August 16, 2018
The Manufacturing Institute 2019 STEP Ahead Award nominations are now open, honoring women who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in science, technology, engineering and production (STEP) careers. STEP Ahead Award honorees hold positions at all levels of manufacturing, from the factory floor to high-level executive, and illustrate the widespread impact women have on shaping the …
August 14, 2018
Automated cutting table provider, Autometrix, announced that after serving in a variety of positions in his family’s business, Jonathan Palmer has taken over as the CEO from Autometrix founder, John Palmer. Sidney Sponseller, who was previously with Heytex USA (Bondcote), is now responsible for Central U.S. and Canada Sales. Aaron McMahan, who has a background …
August 9, 2018
The latest U.S. Boat Building Production Index, a quarterly report on boat production forecasts from ITR Economics, is now available for National Marine Manufacturers Association member download. This report includes directional forecast trending on boat production through 2020. ITR Forecasts indicate growth in boat production through 2018 with a moderation thereafter, picking back up during …
August 8, 2018
IFAI will host its first ever Women in Textiles Summit on March 6-8, 2019, at the Hyatt Regency Savannah in Savannah, Ga. The goal of the summit is to strengthen the advancement of women through an interactive forum that provides education, networking and dialogue about important issues affecting women in business. The summit will explore …
August 7, 2018
Daniel Lesch, Lesch Boat Cover Co, Norwalk, Ohio, achieved Certified for Life Master Fabrics Craftsman (MFC) in Marine in August 2018. This certification recognizes Lesch’s superior knowledge of business and organizational management in the specialty fabrics industry. Lesch has been an IFAI member since 1994 and previously served as chairperson of the MFA Board. As …
August 2, 2018
The Marine Fabricators Association (MFA) will be exhibiting in booth 2319 at the International Boatbuilders’ Exhibition & Conference (IBEX), held at the Tampa Convention Center, Oct. 2 – 4, 2018, in Tampa, Fla. One of North America’s largest technical boat-building showcases, IBEX offers technical education from industry experts and exhibit halls filled with hands-on trainings …
July 31, 2018
The MFA Southeast Regional Workshop is being held Sept. 28-29 at Lakeside Marine Canvas Inc. in Buford, Ga. The two-day workshop features marine education on Pontoon boat patterning and fabrication, efficient cushion patterning techniques and sewing machine maintenance. It also offers opportunities to discuss technology and other concerns with fellow fabricators, which is something Lakeside …
July 26, 2018
Soundings Trade Only has launched a new awards program for the recreational boating industry called the Most Innovative Marine Companies Awards. The awards will acknowledge innovative initiatives companies are using to advance their businesses including innovative materials, new manufacturing processes, fresh marketing approaches, workforce solutions, supply chain, export programs and others. The awards are open …
July 24, 2018
President Donald Trump signed an executive order to prioritize and expand workforce development, which seeks to create and fill American jobs with American workers. The order establishes the National Council for the American Worker with the goals of developing a national strategy for training and retraining workers, and utilizing data to connect American businesses, workers …
July 17, 2018
A variety of short training videos are now available for marine fabricators who are new to the industry or are looking for a techniques refresher. The Marine Fabrication Association (MFA) how-to member videos include a six-part series on bimini tops and a three-part series on frame bending, among others. The videos were produced by the …