Spartanburg, SC-based Milliken & Co., a global diversified manufacturer with more than a century and a half of textile expertise, has named Steve Layton president of its newly acquired Polartec business.
“Steve 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 Steve’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 Steve to our global team and customers.”
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.
“It is an honor to lead the Polartec business as we embark upon our next era of success,” Layton said. “Polartec is preceded by a strong reputation. I look forward to working with the team to further it in the market.”
Layton joined Milliken & Co. 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.
