Posted October 24, 2017

 

By Devin Steele (DSteele@eTextileCommunications.com)

 

NEW ORLEANS – The annual IFAI Expo held here recently drew thousands of participants for three days of the exhibition and one-day conferences around the industrial fabric sector of the textile industry.

 

Following are reviews submitted by a cross section of exhibitors.

 

American & Efird

 

Though overall attendance appeared to be down from last year’s show, that didn’t significantly affect traffic to the sewing thread maker’s booth, according to American & Efird’s (A&E’s) Jacob Blackburn.

 

“It is always great for us to see our customers outside of the office and to be introduced to many potential new ones,” said Blackburn of A&E’s Global Marketing area.

 

This year, there were quite a few attendees outside of traditional specialty outdoor markets that had heard about some of the innovative thread capabilities and products A&E offers and wanted to learn more, he added.

 

“It is always great for us to learn about customers' individualized needs and discuss how A&E can assist them in accomplishing their thread product needs and goals,” Blackburn said. “From our quality outdoor product capabilities, to our sustainable product offerings featuring REPREVE®, to A&E's innovative conductive thread capabilities, we were excited so many were interested to learn more about what we do and how A&E can assist on future projects.”

 

He added that A&E received a lot of positive comments about the company’s thread products and service in general. Specifically, Sunstop® thread products continue to be a big hit for A&E, as well as the announcement of its PFC-free product Anefil Nylon® Dry. Anefil Nylon® Dry is engineered to maintain exceptional non-wicking properties, and used in a variety of products from outdoor and footwear to defense, automotive and furniture among others. This is significant as it is a PFCZERO™ product. Anefil Nylon® Dry does not contain any C4, C6 or C8 chemistry, which is positive for the environment.

 

Customers were also interested to see what A&E is doing on the sustainability front, with its ever-expanding line of Unifi REPREVE®, recycled thread products

 

“Feedback received focused around how our customers finally have options to complete their respective sustainability stories in ways that weren't before available,” Blackburn said. “A&E is proud to offer an expanding line of high-demand, sustainable, REPREVE® thread products our customers have been interested in and requesting.”

 

American & Efird, based in Mount Holly, N.C., also received a lot of great feedback for its involvement and support in sponsoring the new IFAI Wearables Technology area, he added. This area featured many of A&E's thread products, including A&E's reflective thread, Anefil™ Reflector, as well as additional information on A&E's innovative, conductive thread and yarn products and capabilities.

 

“As many already know and as we had stated in the show preview, ‘innovation’ is a cornerstone of A&E and the thread and yarn products we make,” Blackburn said. “Innovation is what fuels A&E's industry-leading research and development teams and assists our customers in reaching new heights. We were honored to lend our expertise and support in both the traditional established markets and emerging ones we serve.”

 

Daikin America

 

A representative of first-time exhibitor Daikin America, the U.S. arm of Japan-based Daikin, said he was pleased by the traffic and leads gained at the IFAI Expo.

 

“I was impressed by the number of companies exhibiting and the variety of products and services shown,” said Thomas Poston, key account executive. “As usual, the first two days were more busy than the last. At times we had every Daikin member in our booth engaged with a visitor. The lead retrieval system worked well and allowed us time to focus on the customer/visitor needs instead of getting their info.”

 

Daikin America had representatives from its technical, sales and new business development groups in its booth. They were also able to walk the floor some, meeting new companies, seeing interesting products and forming new ideas for improvements, Poston said.

 

“We have a lot of work to do as we met many new companies who have issues where we may be part of the solution,” he said. “Visitors were global and represented multiple aspects of the textile/fiber industries.”

 

Many people know Daikin as the world’s largest manufacture of air condition units, and the only company that controls and owns the process from the fluorspar through the finished unit. But the company also is a leader in fluorochemical production for textiles/nonwovens, carpet and paper applications. It has a Decatur, Ala., manufacturing site, along with an impressive technical center next door.

 

The company is basic in chemistry and supply water/oil repellency and cleanability to fabrics. It offers these properties in multiple applications from topical finishing, internal fiber extrusion and top layers for coatings.

 

“We had interest in all three areas,” Poston said.

 

Gehring Tricot Corp./TWEAVE

 

A representative of Gehring Tricot Corp. said booth visitors showed strong interest in its technical stretch wovens, composite textile advances, expanded design capabilities and corporate expansion to to further increase growing capacity and enhanced capability needs.

 

“The show was excellent,” said Bill Christmann, vice president of sales. “The hours were perfect to allow for other needs of the day to be dealt with, thereby allowing full focus during the trade show floor hours.”

 

The company saw a very diverse representation of existing and potential partners for a good range of industries, Christmann said.

 

“We had qualified discussions from the beginning of the show to the end,” he said. “If there was ever a break, the other exhibitors were an excellent source of technical discussions either in supporting us from a raw material perspective or our supplying them with technical fabric solutions.”

 

Asked how the New Orleans version compared to previous shows, Christmann answered, “They’re all excellent – it’s not what comes to us, it’s what we actively extract from the shows.”

 

Graniteville Specialty Fabrics

 

Graniteville Specialty Fabrics, based in Graniteville, S.C., highlighted its Perfecta Marine® Technology that Trivantage is using under their names Aqualon® Edge and HarborTime® Edge and Graniteville’s Force FR® family of military tent liner fabrics.

 

“There was a high level of interest in both products with visitors to our booth,” said Kevin Crean, Executive Vice President.

 

Visitors were also interested in its unique technical coating capabilities as Graniteville works with solvent and water-based coatings. (More details can be found here.)

 

“We had several good meetings at the show with new visitors, existing customers and existing suppliers,” Crean said. “We’re still working on the show leads as we met with a good number of visitors that expressed a strong interest in our products and capabilities.”

 

He also favorably compared this show to other IFAI Expos held in the Southeast.

 

“Typically a show in Charlotte or Atlanta is going to be very good. We felt that this show was very close to them in regards to the quality and level of interest of the visitors to our booth,” he said.

 

Groz-Beckert

 

Sewing machine needle supplier Groz-Beckert reported a good IFAI Expo.

 

“The IFAI show surprised us positively regarding number and quality of visitors,” said Petra Bosch, head of Quality Management and Media Support. “Visitors to our booth passed by mostly to thank us for our sewing machine needles, but also to know more about our newest developments for heavy material sewing. We could also count new leads in many segments.”

 

Groz-Beckert highlighted its Special Application Needles SAN 5.2, MR needles and its new online web shop possibilities with technical information and ordering.

 

Representatives in the booth in addition to Bosch included Ron Russell, area sales manager, Sewing Division, Groz-Beckert USA, Inc. for the USA East Coast and Canada and Ideal Needle Handling Sales for North and Central America; Tony Amores, aarea sales manager, Sewing Division, Groz-Beckert USA, Inc. for the USA West Coast and Central America; and Miriam Krug, area sales manager Sewing Division for Americas, Groz-Beckert KG.

 

GTI Graphic Technology Inc.

 

GTI, a leading manufacturer of tight tolerance lighting systems for critical color viewing, featured products from its ColorMatcher and MiniMatcher Series of color viewing systems. Visitors were attracted to the desktop MiniMatcher series because of its affordable price and versatility, according to Brian Wolfenden, marketing manager. MiniMatchers are offered with a range of viewing areas with three to five light sources.

 

The ColorMatcher Series is offered in four sizes. All include five light sources, ColorGuard lamp tracking (tracks lamp usage for all sources), and are available with a range of floor stand and storage options. All GTI products conform to industry standards.

 

Visitors to GTI’s booth were impressed by the ColorMatcher’s low maintenance requirements and low cost of total owner ship, Wolfenden said.

 

“Overall, our impression of IFAI Expo 2017 was positive,” Wolfenden said. “We met new prospects and visited with existing customers. We were particularly pleased by the wide range of market segments present.”

 

He added that the quality of visitors and visitor demographics was excellent.

 

“As you would expect, the majority of the visitors came from North America and most held senior level positions” Wolfenden said. “We did hit our objective for quantity of leads and have already seen positive results from the show.”

 

Henderson Sewing Machine Co.

 

Andalusia, Ala.-based Henderson Sewing Machine Co., Inc. highlighted three industrial machines: The JUKI LU2810-7X/AK, 1-NDL Walking Foot Sewing Machine; the JUKI PLC2760, 2-NDL Post Bed Sewing Machine; and the Brother KE430F-05, Lockstitch Bar Tacker Sewing Machine with Automation Fold and Tack.

 

“It was a great show with a great flow of attendees and nice set up,” said Mario Gauna, who works in sales and international customer service. “I personally have not attended any other IFAI shows, but this show, in my opinion, has great.”

 

Jason Mills LLC

 

Jason Mills, based in Milltown, N.J., featured seven styles among its usual line of 50+ SKUs, as well as its development program.

 

Among those styles:

 

• 1928 – a basic polyester, but completely Berry Amendment compliant and finished with a neutral pH. The end use is for the parachute industry, as it works as a lining;

• 1992 – a variation of its standard, blending copper and polyester yarns for an antimicrobial finish. This fabric is used in the equestrian industry  for horse blankets;

• 1920 – the newest generation of golf simulator impact screens, they are highly impact resistant, but knit to enhance HD imagery;

• 801 – same as 1920, but a tighter knit. This is the best impact screen on the market, period, according to Jason Mills;

• 800 – two variations of its cut-resistant material; one offers hi-viz safety colors with a polyester/nylon blend. The other has an enhanced pattern for better coverage and cut resistance. This is used in the occupational safety industry for such items as arm guards for glass handling and aprons;

• 415 – Highly UV resistant to 2,000 hours for the automotive industry (windscreens); and

• 413 – Its no-see-um mesh. It is water repellent, UV resistant, fire resistant and snag resistant. It prevents intrusion down to ticks and tick nymphs. For outdoor retail.

 

“It was a good show with quality leads,” said Michael Lavroff, company president. “We were able to schedule appointments with current customers, vendors and potential customers that we sent VIP passes to.”

 

Lubrizol

 

The Lubrizol Coproration, a Berkshire Hathaway company, highlighted its polymers and coatings for the textile industry, specifically its urethane coatings for apparel fabrics. The company also highlighted its continued interest and investment in the textile industry demonstrated by its new Technical Service Lab in Gastonia, N.C.

 

“The show was moderately well attended and had a large number of exhibitors representing the industrial fabrics industry,” said Rick Horrigan, account manager, noting that last year’s show in Charlotte was better attended. “The quantity of leads was moderate and very good quality.”

 

Rob Dankel, Lubrizol account manager, concurred.” While not a tremendous volume, the leads were good and traffic was reasonable.”

 

Marshall & Williams

 

First-time exhibitor Marshall & Williams (M&W), a division of Lexington, N.C.-based Navis TubeTex, doesn’t do many shows domestically, but compared to Techtextil North America, IFAI Expo 2017 “was better,” according to David G. Russell, director of the Stenter Business Group.

 

“We had more visitors and generated more leads,” said Russell, who exhibited in the booth with Joe Okey Jr. “Also, it gave us an opportunity to network with some of our existing customers who were exhibiting.”

 

To M&W, the purpose for exhibiting at shows such as this one is two-fold, he added.

 

“One is to reconnect with previous customers because the M&W name was dormant for a few years,” Russell said. “Secondly, to meet people that have a need but are not sure of the equipment complement required. Most visitors were either decision makers or influencers.”

 

M&W unveils new products at the ITMA shows in Europe every four years, but at IFAI Expo did hint at new releases coming in 2019, he added.

 

MMI Textiles

 

While exhibiting constitutes the heart of any trade show’s activities, the body of work at the IFAI Expo makes this event a must attend for IFAI member MMI Textiles, according to Katie Seel, marketing coordinator.

 

“As proud members of the IFAI, we really look forward to the IFAI Expo all year,” she said. “This show offers so much more than a chance for us to share MMI’s products and new innovations – it gives us opportunities to connect with other industry professionals and attend amazing keynote speeches and seminars. We love being able to see the many companies, customers and industry friends from across the country and globe that attend.”

 

Seel added that MMI always appreciates the time it’s able to spend with customers and longtime industry friends who stop by the booth to catch up.

 

“But, of course, it’s also great to get to meet new companies and/or potential customers that are walking the show or exhibiting as well,” she said. “We hold quite a few meetings during the event at our booth and get great quality leads every year.”

 

MMI Textiles, based in Westlake, Ohio, brought new marketing materials, updated banner stands, new fabric samples and some finished medical products showcasing how its wide and narrow fabrics can be used in medical applications. Some of the products showcased this year include: printed narrow fabrics, performance knits, PVC patches/labels/cuff tabs/zipper pulls and, of course, its line of stock and custom fabrics.

 

“The week of the show is a whirlwind, but it’s always been a great time,” Seel said. “The new opportunities that IFAI keeps adding every year make the show better and better. We love all the chances to showcase our products, and to learn and connect with others in our industry, as well.”

 

PA Group

 

PA Group USA, based in Chattanooga, Tenn., was happy with the quality of visitors to its booth, despite its location, according to one of its representatives.

 

“Unfortunately, we were a little late to sign up, so our booth was toward the back of the show,” said Trey Stavrum, account executive. “Even with a subpar location, we were pleased with the quality interaction and leads that we walked away with.”

 

He reported a good amount of traffic throughout the week.

 

“As always, the IFAI event was great,” he said. “Naturally, it was nice to see several familiar faces from the textile and apparel industry. We were also fortunate to make several new connections in the industry fabric portion of the show.”

 

For the second show in a row, PA Group highlighted its new product offering, Microsoft Dynamics NAV. It has partnered with a company called Trimit to present a cost-effective ERP system that is built on the Microsoft Dynamics NAV platform and tailored for the apparel/fashion industry. With the addition of Trimit, PA Group can offer a solution that eliminates gaps in the standard product offering. Our systems allow you to streamline your apparel and fashion business on one platform, with offerings such as B2B, B2C and supplier portals. PA Group is poised to be the leader for ERP business solutions in the apparel and fashion industry.”

 

Stoll America

 

Highlighted products for NYC-based Stoll America, a flat knitting machine provider, were application pieces with conductive and reflective yarns – such as the Balaclava from its Performance+ Collection – as well as wearable electronics like the headphones featured in its Bike Messenger Collection. 

 

“The level of interest was very high,” said Jaime Bartholomai, inside sales & marketing. “Our showcases displayed knitting technology that the general public is not used to seeing, such as our copper wire knitted sample.”

 

This was Stoll America’s first IFAI show, but as an exhibitor and sponsor, it was “a very pleasurable experience,” she added.

 

“Overall, the IFAI was a smaller show, but a great networking outlet for companies involved in advanced textiles,” Bartholomai said. “The first day was probably the busiest – particularly around the afternoon – while the second and third days of the show were a bit slower. The educational experiences and key professionals were the prime takeaway from the IFAI Expo.”

 

Stoll America met with a variety of companies, universities, and professionals – some specializing in yarn manufacturing, boating equipment, military accessories, outdoor furnishing, research and development and much more, she said.

 

“Stoll America definitely walked away with a substantial amount of leads – most of which were perfect for our line of business,” Bartholomai said.

 

Volt Smart Yarns/Supreme Corp.

 

Supreme Corp. (d/b/a Volt Smart Yarns), a knitter based in Hickory, N.C., came away a big winner at this year’s IFAI Expo. Supreme and its partner company, PPS, innovators of SmartVest that captures impact forces from law enforcement personnel while serving in the field, received the Expo’s ShowStopper Award.

 

Supreme recently approached PPS to develop the world’s first smart protective vest for law enforcement personnel. To address this challenge, PPS turned Supreme Corporation’s VOLT Smart Yarns into an Impact Sensor and developed the SmartVest, a revolutionary smart protective vest that features a tactile sensor with six sensing elements and an IMU (Acc & Gyro) and detects in real time when an officer in the field is down or at risk.

 

“We never expected to win the Show Stopper Innovation award for Best New Product of 2017 with our Volt Smart Yarns,” said Matt Kolmes, Supreme CEO. “This really blew us away. We presented four versions of our new Volt Smart Yarns and officially launched our brand at IFAI. It was the experience of a lifetime – I will never forget it.”

 

He called the expo an “inspiring” event, especially the Hackathon.

 

“Watching the enthusiasm and abilities of these students as they engaged and created smart fabrics was really something to see,” Kolmes said. “We had the opportunity to interact with them and provide smart yarns to them. I still can’t help but smile as they asked us for advice on how to construct their inventions.”

 

Kolmes added that the company was able to meet with high-profile companies that were searching for B2B connections.

 

“It was a who’s who of top-level PDs and purchasers,” he said. “This was definitely the best IFAI show I have been to in years – the best one I can remember.”

 

Zimmer

 

Zimmer Austria’s featured machine, the CHROMOJET.TABLETOP PRINTER running live on the booth, was a real conversation starter, according to company officials. This digital lab printing machine sparked the interest of many apparel and home textiles manufacturers, they added.

 

The topic of digital functionalization proved again to be an important one and drew an equally large crowd, staff said. The application of localized functions, paired with low operating costs, reflects the current needs of the fashion, automotive, protection, filtration and other industries.

 

The versatilty of its MAGNOROLL multipurpose coating machine also drew much interest across the board of industries. The MAGNOROLL can be used for universal applications with liquids, pastes, lacquers and foams on textiles, plastics, nonwovens, carpets, glass, film and other innovative materials – hence, it's a true multi-talent. 

 

Zimmer Austria is a world-leading machine manufacturer for screen & digital printing, coating, steaming, drying and functionalization, as well as for a broad range of sample, lab and washing machines. The company’s production sites are in Kufstein and Klagenfurt, Austria. The sales and service office for North America is located in Spartanburg, S.C.