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• Somfy Systems wins prestigious 2013 WCMA award

  April 22, 2013

  Custom engraved wall switch provides personalized control of window coverings.

• TenCate certified for corporate social responsibility

  April 15, 2013

  Certification shows TenCate's committment to sustainable business practices.

• TenCate acquires Amber Composites

  April 11, 2013

  TenCate acquires Amber Composites in an effort to expand to new markets.

• Teijin integrates two businesses

  April 10, 2013

  Integration is a bid to grow global markets in key business units.

• TenCate Protective Fabrics wins orders from Netherlands fire brigades

  April 4, 2013

  The brigades ordered 1,850 uniforms made from TenCate's flame-resistant materials.

• CORDURA fabrics accepted into Material ConneXion’s Library of Innovative Materials

  April 3, 2013

  Denim, Duck and Naturalle were voted into the Material ConneXion Library.

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  Avoiding seven common mistakes of website design

  April 1, 2013

  Finding the best way to make your website generate profit and inform potential customers.

• Enduratex™ adopts inventory-sharing service

  April 1, 2013

  Enduratex became an early adopter of inventory-sharing by joining Warehouse Two.

• Miller Weldmaster goes Dutch

  April 1, 2013

  Miller Weldmaste has opened a new facility near Amsterdam.

• ORAFOL announces merger of ORACAL USA and ORAFOL Americas Inc.

  March 28, 2013

  Effective July 1, 2013, both entities will be restructured to form ORAFOL Americas, Inc.

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  Banner Creations' eco-friendly tote bags garner attention

  March 27, 2013

  The Scrappy Products tote bags were featured in the Jan. 28 edition of Examiner.com.

• Miller Weldmaster sells first T600 Extreme Cover at IFAI Expo

  March 20, 2013

  TRS Industries purchased the T600 for its bigger machine throat capacity.

• Teijin to exhibit at Eco-Products International Fair in Singapore

  March 15, 2013

  Teijin’s presentation will have a special focus on clean mobility and effective resource use.

• Kraig Biocraft Laboratories enters third phase of Monster Silk™ pilot production program

  March 11, 2013

  Phase three of pilot production program launches after successful first two stages.

• Olympic Tent makes a change, sells directly to rental companies

  March 6, 2013

  Olympic Tent rental company clients will now be able to directly order from the factory.

• U.S. suppliers stay competitive

  Sponsored by IFAI Market Research

  In an IFAI business climate survey, three factors constraining growth in the U.S. specialty fabrics market were mentioned: high raw material costs, overseas competition, and high oil/energy prices. From September –December 2008, high raw material and petroleum-related prices were exacerbated by tighter credit markets and record unemployment.
  
  Survey respondents reported some positive factors: increasing market share due to increased consolidation, greater export opportunities, and development of new technology and growth in eco-friendly green markets. Growth markets include medical textiles, military applications, safety and protective products, and the domestic and international use of geosynthetics.
  
  Increases in raw material and energy costs, increased labor costs and medical insurance premiums and the possible long-term shrinkage of the military market were mentioned as threats to growth. The poor economy means a weak U.S. dollar, tighter credit and reduced consumer buying. Overcapacity could be a problem, due to increased costs, decreased customer demand and global competition, especially from China and India.
  
  In response, suppliers will focus on high value products, profitable niche markets and product diversification, improving manufacturing processes, R&D and information technology. Advertising, marketing and sales promotion will be key.

  From the 2009 State of the Industry Report. Purchase a complete report at the IFAI Bookstore.

  Learn more...