Proper printer maintenance

May 1, 2009  |  Features, Graphics

Proper printer maintenance can make or break your ROI. By Maura Keller Most fabric graphic shops and end product manufacturers don’t have a problem remembering to maintain a clean environment to house their textiles. But when it comes to keeping their printing equipment clean, they are the fir…
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Maintaining quality in a tough economy

May 1, 2009  |  Features, Graphics

When times are tough, don’t cut corners to compete. By Marc Hequet So you’re known for your quality…Great! But how are you supposed to sell quality in this economy? That’s the challenge manufacturers face: persuading discount-seeking buyers to pay a premium for top-of-the-li…
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Nonwovens markets expand to meet consumers’ demands

April 1, 2009  |  Advanced Textiles, Features, Upholstery

Consumers are requesting long-lasting products that are high-performance, cost-conscious and environmentally sound. By Holly O’Dell Although the concept of a durable nonwoven is not new to the industry, many of the products’ traditional applications have focused on disposable items, such…
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Schmieler creates customized cost accounting system

April 1, 2009  |  Awnings & Canopies, Features, Management, Marketing, Perspective

Greg Schmieler’s system maximizes profit for his awning business. By Sigrid Tornquist “Creating a cost accounting system changed my whole career life,” says Greg Schmieler, vice president of Laurel Awning Co. in Pittsburgh, Pa. “It changed the way the company is run. We now know what our…
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Innovation helps fabrics industry expand

March 1, 2009  |  Features, Management

Processes that spark innovation are just good business By Barb Ernster Most people agree that innovation is the key to growth and expansion, but some innovative business practices are truly inspired in their creativity and utility. Innovation is a widely used term, but not readily understood, says L…
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Hendee finds new market opportunities

March 1, 2009  |  Awnings & Canopies, Features, Management, Perspective

Demand and supply: Chuck Hendee creates products to meet customer needs. By Sigrid Tornquist “In general, I don’t think we’ve ever developed a product—or spent any money to develop one—where there wasn’t an existing demand,” says Chuck Hendee, IFM, MFC, president of Hendee Enterprises …
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Hospitality industry presents numerous possibilities for printers

March 1, 2009  |  Features, Graphics

Innovation drives the future for printers working with the hospitality industry. By Janet Preus An awning for a hotel entrance, or banners for a resort’s special promotion are applications that have typically sustained the relationship between printers and hospitality businesses. But with the …
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Choosing the right RIP software

March 1, 2009  |  Features, Graphics

Select the right RIP software for digital textile printing. By Dean Derhak You think that the time has come to make the jump into digital textile printing. Whether you’re a current digital print service provider or a traditional textile printer, you’re looking for a way to expand your bu…
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Creating images built to last

March 1, 2009  |  Features, Graphics

Inks and fabrics work together for outdoor longevity. By Gail Nickel-Kailing Designers and printers produce beautiful images. While many are intended to promote a product, an event or special sale for a short time, we expect images to be beautiful for the length of time they are installed. Whether i…
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Fabrics protect firefighters

February 1, 2009  |  Advanced Textiles, Features

Specialty fabrics meet critical needs in firefighting protection gear. By Julie Young Modern firefighters face numerous threats when they arrive at the scene of an emergency, and the last thing they need to think about in that moment is gear performance. Personal protective equipment (PPE) and relat…
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