May 1, 2018
After a tornado outbreak swept through northern Alabama in 2011, Ascend Performance Materials LLC sprang into action. The Houston, Texas-based company provided housing for employees from their Decatur facility who lost everything, and volunteers from the company helped with cleanup and rebuilding efforts. Out of that tragedy, it founded the Ascend Cares Foundation to support …
April 1, 2018
Every year more than eight million tons of plastic go into the oceans. Animals are threatened by harsh oil spills, garbage and other debris that invades their habitats; the trash is killing off entire ecosystems and species. This is why www.MarineVinylFabric.com is changing the way businesses can help change the world. David Goldman, founder and …
March 1, 2018
Many fire departments across the U.S. are under-funded and volunteer-based. This lack of funding often means many firefighters lack the needed on-scene safety equipment. In response, the world’s leading manufacturer of protective clothing for firefighters is putting its expertise and resources to good use. Globe Manufacturing Company LLC, Pittsfield, N.H., recently awarded 13 volunteer-run fire …
February 1, 2018
Glen Raven installs a large solar array as part of its commitment to sustainability For textile manufacturers that operate energy-intensive machinery, solar-generated energy provides a way to save on energy bills and reduce carbon footprint. Glen Raven Custom Fabrics LLC, best known as the makers of Sunbrella® fabrics, recently debuted a 3,076-panel solar array at …
January 1, 2018
The idea of sustainability is attractive to business owners and consumers. Executing on sustainability is not simple, however. In practice, sustainability can depend on a partnership of companies working together. Wm. T. Burnett & Co., Baltimore, Md., a foam and nonwoven materials manufacturer, transforms recycled water bottles from General Motors facilities and the city of …
December 1, 2017
Milliken & Co. is known around the globe for its innovations in the manufacturing of specialty chemicals, floor covering, and performance and protective textiles. It’s also one of America’s safest companies. The Spartanburg, S.C.-based company was recently named as one of 13 companies featured in the 2017 America’s Safest Companies list, which recognizes companies that …
November 1, 2017
A new addition to IFAI Expo 2017 in New Orleans, La., was the Manufacturing for Good booth. Workers at the live manufacturing booth made 70 bright red duffel bags from start to finish. The bags were donated to Raintree Children & Family Services, a nonprofit organization that has assisted at-risk children and youth in the greater …
October 1, 2017
When natural disasters strike, one of the most immediate needs is providing emergency shelter to affected communities. For more than 20 years, Seaman Corp. has partnered with disaster relief organizations to shelter families in need around the world. Seaman is currently evaluating the best ways to respond to recent hurricanes in Florida and Texas. However, …
September 1, 2017
For four days every year, IFAI Expo offers industry members the opportunity to share trade secrets and take advantage of educational opportunities, product demonstrations and certification options. A new addition this year is Manufacturing for Good. The live manufacturing experience demonstrates the making of a duffel bag from start to finish, with a philanthropic twist: …
August 1, 2017
When meeting with the director of Safe Harbor Boys Home and Maritime Academy about volunteer opportunities earlier this year, Jo Ann and John Greco were asked to revive its out-of-service upholstery shop. The couple, who own upholstery business J & J Custom Design LLC, took on the challenge with relish, developing a program to teach …