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28.07.2020

Autoneum: Corona-related slump in revenue – bottom point overcome

The coronavirus pandemic and its massive impact on the automotive industry led to an un-precedented market slump in the first half of 2020 and a corresponding revenue decline at Autoneum. Revenue in local currencies fell by –32.7% compared to the prior-year period, and in Swiss francs by –36.8% to CHF 730.6 million. The turnaround program for the North American sites made further progress in the first six months and is showing the targeted results. However, they were clearly overcompensated by the massive impact of the corona-virus crisis, which led to a negative net result of CHF –54.9 million despite comprehensive cost flexibilization measures.

The coronavirus pandemic and its massive impact on the automotive industry led to an un-precedented market slump in the first half of 2020 and a corresponding revenue decline at Autoneum. Revenue in local currencies fell by –32.7% compared to the prior-year period, and in Swiss francs by –36.8% to CHF 730.6 million. The turnaround program for the North American sites made further progress in the first six months and is showing the targeted results. However, they were clearly overcompensated by the massive impact of the corona-virus crisis, which led to a negative net result of CHF –54.9 million despite comprehensive cost flexibilization measures.

Like the entire automobile industry, Autoneum was massively impacted by the effects of the corona-virus pandemic in the first half of the year. The temporary plant closures at almost all customers in every region, especially in the second quarter of the year, not only led to an unprecedented market collapse, but also to a production stop at all 55 Autoneum sites. Starting in February in China and one month later in all other regions, vehicle manufacturers temporarily shut down production completely. The corresponding massive drop in global vehicle production led to a slump in revenue at Autoneum of –32.7% in local currencies. This reflects the development of the market in the first half of 2020, which contracted by –33.2% year-on-year. Revenue in Swiss francs at Autoneum fell by –36.8% to CHF 730.6 million (prior-year period: CHF 1 156.1 million). Revenue development in all Business Groups outperformed the respective markets, particularly in Asia and the SAMEA (South America, Middle East and Africa) region.


 Like the entire automobile industry, Autoneum was massively impacted by the effects of the corona-virus pandemic in the first half of the year. The temporary plant closures at almost all customers in every region, especially in the second quarter of the year, not only led to an unprecedented market collapse, but also to a production stop at all 55 Autoneum sites. Starting in February in China and one month later in all other regions, vehicle manufacturers temporarily shut down production com-pletely. The corresponding massive drop in global vehicle production led to a slump in revenue at Autoneum of –32.7% in local currencies. This reflects the development of the market in the first half of 2020, which contracted by –33.2% year-on-year. Revenue in Swiss francs at Autoneum fell by –36.8% to CHF 730.6 million (prior-year period: CHF 1 156.1 million). Revenue development in all Business Groups outperformed the respective markets, particularly in Asia and the SAMEA (South America, Middle East and Africa) region.

Autoneum promptly responded to the pandemic-related market slump by adopting extensive cost-cutting measures in all regions. These include the reduction of employee costs by, among other things, adjusting time accounts, introducing short-time work at eligible locations and temporary layoffs as well as headcount reduction, mainly among temporary workers. In addition, operating expenditures were limited to the absolutely necessary. The investment volume for 2020, already reduced from previous years, was downsized even further. Autoneum continues to benefit in this regard from the high level of investments undertaken in recent years.

 Although the coronavirus crisis and the measures taken to contain it dominated Autoneum’s course of business in the first half of 2020, the Company achieved necessary operational and financial im-provements during this period. The comprehensive turnaround program for the North American sites made further progress and is on track. Efficiency improvements already achieved there had a posi-tive effect on the figures of the first half-year, but were significantly overcompensated by the substan-tial impact of the COVID-19 crisis. Savings and cost flexibilization measures taken immediately and implemented worldwide in view of the revenue loss could not offset the ongoing, capacity-related fixed costs. This led at the Group level to a negative EBIT of CHF –31.8 million (prior-year period: CHF 16.4 million), which equates to an EBIT margin of –4.4% (prior-year period: 1.4%). The net result decreased because of the severe revenue shortfall to CHF –54.9 million (prior-year period: CHF –6.0 million).

Outlook
For 2020 Autoneum expects revenue to develop at market level. Although customers’ production volumes should increase again in the second half of 2020 compared with the first semester, latest fore-casts indicate that they will remain clearly below the level of the second half of 2019. Immediately implemented and ongoing cost reduction measures as well as further operational optimizations also within the turnaround program in North America will lead to improvements in the second half of the year. Due to the current uncertainties, a reliable statement on the net result for the full year 2020 thus cannot be made. With regard to the mid-term targets, a recovery of the profitability level is expected, but it will largely depend on the market development.

Source:

Autoneum Management AG

Hygiene Austria LP GmbH is prepared with an online shop for the reintroduction of the mask requirement (c) Lenzing AG
Hygiene Austria LP GmbH Logo
21.07.2020

Hygiene Austria LP GmbH is prepared with an online shop for the reintroduction of the mask requirement

  • With shop.hygiene-austria.at, quick access to MNS, FFP2 and child masks “made in Austria” is guaranteed.

Wiener Neudorf – Hygiene Austria LP GmbH has become known for its locally produced mouth-nose protective masks, FFP2 and children's masks during the COVID-19 crisis. The company is now well prepared for the reintroduction of the mask requirement. “Especially in times of a pandemic, it is important to us at Hygiene Austria to make a contribution to the security of Austrian supply”, said Stephan Trubrich, Managing Director of Hygiene Austria LP GmbH, confidently.

All interested parties who want to prepare for their purchases in the supermarkets or their visit to public facilities but also for their holiday trips can now purchase masks of different types at the following website: https://shop.hygiene-austria.at.

  • With shop.hygiene-austria.at, quick access to MNS, FFP2 and child masks “made in Austria” is guaranteed.

Wiener Neudorf – Hygiene Austria LP GmbH has become known for its locally produced mouth-nose protective masks, FFP2 and children's masks during the COVID-19 crisis. The company is now well prepared for the reintroduction of the mask requirement. “Especially in times of a pandemic, it is important to us at Hygiene Austria to make a contribution to the security of Austrian supply”, said Stephan Trubrich, Managing Director of Hygiene Austria LP GmbH, confidently.

All interested parties who want to prepare for their purchases in the supermarkets or their visit to public facilities but also for their holiday trips can now purchase masks of different types at the following website: https://shop.hygiene-austria.at.

Source:

Lenzing Aktiengesellschaft

AFFIX Labs launches world’s first long-lasting surface treatment to kill the coronavirus © 2020 AFFIX Labs
Si-Quat by AFFIX Labs is a versatile anti-viral surface treatment that has been scientifically proven to last for months on any surface or textile while effectively killing the COVID-19 pathogen upon contact. Si-Quat by AFFIX Labs can be implemented onto any surface.
20.07.2020

AFFIX Labs launches world’s first long-lasting surface treatment to kill the coronavirus

  • Si-Quat by AFFIX Labs is a versatile anti-viral surface treatment that has been scientifically proven to last for months on any surface or textile while effectively killing the COVID-19 pathogen upon contact.
     

Helsinki - Leading chemical binding expert AFFIX Labs has harnessed its global experience in disease prevention to create the first long-lasting surface treatment proven to kill COVID-19. Si-Quat combines a safe and well-established disinfectant and a proprietary chemical binding technique, so that the active ingredient can kill viruses, including SARS-COV-2. Testing at Portugal’s Biochemistry Institute at the University of Lisbon proves that Si-Quat effectively kills the COVID-19 pathogens that it comes into contact with.

  • Si-Quat by AFFIX Labs is a versatile anti-viral surface treatment that has been scientifically proven to last for months on any surface or textile while effectively killing the COVID-19 pathogen upon contact.
     

Helsinki - Leading chemical binding expert AFFIX Labs has harnessed its global experience in disease prevention to create the first long-lasting surface treatment proven to kill COVID-19. Si-Quat combines a safe and well-established disinfectant and a proprietary chemical binding technique, so that the active ingredient can kill viruses, including SARS-COV-2. Testing at Portugal’s Biochemistry Institute at the University of Lisbon proves that Si-Quat effectively kills the COVID-19 pathogens that it comes into contact with.

“Tragedies have unfolded across the globe, affecting different countries at varying degrees. The second waves of COVID-19 are just appearing on the horizon. This long-lasting surface treatment is a viable, accessible solution across cultures. By killing the COVID-19 pathogen on surfaces before it can infect people, the Si-Quat solution is a game changer. It can provide increased security and peace of mind to your communities, as well as your customers,” says Tom Sam, CEO of AFFIX Labs.

Si-Quat has been tested to kill 99.99% of microbes within minutes, while still being fully safe to touch. Proven to be effective for about a month on frequently touched surfaces, it is the longest lasting anti-viral surface treatment available to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus. The product is non-corrosive, free from silver salts and heavy metal nanoparticles, and perfectly safe to touch.

Several major agencies around the globe have already accepted quaternary ammonium, the main ingredient in the surface coating, to be an effective surface treatment against the novel coronavirus, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the US Environmental Protection Agency, the American Chemistry Council (ACC) and the European Chemical Agency (ECHA).

Si-Quat was invented in January 2020 by the AFFIX Labs’ Repeltec development team to specifically help combat the COVID-19 outbreak. The product is based on the trusted and safe disinfectant quaternary ammonium, which is chemically bound to align silane quaternary ammonium molecules (silane quats) in a highly effective manner. Positively charged nitrogen particles then actively attract viruses and bacteria, penetrating the membranes and killing them within minutes.

Rigorous testing has shown Si-Quat to adhere to almost any surface, performing as the most durable surface treatment commercially available. Due to its incredibly strong layer, the solution only wears down on surfaces after thousands of touches or multiple cleaning cycles. This means that on heavily used surfaces, such as door handles and counters, Si-Quat will be effective for about a month. On rarely touched surfaces like walls, it has the potential to protect for years. Since the product is incredibly easy to apply, technicians require minimal training and only basic protection. They simply have to brush or spray Si-Quat onto the surface and allow it to dry for 6 hours.

“Other sanitising solutions require reapplication to every surface several times daily, interrupting business operations. This results in additional costs and disruptions at a time when many companies are already struggling,” Sam explains. “By combining proven efficacy, safety and long durability, Si-Quat is emerging as an important weapon in the battle against the spread of COVID-19.”

AFFIX Labs has begun to roll out the distribution of Si-Quat across the globe, with new regions being serviced every week. It is currently looking for distribution partners in local markets.

The project leading to the development of Si-Quat included funding from the European Institute of Innovation and Technology, a body of the European Union, under the Horizon 2020 Framework for Research and Innovation.

LECTRA Umfrage: Wie sind Fast Fashion-Unternehmen in puncto nachhaltiger Mode aufgestellt? (c) Lectra Deutschland GmbH
16.07.2020

LECTRA Umfrage: Wie sind Fast Fashion-Unternehmen in puncto nachhaltiger Mode aufgestellt?

  • 10 % ihres Angebots ist ökologisch verantwortungsbewusst.
  • Nachhaltige Baumwolle ist für Einzelhändler in den kommenden Jahren eine Priorität.
  • Nachhaltige Kleidung kostet weniger als Standardkleidung.
  • Mit Fashion on Demand gemäß den Verbraucherwünschen ein transparentes und nachhaltiges Angebot auf den Markt bringen.

Ismaning/Paris – Lectra, Technologie-Partner für Textil und Leder verarbeitende Unternehmen, hat basierend auf Analysen von Retviews, einem kürzlich erworbenen Startup,  bei führenden Fast Fashion-Brands eine Umfrage zu nachhaltiger Mode durchgeführt. Modeunternehmen haben sich entsprechend der neuen Gesundheitsschutzregeln angepasst und ihre Geschäfte wieder geöffnet.

  • 10 % ihres Angebots ist ökologisch verantwortungsbewusst.
  • Nachhaltige Baumwolle ist für Einzelhändler in den kommenden Jahren eine Priorität.
  • Nachhaltige Kleidung kostet weniger als Standardkleidung.
  • Mit Fashion on Demand gemäß den Verbraucherwünschen ein transparentes und nachhaltiges Angebot auf den Markt bringen.

Ismaning/Paris – Lectra, Technologie-Partner für Textil und Leder verarbeitende Unternehmen, hat basierend auf Analysen von Retviews, einem kürzlich erworbenen Startup,  bei führenden Fast Fashion-Brands eine Umfrage zu nachhaltiger Mode durchgeführt. Modeunternehmen haben sich entsprechend der neuen Gesundheitsschutzregeln angepasst und ihre Geschäfte wieder geöffnet.

Covid-19 hat bei zahlreichen Konsumenten den Wunsch geweckt, ein sinnvolleres Leben zu führen und sich verantwortlicher zu verhalten. Der Kunde wägt seine Kaufentscheidung neu ab und ist weniger angezogen von der Fiktion der Hyperauswahl durch Fast Fashion und sucht Einzigartigkeit, Inspiration und Kreativität. Für die Modeindustrie kann dies der Auslöser sein, um die Art und Weise zu ändern, wie sie ihre Produkte entwirft, produziert und vertreibt. Mit dem Kauf eines Produkts möchten Kunden von heute ihre Werte zum Ausdruck bringen und bekräftigen. Demzufolge müssen Modemarken ihr Angebot zukunftsorientiert verändern und einen ökologisch verantwortungsvolleren, authentischen und transparenten Ansatz verfolgen.

Bedarfsgerechte Supply-Chain für nachhaltige Produkte und weniger Überbestände

Die Fashionbranche kann Echtzeit-Verbraucherdaten verwenden, um die tatsächliche Nachfrage und die finale Produktion aufeinander abzustimmen: das richtige Produkt, zum benötigten Zeitpunkt, in der nachgefragten Menge, in der richtigen Qualität. Überbestände können mit Fashion on Demand minimiert werden in dem Material eingespart wird. Rabattschlachten und hohe Preisabschläge sind beendet. Mit Fashion on Demand für den Händler schnell auf Nachbestellungen und Nachschub reagieren, neue Marktchancen rund um Themen wie Made-to-Order (Kleinserien), Made-to-Customize, Made-to-Measure realisieren. Alles heute möglich.
                                
Nachhaltige Kollektionen sind weiterhin selten

Die Retviews-Umfrage zeigt, dass der Anteil nachhaltiger Mode in den Kollektionen der verschiedenen Einzelhändler sehr unterschiedlich ist. Ökofreundliche Kollektionen machen beispielsweise einen geringen Teil des Angebots von führenden Marken wie Zara und H&M aus, die beim G7-Gipfeltreffen in Biarritz den Fashion Pact mitunterzeichnet haben.

Die Join Life-Kollektion von Zara macht 14 % der Gesamtkollektion aus, während die #Wearthechange-Kollektion von C&A fast 30 % der Gesamtkollektion darstellt. Die Conscious-Kollektion bei H&M, die den von der Fashion Revolution geschaffenen Fashion Transparency Index anführt, entspricht weniger als 10 % der Gesamtkollektion.

Produktzusammensetzung in umweltfreundlichen Kollektionen

C&A, H&M und Inditex (Zara) gehören zu den vier größten Verbrauchern von organischer Baumwolle. Alle Marken, die analysiert wurden, präsentieren ihre Baumwolle als nachhaltig und sehen dies für 2020 und darüber hinaus als Priorität.

Es besteht nur ein geringer Unterschied zwischen den häufig im Massen- und im Premiummarkt verwendeten Stoffen. Das gleiche gilt für den Vergleich zwischen ökofreundlichen und Standardkollektionen. Baumwolle, synthetische Stoffe wie Polyester, Elastan und Viscose sind die am meisten angebotenen und verwendeten Stoffe.

Sind nachhaltige Stoffe teurer?

Laut den Umfrageergebnissen ist die Annahme, dass nachhaltige Kleidungsstücke teurer sind, falsch. Zara’s nachhaltige Join Life-Kollektion ist ein gutes Beispiel dafür. Ein Kleid aus der Standardkollektion kostet im Durchschnitt €39,90, während ein Kleid aus der Join Life-Kollektion nur €31,70 kostet.
 
„Nachhaltigkeit bringt uns zahlreiche neue Chancen. Für die Generation Z ist Nachhaltigkeit ein sehr wichtiges Thema und Einzelhändler haben zugehört und diese Bedenken in ihren Waren berücksichtigt. 90 % der Verbraucher sagen, dass sie sich der aktuellen Umweltsituation bewusst und bereit sind, ihr Verhalten zu ändern*, um den Klimawandel zu bekämpfen. Das zeigt deutlich die Bereitwilligkeit, in ökologische Produkte zu investieren. Angesichts dieses Wandels haben Brands eine soziale Verantwortung: Sie müssen ihre Kunden informieren, ihre Fortschritte in diesem Bereich transparent darstellen und einige Herausforderungen, vor denen sie stehen, teilen, um ihre Kunden aufzuklären. Derzeit gibt es keine internationalen Regularien für die Definition von Nachhaltigkeit bei Bekleidung. Das bedeutet, dass wir noch einen langen Weg vor uns haben, bis es für nachhaltige Fashion eine Standardisierung geben wird“, erklärt Quentin Richelle, Chief Marketing Officer, Retviews.

Oerlikon Nonwoven meltblown technology meanwhile in demand across the globe (c) Oerlikon
Daniel Günther (2nd from left), Schleswig-Holstein’s Minister President, together with Rainer Straub, Head of Oerlikon Nonwoven, Matthias Pilz, Head of Oerlikon Neumag, and Matthias Wäsch, Chairman of the Works Council, at the tour of the Neumünster site where the Oerlikon Nonwoven meltblown technology – currently in huge demand across the globe – is manufactured.
08.07.2020

Oerlikon Nonwoven meltblown technology meanwhile in demand across the globe

  • Schleswig-Holstein Minister President visits Neumünster, Germany


Since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, the worldwide demand for protective masks and apparel has resulted in a record number of new orders in the high double-digit millions of euros at the Oerlikon Nonwoven business unit of the Swiss Oerlikon Group. From the manufacturing site in Neumünster, Germany, the high-tech meltblown systems – with their patented ecuTE+ nonwovens electro-charging technology – are meanwhile be exported all over the world. For the very first time, a contract has now been signed with a business in Australia. Today, Schleswig-Holstein’s Minister President Daniel Günther was won over on site by the technology of a ‘global player’. Rainer Straub, Head of Oerlikon Nonwoven, was thrilled, stating: “The machines and systems for manufacturing manmade fiber and nonwovens solutions from Neumünster enjoy an outstanding reputation throughout the world. It is especially in this crisis that the technology from Schleswig-Holstein has proven itself to be absolutely world-class.”

  • Schleswig-Holstein Minister President visits Neumünster, Germany


Since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, the worldwide demand for protective masks and apparel has resulted in a record number of new orders in the high double-digit millions of euros at the Oerlikon Nonwoven business unit of the Swiss Oerlikon Group. From the manufacturing site in Neumünster, Germany, the high-tech meltblown systems – with their patented ecuTE+ nonwovens electro-charging technology – are meanwhile be exported all over the world. For the very first time, a contract has now been signed with a business in Australia. Today, Schleswig-Holstein’s Minister President Daniel Günther was won over on site by the technology of a ‘global player’. Rainer Straub, Head of Oerlikon Nonwoven, was thrilled, stating: “The machines and systems for manufacturing manmade fiber and nonwovens solutions from Neumünster enjoy an outstanding reputation throughout the world. It is especially in this crisis that the technology from Schleswig-Holstein has proven itself to be absolutely world-class.”

In addition to a tour of the meltblown system and its assembly and production facilities, the visit by Minister President Daniel Günther had one purpose above all: the dialog between politicians and business. Rainer Straub, Head of Oerlikon Nonwoven, and Matthias Pilz, Head of Oerlikon Neumag, jointly expressed their thanks for the support that Oerlikon has repeatedly had the fortune to experience over the past months and years in Schleswig-Holstein and looked to the future full of hope. “As a result of our additional investment at the site here in Neumünster – be this in our new technology center that will be completed by the end of this year or in our new logistics center that is already operating – we, as one of the region’s largest employers, are continuing to move forward, supported by a State Government that is also focusing on both promoting industry and business and on advancing an efficient training and educational system, as innovation is only possible with outstanding engineers”, stated Matthias Pilz. And Rainer Straub directed his appeal specifically at the Minister President: “Treat education and training as a priority. Ultimately, they will secure the future of Schleswig-Holstein as a center of excellence and manufacturing!”

Five-million-euro digitalization program

Daniel Günther, the incumbent Minister President of Schleswig-Holstein since 2017, immediately responded, making reference to one of the Federal State’s current training initiatives: “The State Government is supporting higher education institutions and students in the present coronavirus crisis. With a five-million-euro digitalization program, we are investing on the long-term digitalization of our higher education institutions. With this, we are overall creating a future for young people, particularly also for those who could very well go on to invent the next generation of manmade fiber systems.” And the Minister President was just as impressed by the willingness and readiness with which Oerlikon has been providing high-level support since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic to master the present challenges as he was with the company’s meltblown technology itself. Rainer Straub explained: “When, at the beginning of the pandemic in February, demand for protective face masks increased rapidly, we at Oerlikon Nonwoven responded immediately. We ramped up all the available production capacities here in Neumünster in order to quickly manufacture nonwovens for producing face masks using our laboratory systems. As a result, we have been able to make a small, regional contribution to covering demand. In parallel, we have pulled out all the stops in order to systematically further expand our skills as machine and system builders so as to cater to the initially expected, and now also continuing, global demand for meltblown systems as quickly as possible.”

Leading meltblown technology

The Oerlikon Nonwoven meltblown technology – with which nonwovens for protective masks can also be manufactured, among other things – is recognized by the market as being the technically most efficient method for producing highly-separating filter media made from plastic fibers. The capacities for respiratory masks available in Europe to date are predominantly manufactured on Oerlikon Nonwoven systems. “Ever more manufacturers in the most diverse countries are hoping to become independent of imports. Therefore, what we are experiencing in Germany is also happening in both industrialized and emerging countries throughout the world”, commented Rainer Straub. In addition to China, Turkey, the United Kingdom, South Korea, Austria and numerous countries in both North and South America, Australia and not least Germany will for the first time also be among the countries to which Oerlikon Nonwoven will be delivering machines and equipment before the end of 2021.

TMAS members ready to support digital textile transformations, post Covid-19 (c) TMAS
TMAS Secretary General Therese Premler-Andersson.
08.07.2020

TMAS members ready to support digital textile transformations, post Covid-19

  • Members of TMAS – the Swedish textile machinery association – have adopted a range of new strategies in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, aimed at assisting manufacturers of textiles and apparel to adjust to a new normal, as Europe and other regions emerge cautiously from lockdown.

“Many European companies have been forced into testing new working methods and looking at what it’s possible to do remotely, and how to exploit automation to the full, in order to become more flexible,” says TMAS Secretary General Therese Premler-Andersson. “Others have been taking risks where they see opportunies and there’s a new sense of solidarity among companies.

“It’s extremely encouraging, for example, that over five hundred European companies from across our supply chain are reported to have responded to the shortages of facemasks and PPE – protective personal equipment – by converting parts of their sites or investing in new equipment.”

New supply chains

  • Members of TMAS – the Swedish textile machinery association – have adopted a range of new strategies in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, aimed at assisting manufacturers of textiles and apparel to adjust to a new normal, as Europe and other regions emerge cautiously from lockdown.

“Many European companies have been forced into testing new working methods and looking at what it’s possible to do remotely, and how to exploit automation to the full, in order to become more flexible,” says TMAS Secretary General Therese Premler-Andersson. “Others have been taking risks where they see opportunies and there’s a new sense of solidarity among companies.

“It’s extremely encouraging, for example, that over five hundred European companies from across our supply chain are reported to have responded to the shortages of facemasks and PPE – protective personal equipment – by converting parts of their sites or investing in new equipment.”

New supply chains

Amongst them are TMAS members of the ACG Group, who quickly established a dedicated new nonwovens fabric converting and single-use garment making-up plant to supply to the Swedish health authorities. From a standing start in March, this is now producing 1.8 million square metres of converted fabric and turning it into 692,000 finished medical garments each month.

“In 2020 so far, we have seen new value chains being created and a certain amount of permanent reshoring is now inevitable,” says Premler-Andersson. “This is being backed by the new funding announced in the European Union’s Next Generation EU plan, with €750 billion marked for helping industry recover. As the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has stressed, “green and digital” transitions hold the key to Europe’s future prosperity and resilience, and TMAS members have new solutions to assist in both areas.”

Remote working

Automated solutions have opened up many possibilities for remote working during the pandemic. Texo AB, for example, the specialist in wide-width weaving looms for the paper industry, was able to successfully complete the build and delivery of a major multi-container order between April and May.

“Our new Remote Guidance software now makes it possible for us to carry out some of the commissioning and troubleshooting of such new lines remotely, which has been helpful” says Texo AB President Anders Svensson.

Svegea of Sweden, which has spent the past few months developing its new CR-210 fabric relaxation machine for knitted fabrics, has also successfully set up and installed a number of machines remotely, which the company has never attempted before.

“The pandemic has definitely led to some inventive solutions for us and with international travel currently not possible, we are finding better methods of digital communication and collaboration all the time,” says Svegea managing director Hakan Steene.

Eric Norling, Vice President of the Precision Application business of Baldwin Technology, believes the pandemic may have a more permanent impact on global travel.

“We have now proven that e-meetings and virtual collaboration tools are effective,” he says. “Baldwin implemented a home office work regime from April with only production personnel and R&D researchers at the workplace. These past few months have shown that we can be just as effective and do not need to travel for physical meetings to the same extent that was previously thought to be necessary.”

Pär Hedman, Sales and Marketing Manager for IRO AB, however, believes such advances can only go so far at the moment.

“Video conferences have taken a big leap forward, especially in development projects, and this method of communication is here to stay, but it will never completely replace personal meetings,” he says. “And textile fabrics need to be touched, examined and accepted by the senses, which is impossible to do via digital media today. The coming haptic internet, however, may well even change that too.”

Social distancing

The many garment factories now equipped with Eton Systems UPS work stations – designed to save considerable costs through automation – have meanwhile benefited from the unintentional social distancing they automatically provide compared to factories with conventional banks of sewing machines.

“These companies have been able to continue operating throughout the pandemic due to the spaced nature of our automated plant configurations,” says Eton Systems Business Development Manager Roger Ryrlén. “The UPS system has been established for some time, but planned spacing has proved an accidental plus for our customers – with improved productivity.”

“Innovations from TMAS member companies have been coming thick and fast recently due to their advanced know-how in automation concepts,” Premler-Andersson concludes.  “If anything, the restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic have only accelerated these initiatives by obliging our members to take new approaches.”

First Oerlikon Nonwoven meltblown technology plant sold to Australia (c) Oerlikon Nonwowen
In times of Corona: Online contract signing between Oerlikon Nonwoven and OZ Health Plus for the new order of an Oerlikon Nonwoven meltblown line for Australia.
07.07.2020

First Oerlikon Nonwoven meltblown technology plant sold to Australia

  • Australian production of medical masks to commence from April 2021 with Oerlikon Nonwoven meltblown technology

Neumünster/Germany, Brisbane/Queensland/Australia – Queensland company OZ Health Plus will establish Australia’s first manufacturing plant to make the critical fine plastic material used in most protective face masks. OZ Health Plus has purchased a plant of the Swiss-based technology company Oerlikon to establish a Queensland-based production plant for spun-bond and meltblown nonwovens. These fabrics are essential for Australia’s face mask manufac-turers, who currently produce about 500 million medical and industrial masks per year. However the fabrics have to be imported from overseas and access to these materials has been severely disrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Australian production of medical masks to commence from April 2021 with Oerlikon Nonwoven meltblown technology

Neumünster/Germany, Brisbane/Queensland/Australia – Queensland company OZ Health Plus will establish Australia’s first manufacturing plant to make the critical fine plastic material used in most protective face masks. OZ Health Plus has purchased a plant of the Swiss-based technology company Oerlikon to establish a Queensland-based production plant for spun-bond and meltblown nonwovens. These fabrics are essential for Australia’s face mask manufac-turers, who currently produce about 500 million medical and industrial masks per year. However the fabrics have to be imported from overseas and access to these materials has been severely disrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Oerlikon’s German-based business unit Oerlikon Nonwoven has now executed legal and commercial arrangements to supply the specialised machinery which can manufacture the nonwoven material lo-cally. The same machinery is used to make almost all face masks material manufactured in Europe. The world-leading Oerlikon Nonwoven meltblown plant will commence operations in April next year, with a second stage planned for late 2021.

The Oerlikon Nonwoven plant can produce meltblown fabrics for 500 million masks per year, along with other medical and non-medical grade products, filtration products, sanitary items, antiseptic wipes and more. Rainer Straub, Head of Oerlikon Nonwoven said: “We are very proud that we can now for the first time supply our Oerlikon Nonwoven meltblown technology to Australia. Due to the short delivery time, we hope to make our contribution to the Australian population and their safe sup-ply of high-quality protective masks as soon as possible.”

Queensland company secures manufacturing plant for the only Australian production of critical face mask material

OZ Health Plus director Darren Fooks said: “Australia has access to raw polypropylene feedstock but lacks the plant to convert that raw material to specialised spunbond and meltblown fabrics. These fabrics are essential for local mask manufacturing. The Australian-based Oerlikon Nonwoven plant will fill the production chain gap for Australia by producing the fabrics we need for mask production and many other products – it will reduce Australia’s protective mask supply chain from thousands of kilo-metres, to tens of kilometres.”

“Our decision in favor of Oerlikon Nonwoven was a given once we had analyzed the material samples. It was a matter of course for us that the Business Unit of the Oerlikon Manmade Fibers segment could supply high-quality machines and systems”, added Darren Fooks.

OZ Health Plus’ new facilities will take up 15,000 m2 of manufacturing space and will employ 100 full-time roles once the second stage of the project is complete. OZ Health Plus continues to work with both Queensland and Federal Government stakeholders and values their support in bringing this vital capability to Queensland.

Leading meltblown technology

Oerlikon Nonwoven meltblown technology, which can also be used to produce nonwovens for protec-tive masks, is recognized in the market as the technically most efficient method of producing high-separation filter media from plastic fibers. Most of the protective mask capacities available in Europe to date are produced on Oerlikon Nonwoven equipment.

Source:

Andre Wissenberg
Marketing, Corporate Communications & Public Affairs

07.07.2020

Sustainable fashion: How are the leaders in fast fashion doing? Post-COVID-19 survey

  • 10% of their offer is eco-responsible.
  • Sustainable cotton is a priority for retailers for the coming years.
  • Sustainable garments cheaper than standard garments.

Brands are prepared for the new health protection rules and have reopened their stores. But aside from the direct impact of the COVID-19 epidemic, is the fashion market ready to respond to customers’ desire to act by changing their spending habits?

Based on analyses by Retviews, a recently acquired startup, Lectra has produced a survey of sustainable fashion among the leading fast fashion brands*.

The COVID-19 crisis has given many people the desire to live more meaningfully and to act more responsibly. The crisis period could be seen as the catalyst that forces the fashion industry to change the way it designs, produces and distributes its products. Since, for consumers, buying is a way of expressing a commitment and affirming their values, brands have an incentive to change their offer in preparation for the future, by taking a more eco-responsible, authentic and transparent approach.

  • 10% of their offer is eco-responsible.
  • Sustainable cotton is a priority for retailers for the coming years.
  • Sustainable garments cheaper than standard garments.

Brands are prepared for the new health protection rules and have reopened their stores. But aside from the direct impact of the COVID-19 epidemic, is the fashion market ready to respond to customers’ desire to act by changing their spending habits?

Based on analyses by Retviews, a recently acquired startup, Lectra has produced a survey of sustainable fashion among the leading fast fashion brands*.

The COVID-19 crisis has given many people the desire to live more meaningfully and to act more responsibly. The crisis period could be seen as the catalyst that forces the fashion industry to change the way it designs, produces and distributes its products. Since, for consumers, buying is a way of expressing a commitment and affirming their values, brands have an incentive to change their offer in preparation for the future, by taking a more eco-responsible, authentic and transparent approach.

While these factors were apparent before the pandemic, they have now become the key to interacting with consumers wanting a more responsible offer. The era of the consumer activist, long heralded without actually becoming a reality, is now here, and brands must adapt in response.

*Please read the attached document for more information

More information:
Lectra, PLM Covid-19 Retviews
Source:

Lectra Headquarters / Press Department

30.06.2020

Autoneum realigns financing sustainably

Due to the COVID 19 crisis and its significant impact on the automotive industry and Autoneum's course of business, the Company and a bank consortium have amended the existing long-term credit agreement in the amount of CHF 350 million, amongst others with regard to the financial covenants.

At the same time, the two major shareholders Michael Pieper and Peter Spuhler have  agreed to extend the term of the subordinated loans of CHF 20 million each, granted in December 2019, subject to the financial performance of Autoneum Group and aligned with the credit agreement with the bank syndicate. As a result, Autoneum's liquidity and long-term financing continue to be secured on a sustainable basis.

Due to the COVID 19 crisis and its significant impact on the automotive industry and Autoneum's course of business, the Company and a bank consortium have amended the existing long-term credit agreement in the amount of CHF 350 million, amongst others with regard to the financial covenants.

At the same time, the two major shareholders Michael Pieper and Peter Spuhler have  agreed to extend the term of the subordinated loans of CHF 20 million each, granted in December 2019, subject to the financial performance of Autoneum Group and aligned with the credit agreement with the bank syndicate. As a result, Autoneum's liquidity and long-term financing continue to be secured on a sustainable basis.

More information:
Covid-19 Autoneum
Source:

Autoneum Management AG

Finally: the fast-acting, all-in-one, highly durable antibacterial and antiviral solution for textiles: RUCO®-BAC AGP. (c) RUDOLF GmbH
24.06.2020

Finally: the fast-acting, all-in-one, highly durable antibacterial and antiviral solution for textiles: RUCO®-BAC AGP.

  • RUDOLF GROUP is thrilled to unveil the perfected antiviral features embedded in RUCO®-BAC AGP, the Company’s flagship antimicrobial product for textile applications.

As a consequence of COVID-19 global pandemic the demand for chemical auxiliaries with antimicrobial effect has boomed. RUDOLF GROUP invested important resources in the meticulous assessment of a new antiviral feature which is now added to one of their leading technologies .

Such an effort returned the surprisingly fast and most comprehensive antibacterial and antiviral textile finishing on the market: RUCO®-BAC AGP.

History has led to great vision and innovation

The powerful antimicrobial effectiveness of RUCO®-BAC AGP is rooted in the extraordinary properties of silver, whose antimicrobial magic is lost in the mists of time. Already known by the ancient Romans, Greeks and Egyptians, water and milk were preserved by using silver coins through the early modern age.

  • RUDOLF GROUP is thrilled to unveil the perfected antiviral features embedded in RUCO®-BAC AGP, the Company’s flagship antimicrobial product for textile applications.

As a consequence of COVID-19 global pandemic the demand for chemical auxiliaries with antimicrobial effect has boomed. RUDOLF GROUP invested important resources in the meticulous assessment of a new antiviral feature which is now added to one of their leading technologies .

Such an effort returned the surprisingly fast and most comprehensive antibacterial and antiviral textile finishing on the market: RUCO®-BAC AGP.

History has led to great vision and innovation

The powerful antimicrobial effectiveness of RUCO®-BAC AGP is rooted in the extraordinary properties of silver, whose antimicrobial magic is lost in the mists of time. Already known by the ancient Romans, Greeks and Egyptians, water and milk were preserved by using silver coins through the early modern age.

R&D at RUDOLF GROUP has mounted silver on highly sophisticated, functional and registered microstructures that strengthen and amplify the qualities of this noble metal.

RUDOLF’s proprietary microstructures are the responsible hidden secret and key technical breakthrough behind both efficacy and durability of RUCO®-BAC AGP. This innovation is now the preferred solution to help reducing proliferation and cross-contamination of bacteria and enveloped-virus on textiles.

One gram of microstructures has the astonishing superficial area of about 60 m². The advantage of a much higher surface is that the consumption of resources and dosages can be minimized by the factor 100 and that makes RUCO®-BAC AGP a highly conscious choice.

“Due to the microstructures, a virtually infinite protective shield is created in the textile from which highly effective positive silver ions are set free in small, exactly dosed quantities” says Dr. Dirk Sielemann, R&D Director at Rudolf Group.

Taking performance to the next level

RUCO-BAC AGP effectively protects any textile against bacteria (harmful and odour-causing) and its superior antiviral performance on textiles has been independently demonstrated by applying the most modern testing methods. Assessments were carried out on enveloped Coronaviridae families known to cause a broad spectrum of animal and human diseases.

The microstructures in RUCO®-BAC AGP trigger their powerful antibacterial and antiviral effects based on 3 distinctive inhibiting mechanisms:
1.    Blocking of oxygen-transporting enzymes therefore leading to impaired growth;
2.    Crushing of disulfide bonds and therefore structure of sulphur-containing proteins.
3.    Possible interference with Bacteria and virus surface protein in the membrane.

RUCO®-BAC AGP is intended for the protection of the treated textiles and the microstructures of RUCO®-BAC AGP were studied thinking of performance and safety. It is suitable for next-to-skin applications and cytotoxicity tests show that RUCO®-BAC AGP has no influence on the natural microflora of the skin. Furthermore, because of the adhesion mechanism of its microstructures, RUCO®-BAC AGP is only active in/on the textile and it is non-migrating. 

“This year 202o is being highly emotional and it’s leading to the widespread introduction of antimicrobials on textile and to a myriad of vague, misleading or unsubstantiated marketing claims”, states Dr. Gunther Duschek, Managing Director at RUDOLF GROUP. He concludes “As a highly responsible company, we move cautiously and stand for technologies and practices that are effective, truthful and limit the exposure of apparel manufacturers, retailers and buyers to any risk”.

Source:

EFFE-BI SRL PR & COMMUNICATION

17.06.2020

Virtual event series by Mimaki

  • Live Event Series Launched to Connect with Customers and Drive New Opportunities After COVID-19

Mimaki Europe, a leading manufacturer of inkjet printers and cutting systems, has announced it will host a three-part virtual event series – Mimaki Live Series – to support customers looking for inspiration and advice on how to maintain or revive business after the COVID-19 crisis.

Building on the success of Mimaki’s Virtual Print Festival in March and April this year, Mimaki has created an exciting and insightful three-day programme for three market-focused virtual events:

  • Event I – Sign Graphics – 30th June 2020
  • Event II – Textiles – 14th July 2020
  • Event III – Industrial Printing - 27th August 2020

Each event will provide a platform for Mimaki representatives, customers, and suppliers to discuss the impact the COVID-19 crisis has had on their business and the wider industry, as well as share their experiences, challenges, and success stories.

  • Live Event Series Launched to Connect with Customers and Drive New Opportunities After COVID-19

Mimaki Europe, a leading manufacturer of inkjet printers and cutting systems, has announced it will host a three-part virtual event series – Mimaki Live Series – to support customers looking for inspiration and advice on how to maintain or revive business after the COVID-19 crisis.

Building on the success of Mimaki’s Virtual Print Festival in March and April this year, Mimaki has created an exciting and insightful three-day programme for three market-focused virtual events:

  • Event I – Sign Graphics – 30th June 2020
  • Event II – Textiles – 14th July 2020
  • Event III – Industrial Printing - 27th August 2020

Each event will provide a platform for Mimaki representatives, customers, and suppliers to discuss the impact the COVID-19 crisis has had on their business and the wider industry, as well as share their experiences, challenges, and success stories.

The Mimaki Live events will feature a host of engaging panel discussions, opinion polls, live chats and Q&As, all designed to prompt important, topical discussions and share information and advice across the print community.  

To register for the Mimaki Live event series, please visit www.mimakieurope.com/mimaki-live-event.

More information:
Mimaki
Source:

Mimaki

Chantelle Lingerie stellt die Produktion auf Mund- und Nasenmasken (c) Chantelle Lingerie
09.06.2020

Chantelle Lingerie stellt Produktion auf Mund- und Nasenmasken um

Mit Flexibilität und Innovation durch die Krise: Chantelle Lingerie stellt die Produktion auf Mund- und Nasenmasken um und sichert das Fortbestehen des Unternehmens

Düsseldorf - Angesichts der Covid-19-Pandemie und des dringenden Bedarfs an Mund- und Nasenmasken hat das französische Familienunternehmen Chantelle schnell reagiert und sein Fachwissen sowie seine Werksmitarbeiter eingesetzt, um wiederverwendbare Mund- und Nasenmasken für den nicht medizinischen Gebrauch herzustellen. Die Produktion läuft bereits seit zwei Monaten, währenddessen hat das Unternehmen seine Unterwäscheproduktion pausiert.

Für Ende Juni werden in der extra geschaffenen Lagerzone rund 20 Millionen Masken erwartet. Im Chantelle Lager in Corbie finden normalerweise an die vier Millionen BHs Platz, theoretisch können hier also 50 bis 60 Millionen Masken gelagert werden.

Mit Flexibilität und Innovation durch die Krise: Chantelle Lingerie stellt die Produktion auf Mund- und Nasenmasken um und sichert das Fortbestehen des Unternehmens

Düsseldorf - Angesichts der Covid-19-Pandemie und des dringenden Bedarfs an Mund- und Nasenmasken hat das französische Familienunternehmen Chantelle schnell reagiert und sein Fachwissen sowie seine Werksmitarbeiter eingesetzt, um wiederverwendbare Mund- und Nasenmasken für den nicht medizinischen Gebrauch herzustellen. Die Produktion läuft bereits seit zwei Monaten, währenddessen hat das Unternehmen seine Unterwäscheproduktion pausiert.

Für Ende Juni werden in der extra geschaffenen Lagerzone rund 20 Millionen Masken erwartet. Im Chantelle Lager in Corbie finden normalerweise an die vier Millionen BHs Platz, theoretisch können hier also 50 bis 60 Millionen Masken gelagert werden.

Guillaume Kretz, Geschäftsführer von Chantelle: „Das Thema hat weltweite Relevanz, deswegen wollen wir auch Südamerika, dort wo die Pandemie erst jetzt beginnt, genügend Masken zur Verfügung stellen. Mit der Covid-Pandemie kam der Anstoß umzudenken, die Produktion von Masken voranzutreiben, die auch allgemein gegen Krankheiten und Umweltverschmutzung (z.B. Smog) schützen. Wir wollen die Masken weiter verbessern und auch in Zukunft in Innovationen investieren und so zum Beispiel bis zum Ende des Jahres Masken für Schwerhörige entwickeln, die das Lippenlesen ermöglichen.“ und ein großes Zukunftspotential haben.

Das renommierte Familienunternehmen Chantelle Lingerie wurde Ende des 19. Jahrhunderts gegründet und hat schon einige wirtschaftliche und politische Krisen miterlebt.

Das Unternehmen reagiert in Krisensituationen in kürzester Zeit und äußerst flexibel um sicherzustellen, dass Mitarbeiter gehalten und das Fortbestehen des Unternehmens gesichert werden kann. Als wegen der Schließung der Läden im Rahmen der Corona-Krise die Anfrage nach Unterwäsche stark zurückgegangen ist, hat das Unternehmen besonders schnell reagiert und die Produktion in den eigenen Werken in Frankreich, Marokko, Tunesien, Thailand und Vietnam, umgestellt.

„Wir sind eine Textil-Firma, die ihre Historie in der Lingerie hat. Zu unserer Kernkompetenz zählt das Gefühl für Materialien und ideale Passformen – Ideen setzen wir schnell um, die auf hochwertigstem Niveau in unseren Produktionsstätten gefertigt werden können. Wir agieren schnell, effektiv und passen die Produktionskapazitäten der realen Nachfrage an“, erklärt Guillaume Kretz.

Innerhalb von nur drei Wochen hat das Unternehmen standardisierte Masken produziert und plant zukünftig den Tragekomfort als auch die Funktion zu verbessern. Als einer der größten Unterwäschehersteller weltweit hat Chantelle sich zum Ziel gesetzt Mund- und Nasenmasken dauerhaft im Sortiment aufzunehmen und sich im Bereich der Produktion von Mund- und Nasenmasken als Marktführer zu etablieren – das flexible und innovative Marktmanagement von Chantelle ermöglichte, dass das Unternehmen auch diese Krise ohne allzu große Verluste überstanden hat. :
 

Cifra, Iluna Group, Rosti and Sitip launch fashionable masks with ROICA™ (c) Sitip-Rosti
Sitip Rosti Mask
08.06.2020

Cifra, Iluna Group, Rosti and Sitip launch fashionable masks with ROICA™

Masks yes, but with comfort, safety and also style: Cifra, Iluna Group, Rosti and Sitip launch masks with a fashion touch with the premium stretch fiber ROICA™
 
Big companies are updating their productions with high-performance and high technical characteristics masks, result of their historical experience and thanks to an exceptional partner in common: the premium stretch fiber ROICA™ by Asahi Kasei. And the solidarity race continues to donate them to hospitals and to the Red Cross
 
Forced to keep most of the face covered and often for a long time during the day, solutions that are above all performing and comfortable become increasingly necessary.

Masks yes, but with comfort, safety and also style: Cifra, Iluna Group, Rosti and Sitip launch masks with a fashion touch with the premium stretch fiber ROICA™
 
Big companies are updating their productions with high-performance and high technical characteristics masks, result of their historical experience and thanks to an exceptional partner in common: the premium stretch fiber ROICA™ by Asahi Kasei. And the solidarity race continues to donate them to hospitals and to the Red Cross
 
Forced to keep most of the face covered and often for a long time during the day, solutions that are above all performing and comfortable become increasingly necessary.

And solutions that are also a manifestation of our personality, which remains hidden and entrusted to the mere expression of the eyes. Walking on the streets we sometimes even don’t even recognize each other, since we are so hidden; and the desire to minimize the situation often takes over, together with that desire to make us recognizable, to possess and express an identity anyway. For fans of escaping homologation (now more than ever mandatory and for this reason even more difficult) “rescue comes” - and this is the case to say it - from illuminated companies who have thought about creative solutions for those with masks has to do all day, at home, at work, during sports and in leisure time. To feel more comfortable, there are many proposals: more “street style” for sports addicted and young people - inside and outside -, more elegant and sophisticated for women.

Textiles companies have joined the fight against Covid-19 engaging a strong and decisive personal and productive battle, which has seen many of them transform and convert their production units for the production of masks and gowns intended for medical personnel and the community.

Some of the most established excellences of the textile sector as Cifra, Iluna Group, Rosti and Sitip have made use of the precious collaboration of ROICA™, the premium stretch fiber by Asahi Kasei. ROICA™ is the innovative and smart premium ingredient chosen by these companies to guarantee even more comfort, thanks to an exceptional top-level component that gives elasticity for perfect adherence to the skin. Each of the companies then declined its production according to its specificity. And this is their important contribution.

Cifra presents the eco-sustainable version of the mask, the ECO-MASK™, which combines the high performance of Cifra knitting technology with the sustainability of the materials used. The 100% regenerated yarns create a 100% sustainable mask with 83% ECONYL and 17% ROICA™ V550 elastomer, the stretch fiber certified Cradle to Cradle Gold Health Level which allows excellent and lasting printability, as well as advantages regarding the circular economy as it does not release harmful substances into the test environment according to the Hohenstein Environmental Compatibility certification.

Iluna Group, European leader in the production of lace, has recently donated 400 protective “smart”  made with ROICA™ EF, the world first GRS - Global Recycled Standard – certified elastomer and which uses 58% of pre-consumer recycled content, mixed with Q-NOVA® by Fulgar. Multi-use, washable, bacteriostatic, breathable and water-repellent prevention masks gave to San Gerardo Hospital in Monza to answer to the Call to action launched on March 19th by the green journalist Diana De Marsanich, with the responsible and innovative materials expert Giusy Bettoni of C.L.A.S.S. Eco Hub, the fashion designer Marina Spadafora of Fashion Revolution Italia and the entrepreneur Simona Roveda of LifeGate. Iluna Group also announces the launch of the website dedicated to the direct sale of the different kind of masks all made with three layers, antibacterial and anti-drip treatment and washable up to 10 times. Iluna Group has also created the “smart” masks made with ROICA™ EF, the world first GRS - Global Recycled Standard – certified elastomer and which uses 58% of pre-consumer recycled content, mixed with Q-NOVA® by Fulgar.

In addition to the “smart” masks, available for women, men and children, Iluna Group has created two special versions of Lace Masks, covered with refined lace. One embroidered on a cotton base and one with soft microfiber.

Rosti, historic knitwear factory based in Brembate specialized in the design and production of cycling clothing with the best technical fabrics and the most advanced technologies, has put its experience at the service of the production of protective masks washable up to 20 times, made with Sitip fabric and with the anti-drop treatment Ecoacquazero®. Fascinating and protective like a second skin, the masks are sold in a pack of 10 pieces with captivating, colorful, geometric and original graphics, designed for every personality.

Rosti masks contain the premium stretch fiber ROICA™ Resistance, a family of premium stretch yarn with particular performances of resistance and durability.

28.05.2020

Rieter: Business Situation facing COVID-19 Pandemic

  • Since the end of March 2020, COVID-19 has led to very low demand in all Business Groups
  • Comprehensive crisis management implemented
  • Loss in the mid double-digit million range expected in the first half of 2020
  • Plans to introduce short-time working to adjust capacity in Switzerland and Germany
  • Strategy will continue to be implemented

Due to COVID-19, a large number of spinning mills have stopped production worldwide. Since the end of March 2020, this has led to low demand for spare parts and wear & tear parts and delays in testing programs during the development of new machines. Customers are postponing investment projects or unable to implement them due to restrictions imposed by national governments. This results in low demand for new machines.

  • Since the end of March 2020, COVID-19 has led to very low demand in all Business Groups
  • Comprehensive crisis management implemented
  • Loss in the mid double-digit million range expected in the first half of 2020
  • Plans to introduce short-time working to adjust capacity in Switzerland and Germany
  • Strategy will continue to be implemented

Due to COVID-19, a large number of spinning mills have stopped production worldwide. Since the end of March 2020, this has led to low demand for spare parts and wear & tear parts and delays in testing programs during the development of new machines. Customers are postponing investment projects or unable to implement them due to restrictions imposed by national governments. This results in low demand for new machines.

Comprehensive crisis management
Rieter has implemented comprehensive crisis management. Priorities are being given to protecting employees, fulfilling customer commitments and ensuring liquidity. The necessary measures to protect employees have been implemented worldwide.
The order backlog of well in excess of CHF 500 million is being processed largely according to plan, despite the existing bottlenecks in the supply chains. Less than 5% of the orders in the order backlog have been canceled.
Rieter has already implemented measures to ensure liquidity and reduce costs. The company has good net liquidity and undrawn credit lines in the mid three-digit million range.
Loss expected in the first half of 2020
As already reported, Rieter expects sales and earnings in the first half of 2020 to be significantly below the prior year level.

Loss expected in the first half of 2020
As already reported, Rieter expects sales and earnings in the first half of 2020 to be significantly below the prior year level. The effects of COVID-19 will place an additional burden on the first half of 2020. Rieter therefore expects sales in the first half of 2020 to be less than CHF 300 million. Despite the countermeasures implemented at the net profit level, this will lead to a loss in the mid double-digit million range.

Plans to introduce short-time working to adjust capacity
Rieter plans to apply for short-time working for the areas with forecasted low capacity utilization at the locations in Switzerland and Germany. The application will be for 40% short-time working in the third quarter of 2020. Talks with staff representatives will begin next week.
As a sign of solidarity, Rieter’s Board of Directors, Group Executive Committee and the senior management will waive 10%-20% of their salaries temporarily.

Implementation of the strategy
In recent years, Rieter has consistently implemented the strategy based on innovation leadership, strengthening the business in components, spare parts and services and the adjustment of cost structures. The company intends to forge ahead with the implementation of the strategy in the coming months, thus strengthening its market position for the time after the COVID-19 pandemic.
The next information on the course of business is planned with the publication of the half-year results on July 16, 2020
 

More information:
Coronavirus Rieter
Source:

Rieter Holding AG

27.05.2020

Huntsman Textile Effects and Bao Minh Textile collaborating

  • Producing fabric for medical gowns: Advanced barrier effect solutions support COVID-19 efforts

Huntsman Textile Effects and Bao Minh Textile, one of the largest and most modern woven fabric producers in Vietnam, are collaborating to produce fabric that meets the stringent performance standards required of isolation gowns. High-quality medical gowns are essential protective wear for healthcare workers combatting the global COVID-19 pandemic, but these are in short supply worldwide.

Bao Minh Textile will initially treat 760,000 meters of woven fabric with a carefully curated combination of Huntsman Textile Effects barrier effect solutions and auxiliaries. This fabric is sufficient to produce 345,000 high-grade isolation gowns.

  • Producing fabric for medical gowns: Advanced barrier effect solutions support COVID-19 efforts

Huntsman Textile Effects and Bao Minh Textile, one of the largest and most modern woven fabric producers in Vietnam, are collaborating to produce fabric that meets the stringent performance standards required of isolation gowns. High-quality medical gowns are essential protective wear for healthcare workers combatting the global COVID-19 pandemic, but these are in short supply worldwide.

Bao Minh Textile will initially treat 760,000 meters of woven fabric with a carefully curated combination of Huntsman Textile Effects barrier effect solutions and auxiliaries. This fabric is sufficient to produce 345,000 high-grade isolation gowns.

Bao Minh Textile’s isolation gown fabric relies on a range of Huntsman pretreatment, dyeing and finishing solutions. These include CLARITE® ONE, an all-in-one pretreatment for peroxide bleaching; NOVACRON® and TERASIL® dyes; PHOBOL® CP-C, an excellent oil-, water- and stain-repellent finish; and PHOBOTEX® RSY, a non-fluorinated durable water repellent with extremely high washing resistance. PHOBOL® EXTENDER XAN is also applied to further increase wash durability.

 

Source:

Huntsman Textile Effects

18.05.2020

AMAC cooperates with Alpha Executive Advisory

In these difficult times of the worldwide COVID-19 crisis, flexible reactions and fast decisions can be of imminent importance, particularly in the fragmented composite industry with its back-bone of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

In response, the Industrial and Business Consulting company AMAC under the lead of Dr. Michael Effing has signed today a cooperation agreement with Alpha Executive Advisory to jointly offer advisory services in Business Coaching, Acquisitions & Divestitures as well as Business Transformation and Crisis Management, also ad interim.

In detail, this cooperation is to identify the right fit in terms of capabilities and financial strength for companies looking for expansion or divestiture, to deliver support to innovative young start-up firms in order to faster penetrate the market and to smoothen the transition to the next owner in interim management or to make the next appropriate strategic step.

In these difficult times of the worldwide COVID-19 crisis, flexible reactions and fast decisions can be of imminent importance, particularly in the fragmented composite industry with its back-bone of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

In response, the Industrial and Business Consulting company AMAC under the lead of Dr. Michael Effing has signed today a cooperation agreement with Alpha Executive Advisory to jointly offer advisory services in Business Coaching, Acquisitions & Divestitures as well as Business Transformation and Crisis Management, also ad interim.

In detail, this cooperation is to identify the right fit in terms of capabilities and financial strength for companies looking for expansion or divestiture, to deliver support to innovative young start-up firms in order to faster penetrate the market and to smoothen the transition to the next owner in interim management or to make the next appropriate strategic step.

More information:
AMAC
Source:

AMAC GmbH

14.05.2020

SGL Carbon achieves results in line with initial expectations

No significant impact yet from Covid-19 pandemic in the first quarter 2020:

No significant impact yet from Covid-19 pandemic in the first quarter 2020:

  • Group sales revenues at 247 million euros approximately 15 percent below prior year’s level, but slightly above the guidance corridor (220 to 240 million euros) as published in March 2020
  • Decline in Group sales due to changes in the lithium-ion battery supply chain in the business unit Graphite Materials & Systems (GMS) as well as restructuring-driven lower sales in Textile Fibers in the business unit Composites – Fibers & Materials (CFM)
  • Group recurring EBIT approximately 50 percent below prior year level at 9 million euros and at the upper end of the guidance corridor (mid to high single-digit million euros amount)
  • Due to timely implemented measures and in contrast to the usual seasonal pattern, liquidity of approximately 150 million euros as of March 31, 2020 developed very favorably compared to year-end 2019 (137 million euros)
  • Dr. Michael Majerus, Spokesman of the Board of Management of SGL Carbon: “We acted decisively and took various measures at an early stage, both to ensure the safety of our employees and to mitigate the economic impact of the pandemic.”
  • Guidance for the full year 2020 remains suspended due to the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic; decline in Group sales revenue and negative Group recurring EBIT expected for the second quarter 2020

In the first quarter 2020, SGL Carbon has not yet been significantly impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic and reached sales revenues slightly above the guidance corridor of 220 to 240 million euros published on March 12, 2020. In total, Group sales at 247 million euros was approximately 15 percent below the prior year level. The development is primarily attributable to changes in the lithium-ion battery supply chain in the business unit Graphite Materials & Systems (GMS) as well as to restructuring-driven lower sales in Textile Fibers in the business unit Composites – Fibers & Materials (CFM). As planned, Group recurring EBIT decreased by approximately 50 percent to 9 million euros and thus reached the upper end of the guidance corridor of a mid to high single-digit million euros amount.

As the global measures taken to contain the pandemic led to disruptions in production and supply chains in April and early May 2020, a significant double-digit percentage decrease in Group sales revenue and a negative Group recurring EBIT are expected for the second quarter 2020.  

SGL Carbon implemented various measures to counter the economic impact of the pandemic at an early stage. For this reason, liquidity developed very favorably compared to year-end 2019 and in contrast to the usual seasonal pattern and improved from 137 million to approximately 150 million euros.

More information:
SGL Carbon
Source:

SGL Carbon SE

Eagle Creek verteilt Gesichtsmasken an stationären Fachhandel (c) Eagle Creek
Eagle Creek Gesichtsmaske
13.05.2020

Eagle Creek verteilt Gesichtsmasken an stationären Fachhandel

  • Für- & Vorsorge am Point of Sale

Endlich darf der stationäre Fachhandel in Deutschland (teilweise) wieder seine Tore öffnen. Damit dies auch so bleiben kann, gilt es für Kunden und Händler mehr denn je, Sicherheitsmaßnahmen streng einzuhalten. Eagle Creek als Spezialist für Reisegepäck weiß jedoch, dass es Verkaufsgespräche gibt, in denen der Sicherheitsabstand einfach nicht eingehalten werden kann. Aus diesem Grund unterstützt Eagle Creek seine stationären Händler in Europa und verteilt über 2000 wiederverwendbare Gesichtsmasken als Präventivschutz am PoS.

„Das Wohlergehen unserer Mitarbeiter und Händler hat für uns höchste Priorität.“, sagt Oliver Messing, Geschäftsführer von Eagle Creek Europe, mit Blick auf die aktuellen Lockerungen. „Wir halten uns strikt an die WHO-Richtlinien zu sozialer Distanzierung, Schutz und Prävention. Im direkten Kontakt mit Kunden ist es jedoch nicht immer möglich, alle Richtlinien zu befolgen.“

  • Für- & Vorsorge am Point of Sale

Endlich darf der stationäre Fachhandel in Deutschland (teilweise) wieder seine Tore öffnen. Damit dies auch so bleiben kann, gilt es für Kunden und Händler mehr denn je, Sicherheitsmaßnahmen streng einzuhalten. Eagle Creek als Spezialist für Reisegepäck weiß jedoch, dass es Verkaufsgespräche gibt, in denen der Sicherheitsabstand einfach nicht eingehalten werden kann. Aus diesem Grund unterstützt Eagle Creek seine stationären Händler in Europa und verteilt über 2000 wiederverwendbare Gesichtsmasken als Präventivschutz am PoS.

„Das Wohlergehen unserer Mitarbeiter und Händler hat für uns höchste Priorität.“, sagt Oliver Messing, Geschäftsführer von Eagle Creek Europe, mit Blick auf die aktuellen Lockerungen. „Wir halten uns strikt an die WHO-Richtlinien zu sozialer Distanzierung, Schutz und Prävention. Im direkten Kontakt mit Kunden ist es jedoch nicht immer möglich, alle Richtlinien zu befolgen.“

Aus diesem Grund unterstützt Eagle Creek seine stationären Händler mit komfortablen Gesichtsmasken. Kommende Woche werden 2.400 Gesichtsmasken (in dreier Sets) kostenfrei an stationäre Eagle Creek Europe Händler verschickt. Die Masken sind nicht für den Weiterverkauf gedacht, sondern sollen von dem Personal auf den Verkaufsflächen getragen werden. So kann das Risiko einer Ansteckung zwischen Verkäufer und Kunde während des Beratungsgesprächs reduziert werden.

Die wiederverwendbaren Gesichtsmasken bestehen aus zwei Schichten, wodurch sie langlebig und effektiv sind. Ihr Gewebe ist weich, passt sich gut an das Gesicht an und beeinträchtigt die Atmung nicht. Dank der SilverPlus® Beschichtung wird das Wachstum von geruchsverursachenden Bakterien verhindert. Mittels der elastischen Bänder lassen sie sich schnell und unkompliziert aufsetzen und passen auf unterschiedlichste Kopfformen. Sie können per Hand oder bei 40 °C in der Waschmaschine gewaschen werden. Die Eagle Creek Gesichtsmasken halten keinen FFP-Standard ein und sind somit nicht zertifiziert.

Source:

Kern Gottbrath Kommunikation GbR

Hochschule Niederrhein erhält 6000 Alltagsmasken von van Laack GmbH (c) Hochschule Niederrhein
Foto (von links): Prof. Maike Rabe, Stephanie Thoma, Prof. Lutz Vossebein, Prof. Robert Groten, Julian Wossack und Christian von Daniels.
13.05.2020

Hochschule Niederrhein erhält 6000 Alltagsmasken von van Laack GmbH

Mönchengladbach - Textilexperten der Hochschule Niederrhein haben das Mönchengladbacher Unternehmen van Laack GmbH dabei unterstützt, Infektionsschutzkittel und FFP2-Schutzmasken zu entwickeln. Von diesen zur Eindämmung der Corona-Pandemie notwendigen Schutzartikeln wurden dem Land Nordrhein-Westfalen inzwischen zehn Millionen Stück zur Verfügung gestellt. Als Dankeschön für die schnelle und fachgerechte Hilfe spendete van Laack 6000 waschbare Alltagsmasken an die Hochschule Niederrhein.

„Mit dieser Geste möchten wir uns bei der Hochschule Niederrhein für die prompte fachliche Unterstützung bei der Entwicklung von Infektionsschutzkitteln und FFP2-Schutzmasken mit Mehrwegkonzept bedanken“, sagte Christian von Daniels, Geschäftsführer des Hemdenherstellers van Laack gestern bei der Übergabe der Spende.

Mönchengladbach - Textilexperten der Hochschule Niederrhein haben das Mönchengladbacher Unternehmen van Laack GmbH dabei unterstützt, Infektionsschutzkittel und FFP2-Schutzmasken zu entwickeln. Von diesen zur Eindämmung der Corona-Pandemie notwendigen Schutzartikeln wurden dem Land Nordrhein-Westfalen inzwischen zehn Millionen Stück zur Verfügung gestellt. Als Dankeschön für die schnelle und fachgerechte Hilfe spendete van Laack 6000 waschbare Alltagsmasken an die Hochschule Niederrhein.

„Mit dieser Geste möchten wir uns bei der Hochschule Niederrhein für die prompte fachliche Unterstützung bei der Entwicklung von Infektionsschutzkitteln und FFP2-Schutzmasken mit Mehrwegkonzept bedanken“, sagte Christian von Daniels, Geschäftsführer des Hemdenherstellers van Laack gestern bei der Übergabe der Spende.

Julian Wossack, Absolvent der Hochschule Niederrhein und Leiter Einkauf und Produktmanagement bei van Laack, hatte zu Beginn der Krise mit der Entwicklung von Alltagsmasken begonnen. Christian von Daniels: „Das hat uns aber nicht zufrieden gestellt, es musste doch in einem Konfektionsunternehmen mehr möglich sein. Dabei war uns der Aspekt der Wiederverwendung der Produkte sehr wichtig, damit der Schutz der Menschen auch mit einem Schutz der Umwelt einhergeht.“

Auf seine Bitte hin wandte sich Julian Wossack an seine ehemalige Professorin Dr. Maike Rabe, Leiterin des Forschungsinstituts für Textil- und Bekleidung der Hochschule Niederrhein. Diese stellte ein Expertenteam zusammen, das sich Gedanken über Materialzusammensetzung, Vliesstoffqualitäten, chemische Ausrüstungen, Filterwirkung, Schnittgestaltung und Schweißverfahren für virendichte Nähte machte. Mit an Bord waren die Professoren Dr. Lutz Vossebein, Dekan des Fachbereichs Textil- und Bekleidungstechnik und Leiter der Öffentlichen Prüfstelle für das Textilwesen, Dr. Robert Groten, Experte für Technische Textilien und Vliesstoffe, Dr. Kerstin Zöll, Expertin für Konfektionstechnologie sowie Stephanie Thoma, Mitarbeiterin im konfektionstechnischen Labor.

„Wir alle waren froh, unser Fachwissen in dieser Krise zur Problemlösung einzusetzen. Anwendungstechnik und Transfer schreiben wir uns ja sowieso auf die Fahnen“, sagte Maike Rabe. Lutz Vossebein ergänzt: „Die Zusammenarbeit hat auch uns beflügelt, sie zeigt wie wichtig der Austausch zwischen den Hochschulen und der Wirtschaft ist. Die Masken werden nun für den Schutz der Mitarbeiterinnen und Mitarbeiter sowie im Bedarfsfall der Studierenden eingesetzt.“

06.05.2020

CHT teams up with HeiQ in fight against COVID-19

The corona pandemic continues to put a strain on health systems around the globe. Many places lack effective textile protective kit among others for their medical personnel. HeiQ, a Swiss specialty chemicals company, has developed antiviral and antibacterial protective kit that is quickly effective against Coronaviruses (229E), as confirmed in wide-ranging studies. In cooperation with HeiQ, the CHT Group is supplying this technology to the market to help decrease the global shortage in protective wear.

A wide number of studies have proven that viruses and bacteria can remain active on textile surfaces for a longer period. The SARS-COV-2 virus, which causes the COVID-19 disease, can stay active on a textile for up to two days and therefore be infectious. Shortages in textile protective kit create a high risk for medical personnel who are in contact with COVID-19 patients: often, doctors and nurses cannot change their protective masks and clothing as frequently as would be necessary in order to adhere to hygiene rules and to prevent the spreading of the virus.

The corona pandemic continues to put a strain on health systems around the globe. Many places lack effective textile protective kit among others for their medical personnel. HeiQ, a Swiss specialty chemicals company, has developed antiviral and antibacterial protective kit that is quickly effective against Coronaviruses (229E), as confirmed in wide-ranging studies. In cooperation with HeiQ, the CHT Group is supplying this technology to the market to help decrease the global shortage in protective wear.

A wide number of studies have proven that viruses and bacteria can remain active on textile surfaces for a longer period. The SARS-COV-2 virus, which causes the COVID-19 disease, can stay active on a textile for up to two days and therefore be infectious. Shortages in textile protective kit create a high risk for medical personnel who are in contact with COVID-19 patients: often, doctors and nurses cannot change their protective masks and clothing as frequently as would be necessary in order to adhere to hygiene rules and to prevent the spreading of the virus.

The HeiQ Viroblock NPJ03 that has been developed by HeiQ is a new technology that is also effective against Coronaviruses (229E) thanks to its antibacterial and antiviral properties. Comprehensive studies have demonstrated the kit‘s effectiveness. A combination of silver salts with a vesicle technology deactivates bacteria and viruses on textile surfaces within a few minutes and renders the bacteria and viruses harmless. Textiles equipped in this way reduce the rate of infection by 99.99%, which stops the transmission and the spread of bacteria and viruses through textiles.

Viroblock can be used on all types of fibers – not only for protective kit and masks, but also for work clothing, bed linen, towels and home textiles. The kit is wash-resistant and still highly effective after 30 standard wash processes.

More information:
HeiQ CHT Group corona virus
Source:

CHT Gruppe