Takai works to provide innovative products

December 1, 2008  |  Advanced Textiles, Features, Marketing, Perspective

Junko Takai’s dedication to providing products that make a difference rests on a conservative fiscal foundation. By Sigrid Tornquist “Sometimes when companies make a lot of money, they invest that money into stocks—they invest profits into something other than their own businesses— we reinve…
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Manufacturers find niches in outdoor sports market

November 1, 2008  |  Features, Markets, Tents

Tent and apparel manufacturers target their products to outdoor sports enthusiasts, finding niches—and profit. By Holly O’Dell By nature, outdoor sports enthusiasts are an adventurous crowd. They’re also very committed to their activity of choice, a trait that makes them more willi…
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Trends expand applications for nonwovens

November 1, 2008  |  Features, Markets

The same trends that are driving development in wovens are expanding applications for nonwovens. By Janet Preus According to Dr. Seshadri Ramkumar, supervisor of the nonwovens laboratory at Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, the nonwoven industry is worth about $60 billion, most of it in disposa…
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Fabrics protect agricultural products

November 1, 2008  |  Advanced Textiles, Features

From seed to store, protecting agricultural products with fabric. By Jamie Swedberg The same elements that make farming possible—the sun, the rain, the wind, the web of life—also make it a challenge. For every gentle rain, there is a pelting hailstorm. For every beneficial microorganism,…
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Armijos connects with clients

November 1, 2008  |  Awnings & Canopies, Fabric Structures, Features, Management, Marketing, Perspective

Sam Armijos creates connections with clients—in person, in cyberspace and in the pages of a book. By Sigrid Tornquist “There is no alternative to meeting face-to-face. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter whether I showed potential clients something I designed or not. It is whether they fe…
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Wide and grand format elements produce high impact results

November 1, 2008  |  Features, Graphics

Grand format is bigger, better, spectacular and versatile. By Maura Keller Architects, trade show organizers,event planners, and retail operators have one thing in common: they strive to capture the attention of their potential audience through powerful visual messages. Using wide and grand format e…
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Taking stock of your inventory

November 1, 2008  |  Features, Graphics

Inventory management is central to success. By Janet Preus For any size shop, keeping track and maintaining control of supplies is a balancing act that requires careful attention. We asked two companies with similar product lines to respond to a few basic questions about this business fundamental. K…
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Choosing the right inkjet printer for textiles

November 1, 2008  |  Features, Graphics

Make the right choice with up-to-date information about inkjet printers for textiles. By Nicholas M. Hellmuth The basics There is more than one way to print wide and grand format applications. Understanding the differences is the first step in a decision to “go grand.” Wide-format printe…
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Fabric transforms buildings and allows creativity

October 1, 2008  |  Features, Graphics

Enlivening building facades and streetscapes to create welcoming places for people. By Paula Rees It’s time that designers take a breath of responsibility and think creatively. Fabric architecture’s uses, new materials and technological advances offer endless options and incredible desig…
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Flexible fabric provides disaster relief

October 1, 2008  |  Advanced Textiles, Features, Tents

When disaster strikes, flexible fabric products offer aid. By Meleah Maynard Whether it’s flooding in Iowa or earthquakes in China, disasters in today’s global society seem to touch everyone. Victims need clean water, shelter and fuel quickly, but the traditional means of supplying these…
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