2022 Premier Product Showcase
May 1, 2022 | Features, Premier Product Showcase
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 & Foam; Equi…
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Women fabricators discuss working in a male-dominated industry
March 1, 2022 | Features
Business hasn’t always been smooth sailing for Katie Bradford of Custom Marine Canvas in Noank, Conn. Back in 1990, five years after starting her business, she lost out on a substantial sail-building order because the customer believed she’d be giving up her business to focus on her new marriage…
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Should you take your upholstery skills to the surging RV market?
March 1, 2022 | Features
Diversification is a familiar concept to business owners—and for good reason. Expanding into market segments outside the core has saved many businesses during economic ups and downs, as well as shifts in market demands. But entering crossover markets that are closely connected to the “bread and …
2022 MFA Fabrication Excellence Awards
March 1, 2022 | Features, MFA Excellence Awards
Sponsored by the Marine Fabricators Association (MFA), the Fabrication Excellence Awards contest is designed to recognize excellence in marine fabrication. The entries are judged by a panel of certified marine professionals. Awards of Excellence and Outstanding Achievement Awards are given in each c…
2022 MFA Time Standards Manual
January 1, 2022 | Features, MFA Time Standards
The Time Standards Manual was developed in 1996 by the Marine Fabricators Association (MFA), a division of the Industrial Fabrics Association International, to serve as a benchmark that shop owners can use to set fabrication times, with which they can generate competitive labor costs. The manual is …
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Showroom showdown
January 1, 2022 | Features
Whether it’s online or brick and mortar, a well-conceived product showroom can make a substantial difference in how customers perceive your company and its offerings. Strategic improvements in both can help your clients better understand their choices and smooth your way toward easier, more profit…
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Regaining control over job scheduling
January 1, 2022 | Features
Moving projects out the door when promised is key to keeping customers happy and sanity intact but getting a handle on job scheduling can be tough. Although setting production priorities and communicating these to customers has always been important, this need has become even more urgent as shops co…