Extrusion Group™, LLC

HONG KONG, Aug. 22, 2011 /PRNewswire-Asia/ — COSTIN New Materials Group Limited (“COSTIN” or the “Company”, together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”, stock code: 2228), which is principally engaged in the research and development, production and sales of non-woven materials and recycled chemical fibres, is pleased to announce its interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2011.

During the Reporting Period, the Group achieved turnover up approximately 54.3% to approximately RMB650.7 million, which was mainly attributable to an increase in the overall selling price of the products, and growth in the sales quantities of non-woven materials and recycled chemical fibres. Gross profit increased 39.0% from the same period of 2010 to approximately RMB203.5 million. Profit attributable to owners of the Company rose 32.7% to approximately RMB128.9 million. Basic earnings per share was RMB16.11 cents. The Board recommends the payment of an interim dividend of HK$3.5 cents per share for the Reporting Period.

During the Reporting Period, the turnover of non-woven fabrics and recycled chemical fibers reached RMB508.4 million and RMB141.8 million, respectively, representing increases of 53.9% and 55.1% over the same period of 2010.

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August 16, 2011

NDC Infrared Engineering (Irwindale, CA), the world’s leading manufacturer of web gauging equipment for the plastics, rubber, nonwoven and extrusion coated businesses, has acquired the IRM Group (Alleur, Belgium), a leading manufacturer of high-technology measuring systems for the metals industries.

“IRM has established a very successful business with its excellent technologies and proven product range.” said Bromley Beadle, president of NDC Infrared Engineering. “Now, with this investment, combined with NDC’s global measurement and control reputation, we look forward to expanding and developing IRM’s market position and to lead NDC into the metals business.”

IRM will become aligned within NDC Infrared Engineering world-wide. Jean-Marc Philippet, managing director for the IRM Group commented: “We are delighted to become part of NDC Infrared Engineering. The metals systems business is a solid market where accurate measurement is essential. Our unique technologies are designed to maintain a leadership position within the business and to provide our customers with exceptional results.” (more…)

BEDFORD, Mass., Aug. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — RISI, the leading information provider for the global forest products industry, has named Mr. James Rubright, Chairman and CEO of RockTenn, as the 2011 North American Forest Products CEO of the Year. The award will be presented to Mr. Rubright at RISI’s 26th North American Forest Products Conference in San Diego, CA on October 3-5, 2011.

Mr. Rubright was chosen as the RISI North American CEO of the Year by a group of investment analysts and portfolio managers covering the forest products industry. The analysts responded to a survey organized by RISI and the criteria for nomination included leadership, vision and strategic accomplishment. Mr. Rubright was selected as the winner due to his significant achievements and overall leadership of RockTenn. Specifically noted in his nomination was the recent acquisition of Smurfit-Stone by RockTenn. Both competitors and independent converters have responded positively to the recent acquisition which has brought RockTenn to a new level in the industry as one of the most respected and profitable integrated paperboard and packaging companies in North America. Responding to the announcement Mr. Rubright commented, “This award recognizes the success and global competitiveness RockTenn has accomplished through the hard work and innovative solutions of our 26,000 dedicated employees.” (more…)

BRUSSELS, Aug. 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — The latest estimates for world cotton production in 2011 show a record year, at nearly 27 million tonnes, or nearly 5 million tonnes above the low point reached in 2009. This has impacted the record $5100/tonne A-index cotton price reached in March this year contributing to a steep decline to $3600 in May, before stabilizing in June. Meanwhile, spot prices have continued to wane. Current spot prices and year-end futures prices indicate that A-grade cotton prices in the fourth quarter will drop even further. As supplies of cotton started to become more available at lower prices, the strong demand growth in viscose staple fiber (dissolving pulp) has begun to slow.  These are the findings published in the latest issue of RISI’s World Dissolving Pulp Monitor. (more…)