September 2008

  • Published On: September 1, 2008

    Substantial losses in government-owned Bangladeshi jute mills led to shut-downs of eight facilities in 2007. This year, the government leased five mills to private operators, on condition that lease holders share profits, bear liabilities during the lease tenure and pay a lease fee. In turn, the government will clear previous debt loads. At a July [...]

  • Published On: September 1, 2008

    The Texas Cotton Association and International Cotton Council want to increase exports of U.S. cotton, cottonseed and cotton products. In an agreement developed during a July visit to the U.S. by Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, the U.S. will continue supplying Vietnam with 30 percent of its cotton supply, along with technical assistance, training [...]

  • Published On: September 1, 2008

    Following an April summit in Washington, D.C., the American Apparel and Footwear Association and Brazilian Textile and Apparel Industry Association agreed to work together on trade issues that affect both countries. The cooperation agreement outlines steps such as eliminating tariff and non-tariff barriers to regional trade; taking common positions in negotiation of international agreements; sharing [...]

  • Published On: September 1, 2008

    A test laboratory for protective garments worn by chemical and biological incident responders opened in July at North Carolina State University’s College of Textiles. Funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Defense, the Man-in-Simulant Test (MIST) facility grand opening included tours, live demonstrations of protective garment testing and Rep. Bob Etheridge, who requested [...]

  • Published On: September 1, 2008

    Gerber Technology, Tolland, Ct., participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its South Korean distributor’s new manufacturing facility in Seoul in July. Keehwa Hitech’s new facility will produce laser cutting systems for automotive airbags, technical textiles, signs and engraving. Keehwa has four production-version laser cutters in operation in Korea and expects to expand to other countries, [...]

  • Published On: September 1, 2008

    Century Park Capital Partners, Los Angeles, Calif., invested in a company with competitive products and strong growth by acquiring Moss Inc., Lincolnwood, Ill., in July. Moss manufactures fabric-based visual solutions for exhibit, event and retail displays. “We look forward to supporting Moss as the company seeks to expand both organically and through add-on acquisitions,” says [...]

  • Published On: September 1, 2008

    Make your next trade show the business opportunity it truly is. By Richard G. Ensman Jr. It’s that time of year: Your mailbox is filling up with those colorful mailings about your upcoming trade show, and you’re not sure whether to go or not. After all, it is expensive. First, there’s the cost of travel, [...]

  • Published On: September 1, 2008

    Dow Fiber Solutions’ (DFS) XLA™ olefin-based stretch fiber, which resists chemicals and high temperatures, may expand its sales in German-speaking markets. Weber & Heusser GmbH & Co. KG, Albstadt, Germany, will partner with DFS, Horgen, Switzerland, to distribute the fiber in Europe. The XLA fibers, blended with cotton, wool or knits, provide process advantages to [...]

  • Published On: September 1, 2008

    Daydreaming about a cottage in the woods? Rainier Industries, Tukwila, Wash., may make those dreams a reality for customers with its new Rainier Cottage, a handcrafted canvas and Douglas fir structure for permanent or semi-permanent use. Sturdy enough for use year-round in most climates, the cottage’s 100-percent cotton Army Duck canvas is water repellent, mildew [...]

  • Published On: September 1, 2008

    Weather delays, flight cancellations, security checks and skyrocketing fuel costs are making it tough for airplanes to get off the ground. Frequent flyers find themselves grounded too, stuck overnight in noisy, cavernous airports waiting for the blizzard over Pittsburgh to relent. No lodging, no blankets, no privacy and no sleep—unless you happen to bring your [...]