Textile Insight

12 • Textile Insight ~ May/June 2018 textileinsight.com IN THE MARKET | COMPANY NEWS The Latest Industry News, Product Launches & Personnel Updates. Happy Birthday Lycra The U.S. Patent for Lycra was filed on May 29, 1958 as an innovation intended to replace natural rubber used in girdles and corsets. Lycra has certainly done that, and achieved much more over the course of six decades having become an essential ingredient in contemporary wardrobes. Indeed, this single elastic fiber has evolved into a portfolio of over 200 differentiated fibers designed to meet a wide variety of consumer needs. Dr. Joseph Shrivers is the DuPont chemist responsible for creating Lycra, and is now recognized for his invention by the National Inventors Hall of Fame, and will be posthumously inducted into the Class of 2018. An Invista donation to the organization honors Shriver and his role as innovator for Lycra fiber that started life known as "Fiber K." Invista reports that an early computer that was used randomly generated the Lycra brand name. "This is an exciting year for the Lycra brand as we pause to look back at how far we've come and look for- ward towards a bright future filled with innovative products designed to improve fabric performance," said Dave Trerotola, president, Invista Apparel. Unifi to Acquire Assets of National Spinning Unifi's domestic operating subsidiary, Unifi Manufacturing, Inc., is buying the dyed yarn business and assets of National Spinning Co., Inc. The acquisition is expected to enhance Unifi's position as a leading producer of dyed staple and filament yarn in the region, and will add acrylic and wool products to the company's dyed yarn portfolio. The transaction is slated to close in May — subject to typical closing conditions. "This acquisition will better position Unifi for growth in key market segments such as sweaters, hosiery and apparel, as our expanded dyed yarn portfolio will help strengthen our relationship with existing customers and brings opportunities to attract new customers as we become an even greater solutions provider," said Tom Caudle, president and COO of Unifi. "Additionally, our customers continue to focus on shortening product development and production lead times, and thus we expect that these new capabilities will allow us to provide flexible and responsive dyed yarn solutions to meet this demand. Expanding our product portfolio will also bring additional innovation to the dyed yarn supply chain, and will provide more sourcing flexibility for customers while assuring continued capability and expertise." Unifi intends to transition the dyed yarn business from National Spinning's facility in Burlington, N.C., to Unifi's state-of-the-art dye house in Reidsville, N.C. Once completed, Unifi expects its Reidsville dye house to operate on a seven-day schedule, allowing the company to deliver on quick lead times and enhance responsiveness to customer needs. To help make the acquisition as seamless as possible, key National Spinning sales, technical and operations personnel will join Unifi as employees, and the company will also extend employment offers to other members of National Spinning's skilled workforce. "We believe this transaction best serves the long-term interests of both our employees and our customers," said Jim Booterbaugh, president and COO of National Spinning. "Customers will receive world-class innovation and technical support from Unifi, and employees that join Unifi will benefit from the career opportunities provided by a larger portfolio of products, services and solutions." IFAI Names Schiffman to Top Spot The Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) has named Steve Schiffman, the association's VP media and sales, the new president and CEO of IFAI. He will replace Mary Hennessy who held the position for the last six years. Schiffman had a long career in publishing before joining the staff of IFAI in January 2013. During his time at IFAI, Schiffman led advertising and exhibit sales, membership recruitment and retention, web development and the editorial and circulation departments. Hennessy served IFAI in numerous roles for more than 30 years. She will retire June 1st. New Hire at SPESA The Raleigh, N.C.– based Sewn Products Equipment & Suppliers of the Americas (SPESA) has hired Michael McDonald, the former manager of government relations for the American Apparel & Footwear Association, as its new executive director. He will work with Over the past six decades Lycra has become an essential ingredient in contemporary wardrobes. As the original spandex, Lycra has influenced what we wear and how we dress for modern lifestyle. Michael McDonald Executive Director, SPESA

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