Researchers at North Carolina State University College of Textiles have developed a new fiber-making process to produce what is believed to be the strongest polyester fibers ever made. The process is based on two established processes, taking the thread line variable process a step further, and modifying the fiber’s molecular architecture. This new system is [...]

Hacker Boat Co. Inc. has expanded production facilities by acquiring a 32,000-square-foot production facility in Ticonderoga, N.Y. Hacker now has five locations, including boat storage, marine services, repair facilities, boatbuilding facilities and boat restoration services. Hacker Boat Co. manufactures mahogany wooden classic boats.

Aurora Specialty Textiles Group Inc., Aurora, Ill., has teamed up with HSGM Inc., manufacturer of German-made heatcutters, to give away one hand-held heatcutter each month. The fabric finishing tool model HSG-0 has a retail value of $200. The heatcutter is perfect for finishing polyester fabrics, allowing the user to cut the fabric free hand and [...]

Rowley Co. has acquired custom decorative drapery hardware manufacturer Resin Solutions Inc. Together, Rowley and Resin Solutions will be launching Finestra Decorative Hardware. The line includes over 100 designs, a complete offering of poles and accessories and 36 finish options.

Swiss researchers coated polyester fabric with tiny silicone nanofilaments and the result is a whole new level of waterproofing. “The water comes to rest on the top of the nanofilaments like a fakir sitting on a bed of nails,” says Professor Stefan Seeger at the University of Zurich, who is leading the effort to create [...]

Miller Weldmaster in Navarre, Ohio, has promoted field service engineer Eric Helmick to manager of the Miller Weldmaster Roadshow. Helmick will be responsible for all aspects of the Roadshow, bringing the company’s line of Extreme Seam Machines to customers around the country. Nate Blackwood, former manager of the Roadshow, will now be using his experience [...]

Taylor Made Products has selected Brunger Export Inc. as factory-direct export representative in order to better serve its international customers. Brunger, located in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., has sales offices in California, Belgium, Hong Kong, Netherlands and Switzerland. Inventory depots in Miami, Amsterdam and Dubai provide customer support. Special sales and marketing services will also be [...]

Richard N. Seaman, president and CEO of Seaman Corp., recently announced that the company has completed the first phase of its capital investment program with the installation of a $5.5 million state-of-the-art liquid coating line at the Bristol, Tenn., manufacturing facility. The new equipment is intended to improve productivity and coating capabilities, and supports the [...]

Carbon nanofibers have been found to reduce flammability of upholstered furniture when added in small amounts to polyurethane foams. Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) found that flammability was reduced 35 percent compared to foams treated with conventional fire retardants. When a piece of furniture is on fire, foam tends to [...]

Former senior vice president of sales, Michael Blunt, has been appointed Fastening Business Leader for YKK’s North and Central America region, as well as president of the company’s subsidiaries, YKK USA and Tape Craft Corporation. Blunt first joined YKK in 1978.