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Making connections in smart textiles
September 29th, 2017
When E.M. Forster wrote the words “only connect” in his Victorian novel Howards End, he was linking poetry and prose. But the phrase was given new meaning at IFAI Expo’s Advanced Textiles Conference Smart Fabrics Track on Tuesday by presenters who encouraged better connectivity between the textile and electronics industries. One company working to bridge […]
Best business practices for working with engineers
September 29th, 2017
Mike Sullaway, principal engineer, president and owner of Sullaway Engineering Inc. in San Diego, Calif., presented a campfire session “Working with Engineers” at IFAI Expo 2017 in New Orleans, La. Throughout the presentation, Sullaway offered tips and advice on the best ways to go about working on a project with an engineer. How to find […]
First annual Greater Good Award given to Scott Massey of Awning Cleaning Industries
September 29th, 2017
Scott Massey, owner of Awning Cleaning Industries, was awarded the first annual Greater Good Award at the IFAI Expo 2017 in New Orleans, La. Massey’s business is based in New Haven, Conn. The Greater Good Award focuses on an IFAI member company that does good business—and strives to be a good neighbor, good citizen, and […]
Manufacturing for Good Booth volunteers sew bags for Raintree Children and Family Services
September 29th, 2017
Christine Gerard (left), IFAI division supervisor, and Whitney Armentor (right), Raintree Development Coordinator, are pictured at IFAI Expo 2017 in the Manufacturing for Good Booth. Several companies contributed supplies, equipment and labor to sew 70 large tote bags for young people who receive services at Raintree Children and Family Services. Raintree is a nonprofit that […]
How to inspire the next generation
September 29th, 2017
A critical issue in the textile industry is how to attract and inspire the next generation. North Carolina State University in Raleigh may have an answer: develop student/industry partnerships that solve real-life open-ended problems. During a presentation at EXPO, co-directors Jesse S. Jur and Russell E. Gorga, from the Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and […]
Ascend completes expansion
September 29th, 2017
Ascend Performance Materials, a global producer of specialty plastics, fibers and chemicals, completed a $6.2 million expansion project at the company’s plant in Greenwood, S.C. The project, which added nearly 30 new jobs, will add 24 million pounds of staple fiber production capacity and consolidate the majority of the company’s nylon fiber production at this […]
Sewing a quality product depends on asking lots of questions
September 28th, 2017
Getting a contract sewing job is great, but making sure a customer’s needs align with one’s business capabilities is a key consideration. “Company fit” is all important, according to Chad Miller, director of contracting at American National Manufacturing. American National Manufacturing was started by Miller’s father in the 1970s. What began as a water bed […]
2017 Student Design Challenge Winners: Fabric Structures
September 28th, 2017
The Fabric Structures Association (FSA), a division of IFAI, announced the winners of the 2017 Fabric Structures Student Design Challenge at IFAI Expo in New Orleans on Sept. 28. First Place: Ahmad Nouraldeen, from Anhalt Hochschule, took the top prize for his project “Tenso Refugee Shelter,” a non-permanent structure to be used as a weather-protected […]
Tips for navigating social media madness
September 28th, 2017
“Post with a purpose,” says Sam Armijos of Fabric Architect LLC. “Understand that you’ll be wasting someone else’s time if you don’t have a purpose for posting.” Armijos presented a campfire session on “Social Media Madness” during IFAI Expo 2017 in New Orleans, La. Armijos shared some tips and tricks to help navigate social media […]
2017 Student Design Challenge Winners: Fabric Graphics
September 28th, 2017
The Fabric Graphics Association (FGA), a division of IFAI, announced the winners of the 2017 Fabric Graphics Student Design Challenge at IFAI Expo in New Orleans on Sept. 28. Tied for First Place: Valentina Ramirez from Parsons School of Design (The New School) won for her project “Paloquemao the Colombian Fruit Markets.” Also awarded first […]