Custom-designed tarp covers vehicle for South Pole expedition

Specialty Fabrics Review | April 2012

The depth of polar ice has implications for history, paleogeology and climate science, and while much is known about the North Pole ice cap, South Pole ice proves more difficult to measure. Harp’s Tarps (Glenn Harp and Sons Inc.) in Tucker, Ga., is sending a custom-designed product where few tarps have gone before—a South Pole expedition to measure ice thickness.

A vehicle equipped with snowmobile-type treads will traverse the ice carrying sonar gear that needs protection against extreme weather conditions. Among the challenges Harp’s Tarps encountered: a narrow time frame to complete the project, sourcing vinyl material that could withstand the cold, buckles that could be managed with clumsy mittens and requirements that demanded computer-assisted design. “We deliver the goods to any industry,” says John Beule, Harp’s Tarps sales manager, emphasizing the company’s track record of producing custom tarps for unusual applications.

Comments

Comments are the opinion of individual posters and do not reflect the views of Specialty Fabrics Review or Industrial Fabrics Association International.

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  Dara

  Apr 19, 2012
  1:03 pm CDT

  Antonio,

  Thanks for your comment. Here's a response from the editor: Companies featured on the cover are all EPM members of IFAI, often nominated by others in the industry and chosen by editors for diversity in location, business, gender, etc. If you wish to send in information about products or projects, you're welcome to do so at any time, if you are a member of the industry. Send email to gdnordstrom@ifai.com.

  Thanks again!

• 

  Antonio

  Apr 18, 2012
  2:18 pm CDT

  diversity

  Dear reader Where is the diversity in the industry. I have read and get Review Magazine and watched this industry for years now and I have yet to see any minority owned businesses recognized. Im sure that they have contacted you about there companies.There are many who do great things but is not noted for there contribution. I would like to se on the cover or front page of your adds a Diverse company.Please respond. Antonio