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Professor Powell's degrees in design are combined with 27 years in the textile industry with design, marketing and management responsibilities.
Milliken & Company, Corporate Research Center in Spartanburg, SC. 1996-2002. As Director of Design for the Automotive Division, Professor Powell directed a large group of designers in developing woven, knit and printed products for all O.E.M. and Tier One automotive customers.
Langenthal Textiles 1994 - 1996, As Director of Development, Professor Powell became part of the Senior Management Team at this Swiss owned company producing aviation fabrics and contract upholstery fabrics.
Guilford Mills Automotive - 1989-1994 as Director of Design Professor Powell led Guilford's design area as they transitioned from primarily a headliner manufacturer to a body cloth supplier to the automotive industry. Basically a large volume piece dye warp knitter, Guilford added woven, printed and jacquard circular knit technologies and package yarn dyeing during this time. Powell the opportunity to plan, create, and deliver merchandising presentations in Japan, Germany, Spain, England and the North American market.
J.L.deBall-Girmes, a German company based in Asheville, N.C. 1987-1989. At this high end supplier of primarily piece dyed cotton woven pile products Powell was challenged to develop the transition to new solution dyed fibers such as polypropylene to address changes in the home furnishings, RV and van markets.
I.T. Fabrics (now known as the Rug Barn) in Abbeville, S.C. 1987-1988.
Professor Powell was involved in starting up their jacquard woven home furnishings business including market research, yarn development, design, sampling, and market launch.
Collins & Aikman Corp. Cavel Division in Roxboro, N.C. as Director of Design. 1979-1983
Home furnishing jacquard upholstery fabrics were expanded to include recreational vehicle and custom van interior products.
LaFrance Industries 1975-1979 .Advancing through the design area to merchandizing and sales & marketing at, Professor Powell was involved in developing woven and printed home furnishings upholstery.
Concord College, Shropshire, England 1983-1986ý Instructor in Design & Art History at international college. Living and teaching in a culturally diverse environment broadened Professor Powell's understanding and ability to communicate within the global community.
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