ITA Member News

RADIATE TEXTILES LAUNCHES VISUALIZER ON COMPANY WEBSITE

Radiate Textiles announced a major upgrade to the company website - a fabric visualizer which allows a customer to view fabrics, visualize them on a sofa, chair and ottoman frame, as well as order samples. The website will be continuously refreshed with new and exciting product.

STI ANNOUNCES EXPANSION TO IMPROVE DELIVERY TIMES

STI has recently made investments to increase our domestic capacity by over 30 percent. This capital expenditure investment included yarn manufacturing equipment, new looms, and adding machinery in our finishing plant. STI has seen tremendous growth the past 5 years since they launched the Revolution Fabric brand. Their newest fabric line “ Revolution Outdoor Fabrics’ has picked up market share over the past 2 years and they believe that the growth in this space will continue. Post lockdown orders were the highest orders/backlog that STI has seen in their 30 year history. We see a bright future in domestic textile and furniture manufacturing.

In the last year, STI has gotten away from the lead times that their customers have come to know them for. With this new expansion, they believe they will get back to their promise of quality fabrics, made in the U.S.A.

All equipment for the expansion will be fully operational and running by August of this year.

PMT FABRICS HAS MOVED! PLEASE VISIT OUR NEW SPACE AT THE FASHION RESOURCE CENTER

PMT Fabrics has moved its showroom to the Home Fashion Resource Center, 312 South Hamilton St, Suite 20 in High Point. If you would like to stop in or call during Premarket, Showtime or HPMKT, you may call Bob Gorman at 773-251-2121. We can also show a video presentation for a relaxed personal review.

REGAL FABRICS SEES STRONG GROWTH THROUGH PANDEMIC

Like most companies, Regal Fabrics was forced to close its doors due to Covid-19 last March, only two months after moving into its brand new 90,000 square-foot offices and warehouse. Faced with cancelled and paused customer orders, Regal was forced to make a decision: slow down to wait out the pandemic, or continue to create great new designs, extend the product line and keep large stock positions.

After the initial shock, Regal opted to charge forward. Over the course of 2020 and into spring of 2021, the Regal design team produced and released five new seasonal collections (140 new patterns, 600+ colorways). Regal Fabrics also acquired the Diversitex Home line and committed to expanding the natural/casual/lifestyle range of fabrics.

In addition, Regal introduced custom print services, including low MOQ digital print production, out of its Middleton, MA facility. It was a challenging but rewarding 14 months, as thankfully customer orders quickly rebounded and grew alongside Regal’s expanded product selection and new offerings. Having invested in inventory early in the pandemic was critical to supporting customer needs when demand came back so quickly in the fall.

AMERICA LEATHER RESOURCES: NEW ADDRESS, NEW COLORS, SAME EXQUISITE QUALITY

With a new showroom conveniently located on Main Street next to the train station, American Leather Resources will bring additions to their leather collection at the Spring Showtime Market and debut a new Stock Program. By having it’s best seller leathers stocked in High Point, ready to ship and sold by the box, they allow for very low MOQs and quick delivery to the customers facility. The stock also includes hair-on hides and various sheepskin options. Full of upholstery leathers of all kinds, including pigmented, veg tanned, hair on-hides, handwoven leathers, suedes and more, a visit to the new Main St showroom is a must this season! To make your appointment call (336) 491 6080 or e-mail luisa@americaleather.com.br.

ANDY PACUK AND ELISE GABRIELSON JOIN ITA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Elise Gabrielson, marketing director of Crypton Home Fabric, and Andy Pacuk, sales executive with Ultrafabrics, have been elected to join the International Textile Alliance (ITA) Board of Directors.

Elise Gabrielson, marketing director of Crypton Home Fabric

“Elise and Andy will make outstanding additions to our Board,” said Kelly DiFoggio, president of the ITA Board of Directors. “Each of them is a proven leader in the textiles and home industries with expertise in vital areas such as strategic planning, brand marketing, merchandising, product development, content creation and sales. As a Board, we do our best to create a diverse representation of our membership to cover all sectors, and I feel that Andy and Elise round out the Board nicely.”

Gabrielson has been with Crypton Home Fabric as marketing director since 2015, when she was tapped to launch consumer-facing brand marketing for the product line. She is experienced in strategic planning, content and event creation, influencer marketing and creating custom content with leading shelter magazine titles. While Crypton Home was nearly unknown to the consumer four years ago, it is now a featured brand in such top home furnishings retailers as Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn, CB2, Arhaus, Ethan Allen, Calico Corners and online merchants such as One Kings Lane and fabric.com.

Prior to joining Crypton Home, Gabrielson was a merchandising and marketing manager at Arden Companies, where she launched the Bombay Outdoors furniture brand. In 2018, she was recognized among Home Furnishings Business Magazine’s Top 40 Under 40.

Pacuk has more than 30 years’ experience in home and contract design management, product development in textiles and furniture, along with retail and showroom merchandising. Prior to joining luxury performance fabric resource Ultrafabrics, he served as president of Raxon, a domestic fabric mill that designs and manufactures product for the commercial, healthcare and residential markets. He has also served in senior management roles with The Robert Allen Group and top retailers the Bombay Company and Ethan Allen.

Andy Pacuk, sales executive with Ultrafabrics

Pacuk and Gabrielson join the current ITA Board of Directors which includes: Kelly DiFoggio of Stein Fibers and ITA president; Kathryn Richardson of Libeco and ITA vice president; Mendy Kearns of Hamilton Fabric Sales and ITA treasurer; Nathan Copeland, Highland House Furniture; Carmen Herndon Barbee, Ballard Designs; David Lappert, Kravet Inc.; Katherine Shoaf, Radiate Textiles; and Patrick Shelton, Valdese Weavers.

THE CRYPTON® COMPANIES APPOINT BRIAN BURKE VP PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT FOR ABERCROMBIE TEXTILES

Lance Keziah, CEO of the Crypton Companies, leading providers of performance textile technologies, has announced that Brian Burke has been appointed vice president of product development for Abercrombie Textiles, a North Carolina textile mill which Crypton acquired in October 2019. With decades of expertise in mill management and a record of proven business growth, Burke will play a pivotal role in the ongoing growth and expansion of Abercrombie.

Brian Burke’s broad range of experience encompasses many facets of business management including operations oversight, strategic planning and execution, and product development. Most recently he was director of operations for Glen Raven Custom Fabrics LLC in Sunbury, Pennsylvania. Prior to that he served as vice president of operations for Sunbury Textile Mills after a decade there serving as quality assurance and product development manager.

“Brian is a tremendous addition to the Abercrombie/ Crypton team. I’ve worked with Brian for over 20 years during his years at Sunbury and later Glen Raven and have long respected his passion for textiles and deep operational knowledge,“ says Keziah, who helms Abercrombie as part of his CEO duties at Crypton.

Brian Burke, vice president of product development for Abercrombie Textiles

“Brian and our executive vice president of operations, Ernest Benbassat, possess the ideal leadership skills and vision to take Abercrombie to a new level.”

Says Burke, “I’m thrilled to join this amazing team, having long admired the innovation, dedication and leadership of Crypton. Also, I’m impressed with Abercrombie’s strong foundation and exciting opportunities for growth. I look forward to an immediate bright future for this American mill.”

A new empty-nester, Burke says he looks forward to relocating from central Pennsylvania to western North Carolina with his wife Stephanie. The couple look forward to their 3 children visiting often. Burke assumes the new position immediately.

ISFD CELEBRATES 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF PINNACLE AWARDS® WITH THE ADDITION OF HOME TEXTILES CATEGORY

Entries open for the ISFD 2021 Pinnacle Awards’ 25 highly competitive categories.

The International Society of Furniture Designers (ISFD) will celebrate its 25th year of awarding Pinnacle Design Achievement Awards this fall, and is adding the Home Textiles Category for the first time, along with 24 other categories in furniture and décor, the association announced.

To be considered for the industry’s highest design honor, designers, manufacturers or students must enter the 2021 Pinnacle Awards by August 2, 2021. Winners will be announced at the Pinnacle Awards Gala on Monday, October 18.

The home textiles category for textile designers, manufacturers, and students to enter, is defined as “Textiles designed for home furnishings, primarily upholstered furniture. Entry may be jacquard, dobby, screen, or digital prints.”

Carrie Dillon of the International Textile Alliance added, “We’re extremely excited to have textiles, an integral part of the industry, be represented in the Pinnacle Awards. This is a great opportunity for textile designers to be recognized for their beautiful fabrics.” Submission details can be found at 2021 Pinnacle Awards. To see last year’s winners please visit 2020 ISFD Pinnacle Award Winners. Entry deadline is August 2, 2021.

CULP JOINS SUSTAINABLE FURNISHINGS COUNCIL

High Point-based mattress and upholstery fabric producer Culp, Inc. (NYSE: CULP) is strengthening its commitment to environmental sustainability by joining the Sustainable Furnishings Council (“SFC”), the company announced. The SFC is an independent, non-profit coalition of furniture industry manufacturers, retailers, and designers dedicated to raising awareness and promoting the adoption of environmentally sustainable practices in the home furnishings industry.

As the first publicly traded textile company to join SFC, Culp hopes to use its membership to increase the company’s integration of best sustainability practices. “By joining this council, we are hoping to further our efforts of incorporating sustainable practices into our operations and having a greater positive influence in our industry,” said Iv Culp, president and CEO of Culp. “We are striving to find ways of operating that are better for the environment, for our customers, for our employees, and for our communities.”

“SFC is so pleased to welcome Culp as a new member of our organization,” said Susan Inglis, executive director of SFC. “Culp is a significant company for our entire industry, and their participation will make a difference for our cause.”

DON ENG, VP OF HOME FABRICS, A DIVISION OF COLLINS & AIKMAN / MASTERCRAFT FABRIC PASSES

A memorial service for Don Eng, a beloved colleague and mentor to many in the upholstery fabrics business, was held at 11:00 on March 4, 2021.

Eng was most remembered for his role as vice president of marketing at Collins & Aikman, which was a major player in the upholstery fabrics business.

Don Eng, VP of Home Fabrics

For many years, Eng served as the manager of Collins and Aikman Home Fabrics at the mill in Concord, NC. In 1985 he was named vice president of marketing for Collins and Aikman, Home Fabrics upholstery. As his career grew, he became well known internationally in the textile industry. He retired from Collins and Aikman in 1998, but he continued to consult with several textile mills within the U.S. and China until 2010.

Memorials should be made to St. James Lutheran Church, PO Box 684, Concord, NC 28026.

LENZING RECOGNIZED AS SUSTAINABILITY CHAMPION BY RENOWNED CDP

The Lenzing Group has been recognized by the global environmental non-profit CDP, securing a place on its prestigious ‘A List’ for tackling climate change, as well as acting to protect forests. Through significant demonstrable action in these areas, Lenzing is leading on corporate environmental ambition, action and transparency worldwide.

Stefan Doboczky, CEO of the Lenzing Group

CDP’s annual environmental disclosure and scoring process is widely recognized as the gold standard of corporate environmental transparency. This year, more than 5,800 companies were scored based on data submitted through CDP’s questionnaires.

“We are particularly proud to be the only first-time discloser who has achieved an ‘A’ score for tackling climate change and acting to protect forests,” says Stefan Doboczky, CEO of the Lenzing Group. “The double ‘A’ score reconfirms our long-term sustainability strategy and is an exciting acknowledgement of our efforts on transparency, as well as sustainable raw material sourcing.”

LENZING’S KEY ACTIONS TO TACKLE CLIMATE CHANGE

Lenzing became the world’s first producer of woodbased cellulosic fibers making a strategic commitment to cut its CO2 emissions per ton of product by 50 percent by 2030. This target has been scientifically verified and approved by the Science Based Targets initiative. Furthermore, Lenzing aims for Net-Zero emissions by the year 2050.

Important milestones this year in Lenzing’s journey to carbon neutrality were the introduction of the first TENCEL™ branded CarbonNeutral® fibers, a blockchainenabled traceability platform, and the execution of CO2-reducing energy solutions at its production sites in Lenzing (AT) and Nanjing (PRC). The new pulp plant in Brazil, which will export green energy to the local grid and a state-of-the-art carbon neutral lyocell fiber production site in Thailand, will be the major contributors to driving down Lenzing’s carbon footprint in the coming 18 months.

As part of its afforestation project in Albania, Lenzing has been recognized for a decades-long clean record of sustainable wood sourcing, with more than 99 percent of its wood and pulp sources being either certified by FSC®1 or PEFC™2, or controlled in line with these standards.

Paul Simpson, CEO of CDP, says: “We extend our congratulations to all the companies on this year’s ‘A List’. Taking the lead on environmental transparency and action is one of the most important steps businesses can make. The scale of the risk to businesses from climate change, deforestation and water insecurity is enormous, and we know the opportunities of action far outweigh the risks of inaction.”

INTRODUCING ITA MEMBER SHOWCASE: QUICK SHIP

The supply chain challenges created by COVID-19 have led to delays in manufacturing due to the inability to source the appropriate raw materials. In an effort to keep the manufacturing lines moving, ITA has created a showcase of product from our members that is available for immediate delivery.

The ITA Member Showcase will be a quarterly introduction, so keep an eye out for the next one in June 2021.

NASSIMI INTRODUCING SUPREEN™: A “REVOLUTIONARY” PERFORMANCE UPHOLSTERY FABRIC

Nassimi is introducing Supreen™, a revolutionary new performance fabric with greater range of upholstery application possibilities. The fabric tackles the spills and stains of everyday life without compromising highend design, sustainability, or materiality. A fusion of beauty and brawn, Supreen™ brings cutting-edge woven and coated technology to create a unique liquid-barrier textile with a soft hand that offers impressive upholstery options. This leading combination represents an evolution of performance fabrics, offering manufacturers and designers the durability they need with the aesthetic they seek.

Named after a combination of the words “supple” and “preen,” preserving comfort and beauty is key to Supreen™’s ethos. Breaking new ground, the composite material is constructed of a proprietary silicone blend that is virtually impermeable to any liquid, reactively repelling liquids and preventing future stains. No matter the length of time from the original spill, Supreen™ resists liquid permeability, ensuring that stains do not soak through the fabric or compromise the furniture.

A testament to texture and breathability allows Supreen™ a greater range of upholstery possibilities, where stiffer, more traditional performance fabrics may waver.

“Supreen™ is a pioneer of performance materials,” states Iwan Nassimi, executive vice president of Nassimi. “Designed to provide the utmost performance, Supreen™ exceeds industry standards and expectations. With an impermeable liquid barrier, stain resistance, bleach cleanability and impressive breathability, we are thrilled to introduce Supreen™ and look forward to seeing how designers and manufacturers leverage its innovation in contract environments and beyond.”

Thoughtfully crafted, Supreen™ utilizes a multi-step production method. After the polyester fabric is woven to the highest performance specifications and dyed to the desired hue, it is then purified in a proprietary, patented process that ionically removes over 99% of all contaminants. The fabric is then immersed into a novel silicone solution that permanently embeds a thin layer into the fibers without altering appearance or texture, thanks to the patented purification process. Lastly, a performance polyurethane backing is thermo-bonded to the fabric, sans adhesives or solvents, creating a new, composite material, and completing the process.

How is Supreen™ made? Compromise is not found within Supreen™’s vocabulary. Along with its remarkable performance capabilities, what sets Supreen™’ apart is its incredibly plush hand for such a high-duty material – Supreen™ retains the luxurious softness of a woven fabric with the integrated durability of a coated textile. This material innovation ensures that Supreen™ surpasses contract grade upholstery standards and is suitable for endless design options. True to Nassimi’s signature of proactive and future-thinking design solutions, Supreen™ is both environmentally friendly and bleach cleanable. Free of fluorocarbons, Supreen™ prioritizes environmental and personal health, as its silicone composition is PFC- and PFOA-free.

Supreen™ is also HHI and Prop 65 compliant. The inaugural launch of Supreen™ will include three new textile offerings boasting performance capabilities and a rich, sweeping color palette of deep jewel tones and classic neutrals. The Supreen™ Winter 2021 Collection includes a textural weave with subtle dimension, a touchably soft, delicately heathered design, and a small-scale geometric pattern with dynamic texture. More innovative patterns will be added to the collection in the coming months.

Supreen™ is currently available exclusively through a handful of leading fabric distributors including: Anzea Textiles (division of Stinson), Burch Fabrics, Carnegie Fabrics, Coral Inc, Designtex, Fabricut Contract, Justin David Textiles, KB Contract, Knoll Textiles, Paul Brayton Designs, Reliatex, Samelson-Chatelane, United Fabrics, Woeller, and Wolf Gordon Inc.

BLAKE MILLINOR NAMED PRESIDENT OF VALDESE WEAVERS

Millinor will be the 5th president of the company since 1935. Mike Shelton, president and CEO of Valdese Weavers, announced Blake Millinor’s appointment as president today at the company’s headquarters in Valdese, North Carolina.

Blake Millinor, president of Valdese Weavers

Shelton will continue to serve as CEO of the company. Millinor will assume CEO responsibilities when Shelton steps down later this year from his leadership role at Valdese Weavers that he has held for the past 25 years.

“Blake and I have worked together at Valdese Weavers for the past two decades.” said Shelton. “He is uniquely qualified to lead Valdese Weavers into our next chapter(s), and carry forward our long standing track record of achievement and success competing in the global textile industry. He is a highly respected industry veteran and will be very effective leading all aspects of our business. His proven leadership coupled with his applied experience in sales and marketing, brand development, global supply chain management, and operations makes Blake the perfect person to lead Valdese Weavers now and into the future.”

Mike Shelton, CEO & past president of Valdese Weavers

Millinor started his career with Valdese Weavers in 2001 and has served as chief sales and marketing officer of the company since 2014. Millinor was a key contributor in the planning and execution of multiple business acquisitions and positioning Valdese Weavers as a leader in the Mike Shelton, CEO & past president of Valdese Weavers performance fabric market. Millinor is eager to begin his role as president and says, “I am proud to have been a part of the history of growth we have experienced and am very excited for what the future holds. As an ESOP company, my focus is continuing to deliver value to our customers and the employee-owners of Valdese Weavers.”

Shelton added, “It has been an honor and a privilege for me to lead Valdese Weavers as our president and CEO. We have grown five-fold since I joined the company in 1989. Further, we have doubled our size during the period of globalization that decimated our segment of the domestic textile industry. Most of the great decorative fabric mills in the United States, and many around the world, that we competed with since the 1990’s have since disappeared. Yet, we have not only survived, but have found a way to indeed thrive. This has only been possible because of our customers, who have seen value in our products and services consistently over the years as we continually re-invented our company, striving to better meet their needs. And equally important, the dedication, commitment, and loyalty of our ESOP associates at Valdese Weavers has created our success, inspired by the vision of our talented leadership team. For this I am extremely grateful, and incredibly proud!”

BENJI BAGWELL JOINS TEXTILE DIVISION AT MILLIKEN & COMPANY

Milliken & Company is pleased to announce that Benji Bagwell has joined as vice president of sales and marketing for the specialty interiors business within the Textile Division. Most recently at UltraFabrics, Bagwell is now responsible for leading the specialty interiors business growth strategy and alignment with division initiatives.

Benji Bagwell, vice president of specialty interiors at Milliken & Company

“Benji’s career visibility into multiple business functions combined with his commercial and residential contract fabric expertise make him an invaluable asset to our division’s leadership team and our specialty interiors business,” said Chad McAllister, executive vice president of Milliken & Company and president of the Textile Division.

With 25 years of industry experience through leadership roles at Glen Raven and UltraFabrics, Bagwell brings a diverse perspective and wealth of knowledge across manufacturing, business development, business operations and environmental initiatives.

TSG FINISHING COMPLETES CONVERSION OF ITS DEFEND® BRAND OF FINISHING TO PLANT-BASED TECHNOLOGY

Hickory, N.C.-based TSG Finishing LLC is pleased to announce that 100% of their DEFEND® brand of water and stain repellent finishes now utilize plant-based technology.

Through the efforts of TSG’s technical and development teams, DEFEND will continue to excel in repelling both water and oil-based products while carrying the label of being ‘plant-based’. Utilizing and perfecting these applications, TSG can report that this technology reduces the amount of PFAS (fluorinated chemical) also known as C6, by one third with the new formulation. Employing a USDA certified bio-based product has been key in the progression of the plant-based formulation.

OUTDURA INTRODUCES OVATION 4

Be sure to check out Outdura’s new Ovation 4 collection at the upcoming Showtime on May 16-19, 2021.

The colors in the new Ovation 4 collection were inspired by an appreciation of nature as seen in the Starry Night, Morning Sky, Garden Spots, Warm Winter and Tawny Sunsets fabric groups. The Night Out group reflects a desire to get back to a “normal life.”

Perfect for use outdoors or indoors, the US-made Outdura solution-dyed acrylic fabrics have color pigments that penetrate through the fiber, not just on the surface. They are not only UV fade resistant after 1500 hours of testing but also stain, water, mold and mildew resistant. Cleaning is a breeze with soap and water or a bleach solution for stubborn stains.

MILLIKEN & CO. REPORTS PROGRESS ON CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY GOALS

Milliken & Co., a global textile manufacturer based in Spartanburg, S.C., has released its third annual corporate sustainability report, entitled, “Together for Tomorrow.” The company reported the following progress in 2020 towards its planet, product and people goals:

• Reinforcing our ongoing commitment to advancing diversity, equality, and inclusion in the face of social unrest;

• Focusing development and manufacturing process on COVID-19 safety by producing medical-grade fabric gowns, face shields and flooring to assist with social distancing efforts;

• Prioritizing associate safety, particularly essential workers, by enhancing the company’s safety-first culture.

• Continuing to invest capital to eliminate coal as a primary fuel source, thereby reducing GHG emissions and reduce waste;

• Acquiring Borchers—Milliken’s largest acquisition to date—which will scale the company’s coating additives platform in a way that reduces solvents and environmental impact; and

• Launching the Milliken Leadership Model, which will train associates on growth leadership with purpose.

CULP GETS CREATIVE WITH COMMUNITY, INTERNATIONAL OUTREACH DURING PANDEMIC

Repurposing its production and sourcing capabilities to supply personal protective equipment (PPE) for FEMA, and providing lunches and gifts for front-line health care workers are two of the major initiatives Culp Inc. has taken to help the local and international community during the Covid Pandemic.

When the pandemic crisis hit in 2020, the major mattress and upholstery fabric producer quickly mobilized employees and strategic partners across its global platform to supply products for healthcare and safety needs. The company repurposed its production and sourcing capabilities in the U.S., Haiti, Canada and Asia to produce an ongoing supply of PPE such as face masks for FEMA, bedding covers and bedding fabrics for hospital beds.

The intensive care nursing staff at Wake Forest Baptist Winston-Salem receives lunches and gifts from Culp Inc.

Closer to home, the company earlier in 2021 partnered with High Point caterer REAL Kitchen & Market to deliver boxed lunches and gifts to workers at three area hospitals: the Cone Health COVID-19 Green Valley Campus, the Medical Intensive Care Unit at Wake Forest Baptist Health in WinstonSalem and the Intensive Care Unit at Baptist Health’s High Point Medical Center. The intensive care nursing staff at Wake Forest Baptist Winston-Salem receives lunches and “Culp associates gifts from Culp Inc. are honored by the opportunity to pitch in and support our front-line workers, our healthcare operators, our communities and our nation during this unprecedented time,” said Iv Culp, chief executive officer.

UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER

June 5-9, 2021

High Point Market - High Point, NC

September 7-9, 2021

Proposte - Cernobbio, Italy

September 20-24, 2021

Evteks - Istanbul, Turkey

October 16-20, 2021

High Point Market - High Point, NC

November 14-17, 2021

ITA Showtime Market - High Point, NC

January 11-14, 2022

Heimtextil - Frankfurt, Germany