November 20, 2019
Keyston Bros. has expanded its business with the acquisition of DLT Corporation. The strategic move will initiate growth and expansion in all product divisions of the company, and will provide same and one-day service to new areas in the upper Midwest region. Chicago and Detroit locations, in the near future, will be expanded to hold …
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 …
November 19, 2019
Jason Industries Inc. has completed the sale of its fiber solutions segment to Motus Integrated Technologies. The sale prices of $85 million includes up to $5 million of consideration contingent on achievement of certain performance conditions during 2019. The company expects to use the net proceeds from the sale transaction to reinvest in its remaining …
November 18, 2019
Hyosung seeks to be among the global top three producers of carbon fibers through heavy investment. The company will invest a total of 1 trillion Korean won in its carbon fibers business by 2028 to expand its production capacity from the current 2,000 metric tons per year to 24,000 metric tons. The investment will result …
November 15, 2019
Huntsman Textile Effects has extended its HIGH IQ® performance assurance program to help mills, brands and retailers meet consumer demand for garments with durable moisture management. HIGH IQ Cool Comfort performance program is built on the industry’s broadest and most advanced moisture management agents to deliver durable, long-lasting performance. The technology allows garments to breathe …
November 14, 2019
Coats is launching Coats Digital. The integrated technology business brings together all Coats software solutions under a new single brand. A key aspect of Coats’ growth strategy is to build an innovative software solutions business for its customers. Coats Digital provides in-depth industry expertise combined with the practical application of the latest technology, including Big …
November 13, 2019
Two German specialty manufacturers, Märkische Faser and Kelheim Fibres, are working together under the name Clean Color Concept to produce spun dyed fibers in polyester and viscose in a coordinated range of colors. With the Clean Color Concept process, color pigments are incorporated in the spinning mass before the spinning process and are homogenously distributed …
November 11, 2019
Rick Rush, president and founder of Rush & Co., an executive recruiting firm, will celebrate his 25th year in the recruiting industry. Rush has been recruiting in the textile and apparel industry since 1994 and has been a member of the Pinnacle Society, the nation’s premier consortium of top recruiters in the direct placement industry, …
November 8, 2019
The Minnesota Media and Publishing Association recognized IFAI president and CEO Steve Schiffman with the Hedley Donovan Award at its Annual Awards Gala. In addition, three IFAI magazines received Excellence Awards at the November 7th event. The Hedley Donovan Award, created in 1999 by the MMPA, recognizes individuals who have shown outstanding lifelong dedication and have …
November 8, 2019
The 3M Company recently announced it has joined the Well Living Lab Alliance, a global consortium of organizations supporting the advancement of knowledge about how the indoor places where people live, work and play can improve human health and well-being. 3M’s values align with the mission of the Well Living Lab: to better understand the …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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, …
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 …
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 …
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, …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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, …
November 1, 2019
Textile products for the agricultural market help to protect livestock and grain, improve yields, and make a farmer’s job a little easier and more profitable. by Darcy Dougherty Maulsby Call them the unsung heroes of modern food production.Today’s durable agricultural fabrics combat wind, sun, mud, moisture and other threats, helping farmers protect their grain and …
November 1, 2019
New IFAI board chair Kathy Schaefer shares her vision for an organization that helps its members navigate a changing industry landscape. by Jill C. Lafferty I walk into IFAI Expo every year and say, ‘Wow. What’s new?’ There’s always something really ingenious,” says Kathy Schaefer, IFM, chief operating officer of Glawe Awnings and Tents, Fairborn, Ohio. …
November 1, 2019
Attracting customers in the market for shade products is one thing; retaining them for future business is another. Managing both objectives requires establishing connections that are meaningful and lasting. by Pamela Mills-Senn A quick Google search on “connecting with customers” reveals all sorts of advice, usually in the form of the “seven best ways,” or the …
October 1, 2019
At each step along the supply chain, customers demand quality, efficiency, flexibility and speed. The right kind of equipment, with the right kind of software and the right kind of operator, can lead to long-term growth. by Maura Keller Today’s consumer expects faster turnaround times and custom quality at low prices, which means that manufacturers …
October 1, 2019
As climate change and pollution concerns remain at the forefront of public attention, textile companies work to give themselves an eco-friendly edge. by Jeff Moravec A decade ago in this magazine, the growing attention to sustainability in the textile supply chain was a hot topic. Guess what? It still is. This doesn’t mean the industry hasn’t …
October 1, 2019
Today’s textiles are stronger, smarter and more powerful than ever, delivering an array of functionalities that open up a world of opportunities for industries across the board. by Pamela Mills-Senn A determined effort is underway to devise highly functional fabrics and textile-based products. Examples of powerful innovations run the gamut from electrically conducting materials to …
October 1, 2019
Tom Auer strives to put Bearse USA—and the U.S. sewing industry—on a firm foundation. by Jill C. Lafferty I believe in the philosophy of partnership with my customers,” says Tom Auer, president of Bearse USA, a Chicago., Ill.-based contract sewer of bags and other non-apparel items. “I think that their success is what we should …
September 1, 2019
Pete Mogavero leads the team at Anchor Industries to meet today’s market demands for quality, craftsmanship, speed and customization. by Jill C. Lafferty Anchor is 127 years old, and we have remarkable traditions here,” says Pete Mogavero, president of Anchor Industries Inc. “I’ve been here for 38 years; we’re a fifth-generation family business in stunning …
September 1, 2019
Although the automotive industry is subject to ups and downs, one fact remains steady: It’s an attractive market for specialty fabrics by Pamela Mills-Senn In an ever-changing world, there are few constants. But one constant is this—people love their cars. They may grumble about traffic. They may rend their garments over breakdowns and costly repairs. …
September 1, 2019
Department of Defense contracts can be lucrative, but it takes work to get in—and to stay in. by Jeff Moravec Any company in the specialty fabrics industry would be interested in doing business with a client that has a budget of more than $700 billion, right? You’d think so. But big numbers can come with …
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 …
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) …
October 1, 2019
The European market influences open international standards for e-textiles. by Chris Jorgensen In the spring of 2017, companies representing the global e-textiles community formed the IPC D-70 E-Textiles Committee to develop IPC (Association Connecting Electronics Industries®) international standards for their industry. As word spread about the committee and its activities, the committee roster grew to …
October 1, 2019
Efforts to better market the energy-saving properties of shade products can help consumers and builders make more informed decisions—and move the industry forward. By Holly Eamon It’s easy for people to agree on the need to better regulate temperatures and air quality—and save money—when heating and cooling homes, offices and everything in between. To the …
September 1, 2019
Partnerships along the supply chain support new products and applications. by Marie O’Mahony British entrepreneur Richard Branson once said, “There are no quick wins in business; it takes years to become an overnight success.” This is certainly true for the development of innovative new textiles. Business owners who succeed in their efforts know that establishing …
September 1, 2019
Slash-resistant clothing can reduce the risk of knife injuries and lacerations, keeping frontline professionals safer. By Robert Kaiser Throughout history, people have protected themselves with specially designed and constructed garments. From furs and chain mail to leather, metals and high-tech fabric, human beings have creatively employed a range of materials to protect against injury and …
August 1, 2019
Shape memory alloys are a fit with textile technologies. by Janet Preus What makes a material robotic? According to Brad Holschuh, Ph.D., assistant professor of wearable technology and apparel design in the College of Design at the University of Minnesota (UMN), the simplest explanation is that it’s a synthetic product with mechanical actuation that can …
August 1, 2019
Dramatic Allianz Field soccer stadium in Minnesota takes its cues from Lake Superior and aurora borealis. By Bruce N. Wright, AIA Soccer is an internationally loved sport for many reasons, but one draw has to be the fluid physicality of the athletes. The new Allianz Field soccer stadium in St. Paul, Minn., reflects this dynamic …
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 …
November 20, 2019
Keyston Bros. has expanded its business with the acquisition of DLT Corporation. The strategic move will initiate growth and expansion in all product divisions of the company, and will provide same and one-day service to new areas in the upper Midwest region. Chicago and Detroit locations, in the near future, will be expanded to hold …
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 …
November 19, 2019
Jason Industries Inc. has completed the sale of its fiber solutions segment to Motus Integrated Technologies. The sale prices of $85 million includes up to $5 million of consideration contingent on achievement of certain performance conditions during 2019. The company expects to use the net proceeds from the sale transaction to reinvest in its remaining …
November 18, 2019
Hyosung seeks to be among the global top three producers of carbon fibers through heavy investment. The company will invest a total of 1 trillion Korean won in its carbon fibers business by 2028 to expand its production capacity from the current 2,000 metric tons per year to 24,000 metric tons. The investment will result …
November 15, 2019
Huntsman Textile Effects has extended its HIGH IQ® performance assurance program to help mills, brands and retailers meet consumer demand for garments with durable moisture management. HIGH IQ Cool Comfort performance program is built on the industry’s broadest and most advanced moisture management agents to deliver durable, long-lasting performance. The technology allows garments to breathe …
November 14, 2019
Coats is launching Coats Digital. The integrated technology business brings together all Coats software solutions under a new single brand. A key aspect of Coats’ growth strategy is to build an innovative software solutions business for its customers. Coats Digital provides in-depth industry expertise combined with the practical application of the latest technology, including Big …
November 13, 2019
Two German specialty manufacturers, Märkische Faser and Kelheim Fibres, are working together under the name Clean Color Concept to produce spun dyed fibers in polyester and viscose in a coordinated range of colors. With the Clean Color Concept process, color pigments are incorporated in the spinning mass before the spinning process and are homogenously distributed …
November 11, 2019
Rick Rush, president and founder of Rush & Co., an executive recruiting firm, will celebrate his 25th year in the recruiting industry. Rush has been recruiting in the textile and apparel industry since 1994 and has been a member of the Pinnacle Society, the nation’s premier consortium of top recruiters in the direct placement industry, …
November 8, 2019
The Minnesota Media and Publishing Association recognized IFAI president and CEO Steve Schiffman with the Hedley Donovan Award at its Annual Awards Gala. In addition, three IFAI magazines received Excellence Awards at the November 7th event. The Hedley Donovan Award, created in 1999 by the MMPA, recognizes individuals who have shown outstanding lifelong dedication and have …
November 8, 2019
The 3M Company recently announced it has joined the Well Living Lab Alliance, a global consortium of organizations supporting the advancement of knowledge about how the indoor places where people live, work and play can improve human health and well-being. 3M’s values align with the mission of the Well Living Lab: to better understand the …
November 1, 2019
Featuring the look and feel of natural down feather materials, nDown™ technology matches the performance of down without animal-based ingredients. Consumer benefits include easy home washing (no dry cleaning), no odor and durability. For products including apparel, sleeping bags and home furnishing textiles (blankets, pillows, etc.), the technology offers significant environmental benefits and lower manufacturing …
November 1, 2019
The SureColor F6370 44-inch dye-sublimation printer features speeds up to 680 square feet per hour, quickly and efficiently producing high-quality images for promotional products, soft signage and cut-and-sew fabrics. Designed with ease-of-use in mind, the intuitive printer comes equipped with new Epson Edge® Print workflow software, featuring an Adobe® PostScript® 3™ engine, as well as …
November 1, 2019
Designed for the commercial interiors heavy duty upholstery market, Clean Impact Textiles™ represent a step forward in establishing an advanced bicircular economy model for textiles. Under this model, polyester fabric at the end of its useful life can flow through either a biological or technical cycle. This technology is used to create high performance fabrics …
November 1, 2019
With the latest update, Easy Cut Studio software for vinyl-cutting applications supports all the latest models as well as legacy vinyl cutters. Version 4.1.07 features added support for Mutoh Kona and Mutoh SC series cutters, for the Gerber FasTrack cutting plotter, and for Liyu SC-A, TC-A, TC-AA and HC-AF Series machines. The popular sign-making and …
November 1, 2019
Parasol™ Commercial Grade Shadecloth is now available in North and South America from select distributors. Sold in Australia for 10 years, the cloth has an established track record for protecting people from the harsh rays of the sun. It is manufactured using a combination of high-density monofilament and tape, which offers a higher degree of …
November 1, 2019
Made from PET bottles, old fiber and other polyester remnants, the NATULON® zipper is a resource-conserving, recycling-oriented product. With production now in Macon, Ga., the zipper’s environmental impact is even lower for U.S.-based companies that no longer have to source the product overseas and will also benefit from reduced lead times. Some 10,000 NATULON zippers …
October 1, 2019
The Biophilia 2.0 collection of health care textiles includes 10 woven and coated textile designs featuring large gestural motion, geometric shapes and various construction techniques, including printing, yarn floats, embossing and expansive box motions. At the intersection between neuroscience and architecture, the collection offers a mix of hues while staying true to the inspiration source …
October 1, 2019
E-WEBBINGS® e-textiles are designed to serve as a customizable base for a wide range of smart textile applications within the Internet of Things (IoT). The smart textiles serve as the foundation layer to which electronic intercommunicative technology is integrated directly, and allow for smaller final product size, lower weight, optimal user comfort and significant cost …
October 1, 2019
Lightweight flame-retardant fabric Odyssey FR has passed California State Fire Marshal Title 19. The product was recently tested by a certified third-party facility and the state of California accepted the results, issuing a certificate under registration number F-28501. Utilizing the same base fabric as the popular Odyssey brand, the FR fabric is 7.25-ounces/square yard, available …
October 1, 2019
Now available from U.S. distributors, Comshade® XTRA offers up to 99.7 percent UV protection. The premium extra heavy-duty knitted HDPE shadecloth is recommended for medium- to large-sized high tensile commercial projects where safety and longevity are critical. The fabric is available in 10 designer colors, including the new colors Aspen, Mushroom and Jade. With 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. …
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, …
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, …
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 …
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 …
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 …
