Textile Insight

Pierluigi Berardi, Director Global Marketing, Nilit "The apparel industry is at an exciting crossroads. Consumers are more empowered and demanding than ever before, and they're raising the bar on performance, style and value. We at Nilit are rising to meet these challenging market needs. With our expertise and reach across the global value chain, and our belief in the superiority of our Nylon 6.6 product portfolio, we are renewing our commitment to helping our supply chain partners differentiate and enhance their offering, setting a new standard for innovation and service. This month, we are pleased to announce the launch of Sensil, our new Nylon 6.6 master brand. Over the coming months, we will be taking our unique message of superior quality and design with a bold marketing campaign establishing Sensil as the smarter apparel choice for brands, retailers and consumers." Mike Joyce, President and CEO, PrimaLoft "As a technology solutions provider, our brand partners depend on PrimaLoft for collaborations that push their performance to the next level, allowing our partners to differentiate and stay relevant in an increasingly competitive market. Our focus remains on innovation and the development of new, proprietary insulations, fabrics and yarns that give designers the tools to create functional, versatile garments that exceed consumers' expectations for comfort and style, no matter the activity. In addition, we are committed to delivering a wider array of sustainable options as consumers and designers look to be more environmentally responsible. As the retail landscape continues to shrink, our brand partners are better positioned for success by offering apparel that wins over consumers from both a style and performance standpoint." Peter Szanto, Director North American Sales, Wu Luen "Change is always stressful, yet it can and does present opportunities to those that can position themselves to take advantage. Wu Luen Knitting Co. is still a relatively unknown textile solution provider to the North American market despite our size and extensive capabilities. Our focus in 2017 is to increase our profile and develop commercial relationships with key brands in our target markets by developing a portfolio of unique performance textile products." David Parkes, Founder & CEO, Concept III "Our industry continues to be very vital, and we continue to work closely with it and focus on introducing new technologies and performance textiles. It is mature and stable and understands how to differentiate itself and offer it's own fine DNA to the consumer. We associate with that and the integrity and associated marketing integral to its heritage." Chris Parkes, Partner, Director of Sales, Concept III "Since no one is walking around naked, the focus is on selling fabrics and working with the brands that are moving the needle. We know that the game is changing. And you have to go where the consumer is going. Strong brand relationships is a focus." Stephen Kerns, President, Schoeller Textil USA "We continue to readjust and fine-tune our approach of how we can assist our partners further in their changing businesses. While shows continue to evolve, we continue to embrace opportunities to be in the presence of our brand partners to review our latest offerings. For 2017, we remain focused on highlighting Schoeller's enduring strengths in consistently delivering exciting innovations that stand out in the market place even as that marketplace itself shifts." Peter Klingler, President, Klingler Asia, Ltd "You have to focus on innovation and be nimble to react to ever-changing market demands, and, of course, in a reasonable price structure. Customers will be open to paying a bit more for good quality and exceptional products. All of this must be combined with a sound financial structure as otherwise you do not have the ability for R+D and to be able to bring new and fresh product to the marketplace." Ria Stern, Global Marketing Director, Hyosung "The main focus for Hyosung is innovation because retailers and brands need something new and different to attract consumers to their brand. It is essential, as our strategic partners, including mills, also want to expand into new categories and new markets. We strive to meet our customers' needs for near as well as long-term innovation." Chad Altbaier, VP Outdoor, Downlite "The main focus for the balance of 2017 is to continue to exceed our customers' expectations. We've dedicated increased resources towards operational logistics, supply chain economics, QC and traceability compliance, and inventory planning, all the while staying focused on remaining an industry leader in sustainability, product innovation, integrity, and quality. Even in times of dramatic retail consolidation and shifting consumer buying habits, our distribution, flexibility, and passion keeps us strong and growing. Despite the uncertain economic climate, our business is on track for respectable growth in 2017." textileinsight.com July/August 2017 ~ Textile Insight • 41 "Our industry continues to be very vital, and we continue to work closely with it and focus on introducing new technologies." "We are committed to delivering a wider array of sustainable options as consumers and designers look to be more environmentally responsible."

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