February 2018

  • Published On: February 28, 2018

    Sattler Corporation announced the addition of Hans Schwieger as Northeast sales manager. Schwieger’s career in the performance textiles industry spans 20 years, having served as a sales manager in the outdoor market. He will manage key customer relationships in the northeastern U.S., with a focus on awning and marine dealers and fabricators. He will also [...]

  • Published On: February 22, 2018

    Scott Campbell, president and CEO of Rainier Industries, has announced his retirement, and David Traub assumes the role of the company’s CEO. Campbell has been president since purchasing the company now known as Rainier Industries in 1984, and the company averaged 15 percent annual growth under his leadership. During those 34 years, Rainier has grown [...]

  • Published On: February 20, 2018

    Reposted from insidefashiondesign.net Industrial sewing has reached a critical point. An aging workforce combined with a lack of incoming talent has created a worker shortage that threatens to shutter long-standing American businesses and stifle growth in a billion-dollar industry. We spoke with someone on the front lines of the battle to save industrial sewing—Magda Ronningen, National [...]

  • Published On: February 16, 2018

    The marine industry “speed dating” roundtables at the 2018 MFA conference in Savannah, Ga., gave participants a chance to discuss burning issues and exchange best practices on a wide variety of topics including fabric choices, sales techniques, staff training and retention, the pros and cons of product line diversification, upholstery, CAD and plotter cutters, insurance, [...]

  • Published On: February 15, 2018

    During the awards dinner at the 2018 Marine Fabricators Conference, David Elliott, David’s Custom Trimmers, Wakerly, Australia, was presented with the upholstery Award of Distinction for his project “The Day Lounge.” Shane Beashel, SB Marine Trimming, Newport, Australia, received the exterior canvas Award of Distinction for his project “Jeanneau 51.” The Award of Distinction is [...]

  • Published On: February 14, 2018

    With a record 29 entries, the Tools, Tricks and Tips competition at the 2018 MFA conference in Savannah, Ga., had no shortage of good ideas. Eric Sevy from Sugar House Awning, Salt Lake City, Utah, was named the first-place Don Racine winner for his erector set type frame assembly that helps onsite patterning. Katie Bradford [...]

  • Published On: February 8, 2018

    The new IFAI Video Technical Library offers a rich collection of manufacturing knowledge to help fabricators solve problems, train employees and educate themselves about new equipment. “This new technical library provides DIY learning anytime and at any location,” says Magda Ronningen, national program manager for IFAI’s Makers Division, who partnered with Christine Gerard, supervisor of [...]

  • Published On: February 7, 2018

    The 2018 MFA conference in Savannah, Ga., Jan. 25-27 included Australian guests who presented educational sessions on a variety of upholstery and patterning techniques. Presenters David Elliott, David’s Custom Trimmers Pty Ltd.; Neil Hancock, Aussie Boat Covers; and Shane Beashel, SB Marine Trimming, encouraged participants to create unique products and to also add value and [...]

  • Published On: February 6, 2018

    Marine Fabricator magazine will present a Premier Product Showcase in the May/June issue. This is a great opportunity to give readers a look at quality fabrics, film, foam, hardware, findings, equipment and tools that can help potential customers do their jobs better. We’ll share the information, in print and online, with thousands of readers interested [...]

  • Published On: February 1, 2018

    The 2019 Marine Fabricators Conference will be held onboard the Queen Mary in Long Beach, Calif., on January 10-12, 2019. Registration for next year’s conference will open in August of 2018. The opening night welcome party theme is gangsters—begin your costume planning now!