Time to buy equipment
July 1st, 2011
Survey of end product manufacturers reveals renewed interest in buying equipment. By Jill C. Lafferty A majority of end product manufacturers (EPMs) in the specialty fabrics industry who responded to an equipment purchasing survey in April 2011 expect their own sales to increase this year and are looking—albeit carefully— at purchasing equipment again. Motivated by […]
Affordable capital investments
July 1st, 2011
The combined use of incentives and bonus depreciation can make capital investments much more affordable. By Mark E. Battersby Thanks to the 100 percent bonus depreciation write-offs created by the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization and Job Creation Act of 2010, many specialty fabrics professionals are discovering that capital investments in equipment, machinery and other […]
The development of new and improved equipment
July 1st, 2011
Key factors driving the development—and sales—of new equipment for specialty fabrics manufacturers. Whether fabricators are finishing an awning or designing a banner, they have to choose from a plethora of equipment to get the job done. Representatives from four major equipment manufacturing categories for specialty fabrics—welding, sewing, cutting and printing—share their insights on key trends […]
Tools for setting up shop
July 1st, 2011
End product manufacturers offer insight about the equipment and tools that got them this far—and where they want to go next. By Janice Kleinschmidt Custom Canvas Alaska LLC set up shop in 2005 with a sewing machine, computer and file cabinet. Then they built a workbench and racks and installed a frame bender. Then they […]
California artist foils Norwegian opera fans with fabric
July 1st, 2011
The Snøhetta Opera House overlooks Oslo fjord, a modern statement, a Norwegian landmark and a foundation for urban development. Its unique design includes perforated aluminum-clad walkways, glacial glass walls, white stone, carved wood and a stage curtain woven of cotton, wool and polyester that is not what it seems. Los Angeles artist Pae White scanned […]
Specialty Fabrics Review interviews Jerry Grimaud, president of Lawrence Fabric & Metal Structures Inc.
July 1st, 2011
Interview by Sigrid Tornquist What is the most recent piece of equipment your company has purchased, and how has it impacted your company? It had been three years since we bought anything new because of the recession. In February we bought a router. It has done wonders so far not only in the production of […]
Jerry Grimaud stays ahead of the game
July 1st, 2011
Jerry Grimaud risks changing products and policies based on market trends. By Sigrid Tornquist Today’s business challenges are different than they were four years ago,” says Jerry Grimaud, president of Lawrence Fabric & Metal Structures Inc. in St. Louis, Mo. “The market is tight, with smaller margins, and as business picks up we have to […]
Pinking machine
July 1st, 2011
The Model 12P Swatch Boss portable sample cutting and pinking machine from Sewmaster Inc., Hinton, W.V., has an all-steel, rust resistant assembly, double guide-ruled tables and extra wide work plates. Accurate cutting gauges, adjustable knuckle for cutting penetration of the material and evenly spaced teeth provide ravel-proof samples in minutes. SOURCE Sewmaster Inc.
Trim remover
July 1st, 2011
The Vicar Door Trim Remover from Vicar International Inc., Union, N.J., is designed for heavy duty construction. With extra-long length, forged hardened-steel shank and easy-grip plastic handle, it’s well suited for use in automotive, marine and upholstery applications. SOURCE Vicar International Inc.
Unique webbing cutter
July 1st, 2011
The HKP-H hand-held hot cutter for up to two-inch-wide webbing, cord and hook-and-loop projects provides straight, even cuts by pushing the cutting blade down into the webbing, rather than dragging it across it. Available with separate attachments, such as a curved blade and three tip sizes for grommet setting, sold separately from the handle and […]