Jeff Newkirk and Derek Newcombe earn MFC certifications
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.

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.
