US, PMI® at 58.7%; November Manufacturing ISM® Report On Business®; New Orders, Employment and Production Growing; Inventories Growing; Supplier Deliveries Slowing

DO NOT CONFUSE THIS NATIONAL REPORT with the various regional purchasing reports released across the country. The national report's information reflects the entire United States, while the regional reports contain primarily regional data from their local vicinities. Also, the information in the regional reports is not used in calculating the results of the national report. The information compiled in this report is for the month of November 2014.

TEMPE, Ariz., Dec. 1, 2014 -- Economic activity in the manufacturing sector expanded in November for the 18th consecutive month, and the overall economy grew for the 66th consecutive month, say the nation's supply executives in the latest Manufacturing ISM® Report On Business®.

The report was issued today by Bradley J. Holcomb, CPSM, CPSD, chair of the Institute for Supply Management® (ISM®) Manufacturing Business Survey Committee. "The November PMI® registered 58.7 percent, a decrease of 0.3 percentage point from October's reading of 59 percent, indicating continued expansion in manufacturing. The New Orders Index registered 66 percent, an increase of 0.2 percentage point from the reading of 65.8 percent in October. The Production Index registered 64.4 percent, 0.4 percentage point below the October reading of 64.8 percent. The Employment Index grew for the 17th consecutive month, registering 54.9 percent, a decrease of 0.6 percentage point below the October reading of 55.5 percent. Inventories of raw materials registered 51.5 percent, a decrease of 1 percentage point from the October reading of 52.5 percent. The Prices Index registered 44.5 percent, down 9 percentage points from the October reading of 53.5 percent, indicating lower raw materials prices in November relative to October. Comments from the panel are upbeat about strong demand and new orders, with some expressing concerns about West Coast port slowdowns and the threat of a potential dock strike."

Of the 18 manufacturing industries, 14 are reporting growth in November in the following order: Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Furniture & Related Products; Fabricated Metal Products; Textile Mills; Printing & Related Support Activities; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Paper Products; Plastics & Rubber Products; Machinery; Transportation Equipment; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Petroleum & Coal Products; and Primary Metals. The only industry reporting contraction in November is Apparel, Leather & Allied Products.

WHAT RESPONDENTS ARE SAYING ...

"The Holiday Season continues to exceed expectations. Customers are generally optimistic for future sales growth." (Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products)
"Continued strong demand. Deliveries through the West Coast are delayed due to a number of factors." (Fabricated Metal Products)
"We have seen continued growth in transportation equipment. Slowdowns and threats of strike of West Coast longshoreman weigh heavily on U.S. operations." (Transportation Equipment)
"Business continues to be stronger than last year." (Furniture & Related Products)
"Improvement in defense spending and manufacturing." (Computer & Electronic Products)
"West Coast port longshoreman slowdown is affecting business with longer lead times." (Chemical Products)
"We continue to hire people. People are also leaving to take other jobs indicating the job market is starting to improve for manufacturing." (Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components)
"Market has remained strong going into year-end." (Wood Products)
"Order intake has been substantial, resulting in a very healthy backlog. The packaging automation requirements in the food and beverage market are robust." (Machinery)
"Demand remains strong for new orders." (Miscellaneous Manufacturing)

MANUFACTURING AT A GLANCE NOVEMBER 2014
Index	Series Index Nov	Series Index Oct	Percentage Point Change	Direction	Rate of Change	Trend* (Months)
PMI®	58.7	59.0	-0.3	Growing	Slower	18
New Orders	66.0	65.8	+0.2	Growing	Faster	18
Production	64.4	64.8	-0.4	Growing	Slower	9
Employment	54.9	55.5	-0.6	Growing	Slower	17
Supplier Deliveries	56.8	56.2	+0.6	Slowing	Faster	18
Inventories	51.5	52.5	-1.0	Growing	Slower	4
Customers' Inventories	50.0	48.0	+2.0	About Right	From Too Low	1
Prices	44.5	53.5	-9.0	Decreasing	From Increasing	1
Backlog of Orders	55.0	53.0	+2.0	Growing	Faster	2
Exports	55.0	51.5	+3.5	Growing	Faster	24
Imports	56.0	54.5	+1.5	Growing	Faster	22
OVERALL ECONOMY Manufacturing Sector				Growing	Slower	66
				Growing	Slower	18

Manufacturing ISM® Report On Business® data is seasonally adjusted for New Orders, Production, Employment and Supplier Deliveries indexes. *Number of months moving in current direction.

COMMODITIES REPORTED UP/DOWN IN PRICE AND IN SHORT SUPPLY

Commodities Up in Price
Aluminum (10); Propylene Glycol; and Stainless Steel* (9).

Commodities Down in Price
Copper (4); Crude Oil; Diesel (2); Ethylene; Gasoline (2); Nickel; Oil Based Products; PET Resin; Stainless Steel*; and Steel – Hot Rolled.

Commodities in Short Supply
No commodities were reported in short supply.

Note: The number of consecutive months the commodity is listed is indicated after each item.
*Reported as both up and down in price.

NOVEMBER 2014 MANUFACTURING INDEX SUMMARIES

PMI®

Manufacturing expanded in November as the PMI® registered 58.7 percent, a decrease of 0.3 percentage point when compared to October's reading of 59 percent, indicating growth in manufacturing for the 18th consecutive month. A reading above 50 percent indicates that the manufacturing economy is generally expanding; below 50 percent indicates that it is generally contracting.

A PMI® in excess of 43.2 percent, over a period of time, generally indicates an expansion of the overall economy. Therefore, the November PMI® indicates growth for the 66th consecutive month in the overall economy, and indicates expansion in the manufacturing sector for the 18th consecutive month. Holcomb stated, "The past relationship between the PMI® and the overall economy indicates that the average PMI® for January through November (55.8 percent) corresponds to a 4.2 percent increase in real gross domestic product (GDP) on an annualized basis. In addition, if the PMI® for November (58.7 percent) is annualized, it corresponds to a 5.1 percent increase in real GDP annually."

THE LAST 12 MONTHS

Month	PMI®		Month	PMI®
Nov 2014	58.7		May 2014	55.4
Oct 2014	59.0		Apr 2014	54.9
Sep 2014	56.6		Mar 2014	53.7
Aug 2014	59.0		Feb 2014	53.2
Jul 2014	57.1		Jan 2014	51.3
Jun 2014	55.3		Dec 2013	56.5
Average for 12 months – 55.9 High – 59.0 Low – 51.3

New Orders

ISM®'s New Orders Index registered 66 percent in November, an increase of 0.2 percentage point when compared to the 65.8 percent reported in October, indicating growth in new orders for the 18th consecutive month. A New Orders Index above 52.1 percent, over time, is generally consistent with an increase in the Census Bureau's series on manufacturing orders (in constant 2000 dollars).

The 11 industries reporting growth in new orders in November — listed in order — are: Plastics & Rubber Products; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Fabricated Metal Products; Paper Products; Furniture & Related Products; Machinery; Petroleum & Coal Products; Transportation Equipment; Chemical Products; and Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components. The only industry reporting a decrease in new orders during November is Apparel, Leather & Allied Products. Six industries reported no change in new orders in November compared to October.

New Orders	%Better	%Same	%Worse	Net	Index
Nov 2014	38	47	15	+23	66.0
Oct 2014	34	52	14	+20	65.8
Sep 2014	30	55	15	+15	60.0
Aug 2014	38	48	14	+24	66.7

Production

ISM®'s Production Index registered 64.4 percent in November, which is a decrease of 0.4 percentage point when compared to the 64.8 percent reported in October, indicating growth in production for the ninth consecutive month. An index above 51.1 percent, over time, is generally consistent with an increase in the Federal Reserve Board's Industrial Production figures.

The 14 industries reporting growth in production during the month of November — listed in order — are: Fabricated Metal Products; Textile Mills; Petroleum & Coal Products; Machinery; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Furniture & Related Products; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Plastics & Rubber Products; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Transportation Equipment; Primary Metals; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Computer & Electronic Products; and Paper Products. The only industry reporting a decrease in production during November is Chemical Products.

Production	%Better	%Same	%Worse	Net	Index
Nov 2014	34	55	11	+23	64.4
Oct 2014	34	53	13	+21	64.8
Sep 2014	32	57	11	+21	64.6
Aug 2014	35	53	12	+23	64.5

Employment

ISM®'s Employment Index registered 54.9 percent in November, which is a decrease of 0.6 percentage point when compared to the 55.5 percent reported in October. This is the 17th consecutive month of growth in employment. An Employment Index above 50.6 percent, over time, is generally consistent with an increase in the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data on manufacturing employment.

Of the 18 manufacturing industries, 11 reported growth in employment in November in the following order: Printing & Related Support Activities; Textile Mills; Furniture & Related Products; Plastics & Rubber Products; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Petroleum & Coal Products; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Machinery; Paper Products; Primary Metals; and Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components. The three industries reporting a decrease in employment in November are: Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Computer & Electronic Products; and Transportation Equipment.

Employment	%Higher	%Same	%Lower	Net	Index
Nov 2014	21	63	16	+5	54.9
Oct 2014	19	69	12	+7	55.5
Sep 2014	21	64	15	+6	54.6
Aug 2014	25	63	12	+13	58.1

Supplier Deliveries

The delivery performance of suppliers to manufacturing organizations slowed in November at a faster rate as the Supplier Deliveries Index registered 56.8 percent. This month's reading is 0.6 percentage point higher than the 56.2 percent reported in October. A reading below 50 percent indicates faster deliveries, while a reading above 50 percent indicates slower deliveries.

The eight industries reporting slower supplier deliveries in November — listed in order — are: Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Computer & Electronic Products; Primary Metals; Paper Products; Transportation Equipment; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; and Fabricated Metal Products. The two industries reporting faster supplier deliveries during November are: Petroleum & Coal Products; and Chemical Products. Eight industries reported no change in supplier deliveries in November compared to October.

Supplier Deliveries	%Slower	%Same	%Faster	Net	Index
Nov 2014	14	80	6	+8	56.8
Oct 2014	15	79	6	+9	56.2
Sep 2014	12	81	7	+5	52.2
Aug 2014	13	82	5	+8	53.9

Inventories*

The Inventories Index registered 51.5 percent in November, which is 1 percentage point lower than the 52.5 percent registered in October, indicating raw materials inventories are growing for the fourth consecutive month. An Inventories Index greater than 42.8 percent, over time, is generally consistent with expansion in the Bureau of Economic Analysis' (BEA) figures on overall manufacturing inventories (in chained 2000 dollars).

The eight industries reporting higher inventories in November — listed in order — are: Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Furniture & Related Products; Transportation Equipment; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Paper Products; and Primary Metals. The six industries reporting lower inventories in November — listed in order — are: Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Plastics & Rubber Products; Petroleum & Coal Products; Computer & Electronic Products; Machinery; and Chemical Products.

Inventories	%Higher	%Same	%Lower	Net	Index
Nov 2014	21	61	18	+3	51.5
Oct 2014	21	63	16	+5	52.5
Sep 2014	18	67	15	+3	51.5
Aug 2014	19	66	15	+4	52.0

Customers' Inventories*

ISM®'s Customers' Inventories Index registered 50 percent in November, an increase of 2 percentage points from October when customers' inventories registered 48 percent. This indicates that customers' inventories are considered to be about right. This is the first time that customer inventories have registered at or above 50 percent since November 2011 when the index also registered exactly 50 percent.

The five manufacturing industries reporting customers' inventories as being too high during the month of November are: Computer & Electronic Products; Furniture & Related Products; Primary Metals; Chemical Products; and Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products. The five industries reporting customers' inventories as too low during November are: Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Paper Products; Machinery; Fabricated Metal Products; and Transportation Equipment. Seven industries reported no change in customers' inventories in November compared to October.

Customers' Inventories	% Reporting	%Too High	%About Right	%Too Low	Net	Index
Nov 2014	61	13	74	13	0	50.0
Oct 2014	59	10	76	14	-4	48.0
Sep 2014	59	9	71	20	-11	44.5
Aug 2014	63	13	72	15	-2	49.0

Prices*

The ISM® Prices Index registered 44.5 percent in November, which is a decrease of 9 percentage points compared to the October reading of 53.5 percent. In November, 14 percent of respondents reported paying higher prices, 25 percent reported paying lower prices, and 61 percent of supply executives reported paying the same prices as in October. This is the first time that raw materials prices have registered a decrease since July 2013 when the Prices Index registered 49 percent. A Prices Index above 49.7 percent, over time, is generally consistent with an increase in the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Producer Price Index for Intermediate Materials.

Of the 18 manufacturing industries, the two that reported paying increased prices during the month of November are: Furniture & Related Products; and Paper Products. The 12 industries reporting paying lower prices during the month of November — listed in order — are: Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Textile Mills; Petroleum & Coal Products; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Transportation Equipment; Primary Metals; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Machinery; Fabricated Metal Products; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Computer & Electronic Products; and Chemical Products.

Prices	%Higher	%Same	%Lower	Net	Index
Nov 2014	14	61	25	-11	44.5
Oct 2014	21	65	14	+7	53.5
Sep 2014	28	63	9	+19	59.5
Aug 2014	24	68	8	+16	58.0

Backlog of Orders*

ISM®'s Backlog of Orders Index registered 55 percent in November, which is 2 percentage points higher than the 53 percent reported in October, indicating growth in order backlogs for the second consecutive month. Of the 87 percent of respondents who reported their backlog of orders, 27 percent reported greater backlogs, 17 percent reported smaller backlogs, and 56 percent reported no change from October.

The 12 industries reporting increased order backlogs in November — listed in order — are: Textile Mills; Petroleum & Coal Products; Furniture & Related Products; Fabricated Metal Products; Paper Products; Primary Metals; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Machinery; Transportation Equipment; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; and Computer & Electronic Products. The three industries reporting a decrease in order backlogs during November are: Wood Products; Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; and Chemical Products.

Backlog of Orders	% Reporting	%Greater	%Same	%Less	Net	Index
Nov 2014	87	27	56	17	+10	55.0
Oct 2014	88	24	58	18	+6	53.0
Sep 2014	85	18	58	24	-6	47.0
Aug 2014	87	25	55	20	+5	52.5

New Export Orders*

ISM®'s New Export Orders Index registered 55 percent in November, which is 3.5 percentage points higher than the 51.5 percent reported in October. November's reading reflects growth in the level of exports for the 24th consecutive month.

The 11 industries reporting growth in new export orders in November — listed in order — are: Textile Mills; Wood Products; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Fabricated Metal Products; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Machinery; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Computer & Electronic Products; Transportation Equipment; and Paper Products. The two industries reporting a decrease in new export orders during November are: Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; and Chemical Products.

New Export Orders	% Reporting	%Higher	%Same	%Lower	Net	Index
Nov 2014	75	15	80	5	+10	55.0
Oct 2014	76	14	75	11	+3	51.5
Sep 2014	76	14	79	7	+7	53.5
Aug 2014	76	18	74	8	+10	55.0

Imports*

ISM®'s Imports Index registered 56 percent in November, which is 1.5 percentage points higher than the 54.5 percent reported in October. This month's reading represents 22 consecutive months of growth in imports.

The 11 industries reporting growth in imports during the month of November — listed in order — are: Printing & Related Support Activities; Primary Metals; Machinery; Plastics & Rubber Products; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Transportation Equipment; Furniture & Related Products; Computer & Electronic Products; Fabricated Metal Products; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; and Chemical Products. The two industries reporting a decrease in imports during November are: Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; and Miscellaneous Manufacturing.

Imports	% Reporting	%Higher	%Same	%Lower	Net	Index
Nov 2014	78	16	80	4	+12	56.0
Oct 2014	77	16	77	7	+9	54.5
Sep 2014	79	15	76	9	+6	53.0
Aug 2014	76	18	76	6	+12	56.0

* The Inventories, Customers' Inventories, Prices, Backlog of Orders, New Export Orders and Imports Indexes do not meet the accepted criteria for seasonal adjustments.

Buying Policy

Average commitment lead time for Capital Expenditures increased 5 days to 123 days. Average lead time for Production Materials decreased 3 day to 58 days. Average lead time for Maintenance, Repair and Operating (MRO) Supplies remained unchanged at 27 days.

Percent Reporting
Capital Expenditures	Hand-to-Mouth	30 Days	60 Days	90 Days	6 Months	1 Year+	Average Days
Nov 2014	28	7	8	19	22	16	123
Oct 2014	29	6	11	18	21	15	118
Sep 2014	27	7	12	19	19	16	120
Aug 2014	27	7	12	18	21	15	119

Production Materials	Hand-to-Mouth	30 Days	60 Days	90 Days	6 Months	1 Year+	Average Days
Nov 2014	18	36	23	14	7	2	58
Oct 2014	16	34	24	19	4	3	61
Sep 2014	16	37	21	16	7	3	62
Aug 2014	13	41	23	13	7	3	62
MRO Supplies	Hand-to-Mouth	30 Days	60 Days	90 Days	6 Months	1 Year+	Average Days
Nov 2014	45	39	10	4	2	0	27
Oct 2014	45	39	9	6	1	0	27
Sep 2014	46	36	13	4	1	0	26
Aug 2014	42	38	13	6	1	0	29

About This Report

The data presented herein is obtained from a survey of manufacturing supply managers based on information they have collected within their respective organizations. ISM® makes no representation, other than that stated within this release, regarding the individual company data collection procedures. The data should be compared to all other economic data sources when used in decision-making.

Data and Method of Presentation

The Manufacturing ISM® Report On Business® is based on data compiled from purchasing and supply executives nationwide. Membership of the Manufacturing Business Survey Committee is diversified by NAICS, based on each industry's contribution to gross domestic product (GDP). Manufacturing Business Survey Committee responses are divided into the following NAICS code categories: Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Textile Mills; Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Wood Products; Paper Products; Printing & Related Support Activities; Petroleum & Coal Products; Chemical Products; Plastics & Rubber Products; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Primary Metals; Fabricated Metal Products; Machinery; Computer & Electronic Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Transportation Equipment; Furniture & Related Products; and Miscellaneous Manufacturing (products such as medical equipment and supplies, jewelry, sporting goods, toys and office supplies).

Survey responses reflect the change, if any, in the current month compared to the previous month. For each of the indicators measured (New Orders, Backlog of Orders, New Export Orders, Imports, Production, Supplier Deliveries, Inventories, Customers' Inventories, Employment and Prices), this report shows the percentage reporting each response, the net difference between the number of responses in the positive economic direction (higher, better and slower for Supplier Deliveries) and the negative economic direction (lower, worse and faster for Supplier Deliveries), and the diffusion index. Responses are raw data and are never changed. The diffusion index includes the percent of positive responses plus one-half of those responding the same (considered positive).

The resulting single index number for those meeting the criteria for seasonal adjustments (PMI®, New Orders, Production, Employment and Supplier Deliveries) is then seasonally adjusted to allow for the effects of repetitive intra-year variations resulting primarily from normal differences in weather conditions, various institutional arrangements, and differences attributable to non-moveable holidays. All seasonal adjustment factors are subject annually to relatively minor changes when conditions warrant them. The PMI® is a composite index based on the diffusion indexes of five of the indexes with equal weights: New Orders (seasonally adjusted), Production (seasonally adjusted), Employment (seasonally adjusted), Supplier Deliveries (seasonally adjusted), and Inventories.

Diffusion indexes have the properties of leading indicators and are convenient summary measures showing the prevailing direction of change and the scope of change. A PMI® reading above 50 percent indicates that the manufacturing economy is generally expanding; below 50 percent indicates that it is generally declining. A PMI® in excess of 43.2 percent, over a period of time, indicates that the overall economy, or gross domestic product (GDP), is generally expanding; below 43.2 percent, it is generally declining. The distance from 50 percent or 43.2 percent is indicative of the strength of the expansion or decline. With some of the indicators within this report, ISM® has indicated the departure point between expansion and decline of comparable government series, as determined by regression analysis.

The Manufacturing ISM® Report On Business® survey is sent out to Manufacturing Business Survey Committee respondents the first part of each month. Respondents are asked to ONLY report on information for the current month. ISM® receives survey responses throughout most of any given month, with the majority of respondents generally waiting until late in the month to submit responses in order to give the most accurate picture of current business activity. ISM® then compiles the report for release on the first business day of the following month.

The industries reporting growth, as indicated in the Manufacturing ISM® Report On Business® monthly report, are listed in the order of most growth to least growth. For the industries reporting contraction or decreases, those are listed in the order of the highest level of contraction/decrease to the least level of contraction/decrease.

Responses to Buying Policy reflect the percent reporting the current month's lead time, the approximate weighted number of days ahead for which commitments are made for Production Materials; Capital Expenditures; and Maintenance, Repair and Operating (MRO) Supplies, expressed as hand-to-mouth (five days), 30 days, 60 days, 90 days, six months (180 days), a year or more (360 days), and the weighted average number of days. These responses are raw data, never revised, and not seasonally adjusted since there is no significant seasonal pattern.

The Manufacturing ISM® Report On Business® is published monthly by Institute for Supply Management®, the first supply institute in the world. Founded in 1915, ISM®'s mission is to enhance the value and performance of procurement and supply chain management practitioners and their organizations worldwide. By executing and extending its mission through education, research, standards of excellence and information dissemination — including the renowned monthly ISM® Report On Business® — ISM® maintains a strong global influence among individuals and organizations. ISM® is a not-for-profit educational association that serves professionals with an interest in supply management who live and work in more than 80 countries. This report has been issued by the association since 1931, except for a four-year interruption during World War II.

The full text version of the Manufacturing ISM® Report On Business® is posted on ISM®'s website at www.ism.ws on the first business day of every month after 10:10 a.m. (ET).

The next Manufacturing ISM® Report On Business® featuring the December 2014 data will be released at 10:00 a.m. (ET) on Friday, January 2, 2015.

Contact:
Kathleen Lacy/ Report On Business® Analyst / ISM®, ROB/Research / Tempe, Arizona / 800/888-6276, Ext. 3143 / E-mail: klacy@ism.ws


SOURCE Institute for Supply Management through PRNewswire by press release©
http://www.ism.ws

Iwerkz launches the BottleBlaster Bluetooth Bike Speaker

Iwerkz©

Designed to go anywhere, the BottleBlaster is rugged and powerful.

Dec. 1, 2014 - iwerkz is proud to announce the BottleBlaster Bluetooth Speaker, the newest addition to iwerkz's line of innovative premium audio products. With dual audio drivers and premium speakers, the BottleBlaster offers power and performance as well as a user-focused design.

Designed to fit perfectly into most bike water holders, the BottleBlaster is engineered for on-the-go audio. The outer housing features a soft-touch rubberized finish that helps it grips and fit snugly into bike water bottle holders. Bluetooth 4.0 and NFC allow for quick and easy pairing to most iOS, Windows and Android phones and tablets, with a max pair range of up to 30 ft.

"We worked to create a design that was functional, but also very beautiful", explained Kate Spence, Product Manager for iwerkz. "The BottleBlaster has lines that lend themselves to the sleek curves and aerodynamics of the bike itself."

Along with water bottle holders, the BottleBlaster was designed to fit snugly into most backpack water bottle pouches and typical car cup holders.

Features:

* Bluetooth 4.0, with 30ft. range
* Dual 3W speakers for punchy, thick bass
* Water resistant and rugged housing
* Works with most bike and backpack water bottle holders - soft-touch texture helps to secure speaker into bottle holders
* 3.7v, 1000mA rechargeable lithium battery
* 3Wx2 speakers
* 4 Ohm
* 80dB SNR
* 60Hz-20KHz FR
* CSR V4.0 Bluetooth protocol

Pricing and Availability:

Press samples of the iwerkz BottleBlaster Speaker are available for select reviewers. The speaker is available for purchase online at Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, NewEgg and other fine online retailers. Suggested retail price is $49.99, with a Holiday 2014 sales price of $34.99 on select online retailers.

About Iwerkz:

iwerkz is your source for unique, interesting, very useful, quality products. In other words, we make awesome products that you’ll actually use, love using, keep using and quite possibly tell your friends about.

We’re based out of sunny Edmond, OK – just north of Oklahoma City. Why are we in Edmond? For one thing, being in the exact center of the United States has its advantages when it comes to shipping. Pretty much anywhere in the US is 2-3 days away, even by Ground.

Another reality is that many of us happen to have been born here. We love it. It’s a nice mix of sun, snow, dry, wet, etc. Come visit and check out a Thunder game. You’ll be happily surprised.

Source Iwerkz though PRlog by press release©

PrimaLoft, Inc. Expands Commitment to PrimaLoft® Performance Down Blend Category, Adopts Responsible Down Standard

PrimaLoft©

PRIMALOFT, INC. EXPANDS COMMITMENT TO PRIMALOFT® PERFORMANCE DOWN BLEND CATEGORY, ADOPTS RESPONSIBLE DOWN STANDARD 

PrimaLoft® Performance Down Blends Featured in Nearly Twice as Many Brand Partner Products  

PrimaLoft® Black Insulation Down Blend Joins Product Platform at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2015 

LATHAM, N.Y. (December 1, 2014) – Building upon the success of the Fall ‘14 launch of its Performance Down Blend products, PrimaLoft, Inc. (www.primaloft.com), the world leader in providing comfort solutions with high-performance insulations and fabrics, announced it has adopted the Responsible Down Standard and will offer fully traceable goose and duck down products. In addition, PrimaLoft nearly doubled its brand partners who have adopted Performance Down Blend and will introduce PrimaLoft® Black Insulation Down Blend for Fall ’15. A wide range of PrimaLoft® Down Blend styles for Fall ’15 will be displayed at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2015, Booth #39043.

PrimaLoft will offer the Responsible Down Standard (RDS) as an option for all of its Performance Down Blend brand partners working with Gold, Silver and Black variations of the technology.  RDS-certified products have been completely traced along the supply chain to validate the source of material, and confirm the down does not come from animals that have been subjected to unnecessary harm, including force-feeding and live plucking. Independent third-party audits are applied to the entire supply chain and performed once a year. Brands that elect to use RDS-certified down will incur a small increase upcharge based upon current market demand.

“PrimaLoft® Performance Down Blends have set a new industry standard for functional, water-repellent down,” said Mike Joyce, president and chief executive officer of PrimaLoft. “Our heritage is rooted in finding the best solutions for users demanding performance, warmth and comfort despite the weather. We are proud to also be at the forefront of social and environmental sustainability among other component brands to be able to offer best-in-class products for use year round to our brand partners.”

Lauded around the 2014 winter tradeshows by U.S. and European media, PrimaLoft® Performance Down Blends received GearJunkie.com’s “Best in Show” award, OutDoor Industry’s “Material Innovations Award” and were recognized by SKI as an “SIA Showstopper.” Brand partners featuring Performance Down Blend were recognized by Outside Buyer’s Guide for “Best Insulated Jacket” and received two ISPO Gold Awards, one for “Trekking Equipment” and one for “Outdoor Midlayer.”
Respected brands debuting PrimaLoft® Performance Down Blend products for the first time in Fall ‘15 include Atomic, Browning, L.L.Bean, Lole, REI, SportChief, and SunIce. Existing partners featuring PrimaLoft® Performance Down Blends again for Fall ’15 include Black Diamond, Bergans, Cabela’s, Lands’ End, Helly Hansen, Reusch, Sherpa Adventure Gear, Salewa, Sitka, Under Armour, and Westcomb.

The PrimaLoft® Performance Down Blend product is created by a proprietary process that fuses water-repellent, fluorocarbon-free treated down with PrimaLoft® insulation. Specifically, this hybrid insulation is engineered by intimately blending premium down with moisture blocking, permanent water repellent PrimaLoft® ultra-fine fibers, combining the best attributes of both materials. Completing the Performance Down Blend line, PrimaLoft® Black Insulation Down Blend provides comparable warmth in construction to 550 fill down and retains 94 percent of warmth when wet while drying four times faster than untreated down.  PrimaLoft® Gold Insulation Down Blend has comparable warmth in construction to 750 fill goose down, and PrimaLoft® Silver Insulation Down Blend provides comparable warmth in construction to 650 fill down.

About PrimaLoft, Inc.

PrimaLoft, Inc., a materials science company based in Latham, New York with offices in Germany and Italy, is the world leader in research and innovative development of comfort solutions with high performance insulations and fabrics. The PrimaLoft® brand, a registered trademark of PrimaLoft, Inc., delivers feel-good products that are used in the top global outdoor and fashion brands, home furnishings, work wear, hunting and military applications. PrimaLoft® insulation was originally developed for the U.S. army as a water-resistant, synthetic alternative to down. Today, the brand is recognized as a benchmark in the outdoor industry for providing unsurpassed comfort in any condition, ultimately empowering users to stay in the moment. PrimaLoft, Inc. is active in sustainable textile production through partnerships with the bluesign® system, the International OEKO-TEX® Association and the Sustainable Apparel Coalition’s Higg Index.

For more information, please visit www.PrimaLoft.com, and follow PrimaLoft on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

PrimaLoft®, Feel the Performance™



Source PrimaLoft by Chris Goddard through press release©


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Nike Football Shine Through Collection

Nike©

Basic black boots were the norm until the 1970s, when white boots first began appearing on the pitch. Just as that first splash of color turned heads back then, Nike’s Shine Through Collection stands out today.

The collection was crafted with the new year in mind and designed for players determined to shine through and make the most of every opportunity in 2015.

“While white is sometimes thought of as the simplest of colors, we see it as the powerful result of overlapping primary colors. It’s a bit analogous to how a player’s training, creativity and touch overlap to create powerful moments on the pitch that look deceptively simple.” – Max Blau, VP Nike Football Footwear

Nike’s color experts drew inspiration from the energy, atmosphere, and visuals that accompany New Year’s Eve celebrations in Brasil. White is the traditional color worn by those partaking in the festivities, with bright pops of accent colors.  White is also an expressive color choice among footballers and is currently the second most selected hue on NIKEiD. The color contrast splashed along the Swoosh of the boots loosely mimics the way New Year’s fireworks cascade through the night sky.

 

Nike professional players will begin wearing the Shine Through boots in early December. The collection is available now exclusively via the Nike Football App. 

 

 

source Nike©

V.F. Corp.: Implications Of A Potential Puma Acquisition

Puma©

Recent rumors make sense

Earlier this month, rumors surfaced that Paris-based luxury company Kering (OTCPK:PPRUY) had put the German sporting goods maker Puma (OTC:PMMAF) on sale and that V.F. Corp. (NYSE:VFC) was a likely suitor.

These rumors make sense for two main reasons. First, Puma would fit well into VFC's portfolio of outdoor and lifestyle brands. Second, as explained in our previous articles on the company, VFC is widely expected to make a large acquisition (M&A is part of its DNA) now that it has completed the integration of Timberland and is back to a comfortable net debt/EBITDA of 0.4x.

Therefore, we have decided to have a closer look at the potential impact of such an acquisition on VFC's financials. Note that Puma's current operating issues (anemic revenue growth, declining margins) are unlikely to deter VFC in our view as the company has a history of successfully restructuring struggling companies.

Doing the math

Puma is currently valued at EUR2.8bn ($3.5bn). Assuming a 20% premium, VFC would have to pay EUR3.4bn or $4.2bn. This price suggests that VFC would not have to raise equity to fund the Puma acquisition as both the net debt/equity and net debt/EBITDA ratios would remain under control (70% and 1.8x, respectively) assuming a 100% debt financing. And as always, a financing structure based on debt is a key positive for EPS accretion and.....

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AtonRâ Partners ©

Baidu DuBike will launch Smart Bike this year’s

Baidu©

What category of gadgets for next trend? Smart Watch is already become a trend, now try to think about a bike, judging from the growth number of cyclists and the emergence of innovative new models like Teague ‘Denny’ e-bike.

China’s largest search engine, Baidu has participated in creating their Smart Bike, Dubike. The bike equipped with electrical power and loaded with technology that can monitor the fitness of its rider. Such as heart rate monitor, pedal speed level, and other sensors that are connected via Bluetooth to a Smartphone application. With all that equipment on the bike we will be able to monitor our health statistics, providing navigation, tracking the position of the bike and recommend routes cycling or fitness program through a social network that are some features and functions available on the Smart Bike.

This bike has a futuristic look designed by Baidu and the faculty od design Tsinghua University. The bike also have a tool that can transform kinetic energy into electrical energy. That provide the capabilitye of storing electrical energy that later will be used to run all the sensors and other devices.
However, Baidu does not provide feedback on the development of Operating System for Smart Bike conducted by the Institute of Deep Learning (IDL). They have launched the operating system for smart bike a month before. They plan to use the technology in Dubike and share it with other manufacturers. However the Baidu seems not to respond to.............

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By Hari Hidayat

Vans EMEA Appoints New VP of Marketing

Vans©

Vans is pleased to announce the appointment of Neil Schambra Stevens to the position of Vice President of Marketing for Vans EMEA. Replacing Jeremy De Maillard – following his move to The North Face – Schambra Stevens will lead the brand’s marketing division, working to raise brand awareness, maintain image, and ensure best in class communications, activations, and initiatives across all channels.

Coming directly from tech giant Lenovo, where he held the position of Global Director for Brand & Content Creation, Schambra Stevens has a comprehensive background in brand marketing across sectors. Having previously held roles at both Converse and Asics, he brings with him extensive experience within the sneaker and lifestyle markets, as well as creative communications, after working as Client Services Director at Amsterdam Worldwide (formerly StrawberryFrog, Amsterdam). 

As VP of Marketing at Vans EMEA, he will build upon the Vans marketing vision & strategy to ensure sustainable and profitable business growth, as well as global consistency and local relevancy across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Jan Van Leeuwen, GM of Vans EMEA comments “We’re very pleased to welcome Neil into the Vans Family. With his experience and expertise across industries, we’re confident that he will prove to be a good fit and valuable addition to the EMEA team, helping to drive the brand towards and beyond its 50th anniversary year, as well as the achievement of our brand’s development, growth and financial goals.”

Moving in to 2015, the original action sports company maintains its commitment to creative culture and nurturing the next generation. With initiatives such as House of Vans London, Vans Shop Riot, a broad roster of Classics &… events and longstanding support of music and art, Vans edges closer to celebrating five decades as the world’s number one skateboarding shoe. 

About Vans

In 1966, the Van Doren Rubber Company opened up for business in California. Within a few years, global skate culture adopted Vans shoe as their favourite brand, and today Vans still represents a look that epitomizes the Southern California lifestyle. With more than 45 years of history, and now offering a complete range of footwear, apparel, accessories & outerwear ,­Vans has risen to become a worldwide dominant force in the action sports industry and the genuine brand of choice for the contemporary lifestyle consumer.


Source Vans ©

HEAD TENNIS PLAYERS PARTICIPATE IN FIRST INNOVATIVE COCA-COLA INTERNATIONAL PREMIER TENNIS LEAGUE PRESENTED BY QATAR AIRWAYS

IPTL©

28 players, 24 matches, 21 Grand Slam Champions, 14 current and former World Number Ones, 4 franchise teams, and a whole new set of rules. Current HEAD players Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Maria Sharapova, Marin Čilić, and Tomáš Berdych as well as tennis legend Goran Ivanisevic are among the players making up the roster for the Coca-Cola International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) presented by Qatar Airways, a revolutionary new professional team-based tennis league in the world kicking off on November 28th.

Played across four countries, the Coca-Cola IPTL presented by Qatar Airways is modeled after successful sports franchise concepts and combines world-class sports and entertainment in a new format. The four franchise teams – named the Manila Mavericks, DBS Singapore Slammers, Micromax Indian Aces and UAE Royals – will play a total of 24 matches in a round robin format to determine the inaugural IPTL Champion.

Due to several innovations made to the traditional tennis rules, the league promises to show the world the top sport in a new light and allows fans to experience up to 24 different world-class players in one evening. Following the new single-set no-ad scoring, which speeds up the game, the competing teams will play five sets comprising of a men’s single, a women’s single, men’s doubles, mixed doubles and former Champions singles to determine the match’s winner. Time outs, Happiness power points, shoot-outs, a running shot clock and Hawk-Eye live entertainment will make the new IPTL a completely new experience.

With HEAD acting as the Official Ball Sponsor, the Coca-Cola International Premier Tennis League presented by Qatar Airways will kick off in Manila, Philippines (November 28-30), move to Singapore (December 2-4) and New Delhi, India (December 6-8), and conclude in Dubai, UAE (December 11-13).

For more information on the IPTL please go to http://www.iptlworld.com

Source Head ©

Nike Women’s-only Store with Premium On-site Sports Experience Opens in Shanghai

Nike©

Nike opened its second, women’s-only store today at iAPM shopping mall in Shanghai, China. Located at 999 Huaihai Zhong road, Nike Women Shanghai is a 4,500-plus square-foot consumer experience store offering the local community the best of Nike products, including premium women’s running, training and sportswear styles.

The store features on-site group fitness sessions along with opportunities for consumers to trial the latest in training and running footwear and apparel. Specialized services, weekly programming and tailored events are designed to inspire and enable the community of active women in and around the central business district of Shanghai.

In-store services include Nike+ Run analysis, footwear trials, bra fitting, pant hemming, access to shopping on Nike.com and NIKEiD, and a comprehensive training experience including Nike+ Run Club and Nike+ Training Club.

Nike Women Shanghai also features a digital community area displaying updated calendars for the Nike+ Run Club, Nike+ Training Club classes and store events. Profiles of Nike coaches and trainers, the latest product and campaign information, Nike+ content and downloads will also be easily accessible.

Nike©

“This new store is the latest example of just how well we serve women at retail. Our global strategy is to inspire and deeply connect with consumers in our stores and online and Greater China continues to be an important geography where this comes to life," said Heidi O’Neill, VP & GM, Nike Stores.

"This store proves yet again Nike’s commitment to both this market and our mission to serve and inspire female consumers – by bringing them the very best of Nike,” continued O’Neill.

Three of China’s elite female athletes — including Tao Yujia, 2014 Asian Games gold medalist in 4x100m relay; Zhao Jing, 2013 China National Games double gold medalist in the 800m and 1,500m; and Jin Yuan, 2010 Asian Games silver medalist in the 3,000m steeplechase — attended the store opening.

Key products currently carried in store include the Holiday 2014 Nike X Liberty collection, the Nike Tight of The Moment X Jordan Sneaker Tight, and the Nike Air Max 2015.

Beginning Nov. 29, Nike Women Shanghai will offer the following ongoing group training experiences:
•    Nike+ Run Club
•    Nike+ Training Club

More updates for Nike Women Shanghai, can be found at nike.com.


Source Nike©

Accell Group expects turnover and profit growth

Heerenveen (the Netherlands),18 November 2014–Based on developments through October,Accell Group expects to book higher turnover in all of its key markets in the second half of 2014,compared to the same period last year.Also net profit is expected to increase in the second half year,compared to 2013.

Accell Group is in takeover talks with Danish firm Cycle Service Nordic, a distributor of bicycle parts and accessories.

René Takens,CEO of Accell Group:“The positive trend of the first half year has continued into the second half year. Following a good first half, the weather conditions have also been favourable in the second half in most of the countries where Accell markets its products. The margin is developing positively as in particular more electric bikes and high-end sports bikes are being sold. The acquisition of Comet in Spain and the expected takeover of Cycle Service Nordic in Denmark lead to a further strengthening of our position in the field of bicycle parts and accessories in Europe. Based on the above, we expect sound growth in turnover and profit for the full year 2014.”

Accell Group recently completed the earlier announced acquisition of Comet in Spain. The Spanish company will be consolidated in Accell Group’s results from 1 November 2014. Furthermore,AccellGroup is in talks with Cycle Service Nordic in Denmark. Cycle Service Nordic is a distributor of bicycle parts and accessories in Scandinavia with a profitable annual turnover of around € 13 million. The company has a workforce of around 40 people.

Based on the developments outlined above and the current market outlook, Accell Group expects a higher organic growth in turnover in the second half of the year compared to the first half of 2014. Added value is expected to be slightly higher than in 2013, partly due to a reduction in the number of bicycles from older production years to be sold at a discount. The ratio of operating costs to turnover will be comparable to the level reported in the second half of 2013.The total trade working capital is lower than in 2013, due to the reduction of inventories and the divestment of the Hercules business and the fitness activities.

Accell Group expects full year 2014 net profit to significantly increase compared to 2013, due to a higher operating result,lower financing costs and lower restructuring costs.

Taking into account normal effects related to seasonal sales patterns, there have been no notable changes in the financial structure of Accell Group in recent months. The seasonal character of the business means that profit in the second half of the year is generally much lower in the first half year.

The outlook for the medium to long term remains positive. Demand for bicycles for mobility, health and active sports purposes is structurally strong. This will continue to boost sales of electric bikes and sports bikes in the higher end of the market in particular.

About Accell Group

Accell Group N.V. (“Accell Group”) focuses internationally on the mid-range and higher segments of the market for bicycles and bicycle parts&accessories. The company has leading positions in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Italy, France, Finland, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States. In Europe, Accell Group is market leader in the bicycle market in terms of revenue. Accell Group’s best known brands are Batavus (Netherlands), Sparta (Netherlands), Koga (Netherlands), Loekie(Netherlands), Ghost (Germany), Haibike (Germany ), Winora (Germany), Raleigh and Diamondback(UK, US, Canada), Lapierre (France), Tunturi (Finland), Atala (Italy), Redline (US)and XLC(international).

Accell Group and its subsidiaries employ approximately 2800 people worldwide in eighteen countries.The company has production facilities in the Netherlands, Germany, France, Hungary, Turkey and China.

Products of Accell Group are sold in more than seventy countries. The headquarters of the company are located in Heerenveen (the Netherlands). The Accell Group shares are traded on the official market of NYSE Euronext in Amsterdam and included in the Amsterdam Midcap index (AMX).
In 2013 Accell Group realized a profitable revenue of € 849.0 million.

For further information:
Accell Group N.V./René Takens, Chairman of the Board (CEO)/tel: (+31) 0513-638701/Hielke Sybesma, Member of the Board (CFO)tel: +(31) 0513-638702
Website: www.accell-group.com


Source Accell Group N.V.©