Equipment and process efficiency

January 1, 2010  |  Business, Features

Finding efficiencies in equipment and processes to improve productivity, quality and delivery. By Janice Kleinschmidt In the early 20th century, mass production created not only jobs for assembly-line workers, but also for people to increase productivity. They were called ‘efficiency experts.&…
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Belli relies on relationships

January 1, 2010  |  Features, Management, Perspective

Joe Belli drives business by making the most of relationships. By Sigrid Tornquist “Relationship selling is absolutely where it’s at,” says Joe Belli, design and estimating department manager and part owner of Eide Industries Inc. in Cerritos, Calif. “Sometimes people think it’s the lowest…
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Printed fabrics for home interiors

January 1, 2010  |  Features, Graphics

Digitally printed fabrics provide a world of opportunities for home interior applications. By Holly O’Dell Mass production has become the hallmark of American retail and design, but some consumers are ditching what they deem as cookie-cutter products and using interior designers to help them c…
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The right solution

January 1, 2010  |  Features, Graphics

Ink manufacturers strive to improve capabilities for printing on textiles. By Janice Kleinschmidt Look up the history of printing on Wikipedia and you’ll find a timeline that begins circa 200 with woodblock printing on textiles in China, followed by screen printing (1907), dye sublimation (195…
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The dye-sub debate: Transfer vs. direct

January 1, 2010  |  Features, Graphics

Explore the two printing technologies that have taken the fabric graphics industry by storm. By Maura Keller In this day and age, our media-saturated environment is teeming with bigger, brighter and longer-lasting images. From theatrical backdrops to grand format advertising banners to tradeshow boo…
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Fabrics, coatings and finishes

December 1, 2009  |  Business, Features

Coatings customize fabrics for the perfect match with customers’ applications. By Barb Ernster There are countless combinations of fabrics, coatings, finishes and coating methods to achieve different specifications for a wide spectrum of applications. From simple vinyl tarps to highly engineer…
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Shade sails offer aesthetic and functional appeal

December 1, 2009  |  Awnings & Canopies, Features

Shade sails expand architectural aesthetics and functional fashion. By Holly O’Dell Whether it’s the need to provide UV protection for schoolchildren or outdoor shopping plazas looking to offer extra attractions for their customers, the need for healthful, comfortable shade continually increases…
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How green is your supply chain?

December 1, 2009  |  Business, Features

Strong, sustainable performance management strategies create links among like-minded businesses—and with your customers. By Don Carli If your company isn’t planning to address greening your supply chain this year, you may want to rethink your plan. More likely than not, your customers, y…
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Welander solves design problems for fabric structures

December 1, 2009  |  Features, Management, Perspective

Mark Welander uses his penchant for simplicity and accuracy to solve fabrication dilemmas. By Sigrid Tornquist “When you’re trying to get information, try to find the bull’s-eye,” says Mark Welander, MFC, owner of Fabricon in Missoula, Mont. “You need to have accuracy and good information …
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Turn awnings into eye-catching signage

November 1, 2009  |  Features, Graphics

Use the latest digital graphics innovations to turn your awnings into eye-catching signage. By Sigrid Tornquist It used to be that an awning was an awning was an awning. And a sign was a sign was a sign. Then, in a way that rivals the meeting of peanut butter and chocolate, commercial awnings and si…
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