian Mills of Fi-Tech

Posted March 24, 2021

Source: The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO)

Evolution St. Louis Co-Founder Joins University Of Missouri Professional Advisory Board

Elmuccio

ST. LOUIS, Mo. — March 17, 2021 —  Evolution St. Louis announced today that co-founder John Elmuccio joined the University of Missouri Textile and Apparel Management (TAM) Professional Advisory Board.

Elmuccio’s appointment was unanimously approved by faculty members in early March.

“I am honored to join the respected members of the University of Missouri Textile and Apparel Management Professional Advisory Board and look forward to providing guidance and leadership to the faculty and students in the Textile and Apparel Management department,” Elmuccio said. “The University of Missouri has a long track record of educating leaders in the fashion, apparel and textile supply industries chain and I am proud to lend my expertise to help shape the future of fashion for years to come.”

The TAM Department Advisory Board is composed of high-level industry leaders representing segments of the textile, apparel and retail fields. Board members serve as role models for students, provide feedback on curriculum, serve as classroom speakers and more.

“We are honored and excited to have John Elmuccio join our board,” said Jung Ha-Brookshire, TAM department chair. “Board members offer invaluable industry perspectives and leadership to textile and apparel management students and faculty.”

In addition to his role as co-founder and manager partner of Evolution St. Louis, Elmuccio serves as an industry consultant to private investment firms on global market trends in textiles and apparel. Elmuccio has served as a senior executive for Fortune 500 apparel companies, launched major designer brands and founded and sold an apparel company. He has also opened and directed international businesses and supply chain operations initiatives in over a dozen countries.

Posted March 23, 2021

Source: Evolution St. Louis

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