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USAF unveils ‘Vision 2011’
November 1st, 2009
Representatives from branches of the U.S. military provided new insight into the textile and apparel needs of American forces. With no empty seats in the room, U.S. Air Force Col. Kurt Wilson, Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP) director, clothing and textiles, opened the ‘Forecasts for U.S. Military and Government Textile Needs’ symposium explaining ‘Vision 2011,’ […]
Operational excellence
November 1st, 2009
Seminars and exhibitors at this year’s IFAI Expo demonstrated ‘best practices’ and management savvy. Improving profitability What if someone told you that your company could make more money without an investment in assets? Kevin Kelly of Globe Canvas Products Co. helped a roomful of people at IFAI Expo increase their own efficiency in a quick […]
Innovation Theater
November 1st, 2009
A hub of activity on the show floor, Innovation Theater attendees came for seminars, workshops and exhibitor presentations, as well as the “IAA: How They Did It” performance styled as a late-night show. Exhibitors who signed up for presentations were given 30 minutes and a stage to show off their latest or greatest products and […]
What do customers really want?
November 1st, 2009
Perfecting the art of mind reading. By Jamie Swedberg It’s conventional wisdom that in a sluggish economy, what consumers desire more than anything else is a low price. But when business owners in the specialty textiles industry ask themselves the question “What do our customers want from us?,” they’re finding that the answer is not […]
Planning ‘forever’ tax savings
November 1st, 2009
Strategies to keep your tax bill at its legal minimum, year after year. By Mark E. Battersby Now is the best time to think about reducing your operation’s tax bill—even lower than the point the economy may have driven it to. And, of course, to keep that tax bill at its legal minimum for many […]
Drawing on expertise
November 1st, 2009
Engineers help to ensure the practicality, safety and success of fabric structures. By Janice Kleinschmidt In May, consulting architect Nicholas Goldsmith, FAIA, received a call for help with a tent for the July 4 Coney Island Festival and Flea Market. “A client who purchased a rental tent system from China set it up not realizing […]
Jet bridge canopy fabric that meets standards
November 1st, 2009
Compiled by Juli Case We’re making a jet bridge canopy for a local airport and have been told we need to use fabric that meets NFPA 415 and FAR 25.853. I’ve never heard of those specifications. Can you tell me more? We’re familiar with FAR 25.853; it’s part of the Federal Aviation Regulation. Section 25 […]
Fabric assembly helps muffle sound on noisy equipment
November 1st, 2009
Compiled by Juli Case We have the opportunity to bid on a job at a local manufacturing plant, making a sound cover for a noisy piece of equipment. What fabric should we use? You’re probably going to need a fabric assembly rather than a single fabric. Acoustical covers are often at least three layers. The […]
Where to find reproductions of antique upholstery fabric
November 1st, 2009
Compiled by Juli Case We used to buy reproductions of antique upholstery fabric from a company called Full Swing. They were located in Rhode Island, but the phone number we have doesn’t work. Are they still in business? We found them in Massachusetts; it appears that they had moved since you last contacted them. The […]
How to comply with European standards for hazardous materials
November 1st, 2009
Compiled by Juli Case I’m making a bag strap for a customer in Europe and am told that it has to be made of materials that are ROHS compliant and are certified as such. What does that mean? Most countries have a list of restricted substances. The European Union adopted the Restriction of Hazardous Substances […]