Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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New Equipment Company buys new, state-of-the-art equipment Modernization includes 160 Picanol weaving machines Clinton Mills is spending in excess of $16 million dollars on a state of the art air jet weaving operation and related yam preparation equipment. According to Vice President Ted Davenport, the 160 Picanol Weaving machines will be used to produce a variety of 100% cotton and cotton blended fabrics for apparel and home furnishings markets. The new weaving machines replace x-3 shuttle looms, and these will be installed in the No. 2 weaving room. "We are committed to making the best fabric possible," says Daven port. The new machines produce fabric at about three times the rate of fly shuttle looms." "The air jet machines are cleaner, enable us to have a more pleasant work environment because of reduced noise levels, and produce much higher quality fabrics. Air jets have fewer exposed moving parts and are lubricated in a different manner than older type looms. These features greatly reduce employee exposures to accidents, reduce supply costs, and improve our overall efficiencies," he added. "Weavers will be trained on the correct operation of machines and quality will be the top priority. The equipment must be operated properly to meet production goals and quality levels required by customers,” emphasized Davenport. 'The machines will be computer monitored to provide constant data on production levels, machine stops, and other areas necessary to follow operations." According to Davenport, the addition of yam preparation equipment and the air jet weaving equipment is a major step by Clinton Mills in becoming a world class textile operation. The air jets will provide speeds which surpass the projectile shuttless weaving machines in some of our other plants. "In order to provide the structural support for the new weaving equip ment, the wooden flooring in the No. 2 Weaving is being removed and replaced with concrete. In the near future, additional air compressors will be installed to produce compressed air for the machines." "This extensive modernization project by Clinton Mills reflects the Company's long range commitment to the textile industry. This is the third major modernization by Clinton Mills in the Clinton area in the last five years," stated Davenport. "Our plants rank among the most modem in the industry." Area where looms are being placed Extensive work to floor to make room suitable for new looms Betty Samples operates Picanol loom Bale-O-Matic relocated to new blend room ClothMaker