Optimer’s Turkish delight
13/10/2008
Optimer Performance Fibers has signed a licensing agreement with Karsu Tekstil of Kayseri, Turkey to spin its Dri-release with FreshGuard patented moisture management technology yarn.
Established in 1973 by the Molu family, Karsu is the largest cellulosic (plant-based fibre) spinner in the world and is publicly traded on the Turkish stock exchange (IMKB). It specialises in cottons (Aegean, organic and Supima) and cotton blends with wool, linen, silk, nylon, acrylic, polyester, viscose, Coolmax, Thermolite, bamboo, cashmere and soy. It also engineers fire-resistant blends.
Karsu also has a close and long-standing relationship with Lenzing, producing its entire line of branded viscose products. The exclusive producer of Lenzing Modal in Turkey for the last 10 years, Karsu also works with Lenzing Vicose, ProViscose ProModal, Micromodal and Lenzing FR, in 100% and blends.
The Karsu factory and head office are located in Kayseri, in central Turkey, with sales offices in Istanbul and Denizli. Sales agents are located in Greece, Portugal, Italy and the US. The company’s business is 60% domestic, 40% export.
“What Karsu brings to the party is the power of its extensive capacity and expertise combined with a ‘boutique’ mentality,” says Karen Deniz, Optimer’s managing director of marketing, “by that, I mean they are as focused on developing creative, cutting-edge products for us as they are efficient at producing them for our customers.”
After refining several versions of poly/cotton Dri-release with FreshGuard for Optimer, Ms Deniz says the company will then concentrate on producing Dri-release E.C.O., Optimer’s Dri-release wool. “Ultimately, we would like Karsu to develop a new Dri-release nylon blend as well,” she adds.
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