Beyond the initial investment, acquiring a large machine can dramatically enhance the efficiency, precision, and profitability of boat and related component manufacturing. Photo: Zünd America Inc.® Marine fabricators invest in big machines to improve efficiency, increase production and maintain competitiveness. Of course, these large investments are not simple decisions due to the high upfront costs, [...]

One of several methods Canvas Craft Inc. uses to digitize objects or structures is the Proliner digital measuring tool, shown above. Such digital systems have enabled the company to quickly train people on specialized work. Photo: Canvas Craft Adam Penner, founder and principal consultant of Denver-based AP Consulting and Technical Services, offers this broad outline [...]

Tom Stephan’s daughter, Savannah, sewing fabric. “This would become part of a pirate costume, used for the family to attend Never Say Never Foundation’s Pirate Camp, for families with upper or lower limb differences,” Stephan says. Photo: Shoo In LLC Employers in the trade industries are searching for ways to attract top talent, particularly those [...]

© Serhii Hryshchyshen | Dreamstime.com In this industry, the phrase work-life balance sounds like the punch line of a joke: We aren’t 9–5 people, we are 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. people! Even so, I do preach work-life balance to our employees. I try to make sure none of our team members are feeling burnt [...]

After years of subcontracting embroidery work, Onboard Interiors LLC purchased a machine for the business to bring the work in house. When a boater finally selects the make and model of their dream boat, the next big step is choosing a name. In some ways, this decision defines the customer: Is the name playful or [...]

The print world moves at a slower pace than most — it’s a lot like taking a Conestoga wagon across the Oregon Trail while everyone else is hopping on an airplane. As such, I began prepping this issue in April, and the professionals featured on these pages were answering questions and writing content in May [...]

All calendar events are subject to change. Please check websites for updated information. Oct. 16–17, 2026MFA Northwest Regional WorkshopLittle House of CanvasEverett, Wash.textiles.org/marineworkshops Nov. 3–5, 2026Advanced Textiles Expo 2026Orange County Convention CenterOrlando, Fla.advancedtextilesexpo.com Dec. 2–4, 2026Canvas Products Association, Zone 7MotorCity Casino HotelDetroit, Mich.canvaszone7.com Jan. 7–9, 20272027 Marine Fabricators ConferenceEmbassy SuitesNashville, Tenn.textiles.org/marineconference