Company profile

Energy sector provides a timely boost for Mount Vernon FR

Mount Vernon FR’s massive manufacturing complex in the northwest corner of Georgia, USA, has become one of the leading suppliers of flame-retardant fabrics over the past decade, recently driven by the rapid growth in North America’s energy exploration sector, reports John McCurry.

An expanding brand in filter media and automotive insulation

Following a series of acquisitions over the past few years, Lydall has grown to be a leader in high-performance nonwovens and related materials, according to Adrian Wilson.

FilSpec looks to exploit innovation in its bid for global growth

FilSpec, a spinner specializing in high-technology yarns wants to harness its propensity for innovation to expand into growth markets around the world, particularly Europe. Senior managers for the Canadian company revealed their plans to John McCurry.

Dye house seeks funding through the Internet for modernization

A New England, USA-based dye house specializing in technical textiles hopes to take its production to a higher level by raising funding through the Internet to hire specialists, upgrade its equipment and investigate new applications, reports John McCurry.

Crucial converting services for technical textiles and composites

Having invested more than US$10 million in equipment and additional converting services for flexible materials at sites in North America during 2018, Web Industries is now looking to expand its operations in Europe. Adrian Wilson interviewed key personnel to learn more.

More than just a manufacturer—Glen Raven embraces change

John McCurry interviewed Leib Oehmig, Glen Raven’s new Chief Executive Officer, and Harold Hill, the President of its Technical Fabrics division, to learn about a company determined to remain one of North America’s foremost manufacturers of specialist fabrics.

No mission is impossible according to machine builder Picanol

Picanol’s Global Market Manager Technical Textiles Filips Lombaert explains the loom builder’s philosophy towards this sector, already an important part of its sales and one its latest campaign aims to develop, in an exclusive interview with Editor Nick Butler held during Techtextil.

Was 2016 a breakthrough year for commercial spider silk?

On behalf of Technical Textiles International, John McCurry conducted an exclusive interview with Kraig Biocraft, a company exploiting genetic engineering in its bid to produce spider silk on a full-scale commercial basis.

Keeping it in the family—how Gehring-Tricot adapts and thrives

Skip Gehring, the third generation to preside over his family’s textile company, talked exclusively to John McCurry about the reasons for its ongoing success. Hard work, an ability to adapt to change, continual investment, and a research and development (R&D) programme that is stimulating growth in sales were among the topics discussed.

Shiva Texyarn—textiles for consumer markets and protection

Reena Mital spoke to the Executive Director of Shiva Texyarn, K.S. Sundararaman, to learn about the company’s unique approach to making and selling technical textiles in India, and how it hopes to exploit the Government’s support for the replacement of many imports with locally made products.

Revealing the secrets behind the German industry’s success

Germany’s textile industry is 50% dedicated to technical textiles, if not more, and where the focus is on the supply of high-quality, sophisticated goods, it is the market leader in Europe, according to a market study conducted by Commerzbank of Frankfurt, Germany. Further, the report’s author Jürgen Glebe attributes much of this success to the industry’s collaboration with the country’s unique research network. To understand the nature of this network, Technical Textiles International is inviting researchers from key institutes to describe themselves and their work, starting here with Claus Lütke and his colleagues (see also, Further information, below) from the Institut für Textiltechnik of the RWTH Aachen University.

Solving problems for the performance nonwovens industry

On a recent visit to Leeds, UK, Nick Butler learned how a university spin-out is differentiating itself and the product-development services it offers, while making the best possible use of the surrounding resources on the campus.

Berry Plastics and Avintiv—the perfect combination for hygiene?

Suppliers to the absorbent hygiene products industry increasingly need global scale, argues Adrian Wilson. This need is behind the creation of the world’s largest manufacturer of nonwovens and related plastic packaging and components.

Durability is the core to the success of Invista’s Cordura brand

On a visit to Invista Textiles Ltd, Nick Butler learned about the technology and marketing strategy that lie behind the success of the Cordura brand, and how the company exploits its know-how to develop new products.

Technical Absorbents targets superabsorbent nonwovens

Nick Butler accepted Technical Absorbents Ltd’s invitation to visit its production facilities for superabsorbent fibre, and learn more about the company’s ambitions, in particular its plans for the recently installed needlepunch nonwoven line.

Strong momentum carries Alexium International into 2015

John McCurry spoke to three of a young but experienced team that is developing Alexium International’s chemistry-based technology to create new products and open opportunities for the rapidly growing company.

Saati and Kusumgar combine to exploit Indian, Asian markets

1 December 2013

Growing interest in the Indian markets for high-technology products and a wish to exploit the economic advantages of local manufacturing are behind the cooperation of Kusumgar Corporates and Saati, ac

Small and flexible is the recipe for success at Innovative Textiles

1 December 2013

Despite owning no manufacturing equipment, the two owners and six employees of Innovative Textiles have built a serious reputation in the development of technical fabrics. John W.

Managed innovation the key to success for the Gore-Tex brand

1 December 2013

Gore says that continual innovation is a key to its success so Linda Foster visited the company and some of its customers and end-users in Slovakia to learn more about how it ensures these development

Diversity, innovation and investment from SSM Industries

A combination of the general downturn in the US economy and deep cuts to the defence budget has hit many companies hard. John W. McCurry describes how SSM Industries’ diverse approach has helped buffer the company from the worst effects.

Specialization and diverse markets are driving AGY's success

1 October 2011

AGY's Drew Walker and James Crain talked to John McCurry about the reasons for the company's success--specialization, targeting the right markets, investment, an experienced workforce, research and de

Ambition and belief help pay dividends for Supreme Nonwovens

1 February 2011

A wide range of technologies, manufacturing facilities across India, a commitment to research and its staff, foresight and novel business models combine to create success for Supreme Nonwovens, accord

SRF invests heavily to build a global technical textiles business

1 September 2010

In India, SRF is a leading producer of polyamide tyre cord fabric, the first to make polyester tyre cord fabric and a principal manufacturer of belting fabric.

Innovation and education--keys to the future for Groz - Beckert

1 September 2010

The new Technology and Development Centre (TEZ) opened by Groz-Beckert in Albstadt, Germany, at a cost of Euro70 million, demonstrates a commitment to the longevity of the company and its German emplo

Diverse markets are key for Safety Components International

1 June 2010

By serving a wide range of niche, high added-value markets, Safety Components International has been more successful than many during the recent economic downturn, learned North American correspondent

Tough, versatile and lightweight fibres are making an impact

1 June 2010

In the short space of time since it was founded, Innegrity has enjoyed fast growth, despite operating in the worst of economic conditions. John W.

Diversity helps Gehring to prosper through difficult times

1 September 2009

Family-owned Gehring Textiles is holding its own despite the severe economic recession. John W.

Surviving turmoil in the US textile industry--Duro Textiles

1 September 2009

Developing military fabrics has been a major factor in the endurance of Duro Textiles, but more and more the company is looking to diversify. John W.

Kusumgar Corporates--a pioneer with ambitions for growth

1 December 2008

Kusumgar Corporates, the company that pioneered manufacturing technical textiles in India, almost 40 years ago, reveals its ambitious plans to consolidate, expand and diversify to our local correspond

Tamfelt, paper machine clothing and filter fabrics feel the squeeze

1 December 2008

Finland's Tamfelt has enjoyed good growth in recent years in both its core areas of paper machine clothing and filter fabrics.

Taiwan's Ding Zing--expertise in thermoplastic polyurethane

1 September 2008

Translated from Chinese, Ding Zing means that which is built on a solid foundation.

Ahlstrom--investing in acquisitions, growth and innovation

1 May 2008

John W.

Milliken & Co continues to thrive on diversity and innovation

1 December 2007

John W.

Gore shows the worth of collaborating along the whole value chain

1 December 2007

To explain the extent of its commitment to the entire value chain, W.L. Gore & Associates invited Editor Nick Butler to visit its plant in Putzbrunn, Germany.

Diversity and innovation help keep Patrick Yarns thriving

1 December 2007

Founded in 1963 and still family-owned, Patrick Yarns has built up a wide range of added-value products, a skilled workforce, and strong relationships with both its customers and suppliers.

New owner spurs Foss Manufacturing to innovate and diversify

1 September 2007

Turnaround stories can be found throughout the US textile industry and the latest involves Foss Manufacturing, a 53-year-old producer of speciality fibres and nonwovens.

Burlington Labs--an engine room for continual development

1 March 2007

Recognizing that continual evolution is the key to thriving in today's global economy, Burlington Worldwide, a key part of the International Textile Group, has formed its Burlington Labs division, rep

Change of ownership offers fresh opportunities for FiberVisions

1 December 2006

John McCurry spoke to FiberVisions about the company's plans following the sale of its majority shareholding by Hercules to a private equity firm.

Variety, flexibility and strong partnerships with customers

1 December 2006

John W. McCurry profiles Canada's largest textile company and asks how it is adapting itself to compete in the global marketplace.

Precision Custom Coatings -- adapting to industrial markets

1 September 2006

John W.McCurry talked to key executives at Precision Custom Coatings to learn how the company from New Jersey, USA, is adapting to changing global markets and what is driving its growth of 20% a year

Jacob Holm Industries establishes production in North America

1 June 2006

John McCurry visited Jacob Holm's third,and latest, production facility,located near Asheville,North Carolina,USA.

US requirements for flame-resistant bedding boost Basofil

1 January 2006

John W.McCurry explains how Bob Mckinnon and his partners are using their long experience of the US textile and furnishing markets,coupled with increasing regulation,to exploit the potential of the fl

Performance Fibers--a new era dawns for an established player

1 October 2005

John McCurry talks to Performance Fibers about recent changes at the company and how its plans to continue to thrive in a fast-changing industry include investment in China,India and the Americas,and

Three years makes all the difference to Polymer Group Inc

1 July 2005

After filing for bankruptcy in May 2002,Polymer Group has bounced back.

Nano-Tex--making a big impact using small-scale technology

1 June 2005

Having made significant inroads with respect to the use of nanotechnology in traditional textile markets,senior executives at Nano-Tex explain to JohnW.

Engineering skills brought to bear in manufacture of marquees

1 February 2005

SueWaters reports on the success of Advantage Cover Fabrications,a UK manufacturer of marquees whose Managing Director has exploited his engineering skills to tackle challenging customized designs.

Danley pioneers novel applications for tufting technology

1 February 2005

Phil Owen visited Danley Engineering Services where he learnt how the company had adapted its expertise in carpet tufting to help develop two novel production methods for technical products: a geotext

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16 April 2024

Please find below the list of forthcoming conferences and exhibitions on technical textiles and nonwovens.

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Energy sector provides a timely boost for Mount Vernon FR

An expanding brand in filter media and automotive insulation

FilSpec looks to exploit innovation in its bid for global growth

Dye house seeks funding through the Internet for modernization

Crucial converting services for technical textiles and composites

More than just a manufacturer—Glen Raven embraces change

No mission is impossible according to machine builder Picanol

Was 2016 a breakthrough year for commercial spider silk?

Keeping it in the family—how Gehring-Tricot adapts and thrives

Shiva Texyarn—textiles for consumer markets and protection

Revealing the secrets behind the German industry’s success

Solving problems for the performance nonwovens industry

Berry Plastics and Avintiv—the perfect combination for hygiene?

Durability is the core to the success of Invista’s Cordura brand

Technical Absorbents targets superabsorbent nonwovens

Strong momentum carries Alexium International into 2015

Diversity, innovation and investment from SSM Industries