Steve Layton has been named president of the Polartec business, moving across from its new owner Milliken & Company where he worked on the Westex by Milliken flame resistant textiles business.
The move comes less than a month after Polartec’s acquisition by Milliken & Company, and will follow the departure of outgoing Polartec CEO Gary Smith.
The strong global brand, which joined Milliken in June, is known for its innovative performance textiles for outdoor and military apparel.
“Steve brings extensive textile market knowledge and strategic business acumen to lead Milliken’s Polartec business,” says Jeff Price, president of Milliken’s Performance and Protective Textiles division.
“Appointing an individual of Steve’s caliber is a prime example of the capability of Milliken & Company to foster the Polartec brand,” Smith adds.
Layton will head the integration process, bringing Polartec’s global portfolio of fabric technologies for outdoor apparel – including performance-driven and consumer-focused textiles, and flame-resistant, workwear and military fabrics – into Milliken.
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By GlobalDataIn addition, he will be tasked with the ongoing management of the business, ensuring operational success in manufacturing and furthering industry-leading innovation to develop textile solutions that benefit Polartec brand customers and end users.
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.
The addition of Polartec – particularly its outdoor and fleece textiles – rounds out the portfolio at Milliken, whose Performance and Protective Textiles Division covers markets including automotive, interiors, industrial and military. In apparel, it supplies products for workwear, activewear and protective applications.
