The Andover, UK, plant of fabrics maker Brunswick Technologies Inc (BTI; tel +1 207/729-7792; fax +1 207/729-7877) is being expanded to more than double capacity and improve production efficiencies. ...The firm says that the 580 m exp 2 of additional space is part of its overall strategic direction to strengthen its growth in the European market which it has been pursuing since it acquired the former Tech Textiles business in March 1998. The new space will support two new machines, the first of which will be installed in January.
During the Fifth Ordinary Meeting of the ECOWAS Health Ministers, organized by the West African Health Organization (WAHO) in Accra, Ghana, in October 2004, the Ministers adopted a recommendation for ...WAHO to begin the implementation of an information sharing system that would enhance each country s ability to share and access product, supplier, and pharmaceutical market information. At WAHO s request, John Snow, Inc./DELIVER initiated this implementation, beginning with the design. This report summarizes DELIVER s findings. By starting with a well researched and designed plan for implementation, the Coordinated Informed Buying (CIB) system will better meet the needs of the users, and, ultimately, be a tool to assist the region in their efforts towards reproductive health commodity security (RHCS). Nine out of the 15 ECOWAS countries provided input, with more than 85 individuals contributing to this design. Anecdotal information suggests that sharing of various elements of pharmaceutical procurement already occurs among countries in the region but in an ad hoc or limited manner. A CIB system would potentially capitalize on this kind of experience and build a systematic strategy of regional coordination for information sharing, and, ultimately, improve the buying power for all involved. The overwhelming majority of key informants indicated that a CIB system would be valuable either directly or indirectly for national procurement activities. Across the board, organizations and individuals interviewed articulated the benefits that they perceived for the country in having a CIB system in place. Notably, managers said that the process of building the tool and meeting as like-minded professionals to work as a region would be as valuable as the tool itself. CIB was noted for its potential to provide relevant information; that information would help in understanding what specific health commodity procurements are taking place in both the region and bordering countries (versus the general indices of prices). This document maps a plan for CIB implementation to start first with available data and to make use of existing infrastructure. For data collection, all countries should be invited to share information and should also be invited to use the CIB, regardless of whether a country provides information (i.e., access to information should not be restricted only to those who provide data). This paper recommends that WAHO take the role of lead coordinator and, prior to proceeding, a CIB System Manager situated at WAHO should be identified to lead the process.
In 1996, DuPont announced a sweeping renewal program for its nylon fiber business. The 3-pronged, 5-year program is designed to reduce costs by $700 million annually and raise returns to well over ...the cost of the capital. DuPont expects to accomplish these goals through modernization and consolidation of assets, more efficient processing of nylon fiber, more effective use of equipment and maintenance techniques and improved sourcing by leveraging the business' global position and scale. According to Robert W. Pruyn, business director of Textile Nylon for North America, the company is investing $300 million in asset modernization - improving the cost competitiveness of its operations. Today, Pruyn says at least 20% of DuPont's operations are state-of-the-art, and the company will be at the 50% level before the renewal program in complete.
Lorber Industries, a leading California circular knitter, has expanded its operations by building a new ultramodern yarn-spinning operation in Snyder, Texas. It was built from the ground up to become ...the first occupant of a new city industrial park. In the process, the operation became a showplace for new textile technology, as it sports a number of machinery developments that have been introduced within the last year. They include high-speed carding, new-generation drawing, the latest in roto spinning developments and a new concept in spinning robots. Throughout the production sequence, a modern laboratory operation keeps tabs on all quality aspects, monitoring factors such as sliver and yarn evenness.
The toughest challenge for Chuck Hansen, chairman and CEO of Dallas-based Pillowtex Corp., was blending the corporate culture of Pillowtex, Cannon and Fieldcrest. He says it is something you have to ...work at and it is coming along very well. Pillowtex is now the largest producer of home textiles in North America and is considered to be the largest manufacturer in terms of sales of bath towels, blankets, bed pillows and down comforters. Cost containment and capital spending to improve plant efficiencies is Pillowtex's strategy to improve Fieldcrest Cannon, now considered a division.
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