The benefits of color management systems

November 1, 2009  |  Features, Graphics

Color management systems help printers achieve first-quality products quickly and with less wasted material. By Janice Kleinschmidt In 1903, Binney & Smith introduced eight Crayola crayons. While the list has grown to 120 colors, including such esoteric shades as “unmellow yellow,” &…
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Troubleshooting color management problems

November 1, 2009  |  Features, Graphics

A print shop encounters a spell of color management problems on a theater project and learns to troubleshoot for a solution. By Chelan David The Flag Loft, housed in a 23,000-square-foot facility in St. Louis, is a custom manufacturer of banners and flags that also distributes flags, flag poles and …
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What do customers really want?

November 1, 2009  |  Business, Features, Management

Perfecting the art of mind reading. By Jamie Swedberg It’s conventional wisdom that in a sluggish economy, what consumers desire more than anything else is a low price. But when business owners in the specialty textiles industry ask themselves the question “What do our customers want fro…
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Drawing on expertise

November 1, 2009  |  Fabric Structures, Features, Projects

Engineers help to ensure the practicality, safety and success of fabric structures. By Janice Kleinschmidt In May, consulting architect Nicholas Goldsmith, FAIA, received a call for help with a tent for the July 4 Coney Island Festival and Flea Market. “A client who purchased a rental tent sys…
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Easing the squeeze

November 1, 2009  |  Features, Graphics, Markets

Fabric graphics manufacturers and suppliers look forward to market improvements in 2010. By Jeff Rasmussen Sales and profit margins for U.S. and Canadian fabric graphics suppliers and end product manufacturers have been severely squeezed in 2009. The anemic economy has been the driving force behind …
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McKernan strives for integrity, quality and excellence

November 1, 2009  |  Features, Management, Perspective

Pete McKernan makes a commitment to action for the specialty fabrics industry. By Sigrid Tornquist “Be trustworthy. Be proactive. Do right. Respect others. Conduct yourself in such a way that when those you do business with think of integrity, quality and excellence—they think of you,” says Pe…
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The advantages of inflatable structures

October 7, 2009  |  Advanced Textiles, Fabric Structures, Features

Flexible and economical, air-supported structures fill multiple market niches. By Holly O’Dell When it comes to inflatable products, many people think of bouncy castles, parade floats or dancing tubes used for advertising. But the world of air-supported structures, or inflatables, extends far …
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Making mass customization personal

October 7, 2009  |  Features, Management

Mass customization helps companies meet customers’ real needs—efficiently. By Janice Kleinschmidt There was a time when a fast-food burger always came with mustard and pickles, whether you liked it or not. A special order flew in the face of the whole fast-food concept. When Burger King …
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Flexible bulk containers provide promising new markets

October 7, 2009  |  Features, Management, Markets

By Jamie Swedberg Manufacturers have struggled in the sluggish economy, and so have suppliers who sell them parts and raw materials. But the bear market has also affected another group: the companies that make and distribute shipping containers—frequently made of fabric. Pallets and drums are …
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