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IFAI hosting product diversification workshop in February
January 6th, 2022
A shade sail project by Sharp's Tarps With the supply chain challenges facing the industry today, it’s more important than ever to be thinking about changing your product offerings. IFAI will be holding a workshop February 23-24 at Sharp’s Tarps Inc. in Salt Lake City, Utah, with education and networking focused on product diversification. Join […]
NECPA: A century of survival
July 1st, 2020
Lessons from four member companies that have survived for a century and continue to thrive. by Cathy Broberg In January 2020, the North East Canvas Products Association (NECPA), a trade organization for the canvas and outdoor fabric industry, marked its 100th anniversary. Members celebrated at its annual conference with a gala and by touring a […]
Making custom projects work
April 1st, 2019
When Eric Walton and Devlin McKee opened Custom Canvas Alaska LLC in Fairbanks 14 years ago, the partners knew they had to offer custom canvas work beyond the boat tops they started out providing. After all, a marine fabrication shop in Alaska faces some extreme seasonal ups and downs, making project diversification a survival […]
Enhancing workplace (and worker) performance: automation and technology, equipment ROI and the new workforce
July 1st, 2018
Canvas Innovations in Holland, Mich., focuses on custom marine canvas and upholstery products, says owner Chris Ritsema. The company also has a smaller portion of the business dedicated to other textile-related products, such as porch enclosures, shade sails, awning recovery, furniture covers, golf cart enclosures and a wealth of other custom projects. “We continue to […]
Strategies for keeping busy year-round
May 1st, 2018
Roller coasters belong in amusement parks, not on the balance sheet; yet for many specialty fabricator businesses susceptible to seasonal ups and downs, it may sometimes seem as if the operation is being taken for exactly that kind of ride. Not every business is prone to periodic slowdowns in work. But for those that are, […]
How to expand into new market segments without sacrificing core products
October 1st, 2017
For many custom fabricators, diversification is the name of the game. Recognizing—and seizing—opportunities to venture into new market segments can mean the difference between staying in business or (perish the thought) going under. But companies can also become too diversified, to the point where potential clients don’t have a clear idea of what’s being made […]