Columbia Sportswear Company Appoints John Culver, Leader Of International Growth At Starbucks Corp., To Its Board Of Directors

PORTLAND, Ore. — January 6, 2021 — Columbia Sportswear Co. today announced that its board of directors appointed John Culver to serve as a director and member of its Compensation Committee, effective January 5, 2021.

Culver currently serves as Starbucks Corp. group president of International, Channel Development and Global Coffee, Tea and Cocoa, and is a member of the Starbucks executive leadership team. He has responsibility for leading Starbucks retail growth and operations in 60 markets across China, Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and growth for the Global Channel Development business which includes Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG), Foodservice and Evolution Fresh. Culver also has the additional responsibility of leading the growth and development of Starbucks coffee, tea and cocoa businesses.

Culver serves on the board of directors and audit committee of Kimberly-Clark and is a director of The Mission Continues, a national, nonpartisan nonprofit that empowers veterans to continue their service, leveraging their talent and skills to generate visible impact for communities. He has a B.S. in Business Administration from Florida State University.

“We are thrilled to have John join our board of directors,” said Chairman, President and CEO Tim Boyle. “John has been instrumental in driving international growth in various markets at Starbucks for almost twenty years and we are excited for him to bring that knowledge and expertise to our board of directors as we continue to focus on unlocking our international omni-channel growth opportunities. Mr. Culver also brings a deep understanding of the consumer and consumer trends, including the digital transformation, which we hope to leverage during his service on the board.”

Posted January 6, 2020

Source: Columbia Sportswear Company

Wolverine Worldwide Names Jim Zwiers As President, Global Operations Group

ROCKFORD, Mich. — January 5, 2021 — Wolverine World Wide Inc., which operates one of the world’s largest portfolios of footwear and lifestyle brands, today announced the appointment of Jim Zwiers as president, Global Operations Group, responsible for portfolio-wide sourcing, logistics, distribution, customer service, and information technology.   Zwiers will concurrently serve as president, International Group, a position he has held since 2014, and will remain executive vice president of the company and a member of the company’s Executive Leadership Team.

Zwiers, 52, has been with Wolverine Worldwide for almost 23 years, serving in many significant operational roles including president of the Performance Group and president of the Outdoor Group, along with leadership of the company’s global eCommerce and retail businesses. He has also held senior operational roles including senior vice president with responsibility for strategy, business development, and legal.

“Jim is uniquely and ideally suited to lead the Global Operations Group, and I could not be more pleased with this expansion of his role,” said Blake Krueger, Wolverine Worldwide’s chairman and CEO. “His extensive experience with the company’s brands and international operations, coupled with his digital background and successful implementation of speed-to-market initiatives, will help accelerate the company’s digital-first transformation and global eCommerce growth.”

Zwiers succeeds Mike Jeppesen as president, Global Operations Group. Jeppesen, 60, is retiring after more than 33 years in the footwear industry, the last nine of which have been with Wolverine Worldwide. Jeppesen will remain in an advisory role through mid-year to assist with the transition.

“We are grateful to Mike for his many years of dedicated service to both the company and our industry,” said Krueger. “He has been a key advisor to me and a trusted Executive Leadership Team member for many years, and we certainly wish him and his family well as he transitions into a well-deserved retirement.”

Jeppesen commented: “I have been fortunate at Wolverine Worldwide to work with the best team in the industry, and I wish them continued success. Jim is a seasoned leader who knows our industry inside and out, and he is well-positioned to lead the Global Operations Group into the future as the Company accelerates its ongoing digital transformation.”

Posted January 6, 2020

Source: Wolverine World Wide, Inc.

Georgia-Pacific Announces Agreement To Sell Nonwovens Business To Glatfelter

ATLANTA — January 6, 2021 — Georgia-Pacific LLC announced today that it has reached an agreement to sell their nonwovens business to Glatfelter, a global supplier of engineered materials, headquartered in Charlotte, N.C. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory clearances from competition authorities. The price is $175 million.

The proposed transaction includes Georgia-Pacific’s nonwovens operations located in Mt. Holly, N.C., along with a research center operation in Memphis, Tenn. The nonwovens operations in Mt. Holly produces airlaid nonwoven material for commercial customers used to make table top, wiping, food pads, hygiene and related products. In the proposed transaction, current Georgia-Pacific nonwovens employees, totaling approximately 150 people, will become employees of Glatfelter at the time the deal closes.

“Georgia-Pacific nonwovens employees at Mt. Holly and Memphis have run safe, productive operations and worked hard to advance our nonwovens business to meet customer needs,” said Mike Adams, president – Georgia-Pacific Professional and Nonwovens. “We believe this sale to Glatfelter, an established manufacturer and supplier of nonwovens products, is in the best interests of both customers and our nonwovens employees.”

In 2018, Georgia-Pacific LLC sold Steinfurt GmbH, the company’s European nonwovens business, to Glatfelter for $185 million.

Posted January 6, 2020

Source: Georgia-Pacific

Alpha Private Equity Reaches An Agreement For The Sale Of 100 Percent Of Savio Group To Vandewiele

MILAN/BRUSSELS — January 4, 2021 — Itaca Finance S.A., a company controlled by Alpha Private Equity, reached late last year an agreement for the sale of 100-percent of Savio Group to Vandewiele, a Belgium-based global group active in the construction and installation of textile machinery.

The completion of the transaction is expected in spring 2021. Financial terms of the transaction are not disclosed.

Founded in 1911 and headquartered in Pordenone, Italy, Savio Group is a designer and manufacturer of winding machines and quality control devices for the textile industry, with operations in Italy, China, India, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland and Czech Republic. In 2019 Savio reported consolidated revenues of 270 million euros.

Founded in 1880 in Kortrijk, Belgium, Vandewiele offers mechatronics solutions — a combination of mechanical and electronics engineering — to serve textile and electronics customers around the world. The relentless focus on innovation and long-term vision will allow further growth for both companies in the new digital age. Vandewiele reported 2019 revenues of 370 million euros with more than 3,000 employees. Its major plants are located in Belgium, China, Italy, France, Sweden and Germany.

The transaction aims at strengthening Savio’s international and industrial development, exploiting significant synergies, both from a commercial and operational standpoint.

Alexander Zschokke will keep on serving as chairman of Savio Group.

“Receiving such strong interest from important players in this challenging period is a recognition of Savio’s strategic value,” Zschokke said. “In the long-term, being part of the Vandewiele Group will preserve our entrepreneurial culture focused on innovation, operational excellence and commercial development.”

Charles Beauduin, CEO of Vandewiele, stated: “We are extremely proud to welcome the Savio Group with its strong tradition and technology in our group. The joining of our technological capabilities, R&D and industrial operations will allow us to grow strongly in the next few years”.

Paolo Magni, Partner of Alpha Private Equity, commented: “Since the acquisition (a primary and proprietary deal for Alpha), we have worked closely with Management to support them in consolidating Savio’s technological leadership, leveraging on sizable R&D investments, successful launch of innovative products and execution of strategic M&A transactions, creating a world-leading position for Savio as a result. The acquisition by Vandewiele marks a new phase of growth for Savio, which will rely on a strong industrial shareholder, with solid operational and financial capabilities, able to enhance and promote relevant industrial and commercial synergies. We look forward to following the company’s strong development and the continuation of its journey with its new owners.”

Rothschild, Pedersoli Studio Legale and Deloitte advised Alpha Private Equity in the transaction. Cassiopea Partners and teams from Deloitte and Deloitte Legal advised Vandewiele.

Posted January 5, 2020

Source: Savio Macchine Tessili S.p.A.

6th ITMF Corona-Survey: Improved Turnover Expectations For 2020 And beyond

ZURICH — December 18, 2020 — Between November 20 and December 14, 2020, ITMF conducted its 6th ITMF Corona-Survey among ITMF members and affiliated companies and associations about the impact the Corona-pandemic has on the global textile value chain. In total, 159 companies from around the world participated.

In comparison to the 5th ITMF Corona-Survey conducted between September 5-25, 2020, the turnover expectations have improved in the 6th survey by 4 percentage points from -16% to now -12% compared to 2019 (See Graph 1).

Graph 1: Worldwide, expected turnover 2020 is down on average by -12% (versus 2019).

For 2021 and the following years, turnover expectations have overall improved slightly (see Graph 2). On average, the companies are expecting a small improvement from -1% (5th survey) to +3% (6th survey) compared to 2019. Also, for 2022 and 2023 the outlook has improved slightly from +9% (5th survey) to +11% (6th survey) and from +14% (5th survey) to +15% (6th survey), respectively. The turnover expectations for 2024 – compared to the 2019 levels – have not changed (+18% in the 5th and 6th survey).

The latest survey reveals that in the medium- and long-term turnover expectations have not changed significantly. Nevertheless, due to the reduced turnover drop of -10% in 2020, the industry is expecting to recover the losses incurred in 2020 by the end of 2022.

Graph 2: Worldwide, expected turnover to increase by +18% until 2024 (versus 2019)

Additional and more detailed information about the 6th ITMF Corona-Survey are included in the current edition of the ITMF Newsletter.

Posted January 5, 2020

Source: ITMF

Unilever And Innova Partnerships One Step Closer To Self-Cleaning Surfaces

LONDON — January 5, 2021 — The world first breakthrough has come with the introduction of an organic compound called Lactam which can block, or prevent, bacteria and mold on everyday surfaces.

This patented technology, which Unilever has been researching for over 10 years, is developed from natural chemicals in seaweed biology and has the potential to be used in a range of situations – from preventing fungal growth in washing machines and dishwashers to self-cleaning banknotes.

Everyday items including clothing and kitchen surfaces are constantly challenged by bacterial contamination. Over 80% of bacterial infections in people are estimated to involve the formation of biofilms, a collection of microorganisms that grows on many surfaces. These microorganisms are formed and developed through bacterial communications systems, but now research has found that by disrupting these systems it’s possible to not only prevent them from growing in the first place but to keep the surfaces cleaner for longer.

Penhros Bio could help to tackle some of the biggest societal and environmental challenges of the 21st century. It represents significant opportunity across multiple sectors, including healthcare, textiles, and marine and could even be used in medical fields where microbial biofilms are commonplace.

Dr. Neil Parry, R&D Program Director – Biotechnology and Biosourcing, Unilever, explained: “This technology replicates the natural cleaning process of seaweed; keeping surfaces clean and repelling unwanted invaders from its direct environment. This biology works in extreme conditions such that it will keep working in dirty waters by blocking the communication between bacteria so that it cannot colonize and build up on healthy surfaces of the plant. This is what we have successfully replicated in the lab, and now we are ready to start trialing this in our Unilever cleaning products.”

Dr Jon Hague, Unilever’s Vice President for Science & Technology, Unilever Homecare said: “The commercialized use of Lactam presents a significant opportunity for cleaning products globally and could revolutionize the industry. However, what we have found is a unique technology in which its uses are almost limitless. We recognize what this technology can represent at scale for many sectors outside of Unilever’s portfolio. Through Penrhos Bio, we want to connect with other industries that would benefit from using this solution.”

Professor Steve Howell, Founder of Innova Partnerships said: “This is such an exciting and innovative space. We’re currently working with license partners for banknotes and dental applications, but there are so many more uses in which this technology could benefit.”

Posted January 5, 2020

Source: Unilever

Teledyne CML Composites Awarded Airbus A400M “Life Of Program” Contract

BROMBOROUGH, England — January 5, 2021 — Teledyne CML Composites announces the award of a contract with Airbus in Madrid for the “Life Of Program” supply of composite wing components & assemblies on the A400M Tactical Airlifter.

Designed making extensive use of advanced composite materials, the awarded package of parts includes a range of Thermoplastic and Pre-Preg composite components to be supplied to the Airbus A400M composite wing box assembly line at the Filton facility in Bristol in the United Kingdom.

“The decision to award this latest package to Teledyne CML Composites is a reflection of our proven track record to supply high quality composite parts that exceed our customers’ expectations,” said John Toner, vice president and general manager, Teledyne Aerospace and Defence Electronics UK (TADE UK) and General Manager of Teledyne CML Composites.

John Toner added: “With this A400M contract award, we have concluded a significant investment in a new Thermoplastics processing cell. Having identified Thermoplastics as a key technology in our long term growth ambitions, this investment adds an exciting new automated manufacturing capability to our business and places Teledyne CML Composites at the forefront of composites manufacturing technology.

The Airbus A400M is designed to meet the requirements of current and future armed forces to conduct strategic transport of heavy vehicles/equipment and tactical airlift of personnel into theatres of operations. It is already proven in operation with the air forces of the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain, Turkey, Belgium, Luxembourg and Malaysia,

Highly versatile, the Airbus A400M can be configured for cargo, a range of military helicopters and vehicles, heavy engineering equipment, up to 120 fully equipped troops, 66 stretchers and 25 medical personnel for aero-medical evacuation. The A400M is also convertible to a tactical tanker, with the ability to refuel a range of aircraft and helicopters.

Teledyne CML Composites continues to enjoy a period of significant growth as a composites manufacturer to commercial aerospace and defence aerospace customers worldwide. For decades, this industry sector has continually expanded as designers develop enhancements to performance, range, and payload through weight reduction of new generations of aircraft, whether commercial or military. Teledyne CML Composites’ investment in Thermoplastic processing technology underscores the company’s long-term plans to play a key part in this industry sector.

Posted January 5, 2020

Source: Teledyne CML Composites

Macy’s Names Nata Dvir Chief Merchandising Officer

GLENDALE, Calif. — January 4, 2021 — Macy’s Inc. today announced that Nata Dvir has been named chief merchandising officer of the Macy’s brand, effective February 1, 2021. She currently serves as Macy’s senior vice president and general business manager for Beauty and Center Core merchandise.

In her new role, Dvir will be responsible for leading Macy’s Merchandising, with oversight of all merchandising categories and private brands. She will report to Jeff Gennette, Macy’s, Inc. chairman and CEO. Dvir will succeed Patti Ongman, who, as previously announced, plans to retire at the end of the 2020 fiscal year.

“Nata is a strong merchant with deep connections to our partners, first-rate instincts and an eye for newness,” said Gennette. “I’m confident that she will continue our merchandising transformation, influencing our customers’ personal style through accessible fashion, clear value and an enhanced digital and store experience.”

“Patti is an accomplished retail executive and an inspiring leader. On behalf of everyone at Macy’s, I want to thank her for her many contributions to the company over the last four decades and the tremendous impact she has had on our organization. We wish her all the best in her retirement,” continued Gennette.

About Nata Dvir

Dvir has held various leadership roles within Macy’s merchant organization, including experience in Men’s, Beauty, Shoes, Jewelry, Food and Licensed businesses. In September 2017, Dvir was named Macy’s General Business Manager for Beauty, a new role in the organization. In that role, she has transformed the cosmetics and fragrance business, creating a more open and experiential environment in store, enhancing entertainment and customer experiences, taking a fresh approach to digital engagement and expanding new brands.

In February 2020, Dvir added responsibility for Center Core merchandise, including jewelry, handbags, shoes, intimate apparel and accessories. Since that time, she has infused newness by adding brands and updated products. She is focused on expanding Macy’s online assortment and evolving the service model in stores.

Dvir began her career as an executive trainee at Macy’s. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University.

Posted January 5, 2020

Source: Macy’s, Inc.

Avery Dennison Acquires ACPO Ltd.

GLENDALE, Calif. — January 4, 2021 — Avery Dennison announced today that it has acquired the business of Ohio-based ACPO Ltd. for the purchase price of $87.6 million, subject to certain post-closing adjustments. ACPO is a leader in pressure-sensitive overlaminate products for the label and flexible packaging markets and has approximately 170 employees.

Avery Dennison has acquired the majority of ACPO’s assets, including coating, finishing and distribution operations at its Oak Harbor, Ohio, headquarters, as well as three finishing and distribution sites in Atlanta; Oak Creek, Wis.; and Vancouver, Wash. ACPO employees will transition to the Avery Dennison Label and Graphic Materials team.

“Our acquisition of ACPO will further strengthen our leadership in core label materials segments,” said Mitch Butier, Avery Dennison’s chairman, president and CEO. “By adding ACPO’s well-regarded and complementary overlaminate product, we are increasing our product portfolio and adding even more value for our customers.”

“We are delighted to have ACPO become part of Avery Dennison,” said Missy Larick, COO, Esperia Holdings LLC, the holding company of ACPO Ltd. “As anyone in our industry knows, Avery Dennison is a strong, sophisticated global organization and a brand known and respected worldwide, which will help accelerate the commercialization of ACPO products around the globe. We know that tapping into the know-how of Avery Dennison’s materials scientists, with their expertise in adhesives, base labels, and surface chemistry, will dramatically accelerate innovation of ACPO products.” Larick will play a key role during the transition and will stay with Esperia Holdings LLC as COO.

Jeroen Diderich, vice president and general manager, Avery Dennison Label and Graphic Materials North America, noted that ACPO’s reputation for quality and service, its entrepreneurial spirit and its agile, customer-focused way of working — from quick turnaround to low minimum-order quantities — makes it a good fit for Avery Dennison’s culture and the current state of the market. “Our top priority is to ensure industry-leading service, quality and unmatched customer responsiveness for customers of both businesses,” said Diderich. “We look forward to leveraging ACPO’s strengths, learning from their people, and welcoming them as valued members of the Avery Dennison family.”

Posted January 5, 2020

Source: Avery Dennison Corporation

HanesBrands Wins Infringement Case Against Six Defendants in China

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — January 5, 2021 — HanesBrands, a global marketer of branded everyday basic apparel, today announced that it has received a favorable judgment from the Nanjing Intermediate People’s Court in a trademark infringement case involving its Champion brand in China.

“The case marks a significant victory for the Champion brand,” said Jon Ram, president, global activewear, HanesBrands. “We will continue to aggressively defend our intellectual property in China and around the world.”

The case involved the production and distribution of counterfeit Champion products and the operation of unauthorized Champion retail outlets by six defendants. The defendants, Hurricane, Chengda, Rainbow Wing, Fuxun, Yunma and Wu Zhanghao, were ordered to immediately cease all infringement of the Champion brand. The defendants were also ordered to pay fines totaling more than $600,000.

Posted January 5, 2020

Source: HanesBrands

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