Specialty Fabrics Review interviews Kevin Kelly, MFC, IFM, CPP, president of Globe Canvas Products Co.

Interview by Sigrid Tornquist

 

What inspires you in your work?

Because I have witnessed an ongoing bias against the use of non-rigid materials (i.e. textiles), and a bias in favor of using rigid materials as a default choice in the design, architectural and construction worlds, I am inspired by the opportunity to prove the merits of a creative, textile-based solution as not only viable, but often as preferable when designing solutions to weather, safety or marketing challenges.

When you produce awnings for awning companies who have dropped manufacturing capability, how do you demonstrate your ability to produce what they need?

We invite them to our plant to witness production processes. I grew up cutting awnings and my MFC reflects credibility and expertise. And my production manager and I speak to them in terms that they use in their own shops.

Sigrid Tornquist is a freelance author and editor based in St. Paul, Minn. She is also the associate editor of InTents magazine, a publication of the Industrial Fabrics Association International.