July 23, 2019
A new $5 million knitwear manufacturing center is being constructed in St. Louis, Mo., to allow brands and retailers to address emerging trends and create fashion manufacturing jobs. Evolution St. Louis’ new manufacturing facility will use cutting-edge 3D and seamless knitting technology. Leading flat knitting machine builder Stoll will install 300 flatbed knitting machines at …
July 22, 2019
Specialty Products, a Washington-based manufacturer of spray-applied polyurea elastomers, polyurethane foams and custom plural component equipment, has joined the VersaFlex family of companies. Merging with VersaFlex will allow the company and its customers to reach new levels of success with a broader product offering and innovation support. Specialty Products joins VersaFlex, Raven Lining Systems, Milamar …
July 19, 2019
Mutoh America Inc. has started new operations out of an ISO 9001 distribution center located near the port of Long Beach, in Carson, Calif. The facility offers state-of-the-art inventory tracking to accommodate the increasing demand for products arriving from Mutoh’s manufacturing campus in Japan. The new warehouse complements existing distribution centers for the Americas already …
July 18, 2019
Sandler AG in Schwarzenbach/Saale, Germany, has announced plans for new investments in Germany and the U.S. Over the next two years, Sandler plans to invest 80 million euros at the company headquarters in Schwarzenbach/Saale as well as Sandler Nonwoven Corporation in Perry, Ga. New production lines will expand the company’s manufacturing capacity, creating room for …
July 17, 2019
After a fire in October 2018, the long-established Bavarian fiber manufacturer Kelheim Fibres is currently rebuilding its viscose fiber production. The focus lies on modern state-of-the-art equipment and on resource-saving and environmentally friendly production technology. Kelheim’s viscose specialty fibers consist of 100 percent cellulose, a renewable raw material, making them completely biodegradable. These fibers offer …
July 16, 2019
The Boeing Company has named Ehmke Manufacturing Company Inc. the recipient of the Gold/Silver 2018 Boeing Performance Excellence Award (BPEA). The Boeing Company issues the award annually to recognize suppliers who have achieved superior performance. Ehmke maintained a Gold/Silver composite performance rating for each month of the 12-month performance period, from October 2017 to September …
July 15, 2019
The Lenzing Group is adopting blockchain technology to support its Tencel-branded fiber business, ensuring transparency and traceability of its fibers. Blockchain technology allows digital information to be distributed, but not copied, so each individual piece of data can only have one owner. Supply chain transparency from wood to garment and home textiles will enable customers …
July 12, 2019
Epson has opened the first Epson Certified Solution Center in Canada. Customers will have access to the Epson professional printing portfolio including signage, dye-sublimation and direct-to-garment solutions for a hands-on experience with unique Epson printing solutions and applications. Located at the TG Graphics office in Toronto, the Epson Certified Solution Center will provide customers with …
July 11, 2019
Roland DGA Corporation’s TrueVIS™ VG2 series eco-solvent printer/cutters won the 2019 ISA Sign Expo® Innovation Award in the printer category. The VG2-540 and VG2-640 impressed the judges with technological advancements, comprehensive color choices, improved machine efficiency and increased print-and-cut accuracy. The printer/cutters offer comprehensive color choices in new TR2 for an expanded gamut and incredibly …
July 10, 2019
Elevate Textiles, a global provider of advanced, high-quality products and mission-critical textile solutions, has appointed Per-Olof Loof to be president and chief executive officer. Loof has served as CEO across multiple industries and sectors, with a focus on technology, innovation and multinational operations. He most recently served 13 years as CEO of Kemet Electronics Corporation …
July 1, 2019
There’s a high cost to being too busy to get work done. By Randy Westlund I was consulting for the owners of a company recently. They’d worked hard last year. They did a record number of jobs. They even had to hire two installers and a welder to get it all done. But at the end …
May 22, 2019
The Outdoor Fabric Products Association of New Zealand (OFPANZ) will hold its 2019 Annual Conference at the Napier War Memorial Conference Center in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand, on July 25-27. The conference will bring together a diverse range of speakers and workshops, offering a variety of educational, social and professional networking opportunities, including the annual …
May 1, 2019
Academy Awning Inc., Los Angeles, Calif., and Zebra Awning, San Francisco, Calif., have merged. Michael Spear, owner of Zebra Awning, a San Francisco fixture since the mid-1980s, will continue in the role of Northern California representative for the corporation. Michael Richman and Jim Richman, owners of Academy, will serve in their same capacities for the …
May 1, 2019
Industrial Revolution 4.0 is here. by Connie Huffa Humans were born to learn and innovate. By nature, we constantly define, measure, analyze, improve and control our environments. Whether we know it or not, by wanting the latest and greatest we are changing not only how we make and buy things, but how we communicate our …
March 27, 2019
Women leaders in textile industry share expertise—and encouragement More women than ever now own textile companies, and IFAI’s recent Women in Textiles Summit brought together many of these business leaders to share their unique expertise within a highly specialized industry. This year’s inaugural summit, held March 6–8 in Savannah, Ga., facilitated what IFAI President and …
March 1, 2019
Picture this: It’s bedtime and children are getting their goodnight kisses. The parents wish them sweet dreams, leave the room and close the door behind them. With their defenders gone, the children begin their nightly debate: Is the boogeyman here? And if so, what exactly are they going to do about it? The boogeyman comes …
January 1, 2019
Think about your local hospital. Picture it in your mind. Think about the people who work there and the work they do. Now imagine that this hospital closed, and so did many of the clinics. Can you imagine your community without access to health care? How would that change your life? As far-fetched as this …
November 1, 2018
Whether it’s a result of a booming economy, tighter immigration laws or an educational system gone astray, finding qualified job applicants has become increasingly more difficult for those in the specialty fabrics industry. How can small businesses compete for badly needed, qualified workers? Thanks to our unique tax laws, every business can afford to offer …
September 1, 2018
Last December’s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) not only slashed tax rates, it also enacted rules that allow businesses to treat as an expense and immediately write off more—including 100 percent temporary expensing for certain assets. This means adding needed equipment, vehicles or even a new shop building is now a lot more affordable. …
July 1, 2018
Far too often, the process of making bad and/or unethical choices begins with a simple, almost thoughtless decision. How do I know this? Well, I’ve seen it happen far too often. Harassment is not a sexy subject, and ethics are more than words. “The times they are a changing,” and that’s more than just song …
June 19, 2019
For Immediate Release June 18, 2019 PR Contact Christian Weiland 651 225 6916 caweiland@ifai.com IFAI Expo 2019 takes place Oct. 1-4 in Orlando, FL, USA. The Early Bird Rate deadline is approaching fast, and those who wish to save on their Expo registration must do so by June 26. This year’s Expo is held …
October 18, 2018
At the annual meeting during IFAI Expo 2018 in Dallas, Texas, IFAI presented this year’s Outstanding Volunteer Awards, to people who generously gave of their time by serving on different boards, task forces and committees, judging competitions and providing education and leadership to others in the industry. The Outstanding Volunteer Award program was developed in …
October 18, 2018
On Wednesday, Oct. 17, at IFAI’s annual meeting at IFAI Expo in Dallas, Texas, association leaders announced that Mary Hennessy had been given Honored Life Member status for her many years of service to IFAI and, most notably, for her leadership as president and CEO of the association for the six years before her retirement …
October 18, 2018
The Fabric Structures Association (FSA), a division of the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI), recently announced the recipients of the 2018 Fabric Structures Student Design Competition awards. The winners were announced at IFAI Expo 2018, held Oct. 15-18 in Dallas, Texas. First Place Rafael Dias Simoes, Kevin Barthelmebs and Fabien Burgeat from ENSAVT University won …
October 18, 2018
Advanced Textile Products and the Narrow Fabrics Institute, divisions of the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI), recently selected the winners of the 2018 Advanced Textiles Student Design Competition. The awards were announced during IFAI Expo 2018, held in Dallas, Texas, Oct. 15-18. First Place First-place honors went to J. Walter Lee, Stephanie Wang and Caroline …
October 17, 2018
Torey Heinz, of Teagles Consulting, has a background in small manufacturing jobs shops. This gives him a good sense of how poor workflow and other issues can affect a small shop’s lead times. Shortening lead time is important, Teagle told participants at his Oct. 17 Expo session, because shorter lead times mean increased sales and …
October 17, 2018
On October 17 at IFAI Expo 2018 in Dallas, Texas, Brydon Roe from Shade Sails Canada Inc., Revelstoke, British Columbia, led a shade sails campfire session where he shared his business’s top dos and don’ts for installing shade sails. When it comes to shade sail fabric options, Roe recommended polyester, Commercial95 (or a mid-grade shade …
October 17, 2018
Trying to figure out which technology can save a business money can be confusing given all the options available. In his Oct. 17 Expo session, “Using Technology to Improve the Bottom Line,” Mark Stiver, manager of ecommerce, strategy and analytics for Trivantage, gave a high-level view of the primary types of technology available to specialty …
October 17, 2018
When you plan to sell a textile product, there are numerous reasons to test it before taking it to market. Many of those testing results tell you what you can ultimately communicate to others about your product, and what they can expect of your product. Dr. Emiel DenHartog, North Carolina State University, College of Textiles, …
October 17, 2018
All the best from Texas: Wednesday morning, Oct. 17, at IFAI Expo led off with lists of winners for the year, including the most popular products on the show floor. The seventh annual Show Stopper competition was designed to showcase the best of the best in the industry, from fabrics, equipment and chemicals to services …
July 1, 2019
Your first look at the new products and value-added services waiting for you on the show floor at IFAI EXPO 2019 in Orlando, October 1–4. This fall, hundreds of exhibitors will bring you the latest products and information from the entire textile supply chain, from fibers to fabrics to shade systems; from state-of-the-art equipment and …
July 1, 2019
As awareness heightens over the contribution that pets and other animals make to our lives, more attention is being paid to their comfort and well-being. by Pamela Mills-Senn Nobody ever really thinks about how swimming pools might affect frogs, toads, snakes, squirrels, mice and other small critters. Rich Mason, owner of Crownsville, Md.-based FrogLog®, didn’t …
July 1, 2019
Pvilion’s Colin Touhey is working to forge strategic partnerships to integrate photovoltaic technology into all kinds of fabric products. by Jill C. Lafferty Every time you are building what you think is a one-off project, you’re probably going to do something similar a second time, a third time, a hundredth time,” says Colin Touhey, CEO …
July 1, 2019
As NASA sets a course for Mars and a return to the moon, and private companies engage in a new space race, textile companies navigate the aerospace market with high-performance fabrics and products designed for the next frontier. by Amy Goetzman When does a single lemon cost $2,000? When it’s in space. NASA reports that …
June 1, 2019
It’s time for metalwork and framing to move from being bit players to getting top billing. by Jeff Moravec Fabric is typically the star of the show in any fabrication project. What often gets overlooked, however, is the role supporting metal frameworks play—often behind the scenes—in fabric structures. The metal framework may frequently be an …
June 1, 2019
Today’s tight labor market can turn employees fickle, posing challenges for companies that need to maintain a strong and skilled workforce. But with the right approach—and good benefits and wages—employers can keep ‘em coming back. by Pamela Mills-Senn After spending 18 years as an employee, Chris Ritsema, owner of Holland, Mich., Canvas Innovations LLC, knew …
June 1, 2019
The global economy is in constant motion. For cargo from consumer goods to dangerous chemicals, a new generation of textile products is helping to get things where they need to go, safely and economically. by Amy Goetzman Everything’s on the move. As economies expand around the world and gross domestic product rises, more commodities—food and …
June 1, 2019
by Jill C. Lafferty The mission of Al’s Awning Shop is to be the leading provider of quality fabric solutions and to be dedicated to providing professional customer service and exceptional products,” says owner Michele Quadri-Butterfield. “Fabric solutions is key for me. It’s about taking a fabric and helping the customer find the solution to …
May 1, 2019
Performance is everything now for fabrics, as valuable to customers as appearance and style—from applications in awnings and tents to marine fabrication, outdoor structures, indoor architecture, apparel, medical and aerospace products, to name just a few. For our annual two-part showcase, we asked our contributors to send us information about their latest high-performance materials: fabrics …
May 1, 2019
Adding services to core offerings can provide a way to cement customers to your business, meeting more of their needs and strengthening your appeal—and bottom line—in the process. Once a company has a firm grip on its core business, attention often turns to broadening the services already offered or adding entirely new ones that build …
July 1, 2019
Progress, potential and challenges for next-generation applications. by Debra Cobb Among the many benefits promised by the smart fabric revolution has been the “consumerization of health care.” Wearables are enabling the remote monitoring of a wide range of chronic medical conditions, from diabetes, high blood pressure and congestive heart failure (CHF) to symptoms of disease, …
July 1, 2019
Electra’s inventive flat-top temporary fabric structure helps it keep pace with Dubai’s fast-evolving event industry. By Holly Eamon In a world where customers increasingly expect their demands to be met instantaneously, companies that don’t prioritize active listening—or engagement—risk being left behind. Based in the competitive market of Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), event and exhibition …
June 1, 2019
Infrastructure and construction textiles succeed with a focus on sustainable alternatives. By Seshadri Ramkumar and Marie O’Mahony Today’s advanced textiles offer new forms for use in infrastructure projects and in building design and construction. These “hidden” textiles may be found in small-scale applications such as home furnishings as well as in huge projects such as …
June 1, 2019
By Holly Eamon Whether they’re being touted by a celebrity, promoted by major retailers or recommended by a friend, weighted blankets are the latest must-have household item. But as their transformative capabilities are increasingly introduced to and embraced by medical patients and professionals, their relevance is poised to long outlive similar fads—thanks to the determination …
May 10, 2019
Wholesale Shade, a premier shade sail fabricator, has developed a comprehensive guide for the shade sail industry. Covering design, selling, installation and more, this guide is a must-have for anyone looking to get into the shade business or to train new employees. It includes standard industry forms and a glossary of terms. A redesigned website …
May 1, 2019
Advanced textiles sector participants can benefit from strong growth predictions. by Seshadri Ramkumar The protective textiles sector is expected to grow at an annual rate of 4 percent, according to a recent report by Leeds, U.K.-based WTiN Intelligence Service. Earlier estimates by other market survey agencies, such as Grand View Research, estimated the annual growth …
April 23, 2019
Advice for innovators from innovators. by Janet Preus Editor’s note: Select entrepreneurs were asked to answer questions about intellectual property (IP) law and their experiences with it. Those interviewed are at various stages in their careers. Questions asked: What do you wish you had known early on when you were first dealing with IP law/patent …
April 1, 2019
Following her recent podcast Sustainable Textile Sourcing for Performance Textiles in Munich, I caught up with Anne-Marie van Hoof, owner and creative director at 4-Options Studio in The Netherlands, to get her take on what she sees as driving sustainability within the industry now and into the future. Fiber credentials The 4-Options Studio offers a …
April 1, 2019
Comfort for the human body needs to be comprehensive. This complicates the technologies that are available to reach the ultimate goal of providing physiological, environmental and psychological comfort. A definition of technology that matches consumer expectations of clothing is a “feeling of relief.” In light of this definition, the fiber and textile industry will need …
March 1, 2019
Textiles are part of a larger drive to protect and preserve resources for the future. Sustainability may be understood as a way to judiciously consume resources while leaving or even enhancing the availability of resources for future generations. The term “sustainability” has developed a powerful vibe that affects our society in general and the business …
July 23, 2019
A new $5 million knitwear manufacturing center is being constructed in St. Louis, Mo., to allow brands and retailers to address emerging trends and create fashion manufacturing jobs. Evolution St. Louis’ new manufacturing facility will use cutting-edge 3D and seamless knitting technology. Leading flat knitting machine builder Stoll will install 300 flatbed knitting machines at …
July 22, 2019
Specialty Products, a Washington-based manufacturer of spray-applied polyurea elastomers, polyurethane foams and custom plural component equipment, has joined the VersaFlex family of companies. Merging with VersaFlex will allow the company and its customers to reach new levels of success with a broader product offering and innovation support. Specialty Products joins VersaFlex, Raven Lining Systems, Milamar …
July 19, 2019
Mutoh America Inc. has started new operations out of an ISO 9001 distribution center located near the port of Long Beach, in Carson, Calif. The facility offers state-of-the-art inventory tracking to accommodate the increasing demand for products arriving from Mutoh’s manufacturing campus in Japan. The new warehouse complements existing distribution centers for the Americas already …
July 18, 2019
Sandler AG in Schwarzenbach/Saale, Germany, has announced plans for new investments in Germany and the U.S. Over the next two years, Sandler plans to invest 80 million euros at the company headquarters in Schwarzenbach/Saale as well as Sandler Nonwoven Corporation in Perry, Ga. New production lines will expand the company’s manufacturing capacity, creating room for …
July 17, 2019
After a fire in October 2018, the long-established Bavarian fiber manufacturer Kelheim Fibres is currently rebuilding its viscose fiber production. The focus lies on modern state-of-the-art equipment and on resource-saving and environmentally friendly production technology. Kelheim’s viscose specialty fibers consist of 100 percent cellulose, a renewable raw material, making them completely biodegradable. These fibers offer …
July 16, 2019
The Boeing Company has named Ehmke Manufacturing Company Inc. the recipient of the Gold/Silver 2018 Boeing Performance Excellence Award (BPEA). The Boeing Company issues the award annually to recognize suppliers who have achieved superior performance. Ehmke maintained a Gold/Silver composite performance rating for each month of the 12-month performance period, from October 2017 to September …
July 15, 2019
The Lenzing Group is adopting blockchain technology to support its Tencel-branded fiber business, ensuring transparency and traceability of its fibers. Blockchain technology allows digital information to be distributed, but not copied, so each individual piece of data can only have one owner. Supply chain transparency from wood to garment and home textiles will enable customers …
July 12, 2019
Epson has opened the first Epson Certified Solution Center in Canada. Customers will have access to the Epson professional printing portfolio including signage, dye-sublimation and direct-to-garment solutions for a hands-on experience with unique Epson printing solutions and applications. Located at the TG Graphics office in Toronto, the Epson Certified Solution Center will provide customers with …
July 11, 2019
Roland DGA Corporation’s TrueVIS™ VG2 series eco-solvent printer/cutters won the 2019 ISA Sign Expo® Innovation Award in the printer category. The VG2-540 and VG2-640 impressed the judges with technological advancements, comprehensive color choices, improved machine efficiency and increased print-and-cut accuracy. The printer/cutters offer comprehensive color choices in new TR2 for an expanded gamut and incredibly …
July 10, 2019
Elevate Textiles, a global provider of advanced, high-quality products and mission-critical textile solutions, has appointed Per-Olof Loof to be president and chief executive officer. Loof has served as CEO across multiple industries and sectors, with a focus on technology, innovation and multinational operations. He most recently served 13 years as CEO of Kemet Electronics Corporation …
June 20, 2019
The Heytex Group, headquartered in Bramsche, Germany, has 17 different product groups for technical textiles and works closely with customers to determine the appropriate material for their applications. “Due to increasing numbers of global disasters and the need to support people that need help, we see increasing demand for our HEYstore products in the future,” …
June 1, 2019
C.S. Osborne’s portable grommet press works well for brass grommets and fasteners. The portable press with screw action is constructed of lightweight aluminum and is easy to move and carry. It effectively sets snaps, self-piercing grommets, ventilators and rivets, plain grommets up to size 4 and spur grommets up to size 3. Dies are interchangeable …
June 1, 2019
ESG RA Outdoor is a new generation of solution-dyed acrylic yarns designed for outdoor applications. The yarn, powered by Durashine™, is suitable for awnings, outdoor furniture, carpets and marine applications. Developed so that color brilliancy, durability and performance characteristics remain unchanged year after year, the yarn resists UV fading for up to five years, and …
June 1, 2019
Sunbrella® SunZip zippers for marine environments feature tape made using 100 percent Sunbrella fibers, known for their UV and fade resistance, mold and mildew resistance and bleach cleanability. The zippers have Delrin teeth with high UV resistance, and are well-suited for marine applications with large or difficult areas such as boat covers and windows. Backed …
June 1, 2019
EPT’s string-reinforced linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) offers better flexibility and layflat than high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Formulated for high resistance to chemicals and UV, LLDPE has a puncture- and tear-resistant scrim for applications such as solid and hazardous waste landfills, mining and industrial, and municipal water and wastewater treatment. Available in widths up to 10 feet, …
June 1, 2019
PPSS Group’s Cut-Tex® PRO slash- and cut-resistant fabrics are used in clothing for law enforcement, corrections personnel, health care professionals and the glass and metal industry. Other applications include theft-proof beach bags, travel cases, storage protection and animal welfare. The versatile fabrics offer EN388:2016 Level E cut resistance (ANSI Level 5), the highest levels of …
June 1, 2019
ClipsShop® Self-Piercing Grommet Sets are made from solid brass and feature gripping teeth on the washers that provide extra holding power for a wide range of industrial applications subjected to constant tension, such as awnings, sails, banners, privacy screens, tarpaulins, tents and truck covers. The gripping teeth are ideally suited for multiple layers and thicker …
March 1, 2019
Graphic software The new and updated tools available in version 4 of the EFI™ Fiery® DesignPro software suite from EFI allow graphic designers to create and complete designs directly within Adobe® design software. Fiery DesignPro eliminates the need to reduce designs to indexed colors, maintaining the highest possible fidelity of the artwork. It also creates …
January 1, 2019
Slick tent setup Rainier’s High Peak tent system provides an elegant, streamlined look with a frame design that allows for quick and easy installation without tools. The system features a flying center pole tension top with a catenary (arched) design and does not use interior support poles, maximizing usable space. The tent comes in a …
December 1, 2018
Breathable textiles Teijin Frontier has developed a polyester high-gauge knitting material laminated with a breathable film to produce thin, lightweight and breathable textiles. Textiles laminated with breathable film are widely used for high-functional sportswear due to their waterproofness and stretchability. The new material is compact as well as stretchable, form-stable and moisture-permeable. It has a …
April 1, 2019
What’s the bottom line for camping gear? For many outdoorspeople, it comes down to fabric that is waterproof yet airy and comfortable, along with convenience and a dash of style. A new camper that is more like a geodesic dome on wheels checks those boxes. A collaboration between BMW Design Works Division and The North …
April 1, 2019
It’s a common joke—don’t go to the hospital, it will make you sick. Yet there is some amount of truth to the idea. One study demonstrated that 92 percent of privacy curtains were contaminated with infectious bacteria within one week of laundering. Another study concluded that up to 60 percent of nurse and physician clothing …
April 1, 2019
If you fall off your bike, you want to make sure you protect your thorax, back and neck. A vest that takes its cue from automobile airbags can do just that. B’Safe features an airbag that inflates instantly in the event of an accident. Developed by the French airbag technology company Helite, B’Safe features a …
April 1, 2019
It’s only fitting that the new research and development facility for the Kolon Group, a leading South Korean manufacturer of innovative textiles, would stretch the boundaries of design. The company wanted the facility, dubbed the Kolon One & Only Tower, to embody its commitment to creativity, technology and sustainability. The 820,000-square-foot building is designed to …
April 1, 2019
Summers are hot in San Ramon, Calif., located 35 miles east of San Francisco in the San Ramon Valley. The community is home to St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, designed in the 1980s by Aaron Green, an associate of Frank Lloyd Wright. The church features a beautiful patio that congregants like to use for …
April 1, 2019
Each year, 23 billion pairs of shoes made from raw materials are tossed in the trash, where they end up incinerated or are left to decompose in landfills. Sympatex Technologies, the high-tech company that produces and distributes membranes, laminates and functional textiles, has a better model for the lifecycle of shoes than creating tons of …
April 1, 2019
Benjamin Hubert of design agency LAYER likes to consider how fashion trends and the latest ideas in technology can be combined to realize his creations. For his furniture collection, TAPE, Hubert was inspired by design practices for garments in the sporting industry—specifically the use of tape to construct snowboard, ski and wet-weather gear. Hubert recognized …
March 1, 2019
Folk art meets Pokémon Ukrainian artist Oksana Levchenya has long admired the craftsmanship of traditional hand-woven rugs and tapestries. She founded OLK Manufactory in Kiev to create woven rugs and tapestries that exemplify the same kind of expertise. Her vertical kilims are created by hand using an intricate technique dating back to the 16th century. …
March 1, 2019
Sometimes inspiration is found in a most unexpected place. For designer Victor Moynier, the spark of an idea for a lighting fixture came from sportswear. The Lausanne, Switzerland-based industrial designer looked at running jackets and saw the possibility to produce a lamp using ripstop nylon. His Marathon lamp was one of nine lighting fixtures created …
March 1, 2019
There are many “must sees” in the Flanders region of Belgium: charming cities and towns graced with medieval architecture, the paintings of the Flemish masters, historical sites, fashion, food and design. The tourism bureau, Flanders Tourism (Toerisme Vlaanderen), wanted to give travelers flying into the Brussels Zarventem Airport a taste of the adventure that awaits. …
July 1, 2019
Diamond Brand Gear is leading a regional effort to revive the art of sewing through education and collaboration. By Holly Eamon With roots extending to 1881, Diamond Brand Gear in Fletcher, N.C., continually works to build upon its legacy. The outdoor and military gear manufacturer is revitalizing not only its brand but also the industry’s …
June 1, 2019
Owens Corning’s philanthropic efforts, charity work and progressive employee policies have produced impressive results. By Paul Johnson For more than 40 years, Owens Corning, a developer and producer of insulation, roofing and fiberglass composites, has been a supporter of a wide range of philanthropic endeavors and a key partner assisting charitable organizations across the globe. …
May 1, 2019
By Paul Johnson As a world leader in the manufacture of marine, awning and outdoor fabrics, Parà Group makes a wide range of products for iconic brands, such as Ralph Lauren Home, Fendi Home and Missoni. Five state-of-the art factories in Northern Italy produce more than 33,000 pounds of yarn and 32,000 feet of fabric …
April 1, 2019
The YKK Group, headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, has implemented a bold and broad-based strategy for energy efficiency, reduced carbon output and sustainability. YKK’s green approach has substantially decreased the environmental impact of its 111 facilities operating in 73 countries and regions. But beyond the environmental benefits, these measures have also lowered operating costs, improved safety …
March 1, 2019
Bud Weisbart was determined to make a difference. He transformed A&R Tarpaulins into a leader in fabric and equipment manufacturing for the aerospace industry, and also turned the company into a beacon of inclusiveness, diversity and multiculturalism. After earning a degree in social service and serving in many social service roles, Weisbart entered the business …
February 1, 2019
Ennis Fabrics in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, has a history that’s steeped in community support. James Ennis Sr. launched Ennis Fabrics in 1972 with a goal to provide better industrial fabrics and service. From a modest 2,500 square-foot warehouse, the company steadily grew, and today it sells 9,000 products from a state-of-the-art office and warehouse that …
January 1, 2019
Social stewardship and community outreach have been woven into the culture at Cooley Group, headquartered in Pawtucket, R.I. Nearly every quarter, Cooley Group conducts a specific outreach program under the “Cooley Cares” banner to improve lives and make positive changes in the community. Founded as a cotton awning fabrics manufacturer in 1926, Cooley Group has …
December 1, 2018
IFAI’s Manufacturing for Good booth made its second appearance at Expo 2018 held in October in Dallas, Texas. Workers at the live manufacturing booth assembled 74 red duffel bags from start to finish. The bags, made from 14 oz. vinyl, were donated to The Bridge Homeless Recovery Center, a North Texas-based organization devoted to helping …
November 1, 2018
Integrity, service and teamwork are at the center of everything MMI Textiles does, extending beyond working with customers and hiring employees to supporting its community. “Giving back not only goes with our core values, but it also provides an opportunity to work as a team to affect and impact the lives of others less fortunate. …
October 1, 2018
Following the events of 9/11, Joey Underwood, senior vice president of Safety Components in Greenville, S.C., witnessed several neighborhood efforts to raise money for families of the fallen firefighters in New York City. “I remember driving past a bake sale and thinking, ‘We’re in that business—we should do something, too,” he says. Safety Components develops …
