May 2020

  • Published On: May 4, 2020

    Across the country, a number of COVID-19 related executive orders restricting commerce expired this week. Many of these states have implemented phase in plans and economic task forces to advise the government on the best course of action for safely reopening their economies. Here are updates on states where COVID-19 restrictions were recently lifted: Alabama [...]

  • Published On: May 1, 2020

    I am writing this in mid-April amid the swirl of anxiety over health concerns and financial worries. It might seem impossible to do your best work under these circumstances, but keeping your focus on work—no matter what it is—can help you find stillness during the daily rush of doubts and distractions. Your work might include [...]

  • Published On: May 1, 2020

    By Keith Purves, MFC One of the most useful, purposeful and absolutely frustrating features on a clear vinyl enclosure is the simple U-zip. A properly built U-zip looks good, opens and closes easily, and allows boaters the freedom of having the wind in their hair or the full protection of an enclosure when Mother Nature [...]

  • Published On: May 1, 2020

    A seamless transfer of leadership in a family business requires hard conversations and a detailed road map to avoid the worst potholes and ensure a successful journey. By Jeff Moravec A family business can offer great rewards—personally and professionally—for its founders and their descendants. But a family business also presents unique challenges and requires careful [...]

  • Published On: May 1, 2020

    Many marine fabricators have pivoted to making personal protective equipment (PPE). These photos show some of the PPE products made by Jeff Newkirk, MFC, Precision Custom Canvas Inc. Along with disinfecting, employee social distancing and observing shelter-in-place orders, many marine companies are responding to the coronavirus pandemic by shifting production from boat covers to face [...]

  • Published On: May 1, 2020

    These are submissions to the 2020 Marine Fabricators Conference Tools, Tips and Tricks contest and Marine Fabricator magazine.  Tip 1  Mini fabric table saw Here’s a slightly dangerous, but effective little tip. Hammer a nice, sharp razor blade at a 45-degree angle into your cutting table. Keep the fabric flat and push or pull it [...]

  • Published On: May 1, 2020

    Vinyl upholstery manufacturer Morbern was named one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies of 2020. From left: Steven Kim, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce; Dennis Wait, Deloitte; Mark Bloomfield, Morbern CEO; Eric Lamontagne, Morbern president. Morbern, manufacturer of vinyl upholstery for the marine, automotive, RV and commercial interiors markets, has been named one of Canada’s Best [...]

  • Published On: May 1, 2020

    High-quality products to help you create durable, attractive and successful projects. For this feature, we asked our contributors to send us information about their high-performing products. The product information was submitted by the participating manufacturers and suppliers by the established deadline. The products are organized into three categories: Fabric, Film, and Flooring; Equipment, Tools & [...]

  • Published On: May 1, 2020

    The Marine Fabricators Association (MFA) provides resources and programs for marine fabricators and establishes standards of excellence for business practices, products and craftsmanship. The MFA is a division of the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI). Join the only trade association today that represents the entire specialty fabrics and advanced textiles industry in the world. To [...]

  • Published On: May 1, 2020

    New trends in marine upholstery. By Terri Madden Marine fabricators can find the latest design innovations for marine canvas and upholstery by attending any of the top U.S. boat shows sponsored annually by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA). It is an ideal way for fabricators to glimpse the newest innovations in design, construction, equipment [...]