2020

 

Week of March 30, 2020

COVID-19 – LATEST UPDATES:

• STEPPING UP: America Knits, Spoonflower, Greenwood Mills among textile companies answering call for PPE production

• CARES BILL: Experts explain what $2.2 trillion stimulus package means to business

• BLOG: Be wary of foreign textile firms touting anti-COVID-19 claims

• Techtextil N.A. / Texprocess Americas postponement rescheduled for Oct. 1-3

• NCTO responds to plan to defer tariffs as industry addresses COVID-19 needs

• Sen. Brown to Administration: Drop duty deferral plan, support U.S. PPE makers

• NCTO to join U.S. DOC, SBA in webinar covering COVID-19

• IFAI webinar Friday: ‘How to Survive and Thrive in a COVID-19 World’

• Burlington Medical Barrier Fabrics boosts production amid outbreak

• Milliken pivots textile manufacturing to produce advanced medical PPE

• Standard Textile increases production of PPE products for medical workers

• Carhartt shifts U.S. production to support healthcare PPE effort

• Chargeurs, Noble Biomaterials partner on antimicrobial PPE

• Gerber Technology, Hardwire partner to rapidly expand production of PPE

• Eastman Machine Matchmaker tool connecting PPE makers, customers

• YKK partnering with customers to address COVID-19 challenge

• Detroit Sewn producing 300,000 masks for healthcare workers

• Celanese supporting customers, medical equipment producers

• Bolger & O’Hearn designated as Essential Service during crisis

• Tukatech offering cloud-based support to manufacture PPE

• NILIT assures continuity, support focuses on PPE during COVID-19

• IPC D-70 E-Textiles Committee creates Response Community

• Oerlikon shortens delivery times for nonwovens system due to crisis

OTHER NEWS:

• HONOR: Diversified Systems’ Burgess named S.C. Small Biz Person of Year

• SOFTWARE: Cycling clothing maker gets on fast track with EFI Optitex 3D

• COLLABORATION: Jones Family of Companies partners with NanoTouch

• NEW PRODUCT: Avery Dennison unveils recycled apparel tag fasteners

• ENVIRO UPDATE: Lenzing Group publishes 2019 Sustainability Report

PEOPLE:

• Service Thread adds Barnes as sales account manager

• CEMATEX elects Buchwalder permanent Secretary General

NONWOVENS:

• INDA lauds Washington State law addressing wipes labeling

• INDA announces award finalists WOW International Conference

 

Week of March 23, 2020

COVID-19 – LATEST UPDATES:

• Loose Ends blog: Industry steps into the wild wild West of PPE production

• U.S. textile firms, apparel brands partner to ramp up face mask production

• Parkdale’s Warlick joins Sen. Brown in plan to address shortage of PPE

• AAPN Sourcing Center for PPE attracting thousands of users

• SEAMS driving collaborative efforts to address need for PPE products

• Carolina Textile District leading production network making PPE

• Milliken scales up production of antimicrobial fabric for medical

• Culp, Inc. shifts operations to masks, fabrics for healthcare, etc.

• Accel Lifestyle adjusts manufacturing to produce antibacterial face masks

• Thomaston Mills announces it has bed sheets in stocks for healthcare

• Shima Seiki releases data for two more versions of knitted masks

• Gerber Technology creates PPE Task Force and Resource Team

• Textile, apparel manufacturers get creative in fighting invisible enemy

• Eastman Machine stays open to aid emergency production

• Kamber Narrow Fabric Machinery can convert equipment quickly

• STA, Joint Fiber Buyers cancel Annual Meeting

• Gildan Activewear shutters production during crisis

• Devan offers antiviral solutions for textiles to essential workers

• Cotton Incorporated survey reveals concerned consumers seek comfort

• Reifenhäuser Reicofil converts test lines to face mask production

• Reifenhäuser shortens delivery time for lines to produce face mask layers

• Picanol Group responds to crisis, suspends production in Belgium

• AAFA welcomes stimulus package, urges swift action on tariff relief

• NCC: Economic stimulus measure critically needed for cotton, textiles

• Alvanon hosting webinars around disruption, including coronavirus

• GOTS' LA webinar cancelled, changed to Zoom conference

 

Week of March 16, 2020

• AATCC: Association 'Goes Green in Greenville' at International Conference

Organizations respond to COVID-19 crisis:

• NCTO, INDA, IFAI urge officials to deem textile/nonwovens makers ‘essential’

• Techtextil N.A. / Texprocess Americas tradeshows postponed until Dec.

• NCTO not holding Annual Meeting this year

• N.C. State Day of Giving postponed, but Student Emergency Fund set up

• STA, Fiber Buyer partners say Annual Meeting still on schedule

• SYFA to cancel Spring Meeting; Fall Meeting set for Nov. 5-6

• AATCC to hold committee meetings online, extends testing deadlines

• AAPN deferring pro:Americas Annual Meeting until later in year

• IFAI changing Smart Fabrics Summit to virtual, assessing other events

• Federal and Defense Textile Summit (FedTex) cancelled

• ISIFM cancels Spring Meeting; Fall event scheduled for Oct.

Other news:

• KNITTING: Shima Seiki releases production data for 3D surgical masks

• WIPE: Nonwoven product from TTU may help coronavirus toxic cleanup efforts

• AWARD: Aurora Specialty Textiles Group honored for operational excellence

• IFAI: Registration open for Smart Fabrics Virtual Summit

• SDL ATLAS: Compact colorfastness to washing tester upgraded

• NONWOVENS: Anglo Recycling enjoying ‘salad days’ with mats for herb growers

Oerlikon news:

• OEM gets three large orders for manmade fiber production solutions

• Neumag announces major upgrades to BCF yarn tangling unit
   

Week of March 9, 2020

• LOOSE ENDS BLOG: Coronavirus crisis wreaking havoc on textile events, much more

• N.C. STATE DAY OF GIVING: Help support Wilson College of Textiles, future leaders

• CORONAVIRUS: NCTO supports Administration proposal for economic stimulus

• ACQUISITION: Sage Automotive to buy Adient’s auto fabric business

• FINISHING: Baldwin to introduce fabric coating system at Techtextil North America

• STANDARDS: GOTS reacts to ‘misleading’ organic claim by company

• AAFA: Directors, leadership elected for 2020-21

• COATS: Sustainability Report covers key performance data

• RIETER: Machine assembly at Switzerland site to be discontinued

• MONFORTS: OEM running trials to improve aquaculture nets

SUPPLY CHAIN:

• NCTO responds to commission’s report on Chinese forced labor

• Retail, fashion groups respond to forced labor reports in China

AATCC NEWS:

• New member benefit introduced: Testing Resource List

• New website offers opportunities to connect, learn

PEOPLE:

• ORCO adds Vince Hankins as vice president of sales

• Itema Group appoints Ugo Ghilardi CEO

• Lenzing names Trubrich VP of Capital Markets

OERLIKON:

• Barmag wiping robot said to reduce yarn breaks

• Barmag, Polygenta partner on recycled polyester FDY yarns

 

Week of March 2, 2020

• IFAI: Women leave summit empowered, enriched, enlightened

• KNITTING: KARL MAYER to acquire machine builder Stoll

• SUSTAINABILITY: Hemp Black certified in Cradle to Cradle™ program

• WEAVING: Picanol to showcase solutions at Egyptian trade fair

• INDA: FiltXPO™ attracts more than 1,300 attendees for first edition

• SKILLS GAP: EFI Optitex, Fashion Enter partner on fashion, textile training

• ACQUISITION: Tesca to purchase automotive textile supplier Willy Schmitz

• AMERICHEM: Prescient Color changes name to integrate with U.S. parent

• OERLIKON: Manmade Fibers unit hosts technology symposium in India

• TMAS: Eltex of Sweden’s yarn monitoring system keeps close eye on quality

AAFA NEWS:

• Latest edition of restricted substance list issued

• Association encouraged by introduction of SHOP SAFE Act

POSTPONEMENTS:

• Nonwovens show INDEX™20 moved to Oct. due to coronavirus crisis

• Composites show JEC World now set for May because of pandemic

 

Week of February 24, 2020

• eTC 2019 INDUSTRY CHAMPION: Milliken & Co. – Where legacy, vision operate in tandem

• NCTO: Council issues statement on industry impact of coronavirus

• FABRIC MAKER: Quantum accelerates $3.5M investment plans in N.C.

• CIRCULARITY: New apparel group kicks off project to eliminate textile waste

MILLIKEN NEWS:

• Company among World’s Most Ethical Companies® for 14th year

• Firm sponsors National Geographic Circular Economy forum

OTHER NEWS:

• EASTMAN: Company receives distinguished honors from Ethisphere, Forbes

• NEW VENTURE: Textile vet Blalock launches OMNI LLC consultancy

• SPESA: Advancements in Mfg. Technologies Conference set for April in Detroit

• AATCC: Technical Manual includes new e-textile standards

• AURORA: Expressions family of printable textiles expanded with banners

• GERBER: 3D workflow revolutionized with latest release of AccuMark®

• WTiN EVENT: Asia conference to become virtual due to coronavirus

• CONFERENCE: Opportunities abound for textiles in changing auto industry

PEOPLE:

• Champion Thread promotes Lee to sales vice president

• AAFA grows Policy, Membership teams hires, Hughes, Balkovic
   

Week of February 17, 2020

• STA: Winter Technical seminar brings diversity, clarity for 2020

• NCTO: Blog series on sustainability in U.S. textiles launched

• E-TEXTILES: IPC issues call for participation for conference

• INDEX: Truetzschler to unveil ideas for sustainable, affordable wipes

• SUSTAINABILITY: EUPMS helps eco-friendly goals with energy cost reduction

• FILTXPO: Leaders to move together toward future of cleaner air, water

• N.C. STATE: Wilson Textiles to hold young alumni event in Charlotte

• COLOR ACCURACY: X-Rite, Pantone announce expanded seminar series

• SAURER: With new line, OEM takes next step toward automated factories

• EGY SHOW: Oerlikon Manmade Fibers ready to make mark on African market

• ARCHROMA: With Carlin, Color Atlas for polyester presented at Première Vision

• TEIJIN: Materials enhance functionality, care of traditional Japanese wear

• DYSTAR: Company resigns from ETAD, joins TEGEWA

AATCC:

• Chronicle to receive Chapin Award for service

• Improved Proficiency Testing Programs launched

NATIONAL COTTON COUNCIL ANNUAL MEETING:

• 2020 world cotton outlook: Coronavirus adds to uncertainties

• Survey: U.S. producers may plant less cotton in 2020

• Kent Fountain elected NCC chairman for 2020

• Directors for 2020 elected

• State unit officers elected for 2020

• Council honors Bill May with Harry Baker Service Award

• Cotton Achievement Award honors Earl Sears

• Cotton Council International elects 2020 officers, directors

 

Week of February 10, 2020

• YARN PROCESSOR: 3A Throwing acquisition of U.S. facility Ames deemed a success

• OBITUARY: THORLO owner Throneburg was prolific inventor in sock industry

• A.B. CARTER: Supplier among winners of N.C Governor’s Export Award

• DONE DEAL: Pharr closes on sale of High Performance units to Coats

• TRAINING: Textile Technology Center offers several classes in spring

• SHOWS: Early-bird pricing ends Feb. 18 for Techtextil N.A./Texprocess

• UNIFI: REPREVE® Champions of Sustainability Award winners announced

• AURORA: Company President Ayala to speak at IFAI Women In Textiles Summit

• QUALITY: Audit3 announces ISO 9001:2021 certification of Reed Manufacturing

• IFAI: Association partners with Alliance Funding Group to provide fast financing

• SUSTAINABILITY: FilamentFactory unveils recycled polyester multifilament yarns

• DOMOTEX USA: Show educates, inspires flooring industry for 2020, beyond

• AMERICHEM: New website designed to align with brand competencies

• FILTRATION: TMAS, ACG team up with Juki on automated production line

AATCC NEWS

• Cotton Incorporated’s Ken Greeson to receive Olney Medal

• Cotton Incorporated sponsors C2C Student Merchandising Competition

• Test method designations updated for great transparency

PEOPLE

• Teijin Aramid appoints Horst CEO to succeed Gert Frederiks

• Baldwin Technology appoints Joe Kline president & CEO

 

Week of February 3, 2020

• FINISHING PLANT: Thomaston Mills completes capital project in S.C.

• DUVALTEX: Commercial textile producer unites behind a single brand

• ASSISTANCE: DeFeet Custom Shop aids Aussie wildlife affected by fires

• SPESA: President presents ‘State of Our Union’ in association’s 30th year

• DONE DEAL: DOMO Chemicals completes acquisition of Solvay unit

• STA: Venue changes for next week's Winter Technical Seminar

• PICANOL: Weaving machine maker to participate in ITME Africa

• SPINNING: Rieter signs more contracts for modernization projects in Egypt

• AATCC: New newsletter launched, subscription options offered

• YARN: Lenzing completes second pilot plant for TENCEL™ Luxe

• FILTRATION: Nonwovens at forefront as coronavirus infection containment

• IFAI: Tent professionals enjoy business, fun at annual conference

• ERP/CRM: TexTempo adds Microsoft-based solutions with Queue

PEOPLE:

• Spoonflower appoints ex-eBay, ChannelAdvisor exec as CEO

• Howard Coker to succeed Tiede as Sonoco president/CEO

INDA:

• Registration opens for World of Wipes® International Conference

• FiltXPO™ to explore solutions for biopharmaceutical manufacturing

 

 

Week of January 27, 2020

• KNITTING MACHINERY: Close-'knit' siblings see huge potential for start-up, TREX

TRADE MATTERS:

• President Trump signs USMCA at ceremony, mentions U.S. textiles

• NCTO applauds administration’s move to crack down on counterfeits

• AAFA welcomes administration’s recommendations on counterfeits

BURLINGTON NEWS:

• Focus on sustainability elevated in new decade

• Kids Essentials advanced performance collection launched

• No Fly Zone® insect repellent licensing expands in Canada

PEOPLE:

• Itema America adds Kemp Smith as after-sales manager

• AATCC hires education director to replace retiring Peggy Pickett

NONWOVENS:

• INDA: FiltXPO speaker to address global water sustainability

• EDANA announces nominees for INDEX™ Excellence Awards

• Textiles aides with job creation in Indian village

IFAI:

• Marine Fabricators Association presents Excellence Awards

• Entries open for 2020 Student Design Competition

MORE NEWS:

• GREEN BIZ: For Aurora and plant engineer, sustainability is a daily practice

• AAPN: Regional Conference in Charlotte targets top executives

• ISKO: Denim innovations spotlighted at two tradeshows

• DENIM: Textiles Intelligence: Industry making major strides in sustainability

• KARL MAYER: Subsidiary celebrates 25-year anniversary in China

• TEIJIN FRONTIER: Eco-friendly materials to be showcased

 

Week of January 20, 2020

• REVIEW & FORECAST: Companies offer mixed reports as year of uncertainty kicks in

TRADE MATTERS:

• NCTO welcomes Senate passage of USMCA

• AAFA applauds USMCA passage by Senate

• Phase One deal on 301 tariffs raises hopes for U.S. cotton

OTHER NEWS:

• FABRIC MAKER: Vidalia Mills announces first selvedge denim customer

• MOUNT VERNON: Closing Ga. facility helps ensure success, exec says

• BRAND: Pendleton reacquires outerwear license from Item House

• SUSTAINABILITY: Culp Home Fashions receives ICE Recycling award

• PURCHASE: Pinnacle Textile Industries acquires Topps Safety Apparel

• ANNIVERSARY: LYCRA marks first year as Ruyi standalone subsidiary

• CAD: Menswear brand Lilanz selects Gerber pattern design software

• HEIMTEXTIL: Monforts helps show celebrate 50 years of excellence

• DOMOTEX: Oerlikon Manmade Fibers showcases color separation unit

• PEOPLE: DOMO Chemicals appoints Bonte CEO, chairman

IFAI NEWS:

• Marine Fabricators Conference creates buzz, attendees say

• Jeff Newkirk achieves Master Fabrics Craftsman certification

OUTDOOR RETAILER + SNOW SHOW PREVIEWS:

• Unifi to introduce sustainable, performance fiber solutions

• Indorama Ventures to feature new, sustainable denim

ISPO MUNICH PREVIEWS:

• Shima Seiki to exhibit solutions for knitwear

• Teijin Frontier to showcase high-function materials

 

Week of January 13, 2020

• eTC's 2019 SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR: Warptek rolling along at, well, warp speed

TRADE MATTERS

• NCTO responds to signing of Phase One 301 Tariffs deal

• AAFA: Industry faces limited tariff relief following China deal signing

• NCC: China Phase One trade deal holds promise for U.S. cotton

OTHER NEWS

• PLANT TOUR: U.S. officials visit Henderson Sewing Machine Co.

• MILITARY EVENT: SE Region Federal and Defense Textile Summit set

• MERGER: Carbon fiber producer Hexcel to combine with Woodward

• WORKWEAR: Burlington launches Raeflex™ performance uniform fabrics

• AATCC: Program revealed for International Conference in Greenville, S.C.

• MORE AATCC: Foundation to celebrate 100 years with special campaign

• NCC BELTWIDES: Cotton Inc.'s Jones earns Genetics Research Award

• KNITTING: Shima Seiki to collaborate with Italian designer at Pitti Filati

• GERBER: Houdini Sportswear enhances sustainability with YuniquePLM

• NONWOVENS: Prominent keynote speakers lined up for FiltXPO event

• APPAREL: New United uniforms by Carhartt hit the ‘runway’

• SDL ATLAS: STEPHETEX added as distributor for France, Morocco

• FIBER FIRM: Barnhardt Mfg. selects IFS in the Cloud as ERP system

• SAURER: Firm to show spinning, embroidery technologies at ITME Africa

• YARN PRODUCTION: Uster partner Esquel maximizes quality

• CALIF. SHOW: Coloreel to exhibit with Hirsch at Impressions Expo

• APPAREL SHOW: KARL MAYER to exchange ideas at Interfilière

• SUSTAINABILITY: Lenzing launches reforestation project in Albania
   

Week of January 6, 2020

• SCMA: Textile Summit attracts executives to divers program

• LENZING: NCTO member hosts U.S. trade officials at Alabama Plant

• ACQUISITION: Ocean State Innovations buys textile dyer/finisher ColorWorks

• GROWTH: Ascend to invest $175M in Alabama to increase ADN capacity

• MADE IN USA: Eastman Machine supports U.S. apparel mfg. at America Knits

• SUPPLIER: Klueber Lubrication acquires TRAXIT International

• PATTERN MAKING: Tukatech makes 25th anniversary gift to fashion industry

• SMART TEXTILES Sensoria announces brace for knee replacement rehab

• AT CES: Everest Textile, ITRI, Xplova sign MOU for digital fitness platform

AT HEIMTEXTIL:

• Devan reinforces sustainability push with more bio-based products

• Lenzing continues journey toward circular economy

PEOPLE:

• Service Thread appoints Jay Todd CEO

• MMI Textiles names Jeff Papalia vice president

• Navis TubeTex promotes Amy Treadway to CFO

• HLC Industries announces newly elected board of directors

• Former Xaar CEO Douglas Edwards joins EFI as CTO

• Xaar adds Ian Tichias as CFO