Printed Fabric Haus der Kunst will present Robert Rauschenberg - Travelling '70 - '76, on view May 9 - September 14, 2008. The exhibition unites a selection of works from the series 'Cardboards,' 'Venetians,' 'Early Egyptians,' 'Hoarfrosts' and 'Jammers.' Rauschenberg's preoccupation with other cultures, as well as experiences from the various journeys he took are reflected in these pieces, which were created between 1970 and 1976. For the first time, these work groups in Rauschenberg's ?uvre, which have been largely ignored up to now, are receiving the acknowledgement they deserve. Rauschenberg's travels in the 1970s took him to Italy, France, Jerusalem and India. The series presented here, which were created on, or immediately after these trips, exhibit exceptional simplicity, liveliness and brilliance, utilizing new materials and techniques. During this period Rauschenberg created works made of cardboard, fabric and found objects. In all five series he addresses the classic problems of painting, such as composition, color and texture, as well as those of sculpture, such as weight, balance and the placement of the object in space, with his typical inventiveness. The Cardboards - Rauschenberg used only found bits of cardboard in this series created between 1971 and 1972. His decision to restrict his materials to cardboard and cardboard boxes coincided with his move to Captiva Island in southern Florida: following a very successful period in New York, Rauschenberg was looking for new ways to concentrate; the move took place in 1970 and the artist was looking for a material that he could get anywhere in the world for his new series: "I still haven't been anyplace where there weren't cardboard boxes ... even up the Amazon." (Rauschenberg 1991) Rauschenberg was the first artist to use only cardboard for large format assemblage paintings, sculptures and installations without treating it as painterly decor or subjugating it in any way. He discovered the expressive quality of packaging materials and united the language of formal abstraction with that of real life while completely preserving the material's character. It was precisely this material, which is usually discarded, on which he concentrated his attention: "... A desire built up in me to work in a material of waste and softness. Something yielding with its only message a collection of lines imprinted like a friendly joke. A silent discussion of their history exposed by their new shapes. Labored commonly with happiness. Boxes." The 'Cardboards' tend to be monochromatic. Rauschenberg continues here in the vein of the pure black and white paintings of his early years. In this way the traces on the boxes left by use are strongly accentuated: labels, printed words, imprints from soles and fingers, as well as various kinds of damage marks. These traces superimpose one another and provide information about the box's history. As a universally available material, cardboard boxes also represent the gradual conformity of the world under the conditions of capitalistic overproduction. The Venetians - The 'Venetians' were created during 1972 and 1973 in Captiva after a travel to Venice. For this series, Rauschenberg primarily used mass produced materials and discarded household objects: fabric, rope, wood, leather, stone, electric cable and wire, chairs, vases, pillows, an old bathtub, water and scrap metal. The 'Venetians' are more sculptural than the earlier 'Cardboards' and less abstract. Characteristic is their reference to Venetian imagery, which, however, is not purely representational. The objects retain their independence and identity and the analogies to the city's appearance are primarily formal. The viewer, for example, mentally transforms a fragmented inner tube into the outline of a gondola and a piece of wood into a gondolier's oar ("Untitled [Venetian]", 1973). Rauschenberg was a frequent visitor to and repeated participant in the Venice Biennale. He was one of the first artists to make the city's distinctive character the subject of his work: the halt of time in the lagoon, the city's unfailing appeal despite the gradual decline of its beauty. In this series Rauschenberg returned to his assemblages, to the juxtaposition of materials and found objects as they had once characterized his combines. The title of the work, "Sor Aqua", (1973) quotes the Cantico di Frate Sole by St. Francis of Assisi, one of the earliest pieces of Italian literature. The four elements form two sets of siblings: Brother Sun and Sister Moon, Brother Fire and Sister Water. Frate Sole is the symbol of enlightenment through God. In Rauschenberg's work bent pieces of metal hang above a filled bathtub reflected in the water like clouds. The incidental light is also mirrored in the water. The Early Egyptians - The series 'Early Egyptians' was created in 1973 and 1974. Cardboard is once again the dominant material, although the way it is treated here is significantly different: The cardboard boxes are not flattened or cut but are almost always used as constructive elements in these large-scale works. Rauschenberg, not without a certain irony, covers the cardboard boxes with glue and then either rolls them in sand or wraps them in gauze, like mummies. By painting the backs of the boxes with phosphorescent ink he creates a halation on the wall, as if the objects were casting artificial shadows there. "I cover them with a special material, as if it were glue. Then I line them with two or three layers of sand. This was, when you think that they are boxes, they seem like stones. Then after having thought that they are stones, you go back to the first impression. They are not stones! You think again that they are boxes. This ambiguity is what I like. Then I paint their back surface so that they reflect the color on the walls. Like stones that have fallen asleep within a rainbow." Part of the series was executed in Captiva, part in Paris. Rauschenberg's preoccupation with ancient Egypt was inspired in part by reading material and in part by visits to the Louvre; Rauschenberg had never been to Egypt. While the 'Venetians' are lightweight and almost choreographic, the 'Early Egyptians' suggest weight, even when devoid of it. Rauschenberg creates a monumental effect, which he undercuts at the same time. In this way the works confront the viewer with the question of transience and continuity. The Hoarfrosts - For the 'Hoarfrosts,' executed in 1974 and 1975, Rauschenberg used fabric in place of traditional canvas supports. The title is a reference to Dante's Inferno, which Rauschenberg had already illustrated in the 1950s with a series of transfer drawings ("Inferno", 1958/60). Accompanied by the poet Virgil, Dante descends into Hell, enveloped in mist and frost: The beginning of the 24th canto states: "What time the hoarfrost copies on the ground / The outward semblance of her sister white." The technique and content of this series are linked to earlier works. Rauschenberg noticed that the gauze used to clean the stone slabs in lithography retained traces of the newsprint. By using a solvent, which allowed images to be transferred onto fabric, the artist created a series of works on transparent or semi-transparent fabric; he transferred images from newspapers onto silk, cotton and chiffon. In most of the works several layers of printed fabric overlap, creating delicate palimpsests of great depth and elegance. Neutral colors dominate the works at first, although brighter colors are gradually incorporated. The 'Hoarfrosts' tell of disintegration and states of suspense, of concealment and transparency, "presenting the imagery in the ambiguity of freezing into focus or melting from view." (Rauschenberg).
2008-05-21 16:28:33
PP Nonwoven ExxonMobil Chemical’s Vistamaxx? 2125 specialty elastomer has won the INDEX 08 Award for the category: "Raw materials or component - innovation in a raw material of special relevance to the nonwovens industry."Recognizing the best examples of excellence in innovation in the nonwovens industry, the INDEX Awards are sponsored by the European Disposables and Nonwovens Association (EDANA), the international association representing nonwovens and related industries. The awards panel is comprised of industry experts from marketing, research and development, the media and academia. INDEX 08 took place in Geneva fromApril 15-18, 2008.“We are delighted to have won this award. For Vistamaxx specialty elastomers to have been acknowledged by the industry in this way is a wonderful accolade,” said Simon Holmes, global marketing manager, specialty elastomers, ExxonMobil Chemical. “It is another demonstration of the impact that Vistamaxx specialty elastomers are having on the nonwovens industry, opening up new opportunities for creative converters and fabricators to further the growth and value of nonwovens."Vistamaxx specialty elastomers are being used in a growing range of nonwoven applications including hygiene absorbent products, medical, filtration and industrial because of their versatile benefits and product qualities. These include good elasticity, toughness, the ability to bond easily with other materials for advanced processing, design flexibility, and a high coefficient of friction for slip resistant applications.By using Vistamaxx specialty elastomers, nonwovens producers are able to make an elastic fabric in a single step using a variety of spunbond equipment. In the past, this was possible only in a multistep process. Eliminating steps in the process can reduce total system cost while achieving the required performance. Vistamaxx specialty elastomers also allow increased capability in multi-beam processing lines to include elasticity in multi-layer fabrics.Since the launch at INDEX 05, Vistamaxx specialty elastomers are now proving their ability to provide elasticity to nonwoven fabrics at a lower cost.To support growth in demand for Vistamaxx specialty elastomers, ExxonMobil Chemical announced in September 2007 that it will proceed with a second world-scale steam cracker complex in Singapore, which will includea 300,000 tons-per-year specialty elastomers unit.ExxonMobil Chemical, a global technology leader in the nonwovens industry for over 40 years, also provides a broad portfolio of polypropylene (PP) solutions for nonwoven applications including ExxonMobil SFT315 polypropylene, ExxonMobil PP3155 polypropylene, Achieve? 3854 polypropylene and its meltblown grades.
2008-05-21 16:15:17
PVC Coated Fabric Cintec International has launched its latest innovative product, the Waterwall system, designed to protect people and buildings against the effects of explosions.The new patented product consists of a structure made from internally reinforced PVC coated fabric. It inflates and fills with water within minutes, and can seriously minimise the effect of blast and fragmentation.With minimal training required, the Waterwall system comes in different shapes and sizes, and can be packed away when not in use. The sizes vary from small enough to cover a suspicious package, to large enough to cover a car.It can also be used as a rapid deployment as a ram barrier used to prevent vehicles crashing into buildings or barriers, a variation of this range includes two-metre high barriers that link together to create a protective wall. These will be supplied to Japan for the summit which takes place next July.UK trials of the Waterwall have been conducted on behalf of the Ministry of Defence and the Home Office. Effectiveness has demonstrated that they can minimise damage by over 80%. These systems will be available to all businesses, including train stations, airports, naval ships and any buildings that may require it as a safety precaution. It is hoped that the Waterwall System can be used to the same level of fire extinguishers, security cameras and sprinkler systems.t2 business solutions works with Cintec International as part of a General Support for Business (GSB) scheme, which is fully funded through the Welsh Assembly Government and the European Union.The partnership has assisted Cintec International to increase its marketing strategy for new products and act as an interface between Cintec and Private Sector companies. t2 has is also assisting in new business processes to accommodate high volume orders and demands of the new Waterwall systems.Peter James, Managing Director of Cintec International said: “It is encouraging to know that we have local professionals who have strong commercial backgrounds to help us progress. Kingsley and T2 understand the needs of a company that is developing products, through research and the processes they need to provide, to bring these ideas through to delivery.”Cintecs solutions have been used in Canada at the Canadian Parliament Buildings, the bank of Montreal, in America on the Empire State building in New York, and on numerous structures in Cairo including a pyramid. Cintec even helped rebuild Winsor Castle after the fire.Kingsley Stock, t2 Business Advisor works alongside Cintec International with the GSB programme. He said: “Cintec has achieved international recognition for its specialist anchoring systems which helps strengthen and preserve many older buildings throughout the world.“Cintecs new products are based on protection and particularly Blast Isolation. They work with establishments all round the world designing and manufacturing bespoke solutions such as their Waterwall products. Through the GSB programme we have been able to help provide financial assistance and advice for their marketing efforts within the MOD and such organisations as the Fire Service and the police.“Each product has to go through vigorous licensing and sign off before they can be rolled out to the agencies. This takes an inordinate amount of time, effort and money, so we are pleased we have been able to help in conjunction with the DE&T in what ever way we can.”Rob Marr, Managing Director of t2 business solutions said: “It is great to see Cintec International having such success with their latest revolutionary product. t2 are proud to be working with a company who can provide such outstanding products for safety. t2 business solutions looks forward to watching the success of this product grow worldwide.”
2008-05-21 16:14:10
Hand Tufted Carpet Bhadohi (Uttar Pradesh), May 1: Traditional carpet industry at Bhadohi, an important carpet manufacturing centre in Uttar Pradesh, is facing severe crisis in the wake of global economic slowdown. This belt used to be known as the 'Dollar Belt' till recently. The combined exports of Bhadohi and Mirzapur till two years back stood at 18 billion rupees forming major part of India's total carpet exports valued at estimated 22 billion rupees per year. But, now these exports from Bhadohi and Mirzapur have declined to 15 billion rupees."This industry is seriously affected and because of this the Bhadohi belt is very badly affected. The largest chunk of the exports from Bhadohi belt used to be exported to United States of America, which consumed 60 per cent of our exports while 40 per cent of the exports were to Germany, Holland, Australia, Switzerland and Canada. American market has shrunk from 60 per cent to nearly half," said Ashok Kapoor, a carpet exporter. The carpet manufacturing industry at Bhadoh, known for its hand knotted carpets and hand tufted carpets, has been hard hit by the global economic slowdown lading to almost wiping out of small exporters and the large exporters finding it difficult to cope up.In case of a hand knotted carpet, a weaver makes anywhere between Rs. 5000- Rs.15, 000 per carpet. But with the demand for cheaper hand-tufted carpets increasing, weavers are the biggest losers as they make a mere Rs. 1500.The carpet manufacturers say that the government's policies do not help the carpet industry. The tax and other benefits, which this industry enjoyed till a few year's back have been withdrawn."Earlier, the government had a positive attitude towards the carpet industry. The schemes like carpet export incentive schemes, tax concessions under the Section 180 have now been withdrawn. Because of this the people involved in the carpet industry. If the things remain like this, the carpet industry will close down in this area and people will migrate to other professions," said Raja Ram Gupta, a carpet trader.The carpet industry, being highly labour intensive and decentralized, is an important source of employment to people of the region and also earning valuable foreign exchange. Its decay would lead to mass migration of workers to other professions, observed the people involved in the industry.
2008-05-21 16:11:33
Terry Towels National Cotton Council Chairman Larry McClendon commended the U.S. Senate for its decisive passage of the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 with 81 votes in favor of the bill – and urged President Bush to reconsider a veto of this important legislation.“The House and Senate have overwhelmingly approved this farm bill, and farmers need this bill in place now,” McClendon said, “Enacting this new farm legislation will provide a predictable safety net for farmers and their lenders. Given the prevailing budget and political considerations, this is the best option available for production agriculture.”The Arkansas producer/ginner reiterated earlier comments following the House’ May 14 approval of the bill saying that “although commodity prices are good, markets are extremely volatile and there’s never a guarantee the weather will cooperate. Farmers always will face an inordinate amount of risk, but this legislation helps mitigate that unpredictability.”McClendon said the U.S. cotton industry “is very grateful to the Cotton Belt Senators’ and their extra effort on this farm bill development and approval process. In particular, I’d like to recognize the diligent efforts of Senator Chambliss, who served first as Senate agriculture committee chairman and then its ranking member during the lengthy process. We also appreciate the dedicated work by Senators Lincoln and Cochran who were members of the conference committee that hammered out the final agreement. Their bi-partisan effort enabled the industry’s priorities to be maintained in this new farm bill. That includes an effective safety-net; enhanced market orientation and competitiveness; assistance for domestic manufacturers and minimization of counter-productive limitations on program eligibility.”McClendon said Americans will benefit from this legislation, which not only will provide stability to U.S. production agriculture but ensure the continuation of a safe, affordable and secure supply of food and fiber.Assuming the President carries through on his veto threat, McClendon emphasized the importance of maintaining the momentum necessary to successfully override a veto, which requires two-thirds of those voting in each chamber to successfully override a veto."In my opinion, there simply isn't any other viable alternative," McClendon said.The U.S. cotton industry provides employment for some 440,000 Americans and generates more than $120 billion in annual economic activity.The National Cotton Council’s mission is ensuring the ability of all seven industry segments to compete effectively and profitably in the raw cotton, oilseed and U.S.-manufactured Terry Towels markets at home and abroad. The Memphis-based organization brings together industry representatives from the 17 cotton-producing states to establish policies reflecting the common interests and promoting mutual benefits for its broad membership and ancillary industries.
2008-05-21 15:30:06
Printed Polar Fleece Both the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate have approved a five-year Farm Bill by veto-proof margins, opening the door to a textile subsidy program that could be worth some $75 million a year for textile producers who use Printed Polar Fleece.President Bush has indicated he will veto the bill because of other provisions in the bill that he says are budget busters. However, the House passed it by a vote of 318-106 and the Senate, by 81-15, well in excess of the two-thirds majority needed to override a veto.Under the textile economic assistance provisions, the federal government will pay mills 4 cents per pound for every opened bale of cotton for the first four years of the program and 3 cents per pound for the final year. It would become effective August 1, 2008. In order to qualify for the payments, the funds must be used for capital investments to improve efficiency and competitiveness.The new competitiveness program replaces the so-called Step 2 program under which the federal government made payments to mills and shippers to offset the difference between the world and domestic prices for raw cotton. That program was terminated August 1, 2006, after it was ruled illegal by the World Trade Organization.
2008-05-21 15:27:09
Printed Fabric Haus der Kunst will present Robert Rauschenberg - Travelling '70 - '76, on view May 9 - September 14, 2008. The exhibition unites a selection of works from the series 'Cardboards,' 'Venetians,' 'Early Egyptians,' 'Hoarfrosts' and 'Jammers.' Rauschenberg's preoccupation with other cultures, as well as experiences from the various journeys he took are reflected in these pieces, which were created between 1970 and 1976. For the first time, these work groups in Rauschenberg's ?uvre, which have been largely ignored up to now, are receiving the acknowledgement they deserve. Rauschenberg's travels in the 1970s took him to Italy, France, Jerusalem and India. The series presented here, which were created on, or immediately after these trips, exhibit exceptional simplicity, liveliness and brilliance, utilizing new materials and techniques. During this period Rauschenberg created works made of cardboard, fabric and found objects. In all five series he addresses the classic problems of painting, such as composition, color and texture, as well as those of sculpture, such as weight, balance and the placement of the object in space, with his typical inventiveness. The Cardboards - Rauschenberg used only found bits of cardboard in this series created between 1971 and 1972. His decision to restrict his materials to cardboard and cardboard boxes coincided with his move to Captiva Island in southern Florida: following a very successful period in New York, Rauschenberg was looking for new ways to concentrate; the move took place in 1970 and the artist was looking for a material that he could get anywhere in the world for his new series: "I still haven't been anyplace where there weren't cardboard boxes ... even up the Amazon." (Rauschenberg 1991) Rauschenberg was the first artist to use only cardboard for large format assemblage paintings, sculptures and installations without treating it as painterly decor or subjugating it in any way. He discovered the expressive quality of packaging materials and united the language of formal abstraction with that of real life while completely preserving the material's character. It was precisely this material, which is usually discarded, on which he concentrated his attention: "... A desire built up in me to work in a material of waste and softness. Something yielding with its only message a collection of lines imprinted like a friendly joke. A silent discussion of their history exposed by their new shapes. Labored commonly with happiness. Boxes." The 'Cardboards' tend to be monochromatic. Rauschenberg continues here in the vein of the pure black and white paintings of his early years. In this way the traces on the boxes left by use are strongly accentuated: labels, printed words, imprints from soles and fingers, as well as various kinds of damage marks. These traces superimpose one another and provide information about the box's history. As a universally available material, cardboard boxes also represent the gradual conformity of the world under the conditions of capitalistic overproduction. The Venetians - The 'Venetians' were created during 1972 and 1973 in Captiva after a travel to Venice. For this series, Rauschenberg primarily used mass produced materials and discarded household objects: fabric, rope, wood, leather, stone, electric cable and wire, chairs, vases, pillows, an old bathtub, water and scrap metal. The 'Venetians' are more sculptural than the earlier 'Cardboards' and less abstract. Characteristic is their reference to Venetian imagery, which, however, is not purely representational. The objects retain their independence and identity and the analogies to the city's appearance are primarily formal. The viewer, for example, mentally transforms a fragmented inner tube into the outline of a gondola and a piece of wood into a gondolier's oar ("Untitled [Venetian]", 1973). Rauschenberg was a frequent visitor to and repeated participant in the Venice Biennale. He was one of the first artists to make the city's distinctive character the subject of his work: the halt of time in the lagoon, the city's unfailing appeal despite the gradual decline of its beauty. In this series Rauschenberg returned to his assemblages, to the juxtaposition of materials and found objects as they had once characterized his combines. The title of the work, "Sor Aqua", (1973) quotes the Cantico di Frate Sole by St. Francis of Assisi, one of the earliest pieces of Italian literature. The four elements form two sets of siblings: Brother Sun and Sister Moon, Brother Fire and Sister Water. Frate Sole is the symbol of enlightenment through God. In Rauschenberg's work bent pieces of metal hang above a filled bathtub reflected in the water like clouds. The incidental light is also mirrored in the water. The Early Egyptians - The series 'Early Egyptians' was created in 1973 and 1974. Cardboard is once again the dominant material, although the way it is treated here is significantly different: The cardboard boxes are not flattened or cut but are almost always used as constructive elements in these large-scale works. Rauschenberg, not without a certain irony, covers the cardboard boxes with glue and then either rolls them in sand or wraps them in gauze, like mummies. By painting the backs of the boxes with phosphorescent ink he creates a halation on the wall, as if the objects were casting artificial shadows there. "I cover them with a special material, as if it were glue. Then I line them with two or three layers of sand. This was, when you think that they are boxes, they seem like stones. Then after having thought that they are stones, you go back to the first impression. They are not stones! You think again that they are boxes. This ambiguity is what I like. Then I paint their back surface so that they reflect the color on the walls. Like stones that have fallen asleep within a rainbow." Part of the series was executed in Captiva, part in Paris. Rauschenberg's preoccupation with ancient Egypt was inspired in part by reading material and in part by visits to the Louvre; Rauschenberg had never been to Egypt. While the 'Venetians' are lightweight and almost choreographic, the 'Early Egyptians' suggest weight, even when devoid of it. Rauschenberg creates a monumental effect, which he undercuts at the same time. In this way the works confront the viewer with the question of transience and continuity. The Hoarfrosts - For the 'Hoarfrosts,' executed in 1974 and 1975, Rauschenberg used fabric in place of traditional canvas supports. The title is a reference to Dante's Inferno, which Rauschenberg had already illustrated in the 1950s with a series of transfer drawings ("Inferno", 1958/60). Accompanied by the poet Virgil, Dante descends into Hell, enveloped in mist and frost: The beginning of the 24th canto states: "What time the hoarfrost copies on the ground / The outward semblance of her sister white." The technique and content of this series are linked to earlier works. Rauschenberg noticed that the gauze used to clean the stone slabs in lithography retained traces of the newsprint. By using a solvent, which allowed images to be transferred onto fabric, the artist created a series of works on transparent or semi-transparent fabric; he transferred images from newspapers onto silk, cotton and chiffon. In most of the works several layers of printed fabric overlap, creating delicate palimpsests of great depth and elegance. Neutral colors dominate the works at first, although brighter colors are gradually incorporated. The 'Hoarfrosts' tell of disintegration and states of suspense, of concealment and transparency, "presenting the imagery in the ambiguity of freezing into focus or melting from view." (Rauschenberg).
2008-05-21 16:28:33
PP Nonwoven ExxonMobil Chemical’s Vistamaxx? 2125 specialty elastomer has won the INDEX 08 Award for the category: "Raw materials or component - innovation in a raw material of special relevance to the nonwovens industry."Recognizing the best examples of excellence in innovation in the nonwovens industry, the INDEX Awards are sponsored by the European Disposables and Nonwovens Association (EDANA), the international association representing nonwovens and related industries. The awards panel is comprised of industry experts from marketing, research and development, the media and academia. INDEX 08 took place in Geneva fromApril 15-18, 2008.“We are delighted to have won this award. For Vistamaxx specialty elastomers to have been acknowledged by the industry in this way is a wonderful accolade,” said Simon Holmes, global marketing manager, specialty elastomers, ExxonMobil Chemical. “It is another demonstration of the impact that Vistamaxx specialty elastomers are having on the nonwovens industry, opening up new opportunities for creative converters and fabricators to further the growth and value of nonwovens."Vistamaxx specialty elastomers are being used in a growing range of nonwoven applications including hygiene absorbent products, medical, filtration and industrial because of their versatile benefits and product qualities. These include good elasticity, toughness, the ability to bond easily with other materials for advanced processing, design flexibility, and a high coefficient of friction for slip resistant applications.By using Vistamaxx specialty elastomers, nonwovens producers are able to make an elastic fabric in a single step using a variety of spunbond equipment. In the past, this was possible only in a multistep process. Eliminating steps in the process can reduce total system cost while achieving the required performance. Vistamaxx specialty elastomers also allow increased capability in multi-beam processing lines to include elasticity in multi-layer fabrics.Since the launch at INDEX 05, Vistamaxx specialty elastomers are now proving their ability to provide elasticity to nonwoven fabrics at a lower cost.To support growth in demand for Vistamaxx specialty elastomers, ExxonMobil Chemical announced in September 2007 that it will proceed with a second world-scale steam cracker complex in Singapore, which will includea 300,000 tons-per-year specialty elastomers unit.ExxonMobil Chemical, a global technology leader in the nonwovens industry for over 40 years, also provides a broad portfolio of polypropylene (PP) solutions for nonwoven applications including ExxonMobil SFT315 polypropylene, ExxonMobil PP3155 polypropylene, Achieve? 3854 polypropylene and its meltblown grades.
2008-05-21 16:15:17
PVC Coated Fabric Cintec International has launched its latest innovative product, the Waterwall system, designed to protect people and buildings against the effects of explosions.The new patented product consists of a structure made from internally reinforced PVC coated fabric. It inflates and fills with water within minutes, and can seriously minimise the effect of blast and fragmentation.With minimal training required, the Waterwall system comes in different shapes and sizes, and can be packed away when not in use. The sizes vary from small enough to cover a suspicious package, to large enough to cover a car.It can also be used as a rapid deployment as a ram barrier used to prevent vehicles crashing into buildings or barriers, a variation of this range includes two-metre high barriers that link together to create a protective wall. These will be supplied to Japan for the summit which takes place next July.UK trials of the Waterwall have been conducted on behalf of the Ministry of Defence and the Home Office. Effectiveness has demonstrated that they can minimise damage by over 80%. These systems will be available to all businesses, including train stations, airports, naval ships and any buildings that may require it as a safety precaution. It is hoped that the Waterwall System can be used to the same level of fire extinguishers, security cameras and sprinkler systems.t2 business solutions works with Cintec International as part of a General Support for Business (GSB) scheme, which is fully funded through the Welsh Assembly Government and the European Union.The partnership has assisted Cintec International to increase its marketing strategy for new products and act as an interface between Cintec and Private Sector companies. t2 has is also assisting in new business processes to accommodate high volume orders and demands of the new Waterwall systems.Peter James, Managing Director of Cintec International said: “It is encouraging to know that we have local professionals who have strong commercial backgrounds to help us progress. Kingsley and T2 understand the needs of a company that is developing products, through research and the processes they need to provide, to bring these ideas through to delivery.”Cintecs solutions have been used in Canada at the Canadian Parliament Buildings, the bank of Montreal, in America on the Empire State building in New York, and on numerous structures in Cairo including a pyramid. Cintec even helped rebuild Winsor Castle after the fire.Kingsley Stock, t2 Business Advisor works alongside Cintec International with the GSB programme. He said: “Cintec has achieved international recognition for its specialist anchoring systems which helps strengthen and preserve many older buildings throughout the world.“Cintecs new products are based on protection and particularly Blast Isolation. They work with establishments all round the world designing and manufacturing bespoke solutions such as their Waterwall products. Through the GSB programme we have been able to help provide financial assistance and advice for their marketing efforts within the MOD and such organisations as the Fire Service and the police.“Each product has to go through vigorous licensing and sign off before they can be rolled out to the agencies. This takes an inordinate amount of time, effort and money, so we are pleased we have been able to help in conjunction with the DE&T in what ever way we can.”Rob Marr, Managing Director of t2 business solutions said: “It is great to see Cintec International having such success with their latest revolutionary product. t2 are proud to be working with a company who can provide such outstanding products for safety. t2 business solutions looks forward to watching the success of this product grow worldwide.”
2008-05-21 16:14:10
Hand Tufted Carpet Bhadohi (Uttar Pradesh), May 1: Traditional carpet industry at Bhadohi, an important carpet manufacturing centre in Uttar Pradesh, is facing severe crisis in the wake of global economic slowdown. This belt used to be known as the 'Dollar Belt' till recently. The combined exports of Bhadohi and Mirzapur till two years back stood at 18 billion rupees forming major part of India's total carpet exports valued at estimated 22 billion rupees per year. But, now these exports from Bhadohi and Mirzapur have declined to 15 billion rupees."This industry is seriously affected and because of this the Bhadohi belt is very badly affected. The largest chunk of the exports from Bhadohi belt used to be exported to United States of America, which consumed 60 per cent of our exports while 40 per cent of the exports were to Germany, Holland, Australia, Switzerland and Canada. American market has shrunk from 60 per cent to nearly half," said Ashok Kapoor, a carpet exporter. The carpet manufacturing industry at Bhadoh, known for its hand knotted carpets and hand tufted carpets, has been hard hit by the global economic slowdown lading to almost wiping out of small exporters and the large exporters finding it difficult to cope up.In case of a hand knotted carpet, a weaver makes anywhere between Rs. 5000- Rs.15, 000 per carpet. But with the demand for cheaper hand-tufted carpets increasing, weavers are the biggest losers as they make a mere Rs. 1500.The carpet manufacturers say that the government's policies do not help the carpet industry. The tax and other benefits, which this industry enjoyed till a few year's back have been withdrawn."Earlier, the government had a positive attitude towards the carpet industry. The schemes like carpet export incentive schemes, tax concessions under the Section 180 have now been withdrawn. Because of this the people involved in the carpet industry. If the things remain like this, the carpet industry will close down in this area and people will migrate to other professions," said Raja Ram Gupta, a carpet trader.The carpet industry, being highly labour intensive and decentralized, is an important source of employment to people of the region and also earning valuable foreign exchange. Its decay would lead to mass migration of workers to other professions, observed the people involved in the industry.
2008-05-21 16:11:33
