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Milliken & Company has named Steve Layton president of Polartec, which it recently acquired from Versa Capital Management.
“Steve brings extensive textile market knowledge and strategic business acumen to lead Milliken’s Polartec business,” said Jeff Price, president of Milliken’s Performance and Protective Textiles division.
Gary Smith, outgoing CEO of Polartec, added: “Appointing an individual of Steve’s calibre is a prime example of the capability of Milliken & Company to foster the Polartec brand. I look forward to introducing Steve to our global team and customers.”
Layton will head the integration process, bringing Polartec’s global portfolio of fabric technologies for outdoor apparel into Milliken. In addition, he will be tasked with the ongoing management of the business, ensuring operational success in manufacturing and furthering innovation to develop textile solutions that benefit Polartec’s customers and end users.
“It is an honour to lead the Polartec business as we embark upon our next era of success,” said Layton. “Polartec is preceded by a strong reputation. I look forward to working with the team to furthering it in the market.”
Layton joined Milliken & Company in 2012, most recently serving as vice president of sales and marketing for the Westex by Milliken flame-resistant textiles business.
