1.   He insists, however, that the domestic industry is not suffering from too much output, an opinion echoed by Ochi and other towel makers.

2.   Kontex, the second largest towel maker in Shikoku, is also reorienting its business toward higher-margin products, including a towel woven with silver.

3.   Shares of food company Grupo Nutrisa SA, towel maker Hilasal Mexicana SA, Cifra SA, Coca-Cola Femsa SA and Cemex SA advanced.

4.   Springs, a maker of linens and bedding, had been looking to acquire a towel maker.

5.   The towel maker plans to fund its new investment with its own resources.

6.   Towel makers are also incorporating design elements into their products to distinguish them from those made in Southeast Asia and China.