Jeff Newkirk and Derek Newcombe earn MFC certifications

Published On: January 16, 2025Categories: Industry News, MFA Excellence Awards, News

Two new Master Fabric Craftsman (MFC) were named at the annual Fabrication Excellence Awards dinner Saturday, Jan. 11 in Corpus Christi, Texas. Jeff Newkirk, MFC, Precision Custom Canvas in St Catharines, Ont., and Derek Newcombe, MFC, Salty Buoy Marine Canvas Inc. in Vancouver, B.C., earned their certification.

The MFC certification, awarded by the Marine Fabricators Association (MFA), tells customers that a fabricator has demonstrated the highest level of expertise in all phases of product design, craftsmanship and installation for the marine, awning or fabric graphics specialties.

MFA Board Chair Charlene Clark handing a certificate to Derek Newcombe.
MFA Board Chair Charlene Clark and Derek Newcombe at the Fabrication Excellence Awards dinner.

Becoming an MFC requires a minimum of three years of experience in the manufacture of awning and/or marine. Certification must also include an accumulation of 10 credits in the following areas:

  • Time in the Industry
  • Service on a Board or Committee
  • Awards Competition Judge
  • College Degree/Technical College/Trade School
  • Attend Workshop or Symposium
  • Write an article for an industry magazine

Newkirk now joins a very small group of MFCs who have achieved the MFC for both exterior and interior. The other fabricators are Katie Bradford, MFC, Faith Roberts, MFC and Kyle Van Damme, MFC.

MFA Board Chair Charlene Clark handing a certificate to Jeff Newkirk.
MFA Board Chair Charlene Clark and Jeff Newkirk at the Fabrication Excellence Awards dinner.