Features Archives

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 …

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 …

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 …

Atkins focuses on fabrication

October 7, 2009 | Features, Management, Perspective

Entertainment markets offer manufacturers steady gigs

September 1, 2009 | Fabric Structures, Features, Graphics, Projects

With a wide variety of fabric applications, the entertainment industry offers sweeping opportunities for manufacturers. By Barb Ernster Entertainment and related markets offer sweeping opportunities for fabric products manufacturers to make their mark. The breadth of the industry extends far beyond …

Interactive tools to enhance your website

September 1, 2009 | Features, Marketing

Reach out to your website visitors with interactivity. By Joe Dysart Increasing numbers of users view the web as a second home where they spend hours each day interacting with friends, colleagues, clients and customers. It just makes sense to tap into the many tools available to make your business&r…

Operating leverage: Adapt your technology to new markets

September 1, 2009 | Business, Features, Management

You’ve got the skills, the equipment, the employees, the opportunity. Go for it. By Carol Brzozowski In good economies, a rising tide lifts all boats, points out business speaker George Hedley. “Even people who weren’t following good business fundamentals were making money,” …

Bradford brings virtual vision to life

September 1, 2009 | Features, Management, Marine, Perspective

Katie Bradford uses computer imaging to master hard-to-design projects. By Sigrid Tornquist “We can take a photograph of a boat, create a computer model of it and add to it the virtual structure that we intend to build,” says Katie Bradford, MFC, IFM, owner of Custom Marine Canvas in Noank, Conn…

Finding a niche: Small markets, big profits

August 30, 2009 | Features, Graphics

How and why digital graphics companies are succeeding because they found their niche. By Gail Nickel-Kailing I was sent on a quest to find digital graphics companies that are printing on textiles in niche markets. So what is a niche? Why a niche market? And who are these people? “Merriam-Webst…

Advancements in outdoor fabrics help get the message out