Carolyn Hajek on staying small and strong

November 1, 2020  |  Features, Perspective

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…
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The great escape: textile products for the outdoors

November 1, 2020  |  Features

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 stil…
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The specialty textiles market copes with COVID-19

October 1, 2020  |  Features

While some industry suppliers and end product manufacturers have found ways to remain afloat, the economic effects of the pandemic have proven devastating to many, and the future can only be described as uncertain. by Pamela Mills-Senn The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the overall economy, and …
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John Delaloye: Innovating for the end user

October 1, 2020  |  Features, Perspective

John Delaloye combines Diamond Brand Gear’s history and reputation with a strategy that focuses on doing what lower-priced competitors can’t.  by Michelle Miron I get really pumped about new products, new fabrics, and when we learn from something we’ve researched or read about or seen somewhe…
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In search of the next generation of military textiles

October 1, 2020  |  Features

The U.S. military continues the hunt for breakthrough textile products. by Glenna B. Musante In March of 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic began sweeping the globe, the search for vast amounts of textile personal protective equipment (PPE) became a major focus of the United States government and its mi…
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Tent rental companies elevate their portfolio with tough installations

September 1, 2020  |  Features

Tent rental companies confront challenges—and reap rewards—when they say yes to complex installations. by Pamela Mills-Senn In the tent rental industry, a willingness to tackle tough installations requires steely nerves, can-do attitudes, experienced and talented crews and lots of planning. But …
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Smart textile and e-textile solutions for indoor environments

September 1, 2020  |  Features

Technology and fabric advancements are fueling the development of smart textile and e-textile solutions for indoor environments.  by Pamela Mills-Senn As the quest to add more functionality to interior spaces continues, smart fabrics and e-textiles are poised to make their own contributions, se…
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Hardware and accessory suppliers keep essential components moving through the supply chain during COVID-19

September 1, 2020  |  Features

by Jeff Moravec The COVID-19 pandemic has put a spotlight on corners of the specialty textiles industry that normally operate in the background of daily life. Terms like “N95” and “meltblown” are in the headlines. Restaurants are reopening under event tents. Vinyl dividers are popping up eve…
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IFAI Expo 2020 goes virtual

September 1, 2020  |  Expo News, Features

Get ready to experience IFAI Expo in an exciting virtual environment. The coronavirus pandemic has challenged the entire textile industry to pivot in 2020 and capitalize on emerging opportunities. In a similar fashion, IFAI has taken up the challenge to host its annual Expo in a digital environment …
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Pivoting to the PPE textile products market

August 1, 2020  |  Features

How the manufacturing of medical protective gear is challenging U.S.-based textile businesses—and throwing them a lifeline. by Debra Cobb The COVID-19 pandemic made it abundantly clear that the U.S. is unprepared to supply its health-care and frontline workers, as well as its general populati…
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