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Heytex® – Discover the many faces of fabric
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Report from Expo 2019
Company News
APV Engineered Coatings finishes 2019 with record sales
February 17, 2020
APV Engineered Coatings ended 2019 with a record sales year. The growth was fueled largely by demand for its specialty chemical products in the aerospace, flexible films and industrial textiles, architectural building products, and tire and rubber industries. The company also saw significant growth in its private label and contract manufacturing business. Founded in 1878, …
Industry News
Super absorbent polymer market outlook
February 14, 2020
The global super absorbent polymer (SAP) market size is poised to reach $12.10 billion by 2025, according to a new study by Grand View Research Inc. Growth is expected to yield a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3 percent. Rising demand for baby diapers, adult incontinence products, agriculture applications and female hygiene products is expected to drive …
Company News
Berry Global increases production to aid in Coronavirus protection
February 13, 2020
Berry Global Group Inc. reports it is prioritizing the production of nonwoven health care products in its Nanhai, China, and Suzhou, China, facilities, which are used to manufacture products that can help protect against airborne particles like the Coronavirus. Nonwoven materials produced at the facilities are used in face masks, N95 respirators and protective apparel, …
Company News
Americhem debuts comprehensive new website
February 12, 2020
Americhem, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, is a globally recognized designer and manufacturer of custom color masterbatch, functional additives, engineered compounds and performance technologies. The company has released a brand new website that better aligns with its brand and global competencies at americhem.com. The new website provides customers, potential hires and others interested in Americhem with a …
Business
Small businesses with diverse workforces perform better financially
February 12, 2020
Small businesses with a diverse workforce are more innovative and financially successful, according to data gathered by SCORE, the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors. Data indicates that businesses with more diverse management have 19% higher revenue and are more likely to outperform non-diverse businesses. Diverse teams are more innovative, and therefore, perform …
Industry News
Natural fibers drive growth
February 12, 2020
The global textile market is expected to post a CAGR of more than six percent during the period 2019–2023, according to the latest market research report by Technavio. The increasing consumption of natural fibers such as cotton, silk, wool, hemp, cashmere and jute will drive the global textile market during the forecast period. The abundance …
Industry News
Grants support manufacturers
February 12, 2020
The U.S. Commerce Department is providing $13 million in U.S. Economic Development Administration grants to support 11 Trade Adjustment Assistance Centers (TAACs) that help manufacturers affected by imports adjust to increasing global competition and to create jobs. The TAACs, each of which service multiple states, are located in California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, …
People
Teijin Aramid appoints ter Horst
February 12, 2020
Teijin Aramid has announced the appointment of Peter ter Horst as the company’s new president and CEO per April 1, 2020. Ter Horst succeeds Gert Frederiks who will continue in an advisory role before retiring one year later after a long and impressive career at Teijin. Ter Horst joined Teijin Aramid in 2006 and brings …
Industry News
RGE commits to fiber innovation
February 11, 2020
Infinited Fiber Company’s strategic partner and investor RGE will invest $200 million in cellulosic textile fiber research and development to support solutions in alternative raw materials and closed-loop manufacturing. The target allocation for the investment is 70:20:10 in three areas respectively: scaling up proven clean technology in fiber manufacturing, bringing pilot scale production to commercial …
Company News
Zünd launches redesigned website
February 11, 2020
Zünd has launched a redesign of its website, www.zund.com. The new site is highly responsive and has a cleaner, more modern look and feel. Its content has been broadened and is now more logically structured, making it easier for visitors to locate relevant information. The new website automatically adapts to different devices and screen sizes …
Sponsored Content
How Quality Awning Fabrics Can Save Retail Stores Money
Sponsored Content
Heytex® – Discover the many faces of fabric
Sponsored Content
Report from Expo 2019
Business
Small businesses with diverse workforces perform better financially
February 12, 2020
Small businesses with a diverse workforce are more innovative and financially successful, according to data gathered by SCORE, the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors. Data indicates that businesses with more diverse management have 19% higher revenue and are more likely to outperform non-diverse businesses. Diverse teams are more innovative, and therefore, perform …
Management
SBA announces funding opportunity through the State Trade Expansion Program 2020
February 7, 2020
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced the opening of the submission period for a funding opportunity through the State Trade Expansion Program. The purpose of the grant opportunity is to invite proposals for funding from eligible state entities interested in and capable of providing assistance, guidance and tools to qualified small businesses looking …
Business
Before selling, determine the true value of your company
January 1, 2020
By Larry Oxenham Succession planning can be a tricky matter, especially if you’re passing your business on to a family member. Sometimes keeping it in the family is viable, but not in every case. If it comes time to sell the business instead, you should be armed with some strategies for getting what it’s really …
Company News
Levi Strauss & Co. and Hohenstein collaborate to bring safer chemicals to the apparel industry
November 19, 2019
Levi Strauss & Co. (LS&Co.) and Hohenstein have announced a collaboration to utilize the ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX® certification system in the LS&Co. supply chain. This will amplify the capabilities of the Screened Chemistry program developed by LS&Co., helping establish a clearer pathway toward safer chemistry in the apparel industry by providing enhanced levels of …
Business
Customer service is king
November 1, 2019
Strategic service makes your company memorable. By Randy Westlund We live in a constantly connected culture of instant gratification. We want what we want and we want it right now—with no delays. Between instant messaging, next-day delivery and online services available 24/7, the marketplace is catering to these demands. Some revealing statistics show how much …
Business
Tax laws can help with startups and expansions
September 1, 2019
Tax laws can help or hurt new and expanding businesses. By Mark E. Battersby In today’s economy, it’s not unusual for an existing fabrication business to branch out, or for the owner or self-employed canvas professional to start another business in the same or a different field. Few realize, however, that Uncle Sam stands ready …
Business
Common mistakes cost more than you think
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 …
Conference
OFPANZ annual conference, July 25-27, New Zealand
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 …
Business
Merger of Academy Awning and Zebra Awning announced
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 …
Business
Are you ready for the new digital future?
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 …
Sponsored Content
How Quality Awning Fabrics Can Save Retail Stores Money
Sponsored Content
Heytex® – Discover the many faces of fabric
Sponsored Content
Report from Expo 2019
Awards
IFAI’s 2019 Outstanding Volunteer Awards
October 8, 2019
At this year’s annual meeting during IFAI Expo 2019, IFAI presented the Outstanding Volunteer Awards, recognizing members who generously gave of their time to serve on different boards, task forces and committees, judged competitions and provided education and leadership to others in the industry. This year’s winners: Amy Bircher, president, MMI Textiles Inc. Jonathan Chakales, …
Expo News
2019 Chairman’s Award winner: Scott Campbell, Rainier Industries
October 8, 2019
The Chairman’s Award (originally, the President’s Award) is an honor bestowed by the chairman of IFAI to an individual that has had an extraordinary and meaningful impact on the association. It is rarely given, and awarded at the sole discretion of the IFAI chairman. At IFAI’s annual meeting at IFAI Expo 2019, IFAI chairman Steve …
Expo News
Designing with shade cloth for human protection
October 4, 2019
Australia has a very high rate of skin cancer, so it’s not surprising that the country has led the world in the development of shade cloth, Chris Nolan told attendees of a shade cloth educational session at IFAI Expo 2019 in Orlando, Fla. “Even in the temperate areas where most people live, we have an …
Expo News
Avoid expensive mistakes when applying graphics to awnings
October 4, 2019
Bill McSpadden wants IFAI attendees to not make the same mistakes he has made. On day 2 of IFAI Expo 2019 in Orlando, Fla., McSpadden’s educational session on graphics for small to medium fabricators focused on avoiding expensive mistakes that turn profitable projects into unprofitable ones. McSpadden is owner of Capitol Awning, located in Richmond, …
Expo News
HDPE shade fabrics offer form and function for shade structures
October 4, 2019
Shade has been a requirement for human beings since ancient times, but very little technological development related to shade occurred until the last 30 to 40 years, said Andrew Nasarczyk, senior manager—research and development, GALE Pacific Ltd., Braeside, Victoria, Australia. Nasarczyk explained the design and development of world-class knitted shade fabrics in an educational session …
Expo News
Fire retardancy in shade structures: requirements and solutions
October 4, 2019
David Dean, director of research and development at Glen Raven/Sunbrella, led the campfire session, “Fire Retardancy in Shade Structures: Requirements and Solutions” during Expo 2019 in Orlando, Fla., According to Dean, in the U.S. there are currently no federally-mandated fire retardancy (FR) regulations for shade structures. The few regulations that have been passed include those …
Expo News
Sales success with a dose of passive aggression
October 4, 2019
Chris Semonelli, vice president, sales and marketing, E Squared, and president of Coated Technical Solutions, says he has “a philosophy of being assertive with passive aggression” when it comes to sales. “You need to have a deadline with customers and R&D, and make frequent visits. Emails and faxes are great, but you can’t look customers …
Expo News
Award breakfast transforms into a networking event
October 4, 2019
Keynote speaker Thom Singer hosted IFAI’s annual award ceremony October 3 at Expo 2019, continuing his message to “see people.” As Expo exhibitors and attendees entered the breakfast event, Singer encouraged people to separate from familiar colleagues and sit with new people. This year’s award ceremony was infused with an additional goal—that of networking with …
Expo News
Industry 4.0 and what it means for your small business
October 4, 2019
Jonathan Palmer, CEO of Autometrix, presented the education session “Industry 4.0 for Small Businesses” at IFAI Expo 2019 in Orlando, Fla. Industry 4.0 is a German initiative that began in 2011. The loose definition focuses on four main areas: interconnection (sensors, machines and devices), information (free-flowing info), assistance (robots/technology making a worker’s job easier and …
Expo News
Don’t overlook overhead
October 4, 2019
Gary Westlund, of Awning Tracker, knows what he’s talking about when he says, “Overhead is a real cost. Unless you properly account for overhead on job bids, you are just guessing.” Westlund gave a straight-talk presentation on Oct. 3 at Expo 2019, telling attendees he owned and operated his own awning business for 25 years, …
Sponsored Content
How Quality Awning Fabrics Can Save Retail Stores Money
Sponsored Content
Heytex® – Discover the many faces of fabric
Sponsored Content
Report from Expo 2019
Feature
Retractables: part of the shade package
February 1, 2020
There has been growth in the U.S. market for retractable awnings, but today they’re part of a wide range of shade products designed to offer comfort, color, convenience, style and protection from insects as well as weather. by Laurie Junker The awning industry had been anticipating a boom in retractables for a long time. Scouring …
Feature
Textiles and Lifestyle
February 1, 2020
Textiles have become more responsive, providing health and wellness benefits while creating worlds of possibilities for manufacturers and users alike. by Pamela Mills-Senn It wasn’t long ago that the demands placed on textiles were relatively straightforward. Whether apparel, furnishings, car seats, bedding, medical fabrics or others, textiles were tasked with meeting a generally standard set …
Feature
Change as business strategy
February 1, 2020
After jumping from the food industry to truck tarps, David Callahan targets customers who value quality and innovation over price. by Jill C. Lafferty Local competitors are trying to go cheaper and cheaper, while we’re trying to do more and more quality,” says David Callahan, owner of Granite State Cover & Canvas Inc., based …
Feature
Succession Planning 101
February 1, 2020
A seamless transfer of leadership in a family business requires hard conversations and a detailed road map to avoid the worst potholes and ensure a successful journey. by Jeff Moravec A family business can offer great rewards—personally and professionally—for its founders and their descendants. But a family business also presents unique challenges and requires careful …
Feature
Members only content
Leading women: strength, innovation and growth
January 1, 2020
As dedicated industry professionals, women are running companies, developing innovative new products and meeting the challenges of a global marketplace. Our six subjects have varied backgrounds and career paths, but the advice they offer is surprisingly similar: engage, learn and toot your own horn. by Laurie Junker A woman starting a manufacturing company might not …
Feature
Investing in excellence—and workforce readiness
January 1, 2020
Kathryn Maisto mastered her marine canvas skills over a lifetime and across oceans, and now she’s training a new generation. by Jill C. Lafferty I’m always looking for ways to enhance our product line,” says Kathryn Maisto, MFC, owner of Fairwinds Canvas LLC, Racine, Wis. “In what we do and what we offer, we have …
Feature
Members only content
Perfecting sound with acoustical fabrics
January 1, 2020
Fabric applications create acoustic environments that control sound, allowing the featured entertainment to be clearly heard. by Sigrid Tornquist Fabric plays a critical role in sound control. On the most basic level, hard surfaces send sound bouncing around a room, while soft surfaces absorb sound and soften the impact on listening ears. For environments designed …
Feature
Members only content
Shady dealings: screens, shades and shutters
January 1, 2020
As awareness over the protections and savings offered by shading systems grows, screens, shades and shutters are finding wider acceptance and use, fueled by innovations in technology and fabrics. by Pamela Mills-Senn While many people appreciate the outdoors, most folks prefer to be shielded from the elements, with their environment climate controlled. Products like screens, …
Feature
Weaving the biomedical structure
December 9, 2019
by Amir Islam As medical technology increases, so too does the availability of options for different biomedical applications. With so many different characteristics available in woven biomedical textiles, choosing the right, reliable textile is essential for mitigating risk and ensuring successful procedures and applications. Woven biotextile properties Weaving biomedical textile structures, such as straight, tapered, …
Feature
Members only content
Permanent Side Hustles: Turn one-time gigs into long-term revenue streams
December 1, 2019
by Jeff Moravec For many people, the so-called gig economy has created an entirely new way to make a living. The idea of side hustles may strike many fabricators as familiar—just with a new name. It’s not difficult to find fabricators who started a business with a narrow, well-defined specialty, only to find opportunities (sometimes …
Sponsored Content
How Quality Awning Fabrics Can Save Retail Stores Money
Sponsored Content
Heytex® – Discover the many faces of fabric
Sponsored Content
Report from Expo 2019
Markets
Inhibiting microbes with topcoat technology
February 1, 2020
When compounded performance additives in vinyl aren’t enough, antimicrobial lacquers and topcoats offer extra protection. By Hugh Barrett Microbes, such as bacteria and fungi, can live on a surface for months. Manufacturers of flexible vinyl, films, fabrics and textiles use engineered antimicrobial (AM) lacquers and barrier topcoats to offer an extra level of protection against …
Advanced Textiles
Sustainable practices in today’s textile industry
February 1, 2020
by Marie O’Mahony The story of sustainability in the textile industry has grown and changed, particularly in the last decade. The concept of “circularity” is now driving sustainability across the materials sector. According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, “A circular economy is based on the principles of designing out waste and pollution, keeping products and …
Company News
Enduratex expands marine products representation
January 29, 2020
Enduratex™ has expanded its marine product representation through a new relationship with Coatney Sales and Haimes Coleman Group Inc., according to Eric Petersen, director of sales and marketing for Enduratex. Craig Coatney, principal of Coatney Sales, and Charlie Haimes, a principal in the Haimes Coleman Group, will cover the Midwest and Southeast regions, respectively. “We …
Marine
Marine Fabricators Association Announces Marine Fabrication Excellence Award Winners
January 28, 2020
The Marine Fabricators Association (MFA) awarded the Marine Fabrication Excellence Awards for design excellence, and quality workmanship in marine applications at the 2020 Marine Fabricators Conference. Marine Fabricators Conference is an annual conference that includes education and training, networking opportunities, and an exhibitor show floor. Winners were selected based on complexity, design, workmanship, uniqueness and …
Advanced Textiles
Making decisions in an uncertain trade environment
January 1, 2020
By Marie O’Mahony Editor’s note: The issue of U.S. trade is unusually dynamic and evolving today. The majority of this article represents information available when the speakers presented at IFAI Expo in October 2019. With current international trade in a persistent state of flux, it’s tempting for the advanced textiles industry to stand by and …
Markets
Better together: Indiana Fabric Solutions’ partnership philosophy
January 1, 2020
Indiana Fabric Solutions’ partnership philosophy is helping both the company and the community grow. By Holly Eamon Business is booming at Indiana Fabric Solutions, in part because of the owners’ focus on fostering connections within the workforce and the community. Connections, community and communication are key factors in the company’s recent expansion. Four years ago, …
Advanced Textiles
New test methods are needed for medical textiles
December 1, 2019
by Matthew Hardwick, ph.D. The spread of infection is a concern for all of us, but nowhere is it more concerning than in health care. The spread of infection both to and from medical environments is an ever-present problem in hospitals and clinics around the world. Numerous resources are being dedicated to fight the war …
Markets
Structured symbolism: ‘Wings over Stinson’ custom architecture
December 1, 2019
International Tension Structures lifts a community’s sense of pride, one 50-foot, membrane-wrapped steel wing at a time. By Holly Eamon Architecture without a definitive function is not an easy sell. But it’s rarely a regret. “The concept is hard for people to digest, especially early on in a project,” says Jacob Schwartz, director of engineering …
Advanced Textiles
The value and limitations of medical device master files
November 1, 2019
by Elaine Duncan Medical device master files, known as MAFs, have value for textile contract manufacturers and the medical device developer in many ways, but there are some practical limitations. Most medical device manufacturers that incorporate a medical textile into their products will seek a knowledgeable textile contractor who can address the quality system needs …
Geosynthetics
Geosynthetic applications in flood abatement
November 1, 2019
Geosynthetics offer cost-effective strategies for mitigating or even eliminating severe flooding in coastal regions. By Robert M. and George R. Koerner On September 8, 1900, a Category 4 hurricane struck Galveston, Texas, which is situated on the Gulf of Mexico, averaging about 8 feet (2.4 meters) above sea level. The storm created a 15-foot (4.6-meter) …
Sponsored Content
How Quality Awning Fabrics Can Save Retail Stores Money
Sponsored Content
Heytex® – Discover the many faces of fabric
Sponsored Content
Report from Expo 2019
Company News
APV Engineered Coatings finishes 2019 with record sales
February 17, 2020
APV Engineered Coatings ended 2019 with a record sales year. The growth was fueled largely by demand for its specialty chemical products in the aerospace, flexible films and industrial textiles, architectural building products, and tire and rubber industries. The company also saw significant growth in its private label and contract manufacturing business. Founded in 1878, …
Industry News
Super absorbent polymer market outlook
February 14, 2020
The global super absorbent polymer (SAP) market size is poised to reach $12.10 billion by 2025, according to a new study by Grand View Research Inc. Growth is expected to yield a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3 percent. Rising demand for baby diapers, adult incontinence products, agriculture applications and female hygiene products is expected to drive …
Company News
Berry Global increases production to aid in Coronavirus protection
February 13, 2020
Berry Global Group Inc. reports it is prioritizing the production of nonwoven health care products in its Nanhai, China, and Suzhou, China, facilities, which are used to manufacture products that can help protect against airborne particles like the Coronavirus. Nonwoven materials produced at the facilities are used in face masks, N95 respirators and protective apparel, …
Company News
Americhem debuts comprehensive new website
February 12, 2020
Americhem, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, is a globally recognized designer and manufacturer of custom color masterbatch, functional additives, engineered compounds and performance technologies. The company has released a brand new website that better aligns with its brand and global competencies at americhem.com. The new website provides customers, potential hires and others interested in Americhem with a …
Business
Small businesses with diverse workforces perform better financially
February 12, 2020
Small businesses with a diverse workforce are more innovative and financially successful, according to data gathered by SCORE, the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors. Data indicates that businesses with more diverse management have 19% higher revenue and are more likely to outperform non-diverse businesses. Diverse teams are more innovative, and therefore, perform …
Industry News
Natural fibers drive growth
February 12, 2020
The global textile market is expected to post a CAGR of more than six percent during the period 2019–2023, according to the latest market research report by Technavio. The increasing consumption of natural fibers such as cotton, silk, wool, hemp, cashmere and jute will drive the global textile market during the forecast period. The abundance …
Industry News
Grants support manufacturers
February 12, 2020
The U.S. Commerce Department is providing $13 million in U.S. Economic Development Administration grants to support 11 Trade Adjustment Assistance Centers (TAACs) that help manufacturers affected by imports adjust to increasing global competition and to create jobs. The TAACs, each of which service multiple states, are located in California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, …
People
Teijin Aramid appoints ter Horst
February 12, 2020
Teijin Aramid has announced the appointment of Peter ter Horst as the company’s new president and CEO per April 1, 2020. Ter Horst succeeds Gert Frederiks who will continue in an advisory role before retiring one year later after a long and impressive career at Teijin. Ter Horst joined Teijin Aramid in 2006 and brings …
Industry News
RGE commits to fiber innovation
February 11, 2020
Infinited Fiber Company’s strategic partner and investor RGE will invest $200 million in cellulosic textile fiber research and development to support solutions in alternative raw materials and closed-loop manufacturing. The target allocation for the investment is 70:20:10 in three areas respectively: scaling up proven clean technology in fiber manufacturing, bringing pilot scale production to commercial …
Company News
Zünd launches redesigned website
February 11, 2020
Zünd has launched a redesign of its website, www.zund.com. The new site is highly responsive and has a cleaner, more modern look and feel. Its content has been broadened and is now more logically structured, making it easier for visitors to locate relevant information. The new website automatically adapts to different devices and screen sizes …
Sponsored Content
How Quality Awning Fabrics Can Save Retail Stores Money
Sponsored Content
Heytex® – Discover the many faces of fabric
Sponsored Content
Report from Expo 2019
Products
Non-rusting grommets
February 1, 2020
ClipsShop® Self-Piercing Grommet Sets include grommets and washers made from non-rusting solid brass to withstand rain and the elements. The heavy-duty solid brass rust-proof grommets and washers come in a variety of sizes and finishes for use in privacy screens, wind screens, sunscreens and related outdoor products. Available in 500-set packages, the grommet sets can …
Products
Artfully inspired performance fabric
February 1, 2020
Fabrics in the Artscape collection—including Brushstroke, Vogue, Enzo and Sedona—are the first digitally printed cotton and cotton/linen offerings in the Breathe by Milliken™ performance fabric line. The collection offers a modern approach, introducing both abstract and watermark characteristics. It also stands out as a natural option that allows for easy cleaning through its plant-based water …
Products
Matte finish awning material in user-friendly width
February 1, 2020
With a new matte look and a user-friendly width, Sattler 745 Evolution awning material is a flame-retardant PVC coated textile that offers dimensional stability and is extremely durable. The fabric is weldable and accepts graphic treatments. At 63 inches wide, the awning material is available in 30-yard rolls and in 20 matte finished colors. Keyston …
Products
Value-packed printer/cutter
February 1, 2020
The streamlined 30-inch VersaUV® LEC2-300 UV printer/cutter includes the popular features of the original LEC-300, plus improvements for increased versatility, more vibrant color and greater image detail. The unit takes advantage of the company’s ECO-UV inks, which adhere to the surface of a wide range of media, including PET or PVC-based substrates, canvas, tarpaulin, textiles, …
Products
Fabric for versatile branding
February 1, 2020
Canwil Dye Sublimation and Ink Jet Printed fabrics are available with short runs and quick turnaround times. The fabrics may be printed with custom logos or designs and can be sold on the roll or fabricated into finished products including backdrops, table covers, signage, SEG applications, tension fabrics and pop-up canopies. With flame-retardant options available, …
Products
Flexible clear vinyl for windows
February 1, 2020
Offering dimensional stability and distortion-free clarity from all angles and in all conditions, PanoramaFR is a flexible clear vinyl window material designed for residential and commercial use. The fabric combines proprietary manufacturing procedures and specifically formulated materials to set a new industry standard for clarity while receiving CSFM Title 19 certification of flame resistance. The …
Products
Dye sublimation printers
January 1, 2020
Offering reliability and high image quality with fast print speeds, SureColor® F9470 and SureColor F9470H 64-inch dye sublimation printers are designed for the roll-to-roll textile, home decor, promotional product and soft signage markets. The SureColor F9470H also offers the option of printing with two genuine fluorescent inks—yellow and pink—which brings bright, vivid colors to the …
Products
Tolkien pattern polyurethane collection
January 1, 2020
Taking a trip through fantasy writer J. R. R. Tolkien’s imagination, the Tolkien pattern polyurethane collection offers superior performance in 13 vibrant colors including Shire, Wizard, Mordor and Fantasy. With a line and dot repeat design, the collection is recommended for hospitality, workspace, restaurant and senior living. The fabric is Prop 65 compliant for a …
Products
Self-adhesive fabric for signage
January 1, 2020
Solvent, latex and UV-compatible, Sihl 3517 WallGrafX Prime self-adhesive polyester fabric offers block-out properties and a bright white surface. Recommended for wall decor, exhibition stands, furniture and other advertising applications. The fabric can be applied to smooth and lightly structured surfaces and is temperature and humidity resistant, making it suitable for both indoor (short or …
Products
Bag closing system
January 1, 2020
With its proven vector drive technology to ensure easy speed matching to conveying systems, the A1-PB EL height-adjustable bag closing system offers maximum speed, flexibility and fast start/stop action to reduce material waste. The new EL series features the addition of an electric lift mechanism, activated by a single push button, for simple, safe and …
Sponsored Content
How Quality Awning Fabrics Can Save Retail Stores Money
Sponsored Content
Heytex® – Discover the many faces of fabric
Sponsored Content
Report from Expo 2019
Projects
Fabric transforms camper design
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 …
Projects
Germ-fighting fibers keep hospitals clean
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 …
Projects
Vest offers inflatable protection for bicyclists
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 …
Projects
Sustainable shade technology
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 …
Projects
Patio canopy expands church services
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 …
Projects
From waste to waterproof shoe
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 …
Projects
Fashion meets furniture with TAPE
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 …
Projects
Hand-woven folk art with character
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. …
Projects
Marathon lamp is a bright idea
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 …
Projects
Animated display for Brussels airport uses kinetic fabric
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. …
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Heytex® – Discover the many faces of fabric
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Report from Expo 2019
The Greater Good
Pop-up factory with a purpose
November 1, 2019
IFAI’s Manufacturing for Good booth assembles three-ring pencil pouches for A Gift For Teaching. By Sammi Jones IFAI’s Manufacturing for Good booth made its third appearance on the show floor at Expo 2019 in Orlando, Fla. The booth, which debuted at Expo 2017 in New Orleans, La., and also appeared at Expo 2018 in Dallas, …
The Greater Good
Pushing the limits
October 1, 2019
Autometrix employees put the (bike) pedal to the metal to raise money for charity. By Paul Johnson Most people experience joy when giving to a charity, but some undergo considerable pain because of their steadfast commitment and support for an enduring cause. Jonathan Palmer, Autometrix Inc. owner and CEO, and Joel Koopmans, customer solutions expert, …
The Greater Good
Making a mark in the community
September 1, 2019
At Presco, charitable giving, community support and energy conservation are a passion. By Paul Johnson In 1942, Robert “Earl” McMackin founded Precision Specialties Company, which made specific tools for geological and oil exploration. When working in the oil fields, Earl and his son, Edwin, recognized an opportunity to design and develop better materials for roll …
The Greater Good
Mermet Corporation seeks to protect ecology, promote sustainability and improve communities
August 1, 2019
By Paul Johnson Mermet Corporation was not content to create just any standard environmental stewardship program for the company. Instead, the Cowpens, S.C.-based innovative solar shade manufacturer went several steps further to create its Weaving Change initiative. The program is a broad-based movement that supports sound environmental textile manufacturing, resource conservation, environmental protection and charitable …
The Greater Good
A common thread
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 …
The Greater Good
Setting a high standard: Owens Corning
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. …
The Greater Good
Parà Group’s green initiatives focus on conservation, preservation and clean energy.
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 …
The Greater Good
YKK Group’s global commitment to efficiency and sustainability
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 …
The Greater Good
A&R Tarpaulins’ mentorship program takes internships to a new level
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 …
The Greater Good
Ennis Fabrics is committed to community support—from the top down
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 …
