January 1, 2021
Once confined to the military and law enforcement, body armor sales are growing in new markets. by Debra Cobb The market for ballistic protective clothing has traditionally functioned as a small slice of the military and law enforcement protective markets. Today, however, demand for such apparel is growing at an unprecedented rate across the globe, …
The COVID-19 pandemic has increased textile supply chain pressures, requiring companies to adopt creative strategies to keep materials and products moving. by Pamela Mills-Senn With many moving parts, the textile supply chain requires hiccup-free involvement from entities up and down the line to ensure it functions properly. But with something so complex, the chain is …
Nine steps every business can take, from organizing more to doing less. by Laurie F. Junker No business owner wants to waste time and money, have frustrated employees, and risk customer relationships with mistakes and delays. But the truth is that all of these things happen when businesses operate less efficiently than they could be. …
Matthew Dickerson took a chance on shade sails and succeeded—by welcoming failure and hard work while chasing goals. by Holly Eamon A 6-by-4-inch yellow paint chip sits in a shadow box on the office wall of Matthew Dickerson, president and CEO of Tenshon, a shade sail manufacturer in Mesa, Ariz. More than a conversation …
December 1, 2020
Materials and techniques for marine trimmings that improve form and function. by Sigrid Tornquist It all matters. Fabric. Thread. Trimmings. They work together and depend upon each other. Skimp on one component and the whole project is compromised. For marine fabricators, trimmings are the critical details that refine and elevate a project. Read on for …
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the tent industry finds new ways to survive. by Jeff Moravec There are all manner of seasonal ebbs and flows in the tent rental industry, but perhaps none as anticipated as the annual ramp-up to spring, summer and fall events. Staff is hired, inventory is refreshed and contracts are checked. Each …
November 1, 2020
Circular systems could monetize textile waste while helping to save the planet. by Debra Cobb The textile sustainability landscape is changing. While textile manufacturers, brands and retailers tout their use of recycled or sustainable fibers, mountains of textile waste continue to pile up in the world’s landfills. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that in …
Tarp and truck cover manufacturers look to new equipment, employee input and supplier partnerships for more efficient production. by Carol Brzozowski Good economic times or bad, businesses always have the goal of increasing profit. Even during times of economic uncertainty, companies strive for profitability through strategies such as more accurate job costing, moving into new …
Pride City Awning & Canvas founder Carolyn Hajek has built her business on trust and loyalty. by Laurie F. Junker The successful formula for Pride City Awning & Canvas is the application of a simple principle—treat customers, suppliers and employees with honesty, fairness and loyalty. It’s an approach that has kept the Pueblo, Colo.-based manufacturer …
As more people embrace outdoor recreational activities during the pandemic, textiles and fabric products are in high demand. by Pamela Mills-Senn After months spent hunkered down at home because of the pandemic, people have become restive. They want to participate in life again, yet still follow social distancing guidelines. As a result, many people have …
