Milliken Names Layton President of Polartec Business

Milliken & Co., Spartanburg, SC, recently named Steve Layton president of its newly acquired Polartec business. The global brand, which joined Milliken in June, is known for its innovative performance textiles for outdoor and military apparel, according to a news release.

“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.

Gary Smith, the outgoing CEO of Polartec, said that, “Appointing an individual of Steve’s caliber is a prime example of the capability of Milliken & Co. to foster the Polartec brand. 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’s degree in managerial economics from Union College and an MBA from Clemson University, where he served as an adjunct professor for six years.

To learn more about Milliken’s Performance and Protective Textiles division, visit textiles.milliken.com.