BOSTON, August 7, 2002 -- The Board of Directors of the Northern Textile Association (NTA) and the membership of the Knitted Textile Association (KTA) announce plans to merge the two organizations.  The new entity will be called the National Textile Association and will represent approximately 175 companies.  

The President of KTA, John Emrich, President and CEO, Guilford Mills, Inc. in Greensboro, NC said, “I’m extremely pleased with this decision. The merger between KTA and the NTA is another important step in solidifying the textile industry so that it can speak with one clear voice to Washington. This merger is a positive move that will help all of our members.” Emrich’s sentiments were echoed by Roger Milliken, CEO of Milliken and Company in Spartanburg, SC, which has been active in both the KTA and the NTA, who said, "Two hard working groups have joined to form one strong effective voice for the American textile industry."

Karl Spilhaus, who since 1979 has headed the Northern Textile Association, will be president of the National Textile Association.  Mr. Spilhaus expressed excitement over the prospect of bringing NTA's significant Washington and research capability to bear to a much larger segment of the U.S. textile industry.  The functions of KTA will continue under the NTA umbrella.  The "Official Resource Guide” published by KTA will continue to be published by the National Textile Association and will be expanded to include weavers and other textile companies.  

"In these times, when individual companies are retrenching and redefining it is highly appropriate that these two organizations, each with a long history, consolidate to better represent the interest of American textile companies," said Jonathan Stevens, President, Ames Textile Corporation in Lowell, MA, who noted the national reach of the new organization which will have members in 31 states.  

The Northern Textile Association was originally formed in 1854 and became known as the National Association of Cotton Manufacturers, adopting the Northern Textile name in 1954.  The Knitted Textile Association was formed in 1966 to address the specific concerns of American knitting mills.  The combined National Textile Association will have members in every sector of the American textile industry --processors of fiber, spinners, knitters and weavers, and companies that dye print and finish fabrics. The new organization will be located in Boston.  

The membership of the Northern Textile Association is expected to ratify the merger at the Association’s Annual Meeting September 22-24, 2002, at the Black Point Inn, Prouts Neck, Scarborough, ME.   

The 2003 Annual meeting of the National Textile Association will be held at a to-be-announced southern location and future meetings will alternate between the north and south.