Nanotex has made some strategic hires over the last year in an effort to help the Bloomfield Hills-based firm continue its growth around the world.
The fabric firm has hired eight people, including a handful of scientists and sales professionals. Among the hires is John McMichael, brought on as business development manager for Nanotex's North America operations. McMichael previously worked as a sales manager for the military and commercial segments of
AEC Narrow Fabrics.
"He is really interesting, because he has a long history in textiles," says Randy Rubin, chair of
Crypton, which owns
Nanotex. "He was a really strategic hire for us."
Nanotex has carved out a niche for itself as an innovator in fabric by enhancing textiles with nanotechnology in the apparel, home and commercial/residential interiors markets. Nanotex has 11 products, including
Resists Spills,
Releases Stains,
Neutralizer, and
Coolest Comfort.
Nanotex has more than 100 manufacturing partners around the world, although Crypton has brought more of Nanotex’s engineering and administrative work back to North America in recent years. The company has grown its customer base to include Banana Republic, the Gap, Dickies, Cabela's, L.L. Bean and Target, among others.
"Now the business is well into the black," Rubin says. "We have a lot of attention and have brought in a lot of great sales people."
Crypton has worked in the textile industry since 1993. Its flagship product, CRYPTON Fabric, is widely used in fabrics in the healthcare, hospitality, government, education and contract markets. Crypton acquired Nanotex in 2013.
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