International Textile Group, Inc. announced today it is realigning its apparel fabric divisions to create a single apparel fabrics group. Operating under the business name ITG Apparel & Specialty Fabrics, the group will include the Cone Denim and Burlington WorldWide businesses and their associated product brands.
Under the new realigned structure, ITG will operate two primary businesses: ITG Apparel & Specialty Fabrics and ITG Automotive Safety Group. The automotive businesses currently operate as one group.
“We are moving to the next level in ITG's evolution as a global provider,” said Joseph L. Gorga, president & CEO of ITG. “Our strategic initiatives over the last couple of years have focused on globally expanding our capabilities, which today span across China, Vietnam, Nicaragua, India, Europe, Mexico, and the U.S.
“Combining our apparel resources into a single business provides a simpler, more robust platform to leverage our strengths and offer customers greater support within a more flexible, cost-competitive structure.”
Kenneth T. Kunberger, president Burlington WorldWide, has been named president of the ITG Apparel & Specialty Fabrics group. Kunberger began his career in 1984 with Liz Claiborne, Inc. He joined Marithe and Francois Girbaud (a division of VF Corporation) in 1992 and served in a number of assignments including vice president of merchandising and product development.
He was named vice president sales/merchandising for VF Licensed Jeanswear in 1997. Kunberger joined Burlington Industries the following year and served as executive vice president for the former Burlington Sportswear and Burlington Denim divisions. Kunberger has served as president of Burlington WorldWide since 2004.
Thomas E. McKenna, president of Cone Denim, has announced his decision to leave the company. McKenna will work through a transition period.
Speaking to the opportunities ahead for the new combined group, Kunberger said, “These businesses come together with tremendous brand equity and leadership positions in their respective markets. As a single, integrated business we look forward to the opportunity to better support common customers and leverage our strengths in key technologies, product development, customer service and manufacturing platforms, while preserving the value of our brands.”
Specific product lines within the Apparel group will be led by Jeff Peck, executive vice president technical & specialty products and Patrick Palmer, executive vice president worsted wool products. Kunberger will directly lead the cotton products group which combines the Cone Denim and Burlington WorldWide cotton casual businesses.
International Textile Group, Inc. is a global, diversified textile manufacturer that produces automotive safety, apparel, government uniform, technical and specialty textiles. ITG was formed by WL Ross in 2004 and operates five primary business units: Automotive Safety, Cone Denim, Burlington WorldWide, Burlington House (interior fabrics) and Carlisle Finishing.
The Company employs approximately 12,000 people worldwide with operations in the United States, Mexico, China, Germany, Romania, the Czech Republic, Poland, South Africa, Nicaragua and Vietnam.
International Textile Group