Meridian Specialty Yarn Group announced the investment in a new generation of technology, machines, controls and robotics for package, top and tow dyeing. The new machinery and supporting technologies will be installed later this year in Meridian’s new manufacturing plant in Valdese, N.C.
Construction on that facility began this spring and is expected to be complete by first quarter 2017.
Meridian’s multi-million-dollar purchase represents one of the first major investments in state-of-the-art package, top and tow dyeing equipment in North America in decades and positions MSYG as North America’s most modern manufacturing operation with regard to dyeing technology and robotic support equipment, says the company. The purchase includes state-of-the-art dye equipment by Galvanin, S.p.A. of Vicenza, Italy; a patented automatic dosing system for dispensing chemicals and auxiliaries from Color Service Dosing Technologies of Dueville VI, Italy; and new monitoring and control systems for all of the new dyeing equipment from Adaptive Controls of Huntersville, NC, US. MSYG is also installing a new Galvanin skein printing machine along with support equipment.
The new machinery and equipment will increase MSYG’s production capabilities to 16 million pounds of yarn per year (based on a five-day week) and expands the markets Meridian can serve.
The package dye machines are vertical, air pad, low liquor machines, which will dye all substrates of yarn and replace all of MSYG’s existing package dye equipment. The new low liquor dye machines will be used to process cotton, rayon, wool, spun and textured polyester and other fibers. The equipment will improve production speeds and all quality aspects of dyeing while at the same time significantly reducing energy, water and chemical consumption.
The new acrylic tow dyeing capabilities will support the raw material needs at MSYG’s plant in Ranlo, NC. The skein printed yarns will go into craft yarns, apparel products and some home furnishings. The top dyed wool capability will support worsted spinners supplying high-end apparel, hosiery and home furnishings.
“Our new technology gives us the capability to process every dyeable substrate, which is very unusual in the dyed yarn world,” said Tim Manson, president of MSYG. “Most dye houses specialize in certain products, but we will be in a position to source from all over the world, from every type of textile fiber, supporting a wide array of end uses.”
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