Milliken & Company, a global diversified manufacturer with more than a century and a half of textile expertise, has named Steve Layton as the president of its newly acquired Polartec business. Polartec, the strong global brand, which joined Milliken in June, is known for its innovative performance textiles for outdoor and military apparel.

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. In 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, said Polartec in a press release.

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. He holds a bachelor of arts in managerial economics from Union College and a master of business administration from Clemson University, where he served as an adjunct professor for six years.

“Layton 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.

“Appointing an individual of Layton’s caliber is a prime example of the capability of Milliken & Company to foster the Polartec brand,” said Gary Smith, outgoing CEO of Polartec. “I look forward to introducing Layton to our global team and customers.”

“It is an honour to lead the Polartec business as we embark upon our next era of success,” said Layton Layton, president of Polartec, a Milliken & Company textiles business. “Polartec is preceded by a strong reputation. I look forward to working with the team to further it in the market.” (PC)