• Attainable sustainability: Going green has its business benefits

    Published On: March 1, 2009Categories: Features, New Markets

    From magazine articles to seminars to trade show floors, the topic of sustainability has worked its way into the American business consciousness. As a result, companies are pioneering solutions that address the safety of the planet and the effects on people, while keeping the bottom line in mind. In the marine fabrication industry, interest in [...]

  • IFAI chairman discusses the challenges of sustainability

    Published On: January 1, 2009Categories: Features, New Markets

    Eco-friendliness is one of the biggest trends in any market. Whether or not you’ve jumped on the green bandwagon, doing so will most likely be inevitable and could help your business. Scott Campbell, chairman of the Industrial Fabrics Association International and owner of Rainier Industries in Tukwila, Wash., talks about green initiatives as they relate [...]

  • Specialized fabrics present opportunities for marine industry

    Published On: January 1, 2009Categories: Features, New Markets

    A blue and white speedboat shot from above while travelling fast. In today’s challenging economic environment, marine fabricators must be tuned into trends within the industry and within the larger sales and marketing landscape. This level of awareness is essential if fabricators are to weather the current economic downturn and position themselves for [...]

  • Adding a retail component to your marine fabrication business

    Published On: September 1, 2008Categories: Features, New Markets

    Adding a retail component to your business can become an essential part of your life as a shop owner. And with enough planning and foresight, the process can help you to transition smoothly into the next phase of your blossoming fabrication business. Whether you are just starting out in the marine fabrication industry [...]

  • Up your profits during your downtime

    Published On: September 1, 2008Categories: Features, New Markets

    The offseason is a good time to catch up with any marine fabrication projects unapproachable during the hectic boating season. But, as companies scramble to remain competitive, the current changing business climate may alter the way craftsmen find clients, no matter what the season. Fabricators from around the country talk about how they’re handling those [...]

  • Fabric design expertise creates colorful new business opportunities

    Published On: July 1, 2008Categories: Features, New Markets

    As a designer, I am often asked where I find inspirations for colors and patterns. My short answer is “everywhere.” Designers are by nature closely attuned to their surroundings, knowing that inspiration can come from just about anywhere and when you least expect it. Fashions worn by runway models in Paris, costumes featured in new [...]

  • Fabricating with CAD technology

    Published On: January 1, 1970Categories: Features, New Markets

    Letting technology work for you can lead to increased efficiency and increased profits. By Greg Fadeev, Canvas Designers Inc. Technology can be scary. But because you run a custom marine fabrication shop you should consider the possibilities and the potential of digitizing your patterning processes and automating your cutting processes. A reputable vendor will be [...]