IFAI’s 2017 Smart Fabrics Program
March 29th, 2017
Channeling exciting ideas into new product development. At the 2017 Advanced Textiles Conference, four educational tracks—military, medical, smart fabrics and testing—will give attendees the latest news on the processes, products and profit potential in working with high-tech fabrics and fabrication techniques. The Advanced Textiles Conference, part of IFAI Expo 2017, will be held in New […]
Strategic retention
March 28th, 2017
It’s one thing to find qualified workers; it’s another to keep them happy in their jobs. Inman Mills has a 116-year history as a textiles manufacturer, now staffing three plants with 700 employees. The Inman, S.C.-headquartered company enjoys a low turnover rate and, in fact, has employees who have been with the company for 40 […]
Student Design Competitions application deadline May 15
March 27th, 2017
IFAI appreciates members' dedication to helping advance the textile industry. We encourage you to further that advancement by passing along the following information to students who are interested in a textile industry career. Students have until Monday, May 15, 2017, to submit projects for the IFAI Student Design Competitions. Any project completed between May 2016- May 2017 is eligible. […]
Secretary Zinke strengthens opportunities for boaters
March 14th, 2017
Department of the Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke issued two secretarial orders which expand access to public lands and increase fishing, hunting and recreation opportunities nationwide. The two secretarial orders include: Secretarial Order No. 3346 overturns the recent ban lead ammunition and fish tackle used on Fish and Wildlife Service lands, waters, and facilities. Secretarial Order No. […]
Manufacturing institute honors 130 women with STEP awards
March 7th, 2017
The National Association of Manufactures (NAM) Institute announced that 130 women are being recognized with the Women in Manufacturing Science, Technology, Engineering and Production (STEP) Ahead Award. This year's winners include Kris Carroll, Jan Morton, Katelyn Vara and Marcea Weiss. The recipients of the STEP Ahead Awards will be honored at a gala in Washington, D.C., […]
Seating solutions for reclining, storage and temperature control
March 1st, 2017
When a customer requests an unusual type of seating for a boat, it’s a fabrication opportunity to begin a comfortable dialogue with that client. Instead of hesitantly saying, “I will try to do my best,” turn your response into, “I am here to help you.” That customer may have already heard a reluctant fabricator say, […]
Mike Erickson honored with MFA Hall of Fame award
March 1st, 2017
Mike Erickson, MFC, was named to the Marine Fabricators Association Hall of Fame January 21 at the 2017 MFA Conference award banquet in Jacksonville, Fla. Erickson is the owner of Canvas Designers® Inc. and EZ2CY Inc., both based in Riviera Beach, Fla. In the early 1990s, Erickson was instrumental in the development of IFAI’s Marine […]
Sunbrella® Shift Collection
March 1st, 2017
The new Sunbrella® Shift Collection by Glen Raven Custom Fabrics debuts with classic designs interpreted in a contemporary fashion. The collection is comprised of six patterns that cleverly layer texture, color and pattern, fusing traditional patterns with modern styling. Fabrics in the Shift Collection meet ACT standards for use in high-traffic areas, which means they […]
Outdura announces design manager
March 1st, 2017
Outdura, Hudson, N.C., has named Gloria Tsocos as the company’s design manager. She joined the company in 2015 in its contract fabric division. She began her career as a fabric designer in the home furnishing and hospitality markets, and over the years she has specialized in indoor and outdoor upholstery fabrics. She served as a […]
SheerWeave Style 7500
March 1st, 2017
Phifer Inc. now offers new color options in its popular SheerWeave Style 7500 blackout range. Dual-sided options are now available in Phifer’s R21 Orient and R22 Midnight colors. The new selections are referenced as S97 Orient x2 and R99 Midnight x2 Orient and feature the same back and face color, a variation from the product […]