Rental industry supports economic stimulus

March 1, 2009  |  Industry News

The American Rental Association (ARA) advocates an economic stimulus package that provides tax relief to spur investment in the rental industry, along with significant spending on infrastructure that will help lift the declining equipment rental industry. More than 4,000 equipment rental businesses …
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Health Savings Accounts benefit small businesses

March 1, 2009  |  Management

Health Savings Accounts are an increasingly popular option, especially for smaller businesses. By Mark E. Battersby How many small businesses can afford to offer fringe benefits, let alone good health insurance, to keep or attract good workers? Why, especially in these troubled economic times, are t…
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Fabric Images Inc. utilizes Japanese designs

February 1, 2009  |  Projects

Japanese design traditions provide a functional solution for one American company. By Yayoi Nagata “I need a story.” This is what the president and CEO of Fabric Images Inc., Marco Alvarez, emphasized when he approached me about a project. He wanted to know about Japanese culture and the…
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Web site creates online community for rental companies

February 1, 2009  |  Industry News

A Web site where rental companies can ask questions, raise issues and network with others invites more people to join the conversation at www.RentTalkOnline.com. The site is free to use, available to everyone from front-line worker to CEO, and is divided into forums by category, allowing users to fo…
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Arquati USA introduces new Web site

February 1, 2009  |  Industry News

Current customers of Arquati USA, Carrollton, Texas, moulding and solar protection products, will find plenty to like about the company’s new Web site (www.arquatiusa.com). Registered users can download credit applications, forms, technical product information, installation instructions, price…
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Chinese advised to use U.S. tests for auto fabrics

February 1, 2009  |  Industry News, Markets

Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are outsourcing automotive fabrics to Asian markets. IFAI’s Automotive Materials Association director, Kristy Osman, advised Chinese auto materials manufacturers to fully understand the test requirements and methods used by U.S. car makers before making …
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Sun shade regulations recommended in preschools

February 1, 2009  |  Awnings & Canopies, Industry News

The consumer group Choice, a founding member of Consumers International, audited seven Australian childcare centers, none of which complied fully with regulations governing UV protection in shading structures. The group recommended regulation of sun shades in preschools to ensure that shade cloth pr…
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MMI Textiles Inc. wins best upstart business award

February 1, 2009  |  Industry News

The Weatherhead 100 awards sponsored by the Council of Smaller Enterprises and Weatherhead School of Management at Case University recognize fast-growing small businesses in northeast Ohio. In December, the number one ‘upstart’ was MMI Textiles Inc., Rocky River, Ohio, a one-person compa…
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Eton Systems boosts FoamLabs production

February 1, 2009  |  Industry News, Upholstery

By installing three Eton conveyor production systems in one year, specialty foam furniture manufacturer FoamLabs Inc., Atlanta, Ga., has enhanced productivity and provided real-time data to management, says FoamLabs CEO Louis Friedman. Eton Systems Inc., Alpharetta, Ga., supplies the Unit Production…
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Bruin Plastics appoints Midwest sales force

February 1, 2009  |  Industry News

Bruin Plastics Company Inc., Glendale, R.I., a manufacturer and distributor of fabrics for industrial, marine, military, automotive and other markets, introduced its new Midwest sales and warehousing agents in late November. The industrial fabric market experience of Pletcher Sales Inc., Bristol, In…
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