The Marine Fabricators Association (MFA) announces the submissions window is open for the 2027 Fabrication Excellence Awards. Entries are being accepted through Sept. 30. Sponsored by the 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 and featured at [...]

The 2026 International Achievement Awards (IAAs) are now accepting entries. Exclusive to Advanced Textile Association (ATA) members, this competition—now in its 79th year—celebrates the best projects in the specialty fabrics industry. With a reduced entry fee of just $25, it’s easy to enter. Showcase your technical skills and gain industry-wide recognition by entering your best [...]

The New Jersey state government passed Bill A5195/5223 on Jan. 20, 2026. Under the act, producers of certain firefighting personal protective equipment (PPE) in New Jersey will be required to disclose the use and purpose of PFAS beginning in January 2027. Firefighting PPE includes, but is not limited to, jackets, pants, footwear, gloves, helmets and [...]

MasterCraft Boat Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: MCFT) and Marine Products Corporation (NYSE: MPX) announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement for MasterCraft to acquire Marine Products in a cash and stock transaction valued at approximately $232.2 million, net of acquired cash. “The combination of MasterCraft and Marine Products brings together two iconic, market leading [...]

Winners were awarded during the new Breakfast Briefing and Awards Presentation. Photo: National Marine Manufacturers Association The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and Boating Writers International (BWI) announced the winners of the 2026 Minneapolis Innovation Awards on January 22 at the Discover Boating® Minneapolis Boat Show, in partnership with Progressive® Insurance.  The Minneapolis Innovation Awards honor manufacturers [...]

U.S. President Donald Trump signed reciprocal trade agreements with India, Guatemala and El Salvador in late January and early February. India After a discussion with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Trump has agreed to lower reciprocal tariffs on India from 50% to 18%. The White House has not yet issued a fact sheet with [...]

Nylon 1000D is fluid-resistant against water, chemicals and other liquids. Photo: Eastex Products LLC Nylon 1000D is a 100 percent textured nylon with a polyurethane coating and a water repellent finish. The fabric was designed to endure rough wear and contact without damage, and its tear, tensile and breaking strength allows the nylon to maintain [...]

Image: Trivantage® Trivantage®, a supplier of fabrics and hardware in the shade industry, announced the launch of a shade sail educational event, Shades of Innovation. The first seminar is scheduled for Feb. 20 in Fort Worth, Texas, with a second planned for March 5 in Los Angeles, Calif. The seminar will explore design, 3D rendering, [...]

The 2026 Marine Fabricators Conference, which took place Jan. 8–10 at the Hyatt Regency in Savannah, Ga., combined practical education with deep connection among fellow fabricators. In total, 258 attendees and exhibitors attended the conference. Of those attendees, 59 attended the conference for the first time. Additionally, several new attendees from 2025 joined the Marine [...]

Advanced Textiles Association (ATA) is seeking speakers for Advanced Textiles Expo in Orlando, Fla., Nov. 3–5, 2026, and for the Emerging Technologies Conference on Nov. 2. Proposals are due Feb. 20. Presentation content categories Advanced Textiles Shade & Weather Protection Specialty Fabrics Marine Fabrication General Business Presentation types 25-Minute Show Floor SessionsConcise 25-minute sessions on [...]