Saturation point

January 1, 2015  |  Business

PPE manufacturers are running at capacity to help in the fight against Ebola. Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), or Ebola hemorrhagic fever, is a potentially fatal disease that was first identified in 1976. Since then, outbreaks have happened every couple of years, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa. However, …
IMS hosting membrane symposium

January 1, 2015  |  Industry News

The Institute for Membrane and Shell Technologies (IMS e. V.), Bobingen, Germany, is hosting an International Membrane Symposium March 20–22 at Anhalt University in Dessau, Germany, as it celebrates its 15th anniversary and the start of its 10th master course in membrane structures. Presentati…
Lease or buy?

January 1, 2015  |  Management

New rules may make a difference in your decision. Whether to buy or lease new equipment is a tough question for many specialty fabric professionals to answer, even as credit becomes more readily available. There is no one correct answer to fit every situation or business, but compared to the simplic…
SBA hits lending record

January 1, 2015  |  Industry News

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 7(a) Loan Program reached another lending record in FY 2014. By the end of the fiscal year (Sept. 30), the SBA had approved 52,044 7(a) loans for $19.19 billion, an increase of 12 percent in number loans and 7.4 percent in dollar amount over fiscal year 2…
Living it up, outside

January 1, 2015  |  Features, Tents

Screens and shades that protect from wind, sun and insects bring indoor comforts to outdoor living. Outdoor living is a growing trend for homeowners seeking to relax and entertain outside with all the comforts of indoor living. Restaurants and hotels are also extending guest areas to outdoor patios,…
Gondi expands sales territory

January 1, 2015  |  Industry News

Tom Gondi of Soper’s Engineered Fabric Solutions, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, is expanding his sales and marketing territory to include Florida. With 21 years of experience in sales and marketing of material handling and industrial equipment, Gondi brings a wealth of knowledge and skill to dist…
Habit forming

January 1, 2015  |  Awnings & Canopies, Business, Features

The secret to a sideline in cleaning and repair is convincing customers to do it regularly. Cleaning and repair of fabric products is a bit like pie-making: It’s an extremely useful skill, and there’s a sizable market for it, but it’s not everyone’s strong suit. Today’s high-performance fa…
Johnson joins MMI Textiles

January 1, 2015  |  Industry News

Liz Johnson has joined MMI Textiles Inc. as director of product development and strategic sales. She has more than 20 years of experience in the technical textile division of Glen Raven Inc., and has held sales manager and military market manager positions, and served on various government contract …
The world of your website

January 1, 2015  |  Business, Features

Why it’s important to give your website the careful attention it needs to support the success of your business. All industries experience their share of change. The fabrics industry is no different. From hemp to cotton to microfibers to “smart clothes” that gauge body temperature and GPS locat…
Matthew appointed to Seaman board

January 1, 2015  |  Industry News

Steve Matthew has joined the board of directors of Seaman Corp., Wooster, Ohio, and serves on the Innovation and Technology Committee and Finance and Audit Committee. Matthew is the president of Wooster Hydrostatics and Fluid Power Solutions, a company specializing in remanufacturing, distribution a…