California Apparel News

Buhler Quality Yarns Corp., the Jefferson, Ga.–based yarn spinner, has named RadiciSpandex Corp. executive Marty Moran as the company’s new chief executive officer, replacing Werner Bieri, who retired earlier this year.

Moran previously served as chief executive officer of RadiciSpandex, a division of Gandino, Italy–based RadiciGroup. He holds a bachelor of science degree in textile management from North Carolina State University in Raleigh, N.C. He has served on the boards of the American Fibers Manufacturing Association and the National Council of Textile Organizations Fiber Council and served as chairman of the AFMA board in 2010.

Upon joining Buhler, Moran complimented Bieri and his team for growing Buhler’s business and reputation as a high-quality U.S. yarn manufacturer.

“I am very excited to be a part of the Buhler Quality Yarns team. ... Werner [Bieri] and the people here have built a terrific reputation for quality and service,” Moran said. “My goal is to continue this tradition and help guide Buhler Quality Yarns through the many challenges the entire textile industry faces so we will be able to grow and prosper. Everyone here would like to thank Werner for his commitment and service, and we wish him all the best in his retirement.”

Moran also acknowledged the challenges facing the domestic apparel and textile industry and the importance of made-in-America suppliers.

“There are many challenges facing the U.S. textile industry, including new free-trade agreements currently in negotiation,” he said. “In the face of these challenges, Buhler Quality Yarns remains committed to producing a quality product in the U.S. with continued investment in the company to make sure we maintain the best quality and efficiency possible in a spinning process. We will continue to make the Buhler name synonymous with the highest quality and best-performing yarns in the world.”

Bieri retired in February after 30 years with Buhler’s Swiss parent company, Hermann Buhler AG. Bieri opened the company’s U.S. spinning mill in 1996 when the company decided it would be more economical to have a U.S. base, rather than import U.S.-grown Supima cotton to Switzerland.

Under Bieri’s direction, the company expanded its export business and yarn offerings. Today, the company sells Supima, MicroModal, Edelweiss, MicroTencel and various blended yarns, all certified by the Oeko-Tex Standard 100. Buhler’s business is split equally between the domestic and export markets.

Since February, Hermann Buhler board member Martin Kägi has been serving as interim CEO. Bieri will continue to consult for the company.