Seasonal forecasters with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center have increased the likelihood of a below-normal Atlantic hurricane season to 60 percent, which is up from 25 percent in May. The probability of a near-normal season is now at 30 percent and the chance of an above-normal season has dropped from [...]

Kyle Van Damme, Marine Tops Unlimited, Omro, Wis., achieved Master Fabrics Craftsman (MFC) in Marine in August 2018. This certification recognizes Damme’s superior knowledge of business and organizational management in the specialty fabrics industry. Damme has been an IFAI member since 2003 and won a 2018 Marine Fabrication Outstanding Achievement Award for the project Crownline [...]

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) New Powerboat Registrations Report shows that new powerboat registrations were up 2.3 percent on a rolling 12-month year-over-year basis (R12M YOY). Sales of tow boats, cruisers, freshwater fishing boats, yachts and personal watercraft remain strong; all were up on an R12M basis YOY. Highlights from the report include: Freshwater [...]

Stacey Lambarena has joined Rainier Industries as its new display business unit manager. Prior to joining Rainier, Lambarena was a sales plan and steer manager at IKEA. She traveled the world to attend and facilitate trainings related to every aspect of the business, from selling and marketing to products to leadership. Lambarena is tasked with [...]

The annual call for listings in the Marine Fabricator 2018 Buyer’s Guide opens August 27. Thousands of companies turn to this annual guide to purchase products and services for their businesses. This comprehensive resource lists suppliers of fabric, film and foam; hardware and findings; end products and services; and equipment and tools. We need to [...]

Phifer Incorporated, Tuscaloosa, Ala., has launched a new website with educational content, images and interactive tools. The site delivers a wealth of information and resources on Phifer’s portfolio of insect screening, sun control and furniture fabrics. Optimized for easy navigation on all web browsers and device types, the new website is accessible at www.phifer.com.

The Manufacturing Institute 2019 STEP Ahead Award nominations are now open, honoring women who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in science, technology, engineering and production (STEP) careers. STEP Ahead Award honorees hold positions at all levels of manufacturing, from the factory floor to high-level executive, and illustrate the widespread impact women have on shaping the [...]

Automated cutting table provider, Autometrix, announced that after serving in a variety of positions in his family’s business, Jonathan Palmer has taken over as the CEO from Autometrix founder, John Palmer. Sidney Sponseller, who was previously with Heytex USA (Bondcote), is now responsible for Central U.S. and Canada Sales. Aaron McMahan, who has a background [...]

Industrial Fabrics Association International announced their endorsement of consulting firm APPI Energy to provide electricity and natural gas cost management and reduction services for their members. With APPI Energy’s member benefit, IFAI members will receive expert recommendations, cost reduction opportunities, and budget certainty through competitive procurement and fixed, all-inclusive energy contracts. “Every day, APPI Energy [...]

The latest U.S. Boat Building Production Index, a quarterly report on boat production forecasts from ITR Economics, is now available for National Marine Manufacturers Association member download. This report includes directional forecast trending on boat production through 2020. ITR Forecasts indicate growth in boat production through 2018 with a moderation thereafter, picking back up during [...]