October 20, 2017
The Family Governance Forum will be held October 19 and 20 in Chicago. It is a two-day, interactive experience that connects family leaders and influencers to support the growth, development and success of their families’ legacies. The program is designed to lead participants through learning, discussion and planning to heighten their effectiveness as leaders in …
October 19, 2017
Dainichi Giken, Daimaru Kogyo and Teijin have co-developed the world’s first aqueous transparent flame retardant coating for a wide range of combustibles. Landex Coat Flame Retardant Clear significantly improves the flame retardancy of diverse combustibles, including timbers, papers, fibers, rubbers and plastics. The transparent coating is simply applied to the surface to maintain the material’s …
October 18, 2017
The National Women’s Business Council released a second part of an important study on the necessity of entrepreneurs who are women, titled Necessity as a Driver of Women’s Entrepreneurship: Her Stories. The study offers observations derived from case studies of nine diverse women business owners. For the report, the nine women discussed their entrepreneurial experiences in context …
SCORE, the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors, has published an infographic showing how small businesses that use online collaboration tools see 26 percent faster growth and 21 percent higher profits. Among businesses with fewer than 100 employees, 12 percent currently use online collaboration tools, while 17 percent plan to use these tools …
October 17, 2017
In 2016, the U.S. Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) undertook its first comprehensive survey and assessment of the health and competitiveness of the U.S. textile, apparel, and footwear industry since 2003. The BIS team is now prepared to share preliminary findings of this critically important study that will be unveiled later this …
The Association of Textile, Apparel & Materials Professionals (AATCC) is inviting students to showcase their design talents to win cash and recognition by participating in the 2018 Concept 2 Consumer ® Student Design Competition. The 2018 “All Day Adventures in Activewear”- themed competition will challenge students to design a line for a specific outdoor or …
October 16, 2017
The Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA) will be holding a Color Management Boot Camp in Phoenix, Arizona from October 24 to 26. Led by certified SGIA digital color professional instructors Jim Raffel and Ray Weiss, along with certified digital color professional Shelby Sapusek, the workshop is for people struggling with color control, having difficulty getting …
October 13, 2017
Join IFAI at the 2017 Marine Fabricators Regional Workshops. The workshops are designed to help you improve your efficiency and generate revenue, as well as provide a forum for networking and picking up valuable insight from your peers. Discover different patterning and upholstery techniques, share tools, tips and tricks, meet with local suppliers and gather …
October 12, 2017
AATCC and SGIA have gathered some of the biggest names in the industry for the Digital Textile Printing Conference Version 2.0 being held November 29-30, 2017, at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel in Durham, N.C. The conference will focus on the latest industry trends, print technology developments, key market drivers and insights, applications and case studies. …
October 11, 2017
Cortec® Coated Products announced a new high tech extrusion coating line. EcoWeave is a highly durable tarp-like film that protects expensive, heavy raw metal materials and finished products against corrosion. Made from the same type of woven polyolefin film used to wrap lumber, it is durable, yet lightweight and versatile. With its new coating capabilities, …
October 10, 2017
We’re looking for the perfect photo for the cover of the 2018 InTents Buyer’s Guide. This is your opportunity to show off your best work to the entire industry! Submit photos that meet these guidelines: High resolution: 300 dpi and at least 2 MB at 4-by-6 inches. 2. A safe installation. 3. Good composition, lighting and color. …
Unifi Inc., Greensboro, N.C., has appointed Richard E. Gerstein to executive vice president, global branded premium value-added products and chief marketing officer; and John Vegas has been promoted to executive vice president and global chief human resources officer. Gerstein brings 30 years of P&L and marketing expertise and has served in executive roles for a …
October 9, 2017
Allen Gant Jr. has retired as CEO of textile manufacturer Glen Raven Inc., with C.G. “Leib” Oehmig IV, a 28-year veteran of Glen Raven, stepping in as his successor. Gant will remain chairman of the company’s operating board. Gant joined Glen Raven in 1971 and was named CEO in 1996. Gant announced in 2013 that …
DNV GL and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) have launched a new self-assessment tool to help the textile industry manage water consumption. It assists textile companies in evaluating the water footprint in manufacturing processes, helping to make more informed decisions about how to manage water consumption in supply chains. The Global Network for …
October 6, 2017
The Association of Nonwoven Fabrics Industry (INDA) has announced the settlement of the class action lawsuit brought by the city of Perry, Iowa, that alleged damages from flushable wipes manufactured by a number of producers. The city admitted that since the inception of the lawsuit, it had not experienced any clogs or increased maintenance costs …
October 5, 2017
The global protective textiles market is expected to reach $7.78 billion by 2025, according to a new report by Research and Markets, “Protective Textiles Market Analysis by Application (Heat & Flame Resistant, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Ballistic, Space Suits, Healthcare Garments), and Segment Forecasts, 2014–2025.” The market is expected to grow at 3.4 percent CAGR, owing …
October 4, 2017
Terri Madden, the owner of Sand Sea and Air Interiors Inc., located in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and a regular contributor to Marine Fabricator magazine, recently contacted IFAI to provide an update of the situation facing her business as well as many others on the hurricane-ravaged island. “I am more fortunate than most,” Madden says. …
Roland DGA, an Irvine, Calif., manufacturer of wide-format printers, cutters and engraving devices, has promoted Tony Miller to director of sales and product management. Miller will be responsible for spearheading Roland DGA’s expansion into new markets and overseeing the company’s product development and sales efforts. Sid Lambert has been promoted to U.S. sales manager for …
October 3, 2017
TSG Finishing, North Wales, Penn., has named Brian Rosenstein CEO and Michael Goldman president. Rosenstein and Goldman represent the fifth generation to head the textile finishing company that has been privately held and family-owned since 1901. With their leadership, TSG recently relaunched its Defend brand as a high-performance water and stain repellent, targeting the residential …
October 2, 2017
Applied DNA Sciences has announced that one of its ginning partners, Woolam Gin, O’Donnell, Texas, was awarded the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS v5.0) certification, making it the first certified U.S. organic cotton gin utilizing Applied DNA’s molecular tagging system. The company is 100 percent compliant with all standards and requirements for the GOTS v5.0 …
October 1, 2017
Thirteen projects were recognized as winners of the 2017 Awards for Excellence competition hosted by The Outdoor Fabric Products Association of New Zealand (OFPANZ). The Awards for Excellence offers OFPANZ members a chance to showcase their technical skills, design excellence and innovation to the industry. Entries are judged on appearance/workmanship, complexity, design/innovation, and functional and …
September 29, 2017
Ascend Performance Materials, a global producer of specialty plastics, fibers and chemicals, completed a $6.2 million expansion project at the company’s plant in Greenwood, S.C. The project, which added nearly 30 new jobs, will add 24 million pounds of staple fiber production capacity and consolidate the majority of the company’s nylon fiber production at this …
September 28, 2017
A group of trainblazers in the world of e-textiles offered ideas and fielded questions in a casual setting on IFAI’s EXPO show floor yesterday. Many of the audience were experts themselves, so the discussion was, one might say, among colleagues in this segment. Standards for smart textiles was on the minds of many. One audience …
Sewn Products Equipment Company (SPEC) has acquired Ahearn Denning Cutting Machine Inc. SPEC is a global supplier to the soft goods and allied industries with a range of equipment, parts and services that cover a multitude of applications. By acquiring Ahearn Denning, SPEC will have offices on both U.S. coasts as well as San Pedro …
September 27, 2017
Raven Industries Inc., Sioux Falls, S.D., has acquired Colorado Lining International Inc., Parker, Colo. The acquisition will align under the company’s Engineered Films division, which manufactures polymer film and sheeting. By adding new design-build and installation service components to the company’s geomembrane offerings, the acquisition will advance Raven Engineered Films’ business model into a vertically …
September 26, 2017
Business owners who want to pursue government contracts shouldn’t be discouraged, says Mary Lynn Langraf, senior international trade specialist for the U.S. Department of Commerce/OTEXA. Langraf presented a detailed discussion Sept. 26 at IFAI Expo 2017, emphasizing that the textile industry is a robust area of interest for government procurements. The first step in securing …
“Shade Sails 2.0” was one of the opening presentations Sept. 26 at IFAI Expo 2017. The presentation featured Tim Koehler, Lawrence Fabric and Metal Structures Inc., and Tim Akes, MPanel Software Solutions, who discussed two projects that could handle wind and snow loads. The first project at Southwest Illinois Community College was an outside study …
Oppermann GmbH, a global manufacturer of textile webbing products, has acquired Southern Weaving Co., located in the Upstate region of South Carolina. In the near term, Oppermann plans to continue operating the Southern Weaving facilities located in Greenville and Anderson, S.C., while undergoing a plant expansion capable of merging the Greenville production within the next …
September 25, 2017
Mutoh America Inc. was honored with the 2017 Specialty Graphic Imaging Association’s (SGIA) Product of the Year award. The company was recognized for the ValueJet 1638X 64-inch printer in the “Solvent or Latex Ink Under 80 inches” category, the ValueJet 626UF UV-LED printer in the “Small Flatbed” category, and the ValueJet 1638UH 64-inch UV-LED hybrid …
September 22, 2017
Empowering employee-led teams to organize activities in their neighborhoods, Huntsman Textile Effects is helping local communities become sustainable through social, environmental and economic sustainability projects. These initiatives are designed by local employees to meet the needs of the communities in which Huntsman operates, in line with the core pillars of sustainability: people, planet, profits. In …
September 21, 2017
Fiber Industries LLC, Columbia, S.C., will open a new textile production operation in Darlington County, S.C., in early 2018. The new plant is projected to bring more than $30 million of capital investment and create at least 135 new jobs. A privately-held company, Fiber Industries was established by MHR Fund Management LLC, a New York-based …
September 20, 2017
Columbia Sportswear, Portland, Ore., has launched its ReThreads program in more than 100 Columbia stores across the country. The program makes it easy for people to recycle used clothing and footwear by dropping them off in bins at each of their store locations. The items are sent to a processing facility through I:CO, a textile-recycling solutions company. Anything that can be …
September 19, 2017
ASTM International will host an organizational meeting to potentially launch a new group that creates technical standards for human exoskeletons. This fast-growing area includes wearable robots and other mechanisms that enhance human strength and provide other capabilities. New exoskeleton standards could support cutting-edge industrial, military, medical, recreational and other applications. Government agencies, industry groups, laboratories …
September 18, 2017
Sinteplast, Piessa Group member, the biggest PVC producer in Mexico, plans to present its new pool liner—GEOPOOL—this September at IFAI Expo in New Orleans. After three years of research to develop a line of reinforced membranes capable of competing directly with European products, Sinteplast moves forward with its swimming pool line which includes outstanding embossing …
AWNEX Inc., a Ball Ground, Ga., manufacturer and installer of architectural metal systems for the corporate chain market, has announced the establishment of a sister company, The Garrett Company (TGC). The company offers commercial-grade metal architectural systems, including trellises, canopies, soffit canopies, sunscreens, patio covers and shutters. Sold directly to customers through a dealer network …
IMI Europe has announced the full invited speaker and panel session program for its strategic Digital Printing Conference event. The event will be held at the Novotel Barcelona City Hotel, Barcelona, Spain, from September 20–21, 2017, with supporting events on September 18–19 including a Mergers and Acquisitions forum, Market Reports Live sessions and a new …
September 15, 2017
The conference, “Managing Today’s Textile Coloration Challenges: From Fiber to Fashion” was held September 13–14 in Charlotte, N.C. Sponsored by the Association of Textile, Apparel & Materials Professionals (AATCC), the conference brought together brands, retailers, mills and suppliers to hear both sides of the story and work together to understand each other’s challenges and propose …
R+T South America, a specialized trade fair dedicated to roller shutters, doors/gates and sun protection system in the Mercosur market, will take place May 9–12, 2018, in São Paulo, Brazil. The trade fair is the new platform for national and international manufacturers and dealers. R+T South America showcases new technologies, information on innovations and offers …
September 14, 2017
Tom Koster joins Fil-TecTom Koster has joined the sales team of Fil-Tec Inc., Hagerstown, Md., as senior sales representative for the Midwest region. Koster will handle sales and service for the region, along with new account development. He brings over 36 years of experience in sales and management to Fil-Tec, a leading manufacturer of industrial …
September 13, 2017
A new United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) project will help revive the Egyptian cotton industry, which produces high quality fiber known the world over as “white gold.” Although a significant pillar of the Egyptian economy, the textile sector plays a marginal role in the global textile value chain due to the absence of innovation, …
September 12, 2017
R+T 2018, the world trade fair for roller shutters, doors/gates and sun protection systems, will take place in Stuttgard, Germany, February 27–March 3, 2018. The demand for high-quality internal sun protection systems has been growing. According to annual figures of the members of the Association for Interior Blinds and Shading Devices (ViS), extremely good sales …
The flame-resistant fabrics market is estimated to grow to $5.787 billion by 2022, according to a new report by Research and Markets, Dublin, Ireland. The increase, from $4.379 billion in 2017, represents a compound annual growth rate of 5.73 percent over the forecast period. Mounting concern over workplace safety and government regulations are key factors …
September 11, 2017
The Biocomposites Conference Cologne is scheduled to take place on Dec. 6–7, 2017, in Cologne, Germany. This year’s conference and exhibition will be the largest industry meeting on biocomposites worldwide, with more than 250 participants and 30 exhibitors expected. Organized by the nova-Institute, the conference will highlight the wide range of successful new technologies and …
September 8, 2017
The MFA Awards are now open for entries! MFA members are being notified in advance of non-member industry professionals. Submit your best fabrication projects for an opportunity to win a Fabrication Excellence Award. Participation is simple, so submit your projects today! The deadline to submit projects will be November 30, 2017. No exceptions. Fabrication Excellence …
Mahaffey Fabric Structures has acquired more than $24.2 million in assets from Classic Party Rentals, including tents, structure frames, fabric pieces and specialty structures. Based in Memphis, Tenn., Mahaffey provides temporary turnkey structures and shelter solutions across the U.S. With the purchase, Mahaffey will have an expanded network of both personnel and products to cover …
September 7, 2017
SPGPrints has opened a 7,534-square-foot demonstration and training facility for digital textile customers and end-user brands at the company’s global headquarters in Boxmeer, The Netherlands. The Experience Center features operational SPGPrints PIKE® and JAVELIN® digital textile printers for demonstrations and customer trials. The facility will be used to help ensure that suppliers and buyers of …
September 5, 2017
Saint-Gobain, Corbevoie, France, has signed a share purchase agreement to acquire Kirson, Bavaria, Germany. Kirson makes reinforcement scrim and combination products of scrim and nonwoven fabrics primarily for the waterproofing roofing markets, as well as floor coverings and construction panels. The integration of Kirson into Saint-Gobain’s high-performance materials line will complete the company’s Adfors division …
September 1, 2017
Strataglass, a Fort Lauderdale, Fla., manufacturer of premium clear vinyl composite sheets, has launched a new company website: www.strataglass.com. The site is an information hub for the marine enclosure markets, featuring comprehensive blog articles and download opportunities for informational product documents about both Strataglass and CrystalClear, the company’s uncoated clear composite vinyl alternative that offers …
August 31, 2017
Multiple nonwovens product sectors in China continue to exhibit strong growth and potential for the foreseeable future, according to reports from the biennial China International Nonwovens Expo & Forum held in Shanghai in June. While multiple sectors within China’s nonwovens market are experiencing strong growth, three in particular stand out: hygiene, medical and filtration. Government …
August 30, 2017
The government of India has set the goal for the Indian textile sector to reach $650 billion by 2025. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the goal while inaugurating India’s largest ever textile meet, Textiles India–2017 last June in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. He said that speed, scale and quality are essential for Indian textiles to compete against …