Cordless cutting
Published On: February 17, 2026Categories: NewsThe Sailrite Cordless Rotary Cutter package includes two rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Photo: Sailrite The Sailrite Cordless Rotary Cutter is a battery-driven fabric cutter that slices through materials up to 1 inch thick, including canvas, webbing, sailcloth and more. It features five speed settings (800–1,400 RPM), an integrated sharpening wheel, a pivoting blade guard and an [...]
Made from marine plastic
Published On: February 12, 2026Categories: NewsAll fabrics in the Tidal collection feature an Alta™ finish and acrylic backing for enhanced stain resistance and longevity. Photo: LebaTex The Tidal Collection is woven using SEAQUAL® yarn made from marine plastic waste. Among the upholstery collection’s six ocean-inspired patterns is Mangrove, which exceeds 63,000 double rubs and meets NFPA 260 and CAL 117-2013 [...]
Keyston Bros announces leadership transition
Published On: February 12, 2026Categories: Industry News, NewsImage: Keyston Bros Keyston Bros, an upholstery supplier for automotive, marine and awning applications, announced a leadership transition as owners Dan "Dee" and Ann Duncan step away from day-to-day operations. Dee and Ann will assume board leadership roles, with Dee serving as chairman of the board and Ann serving as board secretary. As a result, [...]
MFA Fabrication Excellence Awards open through Sept. 30
Published On: February 10, 2026Categories: NewsThe 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 [...]
2026 IAAs, Fabrication Excellence Awards accepting entries
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 [...]
New Jersey passes PFAS bill for firefighting PPE
Published On: February 9, 2026Categories: Industry News, NewsThe 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 acquires Chaparral and Robalo builder
Published On: February 6, 2026Categories: NewsMasterCraft 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 [...]
Six winners earn Minneapolis Innovation Awards
Published On: February 5, 2026Categories: NewsWinners 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 [...]
President Trump signs trade agreements with India, Guatemala and El Salvador
Published On: February 3, 2026Categories: Industry News, NewsU.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 [...]
Tough under pressure
Published On: February 3, 2026Categories: NewsNylon 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 [...]

