Specialty fabrics

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november 2009 www.specialtyfabricsreview.com

Taking
helm
the

Pete McKernan commits

to action for the specialty
fabrics industry

What customers
really want
Drawing on expertise
Engineering safe
structures
IFAI Expo 2009

Resilience
through innovation
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 Specialty fabrics

Contents
november 2009
Volume 94 Number 12

Sf Features

30 The art of mind reading

What do customers really want?
by Jamie Swedberg

36 Drawing on expertise
Engineers help to ensure the
practicality, safety and success
of fabric structures.
by Janice Kleinschmidt

45 IFAI Expo 2009:

Resilience through
innovation
Highlights from IFAI Expo
2009 in San Diego.
by the Review editorial staff

Sf Perspective

27 Taking the helm

Pete McKernan makes
a commitment to
action for the specialty
fabrics industry.
 Sf Review
Contents
Sf Briefings
8 ForeThought
Special delivery
10 Swatches ↑
Canopy action in China’s
Harmony Times Square;
geomembranes and odor
control; historic bus tour,
wrapped; moveable mega-
graphics; pre-engineered
modular structures; pod
banners; industry news,
resources, international
trade, people.
22 Showroom
Down on the farm: The
business of agriculture puts
fabric products to work.
25 Problem Solvers
Multiple possibilities:
Flexible fabrics, finishes
and equipment offer greater
efficiencies for fabricators
and customers.
6 Review 11.09
Sf Focus Sf Resources
55 Business 71 Info Central
Planning ‘forever’ tax
savings: strategies to keep 73 Marketplace
your tax bill at its legal
minimum, year after year. 74 New Products
and Services
59 Markets
Easing the squeeze: Fabric 76 Calendar of Events
graphics manufacturers
and suppliers look forward 78 Editorial Sources
to market improvements
↑
in 2010.
79 Advertiser Index
80 Beginnings ↑
The year in Review: 1984
63 World Views
Vertical integration in
Adjustments and innovation: industrial fabrics
China’s nonwovens and
technical textile industry
bounces back.
67 Insiders
65 Connections Industry leaders
AATCC student design recognized at
winners; SGIA’s
Sustainability Action Plan;
IFAI Expo 2009.
NIOSH meets on protective
technology; an international
rental exchange program.
Specialty Fabrics Review® ISSN 0019 8307, Volume 94, Issue 12 is
published monthly (with an annual Buyer’s Guide in May) by Industrial
Fabrics Association International, 1801 County Road B W, Roseville,
MN 55113-4061. Periodicals Postage Paid at St. Paul, MN and at
additional mailing offices. Ridealong enclosed. Postmaster: send
address changes to: Specialty Fabrics Review, 1801 County Road B W,
Roseville, MN 55113-4061. Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses
to Station A, PO Box 54, Windsor, ON N9A 6J5. Subscription inquiries,
orders and changes contact: A Lo, Circulation Specialist, Specialty
Fabrics Review, 1801 County Road B W, Roseville, MN 55113-4061
Phone 800 225 4324 or +1 651 222 2508, fax +1 651 631 9334 e-mail:
subscriptions@ifai.com. 1-year USA $69, Canada and Mexico $79,
all other countries $169, payable in U.S. funds (includes air mail
postage). Reprints: call 800 385 9402, hehanson@ifai.com. Back
issues: call +1 651 222 2508, www.ifaibookstore.com.
 Cut yardage is now available!

Mermet, Fabrics for Life Life in color

Introducing Vienne: vivid color at an attractive price point! Vienne features Enduris™ Glass Core

technology – a combination of superior-quality coatings and glass yarns at the core of Mermet fabrics – to

enhance sustainability while reducing energy costs. Retractable awnings and sunscreens made with Mermet

fabrics are tested and proven to eliminate heat from solar radiation while providing strength, durability,

UV-resistance, and beautiful color. The result: a more pleasant environment.

Featured: Vienne For samples and more information:

Color Swatch: Charcoal/ Denim info@mermetusa.com
Openness Factor: 10% Toll Free: (866) 902-9647
Photo Credit: Blindtek Design Systems www.mermetusa.com
Sf Briefings
Act, and you shall have dinner; wait, and you shall be dinner. ~Klingon proverb
FORETHOUGHT
Special delivery
A s a starry-eyed journalism student in high school, I was
taken on a tour of the production plant and editorial
offices of the Minneapolis Tribune (now the Minneapolis Star
Tribune, after the morning and afternoon papers merged in
1982), and listened to reporters, editors and pressmen talk
Galynn Nordstrom,
senior editor about how much pride they took in their work, and their
newspaper. One proofreader dared us to find a mistake in that
day’s edition, offering to buy dinner for anyone who found an
error of either fact or composition. We didn’t collect.
As an assistant editor for Lakewood Publications, my first
job in magazine publishing, I typed my copy onto special lay-
out sheets, sent once a week to a small press operator nearby,
who returned long paper galleys for us to proofread and paste
up. During deadline crunches, we sometimes waited on the
corner of 8th and Hennepin in downtown Minneapolis for our
typesetter’s battered green pickup; he’d slow down and hand us
the galleys through the window. During one particularly stress-
ful issue, he also brought us a pizza. But when that first Apple
II showed up, “floppy” took on a whole new meaning.
As senior editor of Specialty Fabrics Review, I now work
on a docked and networked laptop PC, producing not only
a monthly magazine but helping with a newly interac-
Perspective: new directions
At IFAI Expo 2009 in San Diego, Pete McKernan,
president and CEO of Herculite Products Inc.,
took the reins as the new chairman of the
board of the Industrial Fabrics Association
International (IFAI). On page 27, he gives
us some preliminary ideas about trends in
the industry, and what directions he will
address on the board.
If you’d like to nominate a fellow IFAI
manufacturer member for coverage in the
Review, to share their unique perspective
on industry success, please contact Galynn
Nordstrom, gdnordstrom@ifai.com.
8 Review 11.09
tive website (www.specialtyfabricsreview.com), with daily
news updates, searchable content archived not only by issue
but by market, and even a weekly blog (well, almost) from
“Miss Management,” who frankly deserves a much wider
audience than she’s getting. Devoted as I am to print pub-
lishing, there is more than one way to produce a magazine.
Most industries, including specialty fabrics, have something
similar happening as technology seems to outpace tradition.
In “Resilience through innovation” on page 45 of this issue, a
report on IFAI Expo 2009, you’ll find information on e-textiles,
fabrics that protect, fabrics that communicate, fabrics that heal
themselves and help to heal us, fabrics that generate power, fab-
rics that change color, fabrics that are recycled and recyclable:
today’s materials and tomorrow’s opportunities. You’ll also
find reports on on current market trends and growth indus-
tries, such as shade structures and wide-format graphics. A third
major theme at the show focused on operational excellence—
the same kinds of best business practices we’ve been hearing
about for years, updated for a new fiscal and physical climate.
The message is quality, and value. IFAI Expo attendees can put
together their own educational programs and show floor visits to
create their own custom blend of high-tech materials and tradi-
tional products, or traditional materials in high-tech markets.
Specialty Fabrics Review creates an editorial calendar each year
(http://specialtyfabricsreview.com/advertise/inprint/editcal-
endar2010) to present balanced—and useful—coverage of the
entire specialty fabrics industry. You may be in business in only
a few of the markets we cover each month, but there’s some-
thing to learn from every market. In print, you read what we’ve
selected, from everyone’s input. Online, you can search the
current issue, back issues and all archived material, so if you’re
focused on a particular market, product, process or company,
you can select just the content you need.
And bringing a pizza with you when you deliver the end
results to your customer is still a fine idea.
 Specialty fabrics

Published since 1915 by the

Industrial Fabrics Association International

Specialty Fabrics Review provides timely and accurate

industry intelligence to the members of the
Industrial Fabrics Association International and
the global specialty fabrics marketplace.

Publisher Mary Hennessy

mjhennessy@ifai.com
Editorial Director Susan R. Niemi
srniemi@ifai.com
Senior Editor Galynn D. Nordstrom
gdnordstrom@ifai.com
Associate Editor Janet Preus
jlpreus@ifai.com
Contributing Writers Mark E. Battersby,
Katherine Carlson, Juli Case, Janice
Kleinschmidt, Jeff Rasmussen, Jamie Swedberg,
Sigrid Tornquist, Juliana Wallace, Bruce Wright,
Flora Xu
Art Director Marti Naughton
Graphic Designer Nicole Von Ruden
Circulation Manager Mary Moore
Circulation Specialist A Lo
subscriptions@ifai.com
New Business Development Sarah Hyland
schyland@ifai.com, 800 319 3349
Classified Advertising Sales/Ad Production
Kristen Evanson kmevanson@ifai.com
Advertising Sales Terry Brodsky, Vivian Cowan,
Julia Heath, Mary Mullowney, Sandy Tapp,
Elizabeth Welsh
IFAI President Stephen M. Warner
smwarner@ifai.com
Editorial Advisory Committee Lorne Andras,
Stayput Fasteners/Sunpoint Marine, Sidney, B.C.,
Canada; Harry Daugherty, P.E. Whitehouse, Ohio;
Peter Douglas, L.F. Pease Co., East Providence,
R.I.; Cheryl Gomes, QinetiQ North America/
Foster-Miller Inc., Waltham, Mass.; Kenneth
Keberle, Karl’s Event Rental, Scottsdale, Ariz.;
Rosemary Ward-Krienke, MFC, IFM, CPP North
Texas Tarp & Awning, Witchita Falls, Texas

Subscription inquiries, orders and changes contact

A Lo, Circulation Coordinator, Specialty Fabrics Review,
1801 County Road B W, Roseville, MN 55113-4061 Phone 800
225 4324 or +1 651 222 2508, fax +1 651 631 9334, e-mail:
subscriptions@ifai.com. 1-year USA $69, Canada and Mexico
$79, all other countries $169, payable in U.S. funds (includes
air mail postage).

Specialty Fabrics Review is the official publication of

the Industrial Fabrics Association International.

1801 County Road B W., Roseville, MN 55113 USA

+1 651 222 2508 | 800 225 4324 | www.ifai.com
© 2009 Industrial Fabrics Association International, all rights reserved

The inside of this magazine is printed with SoySeal inks

certified by the American Soybean Association.
www.specialtyfabricsreview.com • 11.09 Review 9
 Sf Briefings
Forethought
swatches
showroom
problem
solvers

Lights, fabric—action!
I n Suzhou, China, Harmony Times Square, next to Suzhou
Industrial Park Jinji Lake, is a new landmark for the city,
including office buildings, retail streets, riverfront cafes and
a state-of-the-art shopping mall. Its urban design and open
canal-side streetscape create a cultural center for the city,
and also serve broader needs by integrating expansion and
transportation requirements. A variety of bridges, pathways,
plazas and retail tenants frame the unique development; the
complex also includes a river shuttle service, an air corridor
served by an ultra-large square, six subway exits and more
than 4,000 underground parking spaces.
The sky canopy adds a unique element to the experience,
with multimedia projection surfaces connecting the low-rise
retail buildings along the river. Roofed with 292 ETFE air cush-
ions, with five air supply machines to guarantee a permanent
source of inflation, the canopy has a PTFE-coated open-weave
glass fiber fabric structure directly under the roof, on which
approximately 20 million LED lamps are installed, to form
what is claimed to be the world’s largest LED display screen.
Designed by HOK (Asia Pacific), engineered by Beijing N & L
Fabric Tech Co. Ltd. and fabricated by covertex membrane
(Shanghai) Co. Ltd., the canopy has a waved aluminum panel
edge and is supported by steel tube pillars.
The soft, shining lights of the sky canopy are “like a shin-
ing color stripe floating beside the Jinhi Lake,” combining
aesthetics and technology to represent the modern world. The
project won a 2009 Award of Excellence in IFAI’s annual Inter-
national Achievement Awards program. View all the winners
at www.ifaipublications.com/iaa.

10 Review 11.09
The sky canopy over Harmony Times
Square in Suzhou, China, blends
aesthetics and technology into a lighted
fabric city landmark. Photos: Beijing
N & L Fabric Tech Co. Ltd., covertex
membranes (Shanghai) Co. Ltd.
 Sf Briefings
Forethought
swatches
showroom
problem
solvers

Sewage odors go undercover

L iving downwind of a wastewater treatment plant or set-
tling pond can be a fragrant experience. Natural bacteria
break down sewage, but before they finish the job, neighbors
often cry “Foul!” Geomembrane Technologies Inc. (GTI), a Biogas covers allow recovery of
Canadian company that custom designs and fabricates cover methane, which can be burned
as fuel. Photo: Geomembrane
systems, recently installed covers for two 65-foot-diameter
Technologies Inc.
wastewater settling tanks near Columbus, Ohio. The cover
system allows treatment plants to collect biogas for re-use
and improve odor control.
GTI, located in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada,
specializes in covers for municipal and industrial wastewa-
ter treatment plants and drinking water supplies. Projects
have included floating, modular, suspended, structurally
supported, and gas-handling cover systems. Learn more at
www.gticovers.com.

12 Review 11.09
 Sf Briefings
Forethought
swatches
showroom
problem
solvers

Ingeo™ fiber hits the

floor, sustainably
T he Toyota Prius leads the pack in eco-friendly
hybrid vehicles. The new third-generation Prius
has the world’s best fuel consumption, solar-pow-
ered ventilation system, plant-derived plastics in its
moulded interiors and deluxe floor mats made of
Ingeo™ fibers.
Ingeo, a family of plant-derived biopolymers from
100-percent-renewable resources, is produced by
NatureWorks LLC, Minnetonka, Minn. Traditional
floor mats, made of petroleum-derived nylon resin,
use nonrenewable fossil fuels. The manufacturing
process for Ingeo reduces fossil fuel use by 65 per-
cent and cuts carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas) by
90 percent in comparison, according to NatureWorks.
NatureWorks supplied Ingeo to Toyota Tsusho Corporation for the
Find out more at www.natureworksllc.com. Prius’s sustainable-material floor mats. Photo: NatureWorks LLC.

Hitting the wall—

moveable megagraphics
T he Start SOMA Art Gallery in San Francisco, Calif.,
wanted artists and designers to think big. So the gallery
partnered with large-format printer LTLprints, Phila-
delphia, Pa., to publish and distribute a collection of BIG
WALL GRAPHICS by selected artists. LTL (which stands
for Larger than Life) offers standard and custom wall graph-
ics up to seven feet tall, printed with eco-solvent digital inks
on fabric paper woven between a matte presentation layer
and a self-adhesive substrate.
The graphics, printed and installed as one continuous
piece, can be moved and re-positioned up to 100 times
without losing adhesion or leaving a residue. They are safe
to apply over wallpaper, brick or concrete and will not curl,
peel or crack as vinyl graphics often can. The LTLprints
catalog contains 49 Start SOMA Art Gallery options, as well
as a range of other choices. Customers may submit their
own photos and graphics for a personalized wall statement.
Visit www.LTLprints.com for more information. Fresh from the printer: moveable, self-adhesvie standard and custom wall graphics. Photos: LTLprints.

www.specialtyfabricsreview.com • 11.09 Review 13

 Sf Briefings
Forethought
swatches
showroom
problem
solvers

Pre-engineered structures:
custom looks, modular
B irdair Inc., Buffalo, N.Y., has an impressive portfolio of
custom lightweight roofing, shading and tensile fabric
structures, designed for malls, stadiums and airports. For
customers seeking Birdair’s soaring designs on a smaller
scale or with a limited budget, the company offers pre-
engineered modular systems that “cost-effectively visually
transform ordinary landscapes and streetscapes,” says
Michele Roth, Birdair marketing manager.
The modular systems come in a range of shapes, sizes
and colors and are meant to be permanent installations
suitable for outdoor architectural environments. Support-
ing frames feature two-part paint and hot-dipped galva-
nized marine-grade 316 stainless steel. PVC canopies are
waterproof, anti-fungal, UV resistant and easy to clean.
Modular systems can be linked to provide a single continu-
ous canopy, and are available in standard sizes. For more
details, see www.birdairlt.com.
Pre-engineered shade modules give custom looks to
most architectural environments. Shown here: the
Omni Hotel in San Diego. Photos: Birdair Inc.

14 Review 11.09
 Sf Briefings
Forethought
swatches
showroom
problem
solvers

Elegant cabana has hidden powers

M ost vacationers don’t need an enticement for lounging in a
poolside cabana, but for those who want more than good
looks, Solade Concepts, Corona, Calif., has a bright idea. The Solar
Cabana is topped with eight solar power panels that can produce
1,260 watts an hour, enough to power small appliances, ceiling fans,
an LCD television or other electric-powered necessities.
The queenly square-topped cabana’s solar panels are hidden from
view by Polytex® Extra Heavy Duty Knitted Shadecloth, manufac-
tured by Polyfab USA, Manhattan Beach, Calif. A layer of the fire-
resistant HDPE Polytex fabric obscures occupants’ view of the solar
panels while allowing air to circulate, cooling both the panels and
allowing air circulation. Other partners involved in product devel-
opment include Davis Fabricators, Corona, Calif., producers of the
cabana’s steel frame, and AR Industries, Fontana, Calif., which cre-
ated and installed the fabric covering. Solade Concepts introduced
a prototype of a new product, the Solar Umbrella, earlier this year.
Learn more at www.soladeconcepts.com.
Lounge lizards have it made in the shade
in a Solar Cabana that generates enough
power for a small refrigerator or plasma
screen TV. Photos: AR Industries.

In the pod farm, good

banners make good neighbors
T he new guy down the hall drops by your “open plan”
office cubicle for a chat and chew, followed by the guy
who tells off-color jokes, the woman complaining about her
boyfriend and a whole co-worker barnyard horsing around.
How are you supposed to get work done? The Cubicle Mes-
sage Barrier, a 2.6-inch-wide retractable banner, clearly
signals your intention to work uninterrupted.
CubeGuard Inc., Santa Clara, Calif., developed the
banners to stretch across an office pod opening of up to 50
inches, with messages that range from informative (“Out to
lunch” or “Working from home”) to downright forbidding
(“Please do not disturb” or “Get out, please”). The color-
printed polyester banner, with either standard or custom
messaging, comes in an interchangeable cartridge shipped
with mounting hardware for $20-$30 dollars, to fence the
talking heads out. Learn more at www.cubeguard.com.
The CubeGuard website includes this enthusiastic user testimonial: “I LOVE my CubeGuard. It turns
away all those time-hogs that lurk at your cube and suck your time away.” Photo: CubeGuard Inc.

www.specialtyfabricsreview.com 11.09 Review 15

 Sf Briefings
Forethought
swatches
showroom
problem
solvers

Air-inflated patient transfer products

The AirPal RAMP inflates to
position the patient with the
glottis exposed to aid intubation.
Photo: AirPal PTS Inc.
A irPal® PTS Inc., Center Valley, Pa., claims to build a better line of air-inflated
products for transferring ill or injured patients—and is willing to back its
claims with a limited five-year warranty. “Traditionally manufacturers in this
product segment have offered one-year warranties,” says company president Jim
Weedling. The AirPal Platform line consists of inflatable patient surfaces with a
constant escape of air underneath that reduces friction and allows safe transfers
from one flat surface to another.
AirPal uses thermoplastic fabric composites that are strong, durable, antimicro-
bial, antistatic, and resistant to flames, stains, odors and fluids. A new waterproof
coating remains intact during heat exposure, especially to heat damage during the
frequent laundry cycles needed to clean the products after each use. High tensile
strength nylon webbing handles give health care workers a firm grip during lifting.
Heat sealing and sewn construction ensure an airtight seal on products such as
the AirPal Rapid Airway Management Positioner (RAMP), which inflates to position
a patient, even the elderly or overweight, to open the airway for better breathing or
intubation. Read more at www.airpal.com.

The wrapped Three-Fifths

motor coach contained
cameras and video editing
stations for students
documenting their historic
presidential inauguration
trip. Photos: Avery Dennison
Graphics and Reflective
Products Division.

‘Three-Fifths’ historic bus tour, 360-degree wrap

I n 1787, Northern and Southern states at odds over slavery fought over whether slaves would be counted as
persons for tax distribution and apportionment of representatives to the U.S. Congress. The compromise: only
three-fifths of slaves would be counted. Documentary filmmaker and high-school teacher Eric Williams saw a
teachable moment in the election of President Barack Obama and raised donations to film a 1,900-mile bus trip
from Dallas to Washington, D.C., for eight De Soto Middle School students taking part in the historic inaugura-
tion. Donors included 360 Wraps, a Dallas, Texas, firm that designed, printed and installed a whole-bus graphic
wrap, as well as Avery Dennison Graphics and Reflective Products Division, Painesville, Ohio, which donated
800 square feet of printable vinyl.
The motor coach, seen by an estimated four million people on its tour through sites of African-American
history, served as promotional billboard, filmmaking lab and history class for the students. The resulting film,
“Three-Fifths: Countdown to History,” shows the students stopping at Little Rock High School, the King Center
in Atlanta and former stations on the Underground Railroad. The Avery MPI 1005 Easy Apply RS™ conformed to
the motor coach’s complex curves and rivets and was installed without damaging original paint, while the com-
pany’s DOL 1360 Gloss overlaminate gave the graphics a glossy finish. Find out more at www.averygraphics.com.

16 Review 11.09
 “Advanced Materials
Engineered Solutions” ™

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www.specialtyfabricsreview.com 11.09 Review 17

 Sf Briefings
Forethought
swatches
showroom
problem
solvers
INdustry news
Compressors with net zero energy consumption
T he ZR Series of water-cooled, oil-free air compressors,
manufactured by Atlas Copco, Stockholm, Sweden, are
the first to be TÜV certified for zero net energy consump-
tion. In specific conditions, 100 percent of the electrical
power used to run a ZR 55-750 can be recovered in the form
of heated water. Industries that require large amounts of
hot water and steam could dramatically reduce energy costs
by using the energy-neutral compressor systems. Industries
that would benefit from the net zero compressors include
food and beverage, dairy, pulp and paper, pharmaceuticals,
chemicals, power plants, clean rooms and textiles. Find out
more at www.carbonzerocompressors.com.
Milestone at Firestone: 1 million hours injury-free
T he employees of Firestone Textiles Co., Woodstock, Ontario,
Canada, produce nylon resins and yarns for tire manufactur-
ers in the U.S.—and they do it without the on-the-job accidents
that increase production costs. The company announced that
employees had reached one million man hours with no lost
time injuries, which are injuries that require recuperation away
from work. The employees, a joint health and safety committee,
the union and Firestone Textiles supervisors accomplished the
injury-free landmark between April 2007 and June 2009. “One
of our most important values is for employees to come to work,
do the job and go home in exactly the same condition they came
to work,” says Ken Weaver, president of Bridgestone Firestone
Canada Inc. Read more at http://firestone-textiles.com.
Argotec revamps to serve textile laminators
T o better serve the textile lamination and performance apparel
industries, Argotec Inc., Greenfield, Mass., will concentrate
on “better matching our film extrusion capabilities, technical
expertise and resources with the applications of our customers—
strength to strength,” says Bruce Wilby, president and CEO of
Argotec. The company’s thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) film
and sheet works well with textile lamination for making perfor-
mance clothing and shoes. OmniFlex™ waterproof and breathable
films and ArgoFlex™ barrier films contain no plasticizers that
cause allergic reactions, provide high breathability, durability,
excellent stretch and recovery, softness, and good hand. The films
can include antimicrobial technologies for anti-odor properties.
For more information, see www.argotec.com.
18 Review 11.09
Teijin dissolves S.C. monofilament subsidiary
W hen Teijin Limited, Tokyo, Japan, purchased the
monofilament business of Johns Manville in 2000, it
expected the market for paper machine clothing (covers for
paper-making rollers that improve machine performance)
would be strong. Losses at Teijin Monofilament U.S. Inc.,
Spartanburg, S.C., resulted from changes in the PMC market,
the lackluster economy and customers relocating production
to Central and South America. Teijin Limited will dissolve
and liquidate the subsidiary at the end of the year, filling
orders only until the end of October 2009. The Spartanburg
facility produced approximately 4,000 tons of monofilament
annually and had annual net sales of $28.5 million in 2008.
For more information, visit www.teijin.co.jp/english.
Going for gold at Agion Technologies
L ast year, Agion Technologies, a Wakefield, Mass., leader
in silver-based antimicrobial technology, received a Silver
Cradle-to-Cradle certification, which recognizes achievement
in environmental design, processes and standards throughout
the lifecycle of a company’s product. This year, Agion went
for the Gold certification and received it. The certifications
signal that companies adopt renewable energy, use energy ef-
ficiently, conserve water, use environmentally safe materials,
recycle or compost waste and more. The Agion antimicrobial
technology is based on natural germ-killing properties of
silver and is built into products for customers such as DuPont,
Adidas, The North Face, Columbia, Motorola and Dell. For
more details, visit www.agion-tech.com.
New name for Genesis Plastics Welding
G enesis Plastics Welding, the new name for the combined
companies Genesis Manufacturing and Plastics Welding
Technology, launched a new logo and web presence in August.
The company’s proprietary radio frequency (RF) heat sealing
technology helps customers reduce use of polyvinyl chloride
(PVC). Its ecoGenesis processes can be used to engineer products
from polyethylene, polypropylene and other phthalate-free
polymers in any combination of film, foam or fabric layers.
For details, visit www.GenesisPlasticsWelding.com.
 PEOPLE
Schurz to join Rowley Co. Frisch joins Springs
As the owner of Tavern Hill, a cus- Creative Products
tom drapery workroom, Susan Group
Schurz has hands-on experience Scott Frisch, former
working with fabrics and textile president of a textile and
Grap
technologies. Now she’ll expand mattress industry consult- hics Me
d ia
that expertise to a wider audience as ing firm, has been named sales
brand experience manager for Rowley Company, Gastonia, N.C. and merchandising manager for the specialty fabrics
Schurz has published educational videos and a book of original division of Springs Creative Products Group (SCPG) LLC,
window treatment designs, and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Rock Hill, S.C. Frisch’s new division provides unfinished
Fine Arts from Virginia Commonwealth University. She has been fabrics and components to manufacturers of mattresses
an instructor for the Custom Home Furnishing Academy since and furniture. He brings 10 years experience in fabric
2003. For more details, visit www.RowleyCompany.com. development, 10 years experience selling equipment Pool
& Sp a F
to textile industries, and a B.S. in textile management abrics
from North Carolina State University.

Heal
thcare
Fa brics
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800 888 9750 • 412 787 9750 • Fax 412 787 3665

www.specialtyfabricsreview.com • 11.09 Review 19

 Sf Briefings
Forethought
swatches
showroom
problem
solvers

resources
From supplier to market: consider the source is considered the most important predictor of skin cancer,

A new report, “Geographical Proximity May No Longer

Be a Critical Factor in Textile and Apparel Sourcing,” is
now available from Research and Markets, Dublin, Ireland,
at www.researchandmarkets.com. The report, developed by
Textiles Intelligence, discusses the importance of proximity
between the source and seller as fashion cycles have become
shorter, lead times compressed and complications during
transportation more likely from overseas suppliers.
Online auctions for ‘Shade Across America’
T
he Skin Cancer Awareness Foundation wants children
across the nation to have shade structures in outdoor
play spaces—and will help raise money for shade projects
through an online auction. The goal of the auction concept
is to help schools, organizations and community groups raise
the funding for shade structures. Exposure to ultraviolet rays
and the Foundation wants groups to provide cover in places
children play. Auction items will receive national exposure
on the Foundation website, through news releases and in
an online magazine. The first nationwide auction opened
October 1, 2009. Visit www.shadeacrossamerica.com for
more information about the campaign.
Awards and CERTIFICATION
Saint-Gobain facility ISO 14001 certified
Saint-Gobain Technical Fabrics, manufacturer of industrial fabrics for construc-
tion, packaging and building materials, received ISO 14001:2004 certification for
its facility in Tlaxcala, Mexico, and plans to seek certification for all five of its
North American manufacturing facilities by 2011. Established by the International
Organization for Standardization, ISO 14001:2004 certification demonstrates that
a facility has identified and controlled environmental impacts of its activities,
products or services; committed to continuous improvement in environmental
performance; and set targets for achieving environmental objectives. For more
details, visit www.saint-gobain.com.

OUR BUSINESS SUCKS...HOW’S YOURS?

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20 Review 11.09
 Sf Briefings
Forethought
swatches
showroom
problem
solvers

International trade

[ ]
New U.S. Trade Representative for textiles Frantic for a favorite fabric?
U .S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk se-
lected Gail Strickler, an experienced
former textile company CEO and associate
Search by category, keyword or name at
www.specialtyfabricsreview.com
director at Philadelphia University’s Col-
lege of Textiles and Sciences, as the U.S. lead
negotiator for textiles. She will supervise
negotiations on textile and apparel products,
advise Kirk on textile policy and work to
expand access to foreign markets. Strickler,
most recently working with the University’s
Institute for Textiles and Apparel Product
Safety, previously served as vice president of
the Global Apparel Division for Duro Tex-
tile LLC after that company acquired Saxon
Textile Corp., where she spent 26 years and
ended as CEO. She has been president of
the Textile Distributors Association, a board
member for the National Council of Textile
Organizations and served on the U.S. Depart-
ment of Agriculture Cotton Board. For more
information, see www.ustr.gov.

Tire tariff on Chinese imports

v
P resident Barack Obama imposed tariffs
of up to 35 percent on illegally subsidized
tire imports from China, a move celebrated
by textile manufacturers and blasted by the
Chinese. The action follows a determination
by the U.S. International Trade Commis-
sion that a harmful surge of Chinese tires
disrupted the U.S. market. The action, taken
under Section 421 of the 1974 Trade Act, is
considered the easiest, least costly and most
(NCOGTGVCTFCPV HKPKUJ CPF TCKPRTQQH EQCVKPI OCMG (+4'/#56'4v 2NWU
direct route to get relief. Lloyd Wood of the
WPKSWGRTQXKFKPIGPJCPEGFUWPCPFYGCVJGTRTQVGEVKQPHQTVJQUGKORQT
American Manufacturing Trade Action Coali- VCPVRWDNKEXGPWGU
tion advocated a comprehensive approach to 4GIKUVGTGF%CNKHQTPKC(KTG/CTUJCNN0Q(rOOYCVGTEQNWOP
illegally subsidized trade, which he says has r CXCKNCDNG KP PKPG RQRWNCT EQNQWTU r GZEGNNGPV FKOGPUKQPCN UVCDKNKV[ r QFQWT
created a cumulative $3.8 trillion trade defi- PGWVTCNEQCVKPI

cit since 2001. Read more at www.ustr.gov/ (QTHWTVJGTKPHQTOCVKQPXKUKVQWTYGDUKVGYYYUCVVNGTEQTREQO

about-us/press-office/press-releases/2009/
september/kirk-white-house-fulfilling-trade- 5CVVNGT0QTVJ#OGTKEC%QTR$TQCFJQNNQY4QCF5WKVG/GNXKNNG0;
6GN
6QNN(TGG
(CZ

enforcement-pl.

www.specialtyfabricsreview.com • 11.09 Review 21

 farm
Down on the

The business of agriculture

puts fabric products to work.

The cow dome

[Harnois Industries] St-Thomas
de Joliette, Quebec, Canada
A fabric barn shelters the herd for a dairy
business in Tradewell, Ontario, Canada. The
60-foot by 168-foot building includes venti-
lation, side curtains and a peak vent. A pre-
fabricated steel structure, the MegaDome®
from Harnois Industries is designed by
engineers to meet building code standards
and provide reliable and safe protection.
Less expensive to build and maintain than a
conventional building, it can be customized
to suit many agricultural applications.
Visit www.megadomebuildings.com.

22 Review 11.09
 Sf Briefings
Forethought
swatches
showroom
problem
solvers

Prawns in ponds
[GSE Lining Technology Inc.]
Houston, Texas, U.S.A.
Although traditional shrimp farming first practiced in
small, brackish coastal ponds is still used, farmers
in Indonesia have also succeeded with semi-intensive
and intensive methods. A 30-million-square-meter
shrimp farm in Indonesia uses high density poly-
ethylene (HDPE) geomembranes from GSE Lining
Technology to line the aquaculture ponds, providing a
cost-effective alternative to traditional earthen-lined
ponds. With lined ponds, farmers experience better
water quality and disease resistance, improving the
survival rate of the shrimp—and their bottom line.
Visit www.gseworld.com.

Zen and the art of horsemanship

[FarmTek] Dyersville, Iowa, U.S.A.
The owner of Zen Horsemanship in Hatfield, Ark. specializes in
clicker training, which focuses on the best possible relationship
between horses and humans. Riding and training lessons, held in
an outdoor pen, had too frequently been delayed or cancelled due to
rain, or wet and muddy conditions. A 60-foot ClearSpan™ High Crown
Arena from FarmTek provided a safe, controlled environment that
reduced distractions, allowing both horse and rider to stay focused,
no matter what the weather. The openness of the arena provides the
experience of riding outside while still being in a protected space.
Cover and optional side panels are manufactured from 22 oz., 23.2
mil PVC-coated polyester that comes with a 15-year warranty.
Visit www.farmtek.com.
» For more, search agriculture at specialtyfabricsreview.com

www.specialtyfabricsreview.com 11.09 Review 23

wow
™

Wow…That’s a Retractable Awning?

We like to call it the SeaShell Awning.
Come see for yourself the simplicity and unbelievable versatility with
an awning product you have never seen before. We invite you to
experience The Evolution of Shade ™.

Just imagine what the SeaShell Awning

™ can do for Residential, Commercial,
the Hospitality and Community area’s.
™

the CALL 877-75-SHELL (877-757-4355) or visit

www.SeaShellAwningsUSA.com to see more!
 Sf Briefings
Forethought
swatches
showroom
problem
solvers

S lvers Multiple possibilities

Flexible fabrics, finishes and Our mon
th
industry ly installment o
equipment offer greater efficiencies -specific f comm
on
product p
for fabricators and customers. s that c roblems and th
an bring e
you solu
tions.

Meeting printer preferences

P: Fabricators need a printer with the ability to handle
a variety of job sizes and fabric types.

S: The UJET Mc3-Premium textile printer from

Converd handles large and small projects from
samples and proofs to 500-yard runs. Efficient and
user-friendly, its advanced inter-weaving technol-
ogy eliminates banding, and its fabric handling sys-
tem makes it easy to print on thin fabrics, such as
silk or chiffon, and stretch fabrics, such as nylon.
With built-in efficiencies that reduce waste water in
the printing process between 90 and 100 percent, it
is also kinder to the environment.
Contact > Converd, East Longmeadow, Mass., U.S.A.;
888 977 5050, www.converd.com.

Safer, softer, drier Transparent and tough

P: Fire- and water- repellent fabric finishes P: Lightweight, transparent media may not offer the strength
may compromise on softness and comfort. and imaging capabilities required for some applications. .

S: DowCorning® is now offering DS-9000 Eco
Repel™, an eco-friendly multifunctional encap-
sulated silicone additive for technical textiles.
Jointly developed with DEVAN Chemicals,
this technology allows apparel manufactur-
ers to increase softness and hydrophobicity
on existing flame-retardant finishes without
impacting flame retardancy. Applications may
include mattress ticking, tenting, canvas,
upholstery and protective clothing.
Contact > Dow Corning, Midland, Mich., U.S.A.;
+1 989 496 4400, www.dowcorning.com/textiles.
S: New Pure Color™ Apollo Flag™ from Neschen® is engineered
to be both sturdy and lightweight, allowing for the creation
of dramatic messaging. A specialty coating delivers photo
realistic imaging with a wide color gamut, fast dry time,
and excellent scratch resistance. A 100 percent transparent
polyester, its satin finish provides a unique look for flags
wall hangings, indoor and outdoor banners, signage, and
POP display. For use with most solvent, eco-solvent, and UV
printers.
Contact > Neschen Americas, Elkridge, Md., U.S.A.;
800 257 7325, www.neschenbrands.com.

www.specialtyfabricsreview.com • 11.09 Review 25

 Sf Briefings
Forethought
swatches
showroom
problem
solvers

Luxury that performs

P: Elegant, luxury fabrics don’t necessarily have per-
formance qualities that match their good looks.

S: Chella Textiles’ line of luxury fabrics can take the

punishment, too. Ready-to-wear boucle befits
a barstool just as well; tweeds, satins, velvets
and chenilles withstand spilled drinks, the family
dog’s dirty paws, bright sunlight or pounding rain,
as well as the heavy demands of commercial
settings. Comfortable inside and out, Chella’s
solution-dyed acrylic fabric color palette runs
from neutrals to dark, rich and daring.
Contact > Chella Textiles, Santa Barbara, Calif., U.S.A.;
+1 805 560 8400, www.chellatextiles.com.

Affordable laser line

P: Efficient laser equipment can also be prohibitively
expensive for a small fabricator.

S: The Preco Golden Laser (PGL) line offers afford-

able, entry-level laser equipment alternatives for
cutting and marking of signage, filtration products,
promotional items, advertising specialties, apparel,
photos, toys, sports equipment, and other products
using composites, card stock, wood, plastic, and
industrial fabrics. Processes that typically have
required one to two minutes can now be accom-
plished in a matter of seconds.
Contact > Preco Inc., Somerset, Wisc., U.S.A.;
+1 715 247 3285, www.precogoldenlaser.com.

A better die cutting design

P: Traditional die cutting doesn’t offer enough flexibility,
speed and efficiency for today’s market demands.

S: With an eye to giving worldwide textile manufacturers full

operational versatility, Spartanics Finecut Combination
Model laser die-cutting machine has multiple flexibility-
focused design features. Sheet-fed or coil-fed jobs can
be quickly interchanged, with jobs loaded and setup com-
pleted in minutes. All types of printing processes can be
finished by the same machine and any combination of cut-
ting and marking details can be made in one cycle.
Contact > Spartanics, Rolling Meadows, Ill., U.S.A.;
+1 847 394 5700, www.spartanics.com.
» For more, search problem solvers at specialtyfabricsreview.com

26 Review 11.09
 Sf Perspective

by Sigrid Tornquist

Taking

helm
the

Pete McKernan makes a

commitment to action for
the specialty fabrics industry.

“Be trustworthy. Be proactive. Do right.

Respect others. Conduct yourself in such a way
that when those you do business with think of integrity,
quality and excellence—they think of you,” says Pete McKernan,
IFM, newly elected chair of the Industrial Fabrics Association
International (IFAI) board of directors, and president and CEO
of Herculite Products Inc. in Emigsville, Pa.
Every two years, the IFAI leadership shifts, and at IFAI
Expo 2009 in San Diego, Pete McKernan became IFAI’s 47th
chairman of the board. What shaped McKernan’s leadership
character? What inspired him to take over as chair? What is
his vision for IFAI and the specialty fabrics industry? It all
began with five frogs, a log, a decision—and a jump.

The jump
“I love the story of five frogs on a log,” McKernan says. “Five
frogs were sitting on a log. Four decided to jump. How many
were left on the log? Five. There is a big difference between
deciding to do something and actually doing it.” McKernan’s
tenet of acting on his convictions has been a driving force in his
life, beginning with his experience as a child and continuing
throughout his career.

Specialty Fabrics Review profiles IFAI’s new

chairman of the board every two years. Next
issue, our Perspective interview will return to
our “manufacturing members only” policy.
Photos: Bart Harris/Chicago.

www.specialtyfabricsreview.com 09.09 Review 27

11.09
 “An ounce of action is worth a ton of
Vital Statistics
Peter McKernan, IFM
Herculite® Inc.
Emigsville, Pa., U.S.A.
High-performance laminated and
coated fabrics, in markets includ-
ing agriculture, athletic equipment,
awnings, banner, bedding, bill-
boards, boats, equipment covers,
decorative fabrics, digital media,
graphics, healthcare, pools, tents,
tarps, equipment covers, military,
medical equipment and shelters
IFAI member since 1956
www.herculite.com
Favorite Children's book
Draw Me a Star
by Eric Carle
McKernan’s father died in 1956, leaving his mother with three young boys to raise,
Pete being the youngest. Among the lessons she imparted to her children were the
courage to pursue dreams, perseverance and hard work. “She taught us never to be too
impressed with ourselves and to remember to laugh—a lot,” McKernan says.
Though McKernan places great value on a sense of humor, he does not take the
issues facing the specialty fabrics industry lightly—far from it. His decision to run for
the board of directors stems from his desire to contribute to the continued growth and
success of IFAI’s membership and the specialty fabrics industry. You could say that he
decided to jump off the log—with conviction and a sense of humor.
McKernan graduated from Union College in New York with a B.A. and an M.B.A.
He began his career working for Procter and Gamble. “While at Procter and Gamble I
learned about the voice of the customer,” McKernan says. “I learned about how valuable
strong brands are and how important the total cost of ownership experience is for end
users.” Now, as chairman of IFAI’s board of directors, McKernan is facing the challenge
of leading an international association as it struggles to emerge from an economic crisis.
Why did you join IFAI’s board of directors, and decide to pursue the chairmanship?
”Throughout my career, I have chosen to get involved and try to make a difference. I
have been on the IFAI board since 2002, and wanted to run for chair to contribute to
the continued growth and success of our membership. This was true with my time on
the Industrial Fabrics Foundation (IFF), the United States Industrial Fabrics Institute
(USIFI), and now as board chairman of IFAI—all of which are a natural progression of
my interests in and commitment to our industry.”
How has IFAI membership furthered your career?
“While there is a certain time commitment, fortunately the IFAI Policy Governance
structure enables board members to optimize their volunteer time. There is no doubt
that belonging to IFAI and serving on the association’s board has provided a broader
understanding of the dynamics of the influence of our business.”
What are your plans for IFAI?
“We are a member-owned organization. I believe we need to focus on accomplishing
objectives that benefit our members. To that end, we need to focus on and execute a few
objectives exceptionally well:
Sf Review asks What is your...?
INDUSTRY PREDICTION BUSINESS PHILOSOPHY
The first lesson I learned Help customers grow
about predicting the future their businesses by
is that you can’t. But we providing innovative
can observe trends and try products and services
to anticipate how those distinguished by excep-
trends might create oppor- tional value.
tunities and challenges.
theory.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

> We need to strengthen our value proposition with our members and
end users. The implementation of our updated strategic plan for the
association will help achieve this outcome.
> As a trade association, we need to expand and accelerate the ways in
which we articulate our value proposition. We need to increase recogni-
tion and awareness of our association in order to create growth oppor-
tunities for our members.
> As a group, we need to engage in the larger issues of our time, such as
sustainability, taxation and trade issues to become a larger voice in
advocating public policies.”
What are the biggest challenges facing the industry?
“The global economic downturn and the emerging recovery is the biggest
challenge our members are facing. This re-set will have lasting implica-
tions up and down the value chain. It is a time of great stress and great
opportunity.”
What kinds of changes do you see coming in our industry?
“As the economic environment continues to reshape itself, new innova-
tive products and services are becoming an essential point of differentia-
tion. To take advantage of this opportunity, individuals and companies
are collaborating in ways and with partners that a few years ago would
have been unlikely, if not impossible.”
How can IFAI best help members address these challenges?
“The networking opportunities provided by the association are a tre-
mendous hidden value. And the activities at the division level continue
to be an essential pathway for our members. Additionally, our publica-
tions and Web presence are valuable sources of knowledge and exposure
for members, end users and consumers.”
The challenges facing manufacturers at large are great—and so are the
Balancing act
opportunities. McKernan takes the helm of IFAI with optimism, experi- “At the end of the day, the issues facing
ence and faith. our members, whether domestic busi-
He’s jumping. nesses or international, are essentially the
» For more, search perspective at specialtyfabricsreview.com same,” says Pete McKernan, chairman of
the Industrial Fabrics Association Inter-
national’s board of directors. According to
McKernan, there are far more similarities
than differences in the way we do business,
and the benefits outweigh the challenges.
We all have to consider taxation, sustain-
ability and trade issues. How those issues
play out will affect us differently, but the
core considerations are the same. “Our
SECRET TO SUCCESS ADVICE FOR OTHERS interdependence can strengthen us or
Stay close to your Seek innovation, weaken us—depending on our approach,”
customers—listen, partner strategically he says. “Trade associations can be vehi-
and help them be suc- and learn from the cles for mutually beneficial growth, and
cessful. Keep it simple. great work others are as IFAI grows as an international voice
Expect change. doing in and outside for specialty fabrics, we can position the
the industry. industry for success.”

www.specialtyfabricsreview.com
www.reviewmagazine.info 05.09 Review 29
11.09
 What do customers
really want?

Art
The

mind reading
of

30 Review 11.09

I
t’s conventional wisdom that in a
sluggish economy, what consum-
ers desire more than anything else
is a low price. But when business
owners in the specialty textiles industry
ask themselves the question “What do our
customers want from us?,” they’re finding
that the answer is not that simple. In fact,
the conventional wisdom is misleading—
maybe even incorrect.
Certainly customers are buying smaller
quantities of goods. But in most cases, they
are not gravitating toward lower quality
products, say industry members.
“Customers are buying less,” says Nora
Norby, MFC, president of Banner Cre-
ations Inc., Minneapolis, Minn. “The same
customers are ordering the same things, but
the size of the jobs has plummeted.”
Bob Helmsing, MFC, vice president of
Lawrence Fabric Structures in St. Louis,
Mo., has noticed the same thing.
“Pockets have definitely tightened up,”
he says. “But we don’t see a cheapening of
the product. They’re not buying a lesser
model of awning. It’s just that more often
they are saying, ‘I don’t need that now. I
can wait. I can live without this.’”
Within the industry itself, many cus-
tomers don’t have the luxury of doing
without. If companies need a new heat
sealer, they need it— whether they have
the money or not.
“Price, in our opinion, isn’t the reason
people aren’t buying right now,” says Jeff
Sponseller, executive vice president of
Miller Weldmaster Corp., Navarre, Ohio.
“I ask my sales reps all the time if we could
come down on price to close a particular
deal, and most of them say ‘Not really.’
Sf Feature
by Jamie Swedberg
Certainly their negotiating position
improves, but the sale is really not that
much price dependent. Let’s say we
were selling a $50,000 machine. They
are not going to buy it because it goes
to $45,000. They are going to buy it
because they need that machine.”
What helps Miller Weldmaster close
the sale is partly its quality equipment,
but also that the company tries very
hard to chart out return on investment
(ROI) for its customers. It’s not always
the person signing the check who’s pur-
chasing the machine; sometimes a bit of
documentation goes a long way toward
a capital investment getting approval
from the boss. So, too, does creative
financing.
“We don’t offer leasing ourselves, but
we work with a couple of leasing compa-
nies around the country, and we’ll help
our customers get financing,” Sponseller
explains. “Often it’s not that [the cus-
tomers] have bad credit. It’s just that they
can’t get a lot of money from their bank
right that moment, even though they
need the machine for their business.”
Shelly Alex, vice president of sales
and marketing, Moss Inc., Belfast,
Maine, has noticed that some customers
can’t commit to purchases until the last
minute. What’s most valuable to these
buyers is Moss’s ability to respond to
orders with a very short lead time. Cus-
tomers also like it when the company is
able to repurpose pieces they’ve already
bought—for example, putting a new
cover on an existing frame. In a pinch,
Moss can even rent them a standard
frame and print a custom skin for it.

Banner Creations at the Minnesota
State Fair. The company
has intentionally sought out
environmentally focused clients,
tailoring its product line to appeal
to them. Not all customers
are concerned about green
products—but the ones whose
brands are based on sustainability
definitely are. Photos: Banner
Creations; photographer Paul
Andre, Minnesota Pollution
Control Agency.
32 Review 11.09
Lend them your ears
Nowadays, few companies can survive by selling to the
same customers they’ve always sold to. Salespeople must
try to find new potential buyers, ferret out those custom-
ers’ wants and needs, and tailor their product presenta-
tions accordingly.
“We’ve changed our marketing so that when you come
to our Web page, you don’t say what machine you’re look-
ing for, you say what you do,” Sponseller says. “If you
make truck tarps, we take you to a page that shows all of
the machines that make truck tarps, and highlights why
one might work better than another.”
Sometimes what customers want most is to feel they’re
being listened to.
“Everything we do is customer-driven,” says Helmsing.
“We have never been good at inventing a product and say-
ing, ‘We think this is cool, so let’s go sell it to everybody.’
That’s not who we are. What we do is ask questions. Some-
times someone wants a flagship—an attention-getter that
is their emblem in front of their building. Other people
just want shade. I think a lot of people refer business to us
because we have a reputation for being able to figure it out.”
Almost everyone wants quality, but there’s a catch:
Most potential customers lack the industry knowledge to
choose the best and most appropriate products for their
needs. Sellers must educate these people and make them
into more discerning consumers. That’s why Miller Weld-
master spends so much time and effort demonstrating its
machines on conference show floors.
“It’s a machine, and our customers want to see it, feel
it, touch it, and understand it,” Sponseller says. “I believe
if somebody understands how something works, they are
more apt to want to buy that machine, or to buy that over
the competition. So we concentrate on educating them on
how it works, rather than selling against something else.”
All things being equal quality-wise, customers will
gravitate toward the lowest price, says marketing consul-
tant and speaker Jack Sims. To make a decision based on
quality—which is what they really want to do, in most
cases—they need to see that all things are not equal.
Helmsing does this when he helps customers choose
between fabric coatings. He provides the education and the
product samples, but the customers provide the inspiration.
 Belfast, Maine-based Moss
Inc. worked with REI to install
tensioned shapes in its new
Silver LEED-certified stores.
Moss was required to research
LEED requirements and fit its
products to those specifications.
Photo courtesty of REI and Paul
Brokering Photography.

www.specialtyfabricsreview.com 11.09 Review 33

 At Lawrence Fabric ‘We tend to let the customer dictate,” he says. “We’ll
Structures, design say, ‘Here are a couple of types of coatings. If you pay the
innovation is driven
by conversations with extra for this coating, you’ll get this much more warranty.’
customers to ferret A lot of people say right away that it’s not worth it for
out their individual
preferences and
them. But the next guy will say it is worth it. It all depends
priorities. Photo: whose pocket it’s coming out of, how deep the pocket is,
Lawrence Fabric and how first-class they want to be.”
Structures.
Some brands have developed name recognition and a
reputation for quality over time. If your company uses any
Miller Weldmaster’s T300 Extreme Seam
machine is available in four prepackaged big-name products that have this sort of cachet, consider
bundles. Miller Weldmaster spends a great deal using cooperative advertising to take advantage of that.
on
of time and effort demonstrating its machines
conference show floors. According to executive “That creates trust,” Sims says. “Once the consumer
vice president Jeff Sponseller, “We concentrate trusts you, they’ll feel more comfortable buying from you.”
on educating them on how it works, rather than
selling against something else.”
The long haul
Many customers are motivated by experience and stabil-
ity; they want to know that the job will be done right, and
that the vendor will still be around to fix it if something
goes wrong. You can demonstrate these qualities by talking
about your company’s history and by showing examples of
your past work. Another strategy is to obtain third-party
certifications, but keep your audience in mind when you
choose which ones.

What green means

E nvironmentally friendly products
ing off the shelves as quickly as they
what with customers’ newfound price
aren’t fly-
used to,
“They have to buy from a company
because they’d be found out if they
like ours,
didn ’t,” says
sensitivity. Nora Norby, MFC, president of the
But certain types of buyers will alwa Minneapolis,
ys want the Minn., fabrication firm. “And Minn
greenest option. esota Pollution
Control—it’d be hard for them not
“This is just my opinion, but I don’ to buy from us.
t think sus- We’ve been targeting this niche for
tainability resonates with most cont some time.”
ractors,” says Whether or not customers are truly
Bob Helmsing, MFC, vice presiden motivated to
t of Lawrence purchase because of a company’s
Fabric Structures, St. Louis, Mo. “It greenness, they
resonates with do perceive it as responsible and
architects and designers. If [a gree reputable. That in
n material or and of itself may be what they wan
design] has a reasonably short retu t to find.
rn on invest- Miller Weldmaster Corp., Navarre,
ment, it might survive the revision Ohio,
process. If not, doesn’t market green machines.
the designers might back off. It’s However, execu-
hard to bite the tive vice president Jeff Sponseller
bullet right now on a 20-year payb has noticed
ack.” that many prospective customers
Banner Creations has intentionally are pursuing
sought out green markets, so he’s trying to antic
environmentally focused clients, ipate what
tailoring its prod- kind of machinery they will need
uct line to appeal to them. One cust to accomplish
omer is a store those goals. It’s part of the company
called Twin Cities Green, which sells ’s effort to sell
items made machines based on the end products
from recycled materials. they can be
used to make.

34 Review 11.09
 “We play up our quality message, the fact
that we’re ISO 9001 and 14001 certified, with
a lot of our customers,” says Scott Campbell,
president, Rainier Industries, Tukwila,
Wash. “The ISO 9001 quality standard is
required by a few of our customers. It’s a
huge investment—not something where
you just go buy a rubber stamp. But for
business-to-business, and specifically larger
manufacturing for government and military
organizations, it’s a very meaningful thing.
It’s more attractive than meeting mil spec.”
Norby likes to highlight her company’s
affiliation with IFAI and her Master Fabric
Craftsman (MFC) certification. “I talk about
my expertise,” she says. “I think it gives us
credibility with the buying community,”
she says. “I know there are plenty of people
who’ve heard of me, or who will identify me
as being a leader in the industry, just because
®2ETRACTABLE!WNINGS-ADE)N4HE53!
Nowadays, few
companies can survive
by selling to the same
customers they’ve
always sold to.
of hearing about my association with the
organization.”
“If customers know the value of it,
they will respond to it,” says Sims. “but it’s
got to mean something. And again, educa-
tion is important. Just putting it on an ad
or brochure won’t do it. You’ve got to tell
them what you learned to get the certifi-
cation in order to make it of value.”
» For more, search customer service
at specialtyfabricsreview.com
Jamie Swedberg is a freelance writer based near
Athens, Ga. Turn to page 78 for contact information
on the sources used in this story.
4(%#/.4).%.4!,
4(%3+9,)'(4
®!VAILABLE)N7HITE"RONZE"EIGEAND#LEAR!NODIZED&INISHES
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www.specialtyfabricsreview.com 11.09 Review 35

 on
expertise

Tentnology’s permanent stage cover at Douglas

Park Spirit Square in Langley, British Columbia,
Canada, not only offers excellent acoustics and
sight lines, but also is engineered for a snow
load of 55 pounds per square feet of snow and a
wind load of 90 mph. Photo: Tentnology.

36 Review 11.09
 Sf Feature

by Janice Kleinschmidt

Engineers help to ensure the practicality,

safety and success of fabric structures.

www.specialtyfabricsreview.com 11.09 Review 37


Archaeo, the architect of a New Mexico
mountainside home, wanted a shade cover with
a large circular opening for the home’s center
courtyard. Huntington Design Associates recognized
that the circular curve might be created more
elegantly with a light steel tension ring cable,
and also designed “stand offs” with vertical
compression rods to provide both the fabric slope
required for drainage and pretensioning of the
fabric and cable. The work created a simple system
that realized Archaeo’s goal of making the canopy
appear to float weightlessly free of the heavy
walls. Photo: Huntington Design Associates Inc.
38 Review 11.09
I
n May, consulting architect Nicholas Goldsmith, FAIA,
received a call for help with a tent for the July 4 Coney
Island Festival and Flea Market. “A client who purchased
a rental tent system from China set it up not realizing that the
engineering used in China really wouldn’t apply to New York,”
says the senior principal of FTL Design Engineering Studio in
New York City. “After he set it up, the building department said
he needed a local engineer to stamp the project. He brought
us in, and we had to then do forensic engineering. We had to
measure all the pieces. There were no drawings.”
A computer analysis confirmed that the structure would
not meet local codes. “We had to come up with a design that
would keep as much of the existing structure but had more
framing to withstand wind,” Goldsmith says. Using its contacts
with manufacturers, FTL was able to have steel reinforcements
made, shipped and installed by the end of June.
“The cost was a lot more than if [the client] had just come
to an engineer at the beginning and had them review products
out there to select something that would meet the wind load,”
Goldsmith says.
As with any professional relationship, manufacturers and
end-product users need to “respect the knowledge,” says Beth
Hungiville, manager of the Fabric Structures Association (FSA,
formerly Lightweight Structures Association), a division of the
Industrial Fabrics Association International. “The key factor
is to bring them in at the beginning so you don’t have issues at
the end.”
Some projects—i.e., geosynthetic liners for waste contain-
ment, multipeaked canopies over theater seating, even tempo-
rary structures in potentially windy conditions—obviously need
the expertise of engineers trained to perform load analyses and
determine necessary framework. However, there are those who
question the need for engineers in fabric applications.
“The whole purpose of engineering is not simply to satisfy
public safety,” says Christopher Walker, senior vice president
of international marketing for B & C Awnings Inc., Anaheim,
Calif. “The legislative requirement by local authorities for
engineering is also to generate permit revenue, control devel-
opment, satisfy extra protection of insurance companies, who
have lobbied for legislation to have it made a necessity.” Walker
believes awnings are architectural and decorative features and
only rarely a structural component or product.
www.specialtyfabricsreview.com 11.09 Review 39
 The Rosa Parks Transit Center, which opened in
July in Detroit, Mich., features a 64,000-square-foot
tensile structure with seven 96-foot A-frames and
12,000 feet of steel cable. FTL Design Studio did
the preliminary engineering and design; FabriTec
Structures took over additional design work,
fabrication, project management and installation.
Photo: FabriTec Structures.

40 Review 11.09

“If our company were to approach an outside engineer
to design,” he says, “this inexperienced engineer will over-
design the project. It would no longer be cost effective or
marketable because the majority of engineers today have
little or no fabrication cost experience and will design an
overkill that is totally outrageous in costs. We are con-
stantly approached to re-design architecturally engineered
projects to reduce costs which exceed budget.”
Consulting engineer Craig Huntington, president of
Huntington Design Associates Inc. of Oakland, Calif.,
offers a rebuttal. “They probably have been lucky so far,”
he says, noting that people who don’t use engineers “may
get away with that approach 10 times out of 10 or 50 times
out of 50, but we look to have designs that work all the
time. That’s our job as engineers.” While an awning manu-
facturer may claim its products are not structural, “the
[property] owner wouldn’t feel that way if there was a col-
lapse of an awning … or possibly a life-safety hazard.”
“A lot of engineering gets done through contractors,” Hun-
tington says. Often his first contact with a project is when
he receives a plan and elevation prepared by an architect
who forwards them to the general contractor, who for-
wards them to a fabric contractor, who forwards them to
Huntington. “I think the process gets subverted a lot of the
time because architects are putting out designs where the
fabric shape is not practical or economical in fabric. In all
but the simplest structures with uncurved fabric, you need
a fabric specialist engineer.”
He agrees that engineering is important at the start of
the project. “It’s not just something you can cram at the
end of the game after the shape has been made. There are a
couple of reasons you need a specialist,” Huntington says.
“One relates to the way we shape and analyze fabric struc-
tures and, in the end, the way the fabric membrane itself is
patterned. That’s all done with very specialized software,
which is expensive to acquire and takes a good deal of
experience to know how to use. … Usual construction
materials—wood, steel and concrete—are very adaptable in
how they carry load. … Fabric, string, cable—all you can
do is pull on it. All it resists is tension. Because of that, the
way the shapes are derived is very different.”
Hungiville agrees that fabric expertise is critical
“because the environment affects fabric differently than it
affects other building materials.”
“Fabric structures are very particular. The programs that
are used for doing engineering analysis are written for this
It’s the law
At one time, fabric—when it came to structures, anyway—
amounted to little more than window dressing. With the advent
of stronger, more durable textiles and advanced chemistry and
manufacturing processes, fabric became a building material—one
whose fluidity appeals to design aesthetics in ways that wood,
steel and concrete can’t.
But the integrity of a structure lies in its ability to withstand
load and create a safe environment regardless of the nature of its
components. That creates the need for fabric applications to meet
codes—and, in turn, the need for engineers to “stamp” drawings
attesting to their worthiness.
An engineer does not have to be local to a project as long as he
or she is licensed in the locality or state/province (or the locality or
state/province accepts a stamp outside its jurisdiction). That’s one
reason industrial fabrics companies hire consulting engineers.
“People may have a good understanding of a structure and
building,” says New York consulting architect Nicholas Goldsmith,
“but it has to be stamped by an engineer licensed to do so in that
particular state. It has to meet codes they may not be familiar
with, even if they have a good construction background.”
industry and are fairly unique,” Goldsmith says. “I have been
in situations where a client has had other engineers aboard and
then realized they don’t understand the tent structure, and
then we are called in to do it.”
“We use structural engineers all the time,” says Martin
Brown, director of engineering for FabriTec Structures of Costa
Mesa, Calif., which has five professional engineers on staff,
plus a dozen designers and architectural experts. “They defi-
nitely have to be experts within the fabric industry.”
FabriTec primarily uses its in-house engineers to help bring
in projects and work with architects in the early stages of a
design. “Once we have a contract, we probably use consul-
tants over 50 percent of the time,” says Brown, who wrote
specialty software licensed by the company’s consultants
around the world.
Tentnology of Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, main-
tains six mechanical and structural engineers on staff. “We
have developed our own proprietary software for fabric
structure design and analysis,” says Suzanne Warner, who co-
owns the company with her husband, professional engineer
Gery Warner. “We do all of our own in-house engineering.”
Tentnology’s engineers perform specific tasks, be it con-
cept, design, analysis, bills of materials, manufacturing or
www.specialtyfabricsreview.com 11.09 Review 41

FTL Design Engineering Studio
engineered a temporary five-
story structure for the 90-minute
Victoria’s Secret fashion show
in November 2008. Complicating
the project was the fact that
the Fontainebleu Hotel in Miami
Beach, Fla., where the high-profile
event was being held, was also
completing a $1 billion renovation
that included the pool area where
the tent was installed. Photo: FTL
Design Engineering Studio.
working with customers and authorities.
“It’s a very expensive process to keep peo-
ple—well-paid engineers—on staff,” Suzanne
Warner says, “but you have got full control
of the process, and we are much more
responsive and reactive to the market needs
because of that.”
Approximately ten percent of Fabric Struc-
tures Association members employ licensed
engineers. “If you manufacture a significant
number of structures, having someone on
staff would be more advantageous,” Hun-
giville says, adding that they also are more
familiar with the company’s product and
operations. “If you do two or three structures
a year, you are probably better off paying a
contract engineer.”
“I would love to have an engineer on
staff, but we don’t have enough of that kind
of work to warrant a full-time engineer,”
says Jim Richman, president of Academy

Needed: Engineers with fabric expertise

Locating engineers with expertise in fabric structures can
be challenging. “You rarely find people who know fabric,”
says Martin Brown of FabriTec Structures. “You normally
pick up bright engineers that want to work hard and train
them.” For companies looking for consulting engineers,
Craig Huntington of Huntington Design Associates suggests
researching who is doing fabric structures by looking on the
Internet and talking with architects and contractors.
“It’s important to know how fabric works with the en-
vironment and the codes within an area,” says the Fabric
Structures Association’s Beth Hungiville. “Engineers who
are members of FSA are knowledgeable about fabric.” In
October, FSA launched a new website that includes a list
of these engineers.
One reason it’s difficult to find engineers with such
expertise is that they don’t come out of college with the
necessary skill set. “There is not a school in the country
that gives much of any education in fabric,” Huntington
says. “It’s really derived from experience and working with
a consultant with expertise.”
“[Engineers] want to work with materials that they
know,” says Boyd Ramsey of GSE Lining Technology. “They
are taught in school about concrete, soil, sand, stone.” The
Geosynthetic Materials Association (GMA) has asked civil
engineering textbook authors to integrate geosynthetic
applications into the appropriate chapters. They have
agreed to make additions in future editions, says GMA
managing director Andrew Aho. “We are looking forward
to the new editions. In the meantime, we partner with
other organizations to teach engineers about geosynthet-
ics applications.”
“Some universities offer geosynthetics as a particular,
unique class,” Ramsey says, mentioning Drexel University;
University of Illinois; California State University, Sacra-
mento; University of Washington; and Auburn University.
“We, as an association, are looking at building education-
al modules to offer to universities to teach [engineering
of fabric structures],” Hungiville says. At the annual IFAI
Expo in September 2009, FSA offered a workshop on how
to get started with fabric structures.

42 Review 11.09
Awning in Commerce, Calif. “We work
with two or three engineers we use on a
regular basis.
“We give [the engineer] a basic design
based on our experience, saying we think
we should use these members and these
members based on other jobs that we have
done that are similar. The engineer may
say, ‘You need to make this stronger.’ We
quote [a project price] based on the engi-
neer’s recommendations. When we secure
a job, we go back to them and have them
fully engineer it.”
Academy typically takes over the
project from there. But, Richman notes,
“If we take the engineering to the city or
county and they have questions, we could
be going back and forth. We do project
management ourselves. By the time we get
permits, the engineering issues have been
worked out.”
Huntington frequently runs into situ-
ations where he has not been brought
into the picture at the appropriate time.
“We will get a design that’s not well
thought out. I will try to back up the
process: ‘Let me talk to the architect and
try to find out what he’s trying to do,
whether he’s flexible, whether there are
adjustments I can make. If not, we can
make almost anything work in the end,
but it may be very heavy, and it may be
uneconomical.’ The problems we are see-
ing most often are inadequate slope and
inadequate curvature.
“The problem is an economic one,” he
continues. “It may be a few hours of time
is all [that is needed] to create a respon-
sible shape, to develop a performance
specification. Even just a few hours of time
put into that can save of lot of problems
down the road.”
www.specialtyfabricsreview.com 11.09 Review 43
 Simply One Terrific
Grommet Machine
Helping people
in the tarp, flag,
Just about every geosynthetic project
banner and other
needs a professional engineer’s stamp,
industries for
says Boyd Ramsey, vice president of tech-
over 45 years. nical business development for GSE Lin-
Call to discuss ing Technology Inc. of Houston, Texas.
how we may “It’s not really our choice [to select engi-
help you! neers]. They are selected by the property
owners, site developers, city or municipal
building departments.”
GSE employs six civil engineers, who
interface with consulting engineers. They
Millions in stock “talk to engineers in the language they are
expecting to hear,” Ramsey says. “They
don’t do design. I don’t want them doing
design. What I want them to do is provide
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
information to people who are doing the
munro@allstream.net designs. Depending on the design, there’s
munrofastenings.com 1-877-476-6638 a fairly rigorous list of things people need
to know about our products. Engineers just
love to have data, data, data, data.”
“We tell them what to do. It’s not the
other way around,” Walker says. “We gen-

We’ve Put Our Imprint erate drawings and it’s up to the engineer
to calculate the necessary, applicable mate-
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wants his project to be cost effective, he
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» For more, search engineers at
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“Clearly the Leader”
100 RING ROAD WEST, GARDEN CITY, NEW YORK 11530 Janice Kleinschmidt is a freelance writer based in
(516) 248-1521 • (800) 992-1067 • FAX: (516) 248-1524 Palm Springs, Calif. Turn to page 78 for contact infor-
mation on the sources used in this article.
www.robecoinc.com

44 Review 11.09
 Resilience
through
innovation
The Right Products »The Right Information » The Right Event

September 2009 in San Diego, and more than 6,100

registered participants from 62 countries brought
their business plans to the largest specialty fabrics
event in the Americas. Despite this year’s economic
challenges—or perhaps because of them—both
attendees and exhibitors came ready to find new
products, new practices, new technologies, new
markets, new customers and new business part-
ners. The key word: value.

We’ll give you some of the highlights here, but stay

with us: IFAI and Specialty Fabrics Review are al-
ready working on continuing to feature and promote
our industry’s best as we move toward IFAI Expo
Americas 2010 in Orlando.

IFAI Expo 2009 coverage compiled by Galynn Nordstrom, Janet Preus,

Janice Kleinschmidt, Juliana Wallace, Susan Niemi and Bruce Wright.
Show photographer: David Braun Photography

www.specialtyfabricsreview.com 11.09 Review 45

The top ten in 2009
1. Educational symposiums focused on the
latest industry innovations, including
e-textile solutions, medical fabrics,
aerospace applications and durable
nonwovens.
2. Professional development presenta-
tions emphasized ‘best practices’
techniques to strengthen manufactur-
ing operations and improve profit-
ability in 2010.
3. Three symposiums offered architects
the chance to learn about the hottest
trends in sustainable materials and
design.
4. Almost 350 industry suppliers from 16
countries offered a showcase for the
increasing worldwide demand for high-
performance textiles and value-added
performance.
5. It’s a global industry: 6, 190 registered
participants from 62 countries repre-
sented 2,814 different companies.
6. For the third year in a row, IFAI Expo
was designated as an International
Buyer Program by the U.S. Department
of Commerce.
7. Now in its 62nd year, IFAI’s International
Achievement Awards program recog-
nized 92 winners from a record 416
projects submitted from 17 countries.
8. The Innovation Theater offered
attendees a show-floor close-up
for seminars, workshops and
exhibitor presentations.
9. The 2009 Safety Products Student
Design Challenge paired students with
supporting companies to encourage
training of designers for function, not
just fashion.
10. The 7th Annual IFF Silent Auction
raised $8800 to support education and
student scholarships.
46 Review 11.09
This year’s
stimulus package
Towards the economic recovery
I
t’s not the end of the world,” CNBC senior analyst Ron Insana told
IFAI Expo attendees in his keynote address on Wednesday, even
though we were ‘that close’ to going over the edge, he said, pinching
his fingers together to illustrate. “We will come out of this,” Insana
emphasizes, although certain aspects of the economy will never be
the same.
The size of the national debt, for example, gets a lot of attention, but
the deficit is not the thing to worry about. “The real worry is pulling
support too early,” he says. He’s convinced that the Federal Reserve
did the right thing in dropping interest rates, and he anticipated “no chance” that interest
rates would be raised soon. Nevertheless, the announcement could be a tipping point if they
hint at an exit strategy, he believes, which he sees as a much more pertinent issue.
At the moment, there’s “lots of money sloshing around,” he says, “but the money is not
circulating in the general economy, and if it’s not moving, there’s no action.”
An affair to remember
In the beginning …
A
fter the first day of business at IFAI Expo
’09, participants gathered outside in San
Diego’s warm sunshine to enjoy food, wine,
conversation and a chance to bid on 25 allur-
ing items from the 7th Annual Silent Auction.
All funds raised by the auction are used to
support the Industrial Fabrics Foundation,
a separately incorporated non-profit 501(c)
(3) organization dedicated to education and
research in specialty fabrics.
… and it’s a wrap
After the show ended on Fri-
day, the Chairman’s Reception
and Banquet at the Marriott
wrapped up the show in grand
style, and departing chairman
Scott Campbell of Rainier In-
dustries (right) welcomed a
new chairman of the board for
IFAI: Peter F. McKernan, IFM,
president and CEO of Herculite
Products Inc.
Smart fabrics, e-textile solutions
A lthough still in its infancy, the market for smart fabrics
and interactive textiles is expected to grow to $1.13 bil-
lion in 2010. Participants in the one-day technical symposium
“Smart, e-textile solutions” heard from nine speakers about
how the textile and electronics markets are working together
to bring commercial applications to this growing market.
The military market currently has the greatest demand
for these textiles, and those needs are driving innovation.
Soldiers need wired technology rather than wireless for
security, and textiles become carriers for the technology.
Eric Gans, director of systems engineering, Physical
Optics, spoke about the critical role the use of connectors
play in construction of garments made of flexible fabrics
that carry technology (such as USB connections). Connec-
tors need to perform in many environments and allow for
comfort, flexibility and rotation of parts of the garment.
The need for a good working relationship between electrical
engineers and designers is clear. Leah Buechley, an assistant
Conductiles™, electrotextile narrow fabrics exhibited at
the show by Offray Specialty Narrow Fabrics, address a
critical issue in making e-textile products commercially
viable: the need for electrical engineers and fabric
designers to share a common language and common
tools. Conductile products include EMS shielding,
cables and materials such as conductive wires, yarns
and fiber optics.
professor from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology,
introduced the participants to the LilyPad Arduino, a kit
for prototyping electronic textiles.
Michael Corbet from WEEL Technologies summarized
the construction and manufacture of smart garments in
terms of putting it all together:
> Start at the end. Understand the customer’s needs and
expectations, and be sure the product meets the needed
life expectancy.
> Design for the most extreme environment. For example,
how cold will it be, will it be washed, and in what kind
of repetitive functions will the garment be used?
> Keep it simple. Just because you can do something
doesn’t mean that you should.
Despina Papadopoulos from Studio 5050 inspired
participants to think about the idea of “social fabric”:
bringing together the physical and virtual body with a
social network.
World trends and innovations
Four lifestyle megatrends can be identified that will have an immediate impact on
business in the smart textiles area.
Neo ecology. When it comes to consumer decisions, values like social responsibil-
ity, respect for the environment, respect for nature and honesty have high priority.
The LOHAS (Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability) community is steadily growing,
and companies that want to be successful need to adopt this business philosophy.
Globalization. The world has become a global village; distances and borders are
easy to overcome. This is not merely an economic phenomenon, but one affecting
all areas of our social life: education, consumer habits and relationships.
Mobility. Investments in clean technology have dramatically increased in the last
few years; experts foresee 10 million electrical cars by 2015 worldwide. Better Place
(www.betterplace.com) is currently working with the Renault-Nissan Alliance, which
will be among the first to introduce electric vehicles, and is also in discussion with
major auto manufacturers around the world.
Body and health. The new body consciousness that merges leisure, fashion,
health, nutrition and beauty is perhaps the most revolutionary megatrend. Society
is facing a paradigm shift: work concepts, personal values and identities are being
redefined. There is a boom for alternative treatments, with the new buzzword being
self-management and self-healing. (Source: Zukunftsinstitut GmbH–Internationale Gesell-
schaft fur Zukunfts–und Trendberatung, Kelkheim, Germany.)
~Isa Hofmann
Isa Hofmann is CEO of IHOFMANN, a communication, public relations and
consulting agency with an international team of experts in the areas of fashion,
technical textiles, lifestyle, and healthcare.
www.specialtyfabricsreview.com 11.09 Review 47

One major focus of
the show—in the
classroom and on
the exhibit floor—
highlighted the latest
high-tech innovations
in specialty fabrics.
Embedded technology
The final frontier?
F abricators in the aerospace market face a host of unearthly challenges. Jinny Ferl of ILC
Dover shared some issues facing developers of fabrics for spacesuits and extraterrestrial
habitats: They must protect against punctures, orbital debris, extreme temperatures, radia-
tion and dust mitigation—the latter two being the areas that need the most improvement,
according to Ferl. Habitats need to be reconfigurable, more reliable and reduced in mass and
life-cycle costs. The self-healing concept drives current development.
Radiation shielding fabrics must protect astronauts from three types of particles: galactic
cosmic radiation (ions), solar particle events (protons) and neutrons produced when the
first two react with something else. Because they have no charge, neutrons are the hardest to
stop, said Sheila Thibeault of NASA’s Langley Research Center. Emerging technology lies in
developing new materials, such as boron-containing polymers. And, “weight is everything
in space,” Thibeault noted. “Any way we can lighten is a big improvement.”
Don Schockey of SRI International passed around an astronaut’s glove that had returned
from a recent mission with a cut on the thumb seam—most likely obtained during a spacewalk
when the astronaut grabbed a handrail with a micrometeorite crater. Fortunately, the glove
features three layers and the cut only penetrated the outer Vectran® layer. SRI is working on
a redesign and looking for more robust materials with a tighter weave.

Today’s material choices …

IFAI’s technical services manager Juli Case presented a discussion of today’s hot fabrics
and growing markets, outlining how concerns over skin cancer, the trend toward expanding
living spaces outdoors and the focus on saving energy have increased interest in shade cloth.
The Centers for Disease Control has published the booklet “Shade Planning for America’s
Schools,” the American Academy of Dermatology’s Shade Structure Program awards grants
for the purchase of permanent shade structures, and California recently passed a law requiring
agricultural operations to provide shade to field workers. Case also mentioned a study in which
shaded cows produced more milk, and another that showed that red shade cloth helps plants
grow. Although not yet addressed by the building code, it is “a matter of time,” she said.

Chameleon Intl. highlighted applications for
ChroMyx—a waterproof, temperature-sensitive
film—ranging from novelty to medical and safety
products. Fabric can be heat-sealed, stitched,
die-cut, laminated to a substrate, printed with a
logo, enhanced with UV inhibitors and stabiliz-
ers, made flame retardant and antimicrobial and
finished with a slick or brushed surface.
www.chameleonint.com
48 Review 11.09
The Heytex Group presented its new “digi-
tex” ink-jet textile made of acrylic-coated
polyester fabric. It produces high print qual-
ity in wider widths, is PVC-free, lightweight
and flame resistant. Designed primarily for
displays and staging. Also showcased: new
tent materials with 60 percent translucency.
www.heytexcom
The Nonwovens Institute reinforced the benefits and
growing opportunities for nonwovens. New applica-
tions include banners, tents, awnings and wall cover-
ings. Nonwovens can often be developed in a shorter
period of time, and at a lower cost. Performance
(i.e., antimicrobial properties) can be engineered
into them. A full program of research, education and
product development services is also offered.
www.thenonwovensinstitute.com
 Durable nonwovens
In the 1940s, Johnson & Johnson paved the
way for disposable nonwoven materials.
The medical field has driven the nonwoven
industry since, but Behnam Pourdeyhimi of
Other leading-edge materials: rubber-coated fabrics, which are highly abra- The Nonwovens Institute told symposium
attendees that “the model is changing” and
sion resistant and withstand low temperatures; nonwovens, which are faster to
“we need to look at emerging markets.” Ap-
create and lighter than wovens and may not require a finished edge; metallized
plications include insulation, acoustics, ag-
fabrics, which offer thermal insulation and shielding from electromagnetic
riculture/horticulture, window treatments,
interference; composites, which can be rigid or flexible and are used in light- automotive interiors, carpet backing, abra-
ing and photovoltaic applications, as well as tents and shading; and ethylene sives and geotextiles. The filtration industry
tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), which is used where the look of glass is desired alone is estimated to reach $75 billion to
without the cost or weight of glass, $100 billion by 2020.
“Major innovations in products will be

… tomorrow’s opportunities based on new, sustainable materials,” Pour-

deyhimi said. Polypropylene already has
Today’s fabrics began as tomorrow’s fabrics will: with imagination. Proving
proven its value in a wide range of uses.
by example that meeting—and exceeding—the demands of a rapidly changing,
It’s easy to process, fairly inexpensive and
technologically driven world is possible, Cheryl Gomes of QinetiQ explained the sustainable. According to Pourdeyhimi,
development of self-decontaminating fabric for biochemical defense. It must be polypropylene has a carbon footprint of
launderable, breathable and, of course, cost effective. Current technology uses 1.9, compared to 2.9 for polyester and 6
activated carbon, but carbon is heavy and hot to wear, Gomes said. Developers for nylon.
are looking at catalytic polymer substrates, focusing on enzymes, which can be Nonwovens—polypropylene included—
stabilized with cyclodextrin (the active ingredient in Febreze odor-eliminating can be made from post-consumer recycled
fabric spray). “We need to be able to combine technologies,” Gomes said. PET, as well as recycled wood pulp. They can
Chip Laingen of Minnesota Wire described his company’s work on stretchy be made from rapidly renewable fibers and
wire for the medical, telecommunications and defense arenas. But, he noted, with formaldehyde-free binders. Douglas
the company is searching for a fabric partner to expand into commercial ap- McKee Benton of Ahlstrom Nonwovens
discussed methods for printing on nonwo-
plications such as high-risk sports equipment and gear for hazardous condi-
vens: rotogravure, screen printing, digital/
tions personnel.
ink jet, and blade/air knife/flood coating. By
Debra Aperfine of Chameleon Intl. told the story of her young daughter
combining various surface treatments and
wanting her purple raincoat to turn pink in the rain. With that inspiration, coatings, nonwovens can offer UV and fire
Aperfine partnered with other business owners to develop ChroMyx, a flex- resistance, acoustic absorbance, insulation,
ible sheet material that changes color in thermal variations. The applications opacity, softness or stiffness, smooth and
extend from novelty (i.e., toys) to medical, furniture and industrial uses. textured surfaces, strength and drapability/
Chameleon’s latest development is creating a line with three chromatic states: dimensional stability. They’re increasingly
neutral, too cold and too hot. The goal is to “embed technologies for new used for banners, wall coverings, tents
products,” Aperfine said. and awnings.

Through its acquisition of Tweave LLC, Gehring
Textiles Inc. has expanded its textile technologies,
providing a range of fabrics that can be used in
applications from intimate apparel to the automo-
tive, military and aerospace industries. Gehring now
offers two- and four-way stretch woven goods for
general industry, active wear, medical and profes-
sional sports and high-performance composites.
www.gehringtextiles.com
In addition to its former black palette of rubber
fabric made from recycled tires, Vulcana LLC now
offers a lighter, more reflective gray to appeal to
the marine industry, as well as colors such as
burgundy, blue and green. Vulcana’s rubbRe can
even be digitally printed.
www.vulcana.net
MaestroShield showcased its new Titan-Screen
roll-down to block ultraviolet rays and heat. The
hidden seam, zipper-and-track system keeps the
screen under tension, with RF-welded seams and
edging for exceptional strength. The entry guide
stabilizes the screening, with no need to retension
after installation.
www.maestroshield.com
www.specialtyfabricsreview.com 11.09 Review 49

Our second major
theme at Expo 2009:
tools and expert advice
on manufacturing and
markets to help drive
business growth
in 2010.
Transitioning markets
Architects and manufacturers meet under sustainable shading
I n a session led by John Gant, shade market development manager with Glen Raven Inc.,
several experts spoke of the importance of correctly understanding sustainable practices and
how to integrate these into a business. Gant began by defining the use of awnings for solar
protection and how they could benefit home owners with reduced energy costs.
Daylighting expert and consultant M. Susan Ubbelohde, AIA, LEED AP, principal of Loisos
+Ubbelohde Architects/Cool Shadow of Berkeley, Calif., outlined basic concepts of daylighting.
Design considerations, she explained, can lead to energy savings, increased delight in one’s
indoor spaces for work or leisure and controlled daylighting (with the assistance of fabric
shading elements) that can improve worker productivity.
Two industry experts presented case studies of projects that incorporate fabric shading
devices. Kevin A. Mayer, vice president of business development for Birdair Inc., first defined
the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) system of rating sustainable build-
ing performance, then presented two LEED projects that displayed sustainable design practices
using fabric elements, including the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh, Penn.
that incorporates fabric shading elements and fabric ductwork to make it LEED gold.
Roy Chism, CEO of The Chism Co. presented a case study of the University Federal
Credit Union in Austin, Texas, with its white fabric shade awnings (more shelf-like than
awning) at both the roof cornice and midpoint on the all-glass façade. The building received
a Five Star rating from the Austin Energy Green Building (AEGB) association, and is LEED
certified. Design criteria for the project, Chism emphasized, was influenced by LEED and
driven by code compliance and public policy that is tied to the desired energy performance
set by the AEGB.
Architect and sustainable design consultant Douglas Kot, AIA, LEED AP, closed the session
by challenging architects and shade manufacturers to reach beyond the comfortable positions
each has traditionally maintained, and seek more integrated and measurable results with
sustainable design and more sustainably manufactured products.

Zhejiang Zhengte Group Co. Ltd is a manufacturer and

exporter of garden umbrellas, balcony awnings, carports,
canopies, trampolines, hammocks and outdoor furniture.
Based in China, the company does business in North
America, Western Europe and Australasia. Major customers
include Costco, Sam’s Club, Home Depot, B&Q and
Casotrama. Visit www.globalsources.com/zhengtai.co.

Based in Mexico, with offices in El Salvador,

Argentina and the U.S., Lonas Lorenzo SA de CV
designs and constructs architectural textile and
tension structures such as stadiums, fairgrounds and
shopping malls. Visit www.lonaslorenzo.com.mx.

50 Review 11.09
 M-Textile water-based modified pigment inks
from Sawgrass Technologies comprise a new
category of digital textile inks. The binder-free
ink has no VOCs, requires no post-processing,
and still produces vibrant colors with a three-year
outdoor durability. Visit www.sawgrassink.com.
Thinking globally
The ‘Global Textile Markets’ symposium offered varied perspectives on textile
markets on each continent. Rodrigo García-Verdú from Mexico’s Ministry
of Economics outlined ‘Mexico Fits,’ a strategy to reposition Mexico’s tex-
tile and apparel industries in North America. Designed by NANAINTEX,
Mexico’s textile industry trade association, the effort is also government
sponsored and supported. With a strong domestic market (more than 100
million consumers generating an increasing demand for fashion products), a
well-capitalized financial sector and a dozen free trade agreements providing
access to 44 countries, Mexico is positioning itself for growth in the world
textile and apparel markets.
Guest speakers from Egypt, Australia, Germany and China shared the
view that the economy will soon begin to show signs of a recovery, although
it is expected to be slow. With that expectation, the speakers invited attend-
The UJV—160 UV printer from Mimaki brings a hybrid
ees to research further and then make a personal visit to begin establishing wide-format printer with UV LED curing technology to the
important contacts and business relationships. market for smooth changeovers from roll to rigid media.
With nearly instantaneous drying, significant energy

Sustainable? Can you prove that? savings and no UV ray emissions, the UJV offers a new
sustainable printing option. Visit www.mimakiusa.com.
“Sustainable printing is the future,” said Don Carli, senior research fellow, the
Institute for Sustainable Communication. Calling it a “crisis of opportunity,”
Carli noted that sustainability is profitable and consumers want it.
‘Sustainable Printing—Ensuring our Future’ presenters agreed that all
business practices should reflect a commitment to sustainability—practices USAF unveils ‘Vision 2011’
illustrated in case studies presented by Scott Campbell, president, Rainier Representatives from branches of the U.S.
Industries; Andy Graham, president, Portland Color; and Pat Hayes, CPP, military provided new insight into the textile
and apparel needs of American forces. With
chairman of the board, Fabric Images. Marci Kinter, vice president of gov-
no empty seats in the room, U.S. Air Force Col.
ernment and business information, Specialty Graphics Imaging Association
Kurt Wilson, Defense Supply Center Phila-
(SGIA), stressed the importance of validating sustainable practices, and urged
delphia (DSCP) director, clothing and textiles,
attendees to consider certification standards. opened the ‘Forecasts for U.S. Military and
“Print buyers want green printing, but don’t know what it means,” she Government Textile Needs’ symposium ex-
said. Printers can start by establishing a pathway to start showcasing accom- plaining ‘Vision 2011,’ an effort to accomplish
plishments, a track record of compliance with regulatory programs and a complete supply chain visibility.
policy that is a transparent, public and a ‘living’ document. Quality assurance representatives will
be eliminated as responsibility shifts to the
Savannah Luggage Works’ product line for primary contractor, based on transparency in
the military includes body armor vests, the process and trust. “We want you delivering
bags and packs, harnesses and tactical quality product as ordered, he said. “You’re
gear. The company produces industrial and
consumer products as well. Visit www. not supposed to be doing the research.”
savannahluggage.com. Wilson emphasized a new, cooperative
focus with the ‘Clothing & Textile Life Cycle
Management Model,’ which he called a three-
legged stool made up of the military service
branches, the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA)
and the manufacturers, and he assured the
audience that his department is working on
speeding up the bidding and award process,
as well.
Since 1979 Ibena Inc. has supplied multiple markets
with a variety of textiles including fabrics for personal
and building protection including comfortable, flame-
retardant fabrics deployed by fire fighters, police and
military forces. Visit www.ibena.com.
www.specialtyfabricsreview.com 11.09 Review 51
Professional develop-
ment characterized the
third main theme of
this year’s IFAI Expo,
with seminars and
exhibitors demonstrat-
ing ‘best practices’ and
management savvy.
Operational excellence
Improving profitability
W hat if someone told you that your company could make more money
without an investment in assets? Kevin Kelly of Globe Canvas Products
Co. helped a roomful of people at IFAI Expo increase their own efficiency in a
quick exercise. Showing numbers scattered across a screen, he asked them to
shout out numbers as soon as they spotted them in sequential order (it took
30 seconds to “count” to 22). Then he showed numbers listed numerically—to
show how much time proper order can save.
Kelly and co-presenter William Browne of Manex stressed that profitability
lies in metrics (measurements), awareness and planning. Some key points:
> Understand what you are asking your employees to do and train them to
understand what you want.
> Get out of crisis mode. Solve problems immediately rather than working
around them just to get the job done.
> The definition of quality must include continuous improvement.
> The cost of defects multiplies. An output of 3 percent defects may not sound
like a lot, but it translates to 78 percent lost profits.
> Emulate success. Model after the things you do right.
> Ask employees for input.
> Measure your processes so you can make good decisions.
> Look for places to eliminate waste: defects, overproduction, waiting, non-
value added processes (i.e., making 20 stitches when the customer is paying
for 10 stitches), inefficient transportation, inefficient motion and employees
not utilized to their full potential.

abc Sun Control and 3G Mermet Corp. dis-
played screen systems with Mermet’s new
Greenguard-certified, indoor/outdoor fabrics.
Vienne uses the same yarn as the company’s
other exterior fabrics, but for about 25 percent
less cost. A range of colors—bricks, pines and
blues—is based on designer feedback. Also
new: Avila Twilight interior blackout fabric, with
the rich feel of high-end fabrics at a mid-level
price point in a range of colors, including new
chocolate and khaki.
www.abcsuncontrol.com | www.mermetusa.com
Kem-Wove Inc. presented its latest flame-
resistant nonwoven product. The no-drip, no-
melt, self-extinguishing material can be made
in different weights and thicknesses, with differ-
ent hands and with washability and laminating
capabilities for furniture, protective apparel,
portable buildings and military applications.
www.kemwove.com
Gerber Technology’s Contour Vision made its
world debut at the 2009 IFAI Expo. At 16 feet
long, the Contour Vision table combines scan-
ning and cutting of graphics on any material
that can be cut by a CNC machine. The system
eliminates the need for CAD and cutting-file
software. All you need is a border around the
graphic(s) and the system handles the rest, using
integrated automation for better productivity.
www.gerbertechnology.com

Making your company thrive
“Work different.” “Quit waiting for something to happen,” said George
Hedley of Hardhat Productions. “Seek opportunities to grow.” Lowering
your prices does not advance your business—finding new ways to use
equipment and fabric does. Hedley urged attendees to meet face to face
with customers frequently, attack new markets weekly and enter into
joint ventures that build on their capacities and market reach.
Innovation Theater
A hub of activity on the show floor, Innovation Theater
attendees came for seminars, workshops and exhibitor
presentations, as well as the “IAA: How They Did It”
performance styled as a late-night show.
Exhibitors who signed up for presentations were
given 30 minutes and a stage to show off their latest
or greatest products and services. Participants ranged
from equipment manufacturers to software purveyors
to the U.S. government (in the form of a representative
from the Department of Commerce).

Andy Morse of Ohio Awning used his own company and its lean manu-
facturing program as an example of ways to grow a business by eliminating
waste. “Waste creates no value for the customer,” he stressed.
“Where do you find waste?” he continued. “Everywhere.”
> Motion (i.e., the movement of people looking for tools or materi-
als, extra steps between processes), often created by an inefficient
facility layout.
> Transportation (excessive handling of fabric to different operations,
storage locations).
> Inventory (excessive scrap material, leftover parts, obsolete
hardware).
> Waiting (a person waiting for a machine, a machine waiting for a
One of the best-attended exhibitor presentations
was given by MPanel Software and Prodim USA, who
teamed up to demonstrate how Prodim’s portable
measuring product, the Proliner, could bring field
measurements to your computer screen when paired
with MPanel’s design software.
Professionals can accurately measure the frame
of a fabric structure, for example, using the Proliner
pen-and-cable system, with the ability to “leap” be-
tween distant points without losing the measurement.
The data gathered by the Proliner can then be input-
ted directly into MPanel’s software system, allowing
designers to do their virtual work with real-world

person, a person waiting for a person, a machine waiting for a repair-
man, a person waiting for paint to dry).
> Processing (lack of a clear understanding of what the customer wants,
new technology used incorrectly, endless refinements).
> Rework (operator/engineer/salesman error), often caused by inad-
equate training, equipment or processes.
> Intellect (failure to use employees’ time and talents to their fullest).
The goal, Morse said, is continuous, incremental improvement.
accuracy. (For more information, visit www.prodim.
nl or http://www.meliar.com/MPanel.htm.)
The demonstration was an ideal example of two
companies collaborating to show how their technolo-
gies can be used together to maximize efficiency, both
in the field and in the office. By opting for a presentation
in the Innovation Theater, selected exhibitors were
able to capitalize on central show floor placement and
generate some genuine interest in their products.

Miller Weldmaster Corp. has expanded its
line of Impulse Extreme heat-sealing equip-
ment to service awning and banner custom-
ers. The machine can weld polyethylene, PVC
and acrylic fabrics with Extreme Seam Tape,
so there’s no need to match thread or punch
holes that compromise a fabric’s waterproof
qualities. The fabric will tear before the weld
does. The machine also operates as a tool for
marine covers, window shades and packaging.
www.weldmaster.com
Rainier Industries’ display within a display
showed how other companies could set up a
trade booth with its screen system. The system
is rated to 70 miles per hour (should a customer
be setting up an outdoor exhibit). The fabrics can
be digitally printed and layered, and the frames
come in spans up to 12, 18 and 24 feet wide.
The display included roll-down shade screens
on two sides of a graphically printed screen.
www.rainier.com
Just weeks before exhibiting at IFAI Expo,
Vintex Inc. began formulating its Safe Guard
Barrier Systems with non-phthalate plas-
ticizers. Products sold under the system are
certified by an independent lab to be free of
phthalates, lead, cadmium and mercury. As for
new products, Vintex introduced duo-colored
decking fabric. Typically in mottled brown and
gray tones, VinaDEK can be made in any color.
www.vintex.com

www.specialtyfabricsreview.com 11.09 Review 53

 Come to the largest specialty fabrics trade show in the Americas.

Save the date »

nEw
v a
Ad tiles
n
In 20
ced
10

Tendxing technoallosgy
Ble
and m
ateri
Oct. 27-29
IFAI Expo Americas 2010 • Orange County Convention Center • Orlando, FL USA

» ifaiexpo.com
» The Right Event
Build business alliances with influential
industry professionals worldwide

» The Right Information

How-to workshops, technical symposiums,
business and professional development sessions

» The Right Products

Experience product launches and the
hottest high-tech innovations LIVE

Contact IFAI Expo Show

Management to get involved
• Exhibiting and sponsorship:
Shelly Arman, +1 651 225 6987
searman@ifai.com
• Education and speaker proposals:
contact Kristy Osman, +1 651 225 6959,
or klosman@ifai.com
Awnings and Shades
Sf Focus

Sf Focus
business
Markets
world views
Connections
Geosynthetics
Graphics
Lightweight Structures

Planning ‘forever’ tax savings

Strategies to keep your tax bill at its legal minimum, year after year.
Marine

by Mark E. Battersby
Protective: Safety and Medical

N
ow is the best time to think about reducing
your operation’s tax bill—even lower than
the point the economy may have driven it to.
And, of course, to keep that tax bill at its legal
minimum for many years to come.
While many of us rely on the advice and help provided by
tax professionals or utilize software programs to ensure a low
Tents and Temporary Shelters

tax bill, the real goal should be a low tax bill not just for this tax
year but year after year. The best guarantee of consistently low
tax bills, this year, next year and down the road is, of course,
careful tax planning.
Tax planning is easy, on the face of it: the more tax deduc-
tions taken, the lower your businesses’s taxable income will
be—at least for this tax year. Of course, ignoring potential tax
deductions this year might mean significant savings in later Getting the most from the temporary 15 percent tax rate for
years when profits—and tax bills—could be higher. Either way, dividends means finding another way to reduce corporate
Transportation and Automotive

in order to count, the time to make the moves necessary to
ensure those low tax bills is before the end of the tax year.
Tax planning basics
When thinking about any type of tax planning, every fabricator
should keep in mind that, although the IRS may occasionally
disagree, the courts strongly back every taxpayer’s right to
choose the course of action that will result in the lowest legal
tax liability. As the end of this tax year fast approaches, that
Truck Covers
level income, and thereby taxes.
Obviously, neither a specialty fabric products business nor
any business owner can literally reduce the federal income tax
rate. You can, however, take actions that will have a similar
effect. For example:
> Choosing the optimal form of organization for your business
(such as sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation or S cor-
poration). Although not a year-end tax planning strategy, this
option deserves attention in the overall tax planning process,

gives every business several different options as to how to
complete certain taxable transactions.
Our tax system has graduated rates that increase along
with income at various tax rates. One obvious strategy for
Upholstery
especially in light of the current (and temporary) 15 percent
tax rate on dividends paid by incorporated businesses.
> Structuring transactions so that payments received are capital
gains. Long-term capital gains earned by non-corporate tax-

saving taxes means reducing the tax bracket of your operation. payers are subject to lower tax rates than other income.

www.specialtyfabricsreview.com 11.09 Review 55

 Awnings and Shades
Geosynthetics
> Shifting income from a high tax bracket individual (such as you, the busi-
ness owner), to a lower tax bracket individual (such as your child). One
fairly simple way to accomplish this is by hiring your children. Another
possibility is to make one or more children partners in the business, so that

Graphics
net profits are shared among a larger group.
While the tax laws limit the usefulness of this strategy for shifting
“unearned” income to children under the age of 14, some opportunities to

Lightweight Structures
lower tax rates still do exist. The time to think about those strategies is during
the course of the tax year.

Consistently consistent
There is also the question of whether a tax deduction should be taken or, if
legally feasible, be ignored. Although the goal is usually to reduce taxes this
year, to be really effective the tax bracket should be consistent year after year.

Marine
If income is up this year but expected to be down next
The best guarantee year, for instance, you may want to postpone asset sales
or other unusual transactions until next year, when

Protective: Safety and Medical

of consistently low the additional profits may not be as likely to put your
operation into a higher tax bracket. Or, conversely,
tax bills down the if income and profits are down this year, disposing
road is careful tax of unneeded equipment or business assets through
a profitable sale just might generate extra income—
planning now. income taxed at the current low tax rates.
Depending on the circumstances, a number of
legitimate strategies that can be employed before year’s
end can help you remain in the same bracket this year, next year and for many

Tents and Temporary Shelters

years thereafter. Those basic year-end savings strategies include:
> Delay collections. A cash-basis textile products operation can delay year-
end billings or processing credit card receipts until late enough in the year
so that payments will not come in until the following year.
> Accelerate payments. Wherever possible, prepay deductible business
expenses, including rent, interest, taxes, insurance, and so on. Keep in
mind that the tax rules limit tax deductions for some prepaid expenses.
> Accelerate large purchases. Close the purchase of depreciable personal
property or real estate within the current year.
Transportation and Automotive

> Accelerate operating expenses. If possible, accelerate the purchase of

supplies or services, or the making of repairs.
Naturally, what a business can do depends a great deal upon the account-
ing method used by that operation. A cash basis business, for example,
deducts expenses as paid, and receipts become income when received, or
made available. An accrual-basis business realizes income when billed and
expenses when incurred—regardless of when income is actually received, or
when payment is made.
Truck Covers

Recovery and reinvestment

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) earlier this year
extended a number of expiring provisions and created a few more that will
affect the year-end planning process. For example:
Upholstery

56 Review 11.09
Awnings and Shades
Geosynthetics
> First-year 50 percent bonus deprecia-
tion. ARRA extended the 50 percent
bonus first-year depreciation allowance
available for 2008 into 2009.
Graphics
> Increased Section 179 expensing.
During 2009, businesses can choose
to expense and immediately deduct
Lightweight Structures
up to $250,000 of the cost of qualify-
ing property and equipment. The
$250,000 maximum expensing amount
is reduced when the cost of all Section
179 property placed in service in 2009
exceeds $800,000.
> S corporation built-in gains hold-
Marine
ing period. For tax years beginning in
either 2009 or 2010, ARRA eliminates
the corporate level tax on the built-in
Protective: Safety and Medical
gains of an S corporation that converted
from regular ‘C’ corporation status at
least seven tax years before the current
tax year.
Tents and Temporary Shelters
Transportation and Automotive
Truck Covers
Upholstery
Going, going, gone
To make year-end planning more urgent than
usual, a number of provisions in our tax law expire
in 2009. Among the expiring provisions:
- The tax credit for research and experimen-
tation expenses
- Increased alternative minimum tax (AMT)
exemption amounts
- 15-year straight-line cost recovery for quali-
fied leasehold improvements, and qualified
retail improvements
- Expensing of “brownfield” environmental
remediation costs
- Empowerment zone tax incentives
- Tax incentives for investment in the District
of Columbia
- Renewal community tax incentives
- The Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA)
surtax of 0.2 percent
- Reduced estimated tax payments for small
businesses
www.specialtyfabricsreview.com 10.09 Review 57
 Awnings and Shades
Sf Focus
business
Markets
world views
Connections

Geosynthetics
Another key factor in tax planning is the often-overlooked maxim
that no transaction should be undertaken only for tax purposes.

Graphics
Lightweight Structures
Wagging the dog?
While there is a great deal of pressure on
many businesses to continue cutting costs,
including taxes, the increased scrutiny tax
returns face adds yet another goal: that of
not running afoul of cash-strapped state and

Marine
local tax authorities. Another key factor in
tax planning is the often-overlooked maxim
that no transaction should be undertaken

Protective: Safety and Medical

only for tax purposes.
One excellent illustration of the flexibility
of our tax rules is those governing bonuses.
A business operating on the accrual basis
has the opportunity to fix the amount of
employees’ bonus payments before January
From our family... 1, but to pay them early next year. Generally,
the bonuses are not taxable to employees until
2010, but are deductible on the operation’s

Tents and Temporary Shelters

Standard Laminates 2009 tax return, as long as they have been
announced before the end of 2009, and paid
Structure Fabrics before March 16, 2010.
Tonneau Fabrics On the other hand, while few businesses
may be in a position to pay employee bonuses,
Camper Fabrics a business can also benefit by delaying income
until next year. Income is “constructively”
received whenever it is made available to
the business.
Transportation and Automotive

...to Yours Although tax planning should be a year-

Whether it is the complete
offering of specialized laminated
fabrics or the philosophy of building
a true partnership with our customers,
ABC Industries strives to consider you as
part of the ABC family.
Call today and let us get to know you and
round process, a number of year-end strate-
gies can reduce not only this year’s tax bill,
but future tax bills as well. Whether your
operation is facing a large tax bill or severely
lower taxable income, professional tax plan-
ning advice is almost a necessity. Your tax
accountant should be able to help you draft
a plan to make the most of your assets—and
Truck Covers

your fabric needs. your liabilities.

» For more, search taxes at specialtyfabricsreview.com
Mark E. Battersby, Ardmore, Pa., writes regularly
about tax-related and financial topics. Contact him
at MEBatt12@earthlink.net.
Industries, Inc. 800-426-0921 • sales@abc-industries.net
Upholstery

58 Review 11.09
Awnings and Shades
Sf Focus
business
Markets
world views
Connections
Geosynthetics
Graphics
Lightweight Structures

Easing the squeeze

Fabric graphics manufacturers and suppliers look forward to market improvements in 2010.
Marine

by Jeff Rasmussen
Protective: Safety and Medical

S
ales and profit margins for U.S. and Canadian
fabric graphics suppliers and end product manu-
facturers have been severely squeezed in 2009.
The anemic economy has been the driving force
behind tight credit conditions and a significant
lack of customer demand. Sales through July 2009 were down
about 15-20 percent for many fabric graphics end product
Tents and Temporary Shelters

manufacturers. This trend is expected to continue into the

fourth quarter of 2009 but begin to improve marginally in
the first half of 2010.

Inkjet emerges
Digitally printing on fabric has been a part of the market since AdShades from Rainier Industries, Tukwila, Wash., provide both shade
and marketing for a natural foods store. Photo: Rainier Industries.
the mid-1990s with electrostatic (e-stat) and inkjet printers,
either by dye sublimation direct printing (using inkjet printers)
or via dye sublimation transfer (inkjet and e-stat). Other new digital printing technologies are opening things
Transportation and Automotive

The development of pigment-based inkjet chemistries for
textiles is an emerging trend. Advances in print head technol-
ogy and ink formulation have supported the development
of this chemistry type. The development of the pigment
chemistry type is of great interest to technology vendors and
users in the fabric graphics market because the processing
requirements for pigments are highly simplified compared
to the commonly-used water-based inks used in most wide-
format textile printers today. Pigment printing on textiles
Truck Covers
up for a wide variety of incremental applications, such as wide
format point-of-purchase displays, banners, vehicle wraps, and
environmental graphics. The opportunities for high-value
digital printer applications are so large that many hardware
and chemistry vendors are investing heavily in textile and
textile-related products and systems. Tremendous progress
has been made, but there are still many challenges.
Digital’s future

normally requires heat for color curing; however, it does not
require specialized fabric coating. Continued development
of pigment-based chemistry should enable further adoption
of the digital method for textile printing.
Upholstery
Developments in digital printing of paper are being adapted
more and more for the textile market. Time is money, and
more time is required for traditional textile printing methods
(screen printing) than digital methods. Screen printing can

www.specialtyfabricsreview.com 11.09 Review 59

 Awnings and Shades
Sf Focus
business
Markets
world views

Trends
Connections

In July 2009, IFAI conducted a fabric graphics climate survey

of U.S. and Canadian fabric graphics suppliers and end prod-
uct manufacturers. Survey results show a more competitive
environment in 2009 caused by reduced expenditures and
budgets in the corporate market, a continued slow economy
Geosynthetics
take 9-11 weeks to execute; digital inkjet printing takes about a
week. Digital processes are also more environmentally friendly
and offer a cleaner, safer and quieter work environment.
As inkjet textile printing grows, analog textile printing

Graphics
and slow market growth, and an increased presence of low- remains stagnant. The worldwide retail value of wide-format
cost products from Asia. graphics has grown 10 percent per year over the last few years,
so the slowdown in 2009 has been a difficult climate for fabric

Lightweight Structures
graphics manufacturers. The largest applications are point-of-
Trend/Impact purchase (POP) signage, banners, and trade show graphics.
Suppliers These were among the first wide-format graphics applications
> Increase in green fabric and technology and are now becoming commodities, forcing print providers to
Increase in production and sales of recycled fabrics look at new areas such as awnings and canopies; eco-friendly
change in marketing strategies and product offerings, products; indoor graphics for museums and retail; stadium
growth in 2010 wraps and sporting events graphics; table covers; trade show

Marine
> Increase in use of fabric for indoor advertising kits (a reusable marketing resource) and vehicle wraps.
Increase in sales Although digital methods still account for less than 1 percent
of the global market for printed textiles, digital’s share of the

Protective: Safety and Medical

> Increase in printed canopies
Increase in sales market is expected to grow to as much as 10 percent in the next
> More low-cost printed fabrics from Asia 5-10 years due to improvements in digital printing equipment
Decline in sales and profit margins; decline in (printheads and ink dispersion methods), advances in pigment-
productionof U.S. printed textiles based inks, an increase in textile manufacturers who are able to
> Migration to lower-priced fabric products provide prepared for print (PFP) fabrics to digital printers and
Lower margins growth in some market segments, such as soft signage for ban-
> Quality issues due to usage of low cost fabrics ners and trade show exhibitions. As digital print technologies
Customer complaints about poor quality increasing improve, offering faster production and larger cost-effective
print runs, digital printing should grow to provide the majority

Tents and Temporary Shelters

> Decrease in PVC-laminated products
More polyester products of the world’s printed textiles.
> Introduction of new inks
Potentially reduces print costs; helps grow
2009 markets
the digital market For the first six months of 2009, fabric graphics manufacturers
and their suppliers have experienced significant sales declines.

For 2008, total fabric consumed by U.S. and Canadian fabric
End Product Manufacturer
graphics end product manufacturers reached approximately
> Decline in money available for advertising
46 million square yards, down approximately 5 percent from
Decline in revenue from ad programs
about 48.6 million square yards in 2007. For 2009, IFAI’s mar-
Transportation and Automotive

> Poor economy

ket research services department is projecting a 15-20 percent
Decrease in customers/sales revenues
average annual decrease in fabric consumption (in terms of
> Wider width product volume) by U.S. and Canadian fabric graphics manufacturers,
Increased sales opportunities
with total fabric consumption for 2009 forecast to reach about
> Increase in use of green and recycled fabrics 37 million square yards.
Increased sales opportunities In the IFAI July 2009 Fabric Graphics Market Climate Sur-
> Increase in demand for shorter production cycles vey, suppliers noted an increase in lower-cost products on
ncrease in growth of digital print textile market the market, especially from Asia, and a gradual shift from
> Increase in demand for greater design variety PVC to more polyester products. Less business overall has
Truck Covers

Greater sales opportunities; helps digital print market increased competition for existing business, and increased
> Corporations downsizing; reducing budgets price competition, which is lowering profit margins. Suppliers
Decreased sales to corporate market; less profit
Upholstery

60 Review 11.09
Awnings and Shades
Automatic
Wedge Welders
Geosynthetics

are planning, however, for opportunities that

they hope will emerge in 2010.
With more competition for less work, end
product manufacturers cited an overall drop As technologies improve,
Graphics

in sales and tighter competition in pricing and

product offerings and delivery. Customers are digital printing should grow
also using signage products longer, storing
to provide the majority of the
Lightweight Structures

signage for future use and, therefore, not

buying as much new signage. Large compa-
nies are downsizing and smaller companies
world’s printed textiles.
are merging or even going out of business.
Manufacturers reported an increase in the reported a favorable outlook for sales growth
sale of eco-friendly products, however. in 2009 compared to 2008. Weld Acrylic, PVC, PE, PP, Urethane, Etc.
Going forward, the biggest growth area for Increase Productivity
Marine

Outlook
In the survey, 55 percent of fabric graphics
manufacturers and 78 percent of fabric graph-
Protective: Safety and Medical
fabric graphic applications will likely be in dye
sublimation products. Soft signage as a whole
will continue double-digit growth because it
Reduce Labor Costs
Track System for Hands-Free Welding
Automatic or Stationary Welding

Smokeless and Noiseless Operation

ics suppliers reported an unfavorable outlook is an eco-friendly medium; colors are vivid;
for sales growth in 2009 compared to 2008; 18 and soft banners are lightweight and easy to
percent of fabric graphics manufacturers and handle, transport and store. As a result, fabric
only 15 percent of fabric graphics suppliers banners, flags, roll-up displays, theatrical and

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Tents and Temporary Shelters

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www.specialtyfabricsreview.com 11.09 Review 61


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Awnings and Shades
Geosynthetics
museum sets, and custom-printed fabric wall
coverings will become more popular.
In the next few years, hardware and ink
vendors will be providing new printing solu-
Graphics
tions that deliver new inks and ink tech-
nologies and eco-friendly solutions, as well
as enhanced quality, more automation, and
Lightweight Structures
automatic servicing.
Succeeding tomorrow
Fabric graphics companies tend to be small;
most of the 1750 companies in the U.S. and
Canada that manufacture fabric graphics
have ten or fewer employees. To survive,
Marine
many of these smaller companies should
consider niche applications or some type of
service differentiators to compete with larger,
Protective: Safety and Medical
more well-equipped fabric graphics shops,
in particular the growing number of digital
textile print shops. Web sales and web applica-
tions will continue to enable small shops to
compete nationally for business and service
smaller, more remote markets.
Many larger digital textile print shops
employing dye sublimation direct-to-fabric
printing on fabrics for banners and soft sig-
Tents and Temporary Shelters
nage are looking at offering their custom-
ers end-to-end solutions comprising full
production floor control and productivity
packages.
Looking ahead, fabric graphics manufac-
turers may have to review their business plans
and consider expanding into new markets
with equipment they already own, or invest
in new equipment that provides enough of
Transportation and Automotive
an ROI if they are going to prosper. They will
need to review the type of customers they
serve, determine if they have the right print
technology for their applications and imple-
ment a solid strategy moving forward.
» For more, search fabric graphics
at specialtyfabricsreview.com
Jeff Rasmussen is IFAI market research
manager. He can be reached at +1 651 225 6867
or jcrasmussen@ifai.com.
Truck Covers
Upholstery
Awnings and Shades
Geosynthetics
Graphics
Lightweight Structures
Adjustments and innovation
China’s nonwovens and technical textile industry bounces back.
Marine
China Nonwovens & Industrial Textiles Association
Protective: Safety and Medical
I
ndustry adjustments, government action and product
innovation kept China’s textile industry solvent in the
first half of 2009, in spite of a decline in exports due to
the global economic crisis. While the outlook for China’s
textile industry for all of 2009 is not a cause for wholesale
optimism, China Nonwovens & Industrial Textiles Association
(CNITA) has identified four types of textile enterprises that have
Tents and Temporary Shelters
fared well, providing a measure of hope during an uncertain
economy. Entering 2009, China’s macroeconomy showed some
improvement, including an expansion in the scale of loans
and an increase in the purchasing managers’ index (PMI).
The Chinese government increased the ratio of tax refunds on
exported textiles and apparel by three times and introduced
a series of structural adjustments and revitalization plans for
textile industries. These policies have stimulated China’s textile
economy, which at midyear appeared to be bouncing back.
Transportation and Automotive
Compared with other parts of the textile industry, nonwovens
and technical textiles are recovering more quickly.
China’s successes
After researching industrial clusters and aspects of large- and
medium-scale enterprises, CNITA found that four types of
enterprises were successfully weathering the global economic
storm of late 2008 and early 2009.
> The first type includes those enterprises already having
Truck Covers
relatively complete industrial chains. For example, Fujian
Xinhua Co. Ltd., Jinjiang City, Fujian Province, has its own
polypropylene (PP) bottle recycling line, PP fiber production,
nonwovens production and processing ability. The local bag,
Upholstery
luggage and shoe industries are strong and sales channels are
Sf Focus
business
Markets
world views
Connections
steady. Companies that fall in this category can expect some
increase in sales in 2009.
> Enterprises having relatively high technologies comprise
the second type. Xiamen Savings Environmental Industrial Co.
Ltd., Xiamen City, Fujian Province, whose materials for filter bags
are all P84, aramid, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) and other high-
performance fibers, has solved the technical problems of processing
these fibers and succeeded in producing high-quality products.
Even in an economically difficult time for many industries, the
company is maintaining a relatively high profit ratio.
> Enterprises with innovative products make up the third
type of textile manufacturer CNITA found to be experiencing
growth. For Shandong Tongda Island New Materials Co. Ltd.,
Changyi City, Shandong Province, its research and development
on synthetic leather (for basketballs, shoes, car interiors and other
products) resulted in new clients and increased sales in both
domestic and overseas markets. Hubei Huanfu Plastic Products
Co. Ltd., Hanchuan City, Hubei Province, uses spunbond com-
posite with film to produce protective clothing and insulating
felt, which are in great demand in the international market. The
company’s 2009 sales goal is $10 million (USD).
> The fourth type of successful enterprise includes those busi-
nesses favored by the double pull of government policies and
consumer demand. In the first half of 2009, consumer demand
drove the sales volume of cars in China to nearly seven million,
an increase of almost 18 percent over 2008, breaking the record for
previous years in the first half. Businesses producing textiles for
cars had so many additional orders that their workforce frequently
worked overtime to meet demand. With the reappearance of the
HIN1 (swine flu) virus, companies producing masks, protective
www.specialtyfabricsreview.com 11.09 Review 63

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64 Review 11.09
clothing and other hygienic and medical usage
products had enough orders to generate vigorous
production and sales volumes. Since the end of
2008, new government policies have resulted
in investment in infrastructure projects, which
is having a direct and positive effect on future
production of geosynthetics.
The domestic market
Among the three main economic pull factors—
exports, investment, consumption—the positive
effects of the first two on the industry had stopped
by mid-2009 and consumption had slowed. The
nonwovens and technical textile industries, how-
ever, were affected to lesser degrees.
From January to May 2009, China’s non-
wovens and technical textile industries grew
28 percent over 2008. Compared with a growth
rate of only 12.5 percent in January and Febru-
ary 2009, the industry saw a large increase in
the first half of the year. During this period, the
gross profit margin for nonwoven and technical
textile manufacturers was just above 13 percent,
with a profit margin of 4.5 percent. For upscale
nonwoven manufacturers, industrial output
increased 7.6 percent, the value of new prod-
ucts increased nearly 2 percent, assets almost
12 percent, revenue nearly 6 percent, and total
profits increased 16 percent. Upscale nonwovens
decreased in the value of manufactured products
exported, a decline of 9 percent, and in number of
employees, which declined one-half percent.
In the first half of 2009, exports of techni-
cal textiles totaled 649,000 tons, a decrease of 3
Biz Space
Awnings and Shades
Geosynthetics
percent from 2008, while exports of nonwovens
decreased 4 percent. By mid year this decline
was slowing, and the industry appeared to be
turning for the better. The volume of coated
Graphics
fabric exports had gone up, while exports of
cord fabrics and other specialty technical usage
textiles continued to decline.
Lightweight Structures
Compared with apparel and home furnish-
ings, technical textile manufacturers rely less
on exporting. Those that do rely on worldwide
demand have adjusted production and sales pro-
jections accordingly. Additionally, with a more
predictable domestic market for technical textile
end products, some manufacturers have seen a
Marine
turn for the better since March.
Investment in the domestic nonwovens indus-
try brought its slowdown to a halt. From January
Protective: Safety and Medical
to May, total investment increased 47.5 percent
over 2008. During the same period, there were
134 projects, an increase of 25 percent, including
83 new start-up projects, an increase of almost 30
percent. By the end of May, there were 24 finished
projects, an increase of nearly 85 percent, which
made up 18 percent of the total.
For a positive second half of 2009, CNITA’s
analysis suggests that the industry must continue
Tents and Temporary Shelters
a course of independent innovation, structural
adjustments and expanded textile applications,
while focusing requirements from textile revital-
ization plans on developing the technical textiles
industry and speeding up implementation of
technical improvement projects.
» For more, search China at specialtyfabricsreview.com
Translated by Flora Xu, IFAI’s China representative,
ifaichina@china-bfish.com. Reprinted/adapted with
Transportation and Automotive
permission from China Textile News.
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Awnings and Shades
Sf Focus
business
Markets
world views
Connections
Geosynthetics
Graphics
Lightweight Structures

AATCC student design winners

Plus: SGIA’s Sustainability Action Plan; NIOSH meets on
Marine

protective technology; an international rental exchange program.

Protective: Safety and Medical

A student design featuring Invista’s Cordura® brand fabric

was the first-place winner at the recent 2009 Materials
Design Competition from the American Association of Tex-
tile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC). The winning team at
North Carolina State University in Raleigh, N.C., received
the $1,000 first prize for their “Temp-A-Tote™: Solving the The student-designed
Dilemma of Storing Portable Electronics in Automobiles.” Temp-A-Tote™ uses
Tents and Temporary Shelters

Cordura® Classic fabric

Designed to help protect valuable items from harsh condi- in combination with
tions, the tote features an electronics bag made with durable phase-change materials
to protect valuable
500-denier Cordura Classic fabric. electronic equipment.
The Temp-A-Tote uses the fabric in combination with
a phase-change material to protect electronic items from
extreme heat and cold. The phase-change material adapts Four-step sustainability from SGIA
to changes in temperature by changing from solid to liquid
and vice-versa, absorbing harmful heat or cold. T he Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA) has
recently updated its 4-Step Sustainability Action Plan
The AATCC’s fourth with additional resources to help imagers develop a successful
Transportation and Automotive

annual competition was Sustainability Management System (SMS) in their printing

Connections is a forum for
news and information from co-
operating organizations within
or connected to the specialty
fabrics industry.
For news from the Industrial
Fabrics Association Interna-
tional, publisher of the Review, dent teams from around
turn to IFAI Insiders on page 67.
Truck Covers
designed to promote inno- businesses. The program—made up of Plan, Do, Check, Act—
vative product develop- uses member-exclusive resources to provide a straightforward,
ment from a material effective process of incorporating sustainable initiatives based
structures design perspec- on corporate social responsibility.
tive, and featured under- Sustainability system audits have been added to the pro-
graduate and graduate stu- gram’s “Check” phase, to allow users to check for accuracy
and any outstanding issues; at this stage, companies should
the country. Entries were have significant SMS processes already in place. Under the

judged on a range of cri- “Act” phase, the Management Review has been updated,
teria, including concept allow companies to use the results of their internal audits to
originality, technical feasibility and efficacy of the proposed conduct management reviews. SGIA members have complete
commercialization of the idea. For more information, visit access to the programs and instructions. For more details,
Upholstery

www.aatcc.org. visit www.sgia.org.

www.specialtyfabricsreview.com 11.09 Review 65

 Sf Focus
business
Markets
world views
Connections

Personal Protective Technology Program

T he National Institute for Occupational
Safety and Health (NIOSH) Personal Pro-
tective Technology (PPT) Program will host the
3rd Annual Stakeholders’ Meeting on March
2–3, 2010, at the Hyatt Regency Pittsburgh
Airport, Pittsburgh, Pa., U.S.A. This year’s
meeting will center on user-oriented discus-
sions structured from PPT-related information
and training, guided by user input. Topic areas
identified include: respiratory protection and
certification training, hearing protection, fall
protection, protective clothing, physiology,
new PPT research and technology and surveil-
lance projects. For more, e-mail nioshdocket@
cdc.gov., or visit www.cdc.gov/niosh.

International rental exchange program

T he international rental exchange program
is a partnership between the member as-
sociations of The Global Rental Alliance to ad-
vance careers in rental and increase worldwide
awareness of the equipment rental industry. The
American Rental Association (ARA) Foundation
facilitates the program on behalf of The Global
Rental Alliance, which includes the American
Rental Association, Canadian Rental Association,
DLR of France, European Rental Association,
Hire Association Europe, Hire Industry As-
sociation of New Zealand and Hire and Rental
Industry Association Ltd.
Todd Daymont, manager of American Party
Rentals in Durham, N.C., left in August to travel
to Melbourne, Australia, to work through Octo-
ber at Harry the Hirer in Richmond, Victoria, on
events for the AFL Grand Final (the champion-
ship game of the Australian Football League) and
the Melbourne Cup, Australia’s major thorough-
bred horse race. In September, Michael Hayek,
branch manager of Kennards Hire P/L in Sydney,
Australia, traveled to the U.S. to begin his rental
exchange with Eagle Rentals in Seguin, Texas,
Taylor Rental in Fort Worth, Texas, and A & A
Tents in Shreveport, Louisiana.
The ARA Foundation supports the equipment
rental industry, developing and implementing
programs that create educational opportunities
and build relationships. For information, visit
www.ARAfoundation.com.

66 Review 11.09

THE MEMBERSHIP
ADVANTAGE
The Industrial Fabrics Association
International [IFAI], publisher of the
Specialty Fabrics Review, is the only
association in the world representing
the entire scope of the specialty
fabrics industry. We invest our
membership dollars and event revenue
back into benefits for our worldwide
membership in 58 countries.
Join today and make an
investment in your future.
www.ifai.com
Industrial Fabrics Association International
Insiders
November 2009 Together is better.
New Honored Life Members
recognized at IFAI Expo 2009
O ut-going board chairman, Scott Campbell, presented IFAI’s Honored Life Member
designation to six new recipients. Campbell said the recipients “deserve our utmost
respect and, more importantly, our heartfelt thanks.
“They have made an impact on our industry, our association, and—for many of us
that know them—an impact on our professional careers and personal lives. They dem-
onstrate the qualities that each of us seek to achieve.”
Wayne Smith began his career with the Astrup Company and recently retired as vice
president and manager of TriVantage, Atlanta, Georgia. A pioneer of the industry, he
traveled tirelessly to support and educate the industrial fabrics industry, and was active
in the MFA, USIFI and PAMA divisions
of IFAI.
Bruce Mabb, MFC, retired from
Phoenix Tent and Awning in 2004 after
a 40-year career in the industry. An
IFAI-certified Master Fabric Craftsman,
he expanded his business to encompass
new products and markets, provid-
ing leadership that resulted in award-
winning success, while giving back to
the industry through his involvement
with IFAI.
Suzanne J. Reinbolt has been an
IFAI member for more than 30 years
and was a leader on the board of the
Truck Cover and Tarp Association. She
also helped to organized several conven-
Honored Life Member awards were given to Wayne Smith, Bruce Mabb, Suzanne tions and industry events, and has mod-
Reinbolt, George Ochs, Chris Olivieri and Ocie Ford at IFAI Expo 2009. erated many industry seminars.
With George K. Ochs’ 30 years of
leadership, Eide Industries became one of the most recognized and innovative compa-
nies in the specialty fabrics industry. An active member of IFAI, he also served on IFAI’s
board of directors in two separate terms, and finally as board chairman.
Chris Olivieri retired from Somfy Systems Inc. in June of this year. He was a con-
sistent and professional presence for Somfy and IFAI, dedicated to helping members
increase sales by growing their consumer sales of retractable awning and screen systems.
Ocie Ford, IFM, promoted the industrial fabrics industry as national sales manager
for John Boyle & Co. and later for Glen Raven Custom Fabrics. He was also actively
engaged in promoting legislation to benefit the technical fabrics industry, and was a sup-
plier member of the association for more than 20 years.
Insiders 11.09 I 67
Updates

Studying smart textiles and protective clothing

W hen Lucy Dunne, Ph.D.,
chose to design and build
a smart textiles garment for her
undergraduate honors thesis, she
didn’t really know what she was
getting into. “It involved a lot of
electronics,” she says. Nobody
else knew much about the subject,
either, so she forged ahead. Her
David Braun Photography. adventurous approach and tenacity
earned her first place in the first IFAI Safety & Protective
Products Division (SPPD) Student Design Challenge for
the project and eventually led to her current position as
assistant professor of apparel design and wearable technol-
ogy, Department of Design, Housing and Apparel, College
of Design, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.
The winners of the 2009 Safety Products Student Design Challenge were the guests of the IFAI Safety
Although students come in less than enthusiastic about
& Protective Products Division (SPPD) at IFAI Expo 2009 and presented their winning entry at the
her functional clothing class—a required part of the IFAI Annual Meeting. They designed suspension pants for use with a safety harness that protects the
curriculum—she says they finish the course more apprecia- wearer’s femoral artery from suspension trauma via an inflatable diaphragm that is built into the pants.
Design team includes (L. to R.) Deanna Badman, Laura Schannach, Amy Alderete, Stephanie Fitzgerald,
tive. “The potential for smart clothing is really, really big,”
Sarah Lafata. Instructor: Dr. Gindy Neidermyer, University of Wisconsin, Stout, Menomonie, Wisc., U.S.A.
Dunne says, but it hasn’t expanded as quickly as other areas Information about the 2010 challenge is available on the SPPD website, www.safetyfabrics.com. Photo:
for smart textiles. “I found a lot of programs interested in David Braun Photography.

having this, but the reality is that there just aren’t that many
people who do it yet. So that’s one of my goals, to change
that,” she says.
An active member of IFAI, Dunne served as chair of the
smart e-textiles symposium at IFAI Expo 2009.

It was an occasion of historical proportions

when 11 past chairmen of the IFAI board of
directors gathered at a reception and dinner
in their honor at IFAI Expo 2009. Left to right:
Robert L. Cole (1984-85), John K. Robinson,
MFC (1994-95), Scott C. Campbell (2008-09),
J.C. Egnew (1992-93), Jeffrey W. Kirk, IFM
(2006-07), George K. Ochs (2004-05), Roy
Schweinfurth, MFC (1986-87),
L. Vernon Schaefer, MFC (1980-81), Donald
W. Williams, MFC (1998-99), Thomas R.
Fridley, MFC (2000-01), Donald M. Reinbolt,
MFC (2002-03). Photo: Bart Harris/Chicago.

68 I Insiders 11.09
OFPANZ executive named IFAI is
I FAI announces that Janet Lane, chief executive, NZ Motor Industry
Training Organization (MITO), has agreed to serve as executive
director for IFAI/OFPANZ (the Outdoor Fabric Products Associa-
growing.
tion of New Zealand). In October 2008, OFPANZ signed an agree-
ment to merge their organization with IFAI.
MITO coordinates apprenticeship training in the automotive and Find out why...
industrial textile fabrication industries in New Zealand, sets industry
standards through the development of national qualifications, pro- The Industrial Fabrics
motes career pathways and provides a strategic leadership role to sup- Association International
port education and training initiatives. “MITO will work closely with OFPANZ and IFAI to is over 2,000 members
ensure the strategic direction reflects their joint goals and objectives and that the OFPANZ strong and growing.
executive is well supported to deliver on the annual business plan,” says Lane. “There are tre-
mendous synergies and we can help facilitate global opportunities.” MITO has recently devel-
oped two new industrial textile fabrication qualifications, with strands in canvas fabrication,
> THE BEST BUSINESS
vehicle trimming and upholstery, as well as sail making. CONNECTIONS
OFPANZ membership includes the leading companies in New Zealand involved in the Valuable networking
manufacturer of end products that use specialty fabrics, including agricultural, transportation opportunities year-round
and protective products, and lightweight structures. The management contract with MITO
> THE BEST EVENTS
means the NZ membership have ongoing support, and the Trade Expo and Annual Confer- IFAI events continue to be
ence at the end of June 2010 in Auckland is likely to draw significant interest. strong even in this economy
Learn more about the event and OFPANZ at www.ofpanz.com.
> THE BEST INFORMATION
Market research delivering

IFAI certification reinstated

critical information right when
you need it—NOW!

O n January 15, 2009, the IFAI Profes-

sional Certification program was put on
hold to re-evaluate the effectiveness of the
current structure. After receiving feedback
from all stakeholders, IFAI has decided to
continue to offer an industry certification
program with some changes. Working with
the IFAI Certification Task Group to meet
that goal, the certification program has been
revised as follows:
• Continue to offer Master Fabric
fied Craftsman (CC) and Certified Project
Planner (CPP) were too low to continue, but
IFAI will recognize those who have achieved
their CC or CPP designations.
IFAI will continue to have general over-
sight for all certification specialties. Task
groups are working on defining the elements
of knowledge, how each will be demonstrated
and revising the written exams.
New applications will be accepted by
IFAI Expo 2010 or before. Initial task group INDUSTRIAL FABRICS ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL

www.ifai.com

Craftsman (MFC) and the Industrial
Fabric Manager (IFM) designations
• IFAI divisions with a designated task
group will be the administrators of
the program
• Include identifying key elements
of knowledge for each specialty;
marine, awning or fabric graphics
• An expanded written test consisting
of a minimum of 75 questions
• No oral exam
The decision to continue to offer MFC
and IFM designation was based on the March
2009 survey of qualifying members who indi-
cated their interest primarily in these two cer-
tification categories. The interest in the Certi-
meetings have already taken place and we
believe we are renewing a program that is
much stronger. It will better meet the needs
of each specialty and have a clear process, a
list of supporting study materials and a men-
tor program.
Please contact:
JOIN US TODAY!
Visit www.ifai.com to find out how
MFC – Marine Specialty | Beth Hungiville
IFAI can help YOU GROW!
+ 1 651 225 6952, blhungiville@ifai.com
MFC – Awning Specialty | Michelle Sahlin
+1 651 225 6948, meshalin@ifai.com
MFC – Fabric Graphics Specialty | Jan Schieffer
+1 651 225 6944, jmschieffer@ifai.com
IFM – All Specialties | Beth Hungiville
+ 1 651 225 6952, blhungiville@ifai.com

Insiders 11.09 I 69
MembGrowing_3rdV.indd 1 4/27/09 10:01:19 AM
New Members

IFAI Divisions
IFAI welcomes month’s new members
AMA | Automotive Materials
Association
AAA Awnings Media One MFA
www.aaa-awnings-inc.com www.mediaoneusa.com FGA | Fabric Graphics
Arrow Custom Covers
Aluminum, fabric awnings and Equipment for fabrics for direct Association
retractable awnings printing www.arrowcovers.net
Custom marine covers FSA | Fabric Structures
A & A Tarps Ltd RFC Co. Association
www.aandatarps.com +1 425 747 8712 Boat Bright Custom Canvas
Shelters, truck tarps and repair Snowboards, graphics and plastic +1 843 441 3271 GMA | Geosynthetic Materials
products Marine canvas Association
ACT Group / Worthen Industries
www.worthenind.com The Roofing Dept. Inc. Dockside Canvas Inc. MFA | Marine Fabricators
Coatings, adhesives and films +1 916 607 7663 www.docksidecanvas.com Association
Sunsetter awnings and roofs Commercial awnings, custom tents,
Air Dimensional Design Inc. canopies NFI | Narrow Fabrics
www.airdd.com Shade Matrix Institute
Inflatables for special events www.shadematrix.com Dreamcast Marine Canvas Ltd.
Tension products and shades www.dreamcastcanvas.com PAMA | Professional Awning
Steve Allen, The Awning Man Marine canvas and upholstery Manufacturers
www.steveallentheawningman.com SHERPA
Dry Dock Canvas Association
Residential awning www.sherpa.com.mx
Life vests, safety vests, exercise +1 616 891 7515 SPPD | Safety and Protective
Allied Awning & Siding Co. apparel, wet suits, float suits Marine canvas
Products Division
+1 402 453 9443
Surqui Medical Hood Marine Canvas
Canvas awnings, patio covers TRD | Tent Rental Division
www.surqui.com www.hoodcanvas.com
Avila Textiles Inc. Medical supplies Marine fabricator, dodgers, biminis, TCTA | Truck Cover & Tarp
Narrow fabrics, sewing thread interior upholstery Association
Tarps & Tie-Downs
Barnett Canvas Goods & Bag Co. www.tarpstiedowns.com Jim’s Canvas Repair USIFI | United States Industrial
www.barnettcanvas.com Canopies, covers, tarps +1 908 601 7115 Fabrics Institute
Bags, roll goods Marine canvas
Tomlong Techstile Corp
Bella-Dura™ www.tomlong.com.tw JR Patches IFAI Country Sectors
www.bella-dura.com TPU laminated fabric +1 856 207 3130 IFAI Canada
Woven textile fabrics Marine, residential and commercial
Top Hat Awnings and Shade canvas and upholstery IFAI Japan
California SailShades Inc. +1 956 460 5671
www.californiasailshades.com Lowitz Custom Shoppe IFAI New Zealand/
Awning manufacturer
Shade structures, awnings www.lowitzcustomshoppe.com OFPANZ
United States Army RDECOM Custom boat tops, canvas, interiors,
Castagna Awnings +1 508 233 6355 (DSN 256) awnings
www.castagnaawnings.com Program support
Awnings Stonington Custom Canvas LLC
University of Wisconsin www.stoningtoncustomcanvas.com
Conventional Tents & Awnings Design Studies Marine canvas TRD
+1 562 908 9666 www.sohe.wisc.edu
Canopies,tents, awnings, side walls United Industrial Textile Grand Rental Station
Education in the design and research of
Products Inc. www.grandrental.com/stephenville
interior environments, textiles and apparel
DIBA Ltd. www.uitprod.com Equipment and party rental
+52 8183 31 4823 Boat covers and aerospace products
Industrial fabrics, tents, parasols, Division members Joplin Tent & Awnings
awnings Vermont Custom Canvas +1 417 623 3384
FGA
www.vermontcustomcanvas.com Tent rental and sales, custom awning sales
Eeonyx Corporation Marine canvas and upholstery,
www.eeonyx.com Stella Color awnings, tarps Octagon Portable Air Inc.
Adjustable Eeonomer® and Eontex™ www.stellacolor.com www.octagonportableair.com
products Prepress and design printing, output Portable air conditioning and heating
mounting and finishing display PAMA equipment
FlexiTank Pty Ltd. solutions
www.flexitank.com.au Awnings by Morgon Proctor Canvas Products Inc.
Pillow tanks, inflatibles www.awningsbymorgon.com +1 218 628 2316
FSA (formerly LSA) Awnings Marine canvas, upholstery and covers
Floating Dog Designs LLC
www.floatingdogdesigns.com A & F Manufacturing Co. Ltd. The Blind Butler Tents Hawaii Inc. dba Hawaii
Upholstery and textile design www.af-manufacturing.com www.theblindbutler.com Tents & Events
Awnings, hurricane shutters, truck covers Awnings, shades, shutters and blinds
Global Safety Textiles www.hawaiitents@hawaii.com
Dockside Canvas Inc. Tent rental and event services
North America AGC Chemicals Americas
www.itg-global.com www.agcchem.com www.docksidecanvas.com 360 Tents
Cut and sew manufacturing Commercial awnings, custom tents,
Chemical manufacturer
canopies +1 254 773 1800
Tent manufacturing
Hoover Products Dockside Canvas Inc. Joplin Tent & Awnings
www.hooverproducts.com www.docksidecanvas.com
Snaps and grommets for upholstery
+1 417 623 3384 TCTA
Commercial awnings, custom tents,
Tent rental and sales, custom awning sales
canopies
Alan Johnson Joplin Tent & Awnings
Watkins Awnings
+1 562 305 8002 Fabritecture LLC +1 417 623 3384
Certified welding inspector www.fabritecture.com www.watkinsawnings.com Tent rental and sales, custom awning sales
Fabric awnings
Tensile membrane structures
Letom America Inc.
West Coast Awning Inc. IFAI CANADA
www.letom.co.kr Hightex Group PLC
Solution-dyed polyester fabric www.hightexworld.com www.westcoastawning.com
Commercial and residential patio Centre De Transfer
Tensile and pneumatic fabric
Life Cube Inc. structures
covers, retractable awnings, domes Technologique De La Mode
www.lifecubeinc.com www.cttm.ca
Portable, self-contained emergency shelter Collegial transfer center

70 I Insiders 11.09

On the job
ls an sw er qu estions about
Our textile prof
essiona
l iss ue s an d more. This free
technica
building codes,
em be rs . Contact us at
for IFAI m
35 | e-mail info
+1 651 225 69
Don’t let a question sidetrack your business.
We’re making a jet bridge canopy for a local airport
and have been told we need to use fabric that meets
NFPA 415 and FAR 25.853. I’ve never heard of those
specifications. Can you tell me more?
We’re familiar with FAR 25.853; it’s part of the Federal
Aviation Regulation. Section 25 pertains to airworthiness
standards and Section 853 has to do with aircraft interiors.
As such, we’re not sure how it applies to an exterior canopy
at an airport.
NFPA 415 was new to us, but we quickly found out that
the title is “Standard on Airport Terminal Buildings, Fueling
Ramp Drainage and Loading Walkways.” Since it refer-
ences the finished product, it itself isn’t a specification on
the fabric, but it references one. We didn’t have the current
version, but the version we have cites NFPA 701 for canopy
flammability, and since it’s also an NFPA specification, it’s
likely that it’s the specification that your fabric needs to
meet. Since NFPA 701 is one of the more widely cited tex-
tile flammability specifications, you should have no trouble
locating a supplier.
> Federal Aviation Administration, Washington, D.C.,
U.S.A., 866 835 5322
> National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, Mass.,
U.S.A., +1 617 770 3000, 800 344 3555, www.nfpa.org
We have the opportunity to bid on a job at a local
manufacturing plant, making a sound cover for a noisy
piece of equipment. What fabric should we use?
You’re probably going to need a fabric assembly rather
than a single fabric. Acoustical covers are often at least
three layers. The layer closest to the equipment should be
open enough to allow sound to pass through; what the
fabric is will depend on the equipment and its function. For
example, if it’s machinery that operates at a higher temper-
ature, you’ll need to make sure that you use a material that
can withstand that particular temperature. You also want
to make sure that the fabric allows sound to pass through,
so a coated or laminated material is not an ideal choice for
this layer. The second layer absorbs the sound. Often an
acoustical fiberglass insulation is used in this layer, although
we’ve also seen foam and needlepunched materials used.
Finally, the outer layer (the one facing the rest of the manu-
facturing facility) should protect the other two layers. This
is the material that the facility’s employees may come into
contact with, as well as other substances that may be pres-
Sf Resources
Info central
11.0 9
ly,
sources of supp
clu sively
service is ex
800 328 4324
central@ifai.com
.
ent in the environment. A coated or laminated fabric works
well in this layer. Once you’ve chosen the components to
your fabric assembly, they are typically joined by quilting. If
your shop doesn’t have the capability to quilt, it’s possible
that you can subcontract that portion of the job.
We used to buy reproductions of antique upholstery
fabric from a company called Full Swing. They were
located in Rhode Island, but the phone number we have
doesn’t work. Are they still in business?
We found them in Massachusetts; it appears that they had
moved since you last contacted them. The company sells a
number of different retro-style fabrics, primarily for interior
use, although they do have some outdoor fabrics as well.
> Full Swing Textiles, Duxbury, Mass., U.S.A.
+1 781 934 6781, fax +1 781 846 0228,
www.fullswingtextiles.com
I’m making a bag strap for a customer in Europe and am
told that it has to be made of materials that are ROHS
compliant and are certified as such. What does that mean?
Most countries have a list of restricted substances. The
European Union adopted the Restriction of Hazardous Sub-
stances (RoHS) Directive in 2003, and it went into effect in
2006. RoHS restricts the use of specific hazardous materials
found in electrical and electronic products. Some of the
chemicals it restricts are lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), cadmium
(Cd), hexavalent chromium (CrVI), polybrominated biphenyls
(PBB) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE). We’re
not exactly sure why your customer is asking for RoHS cer-
tification, unless perhaps the strap is attached to a piece of
electronic equipment. In either case, your supplier should
be able to verify the RoHS certification. Each country in Eu-
rope has its own enforcement and implementation.
It’s also possible that your customer meant to ask for
REACH certification, since it directly cites textiles. REACH
stands for Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and re-
striction of CHemical substances, and took effect in July
2007. REACH is enforced through the European Chemicals
Agency (ECHA).
> European Chemicals Agency, Helsinki, Finland
+358 9 686180, http://echa.europa.eu
Compiled by Juli Case, IFAI’s information and technical services manager.
www.specialtyfabricsreview.com • 11.09 Review 71
 Insight &
Innovation
Intelligence
you need
Compelling content
(you can’t get anywhere else)
• Experience new product launches
and high-tech innovations
• Discover fresh perspectives on
market trends/industry news
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 For Sale Help Wanted
SURPLUS AND SECONDS GODSHALL & GODSHALL PERSONNEL

Marketplace
OF CLOSED CELL FOAM CONSULTANTS, INC.
Textile Industry Specialists Since 1969
Available in rolls, sheets and buns. Our prices Fee Paid Positions
are cheap cheap cheap.
McCullough Corp. Phone 864/242-3491
248-646-6195 fax: 248-646-8913 P.O. Box 1984, Greenville, SC 29602
email: mccullou@htdconnect.com E-mail: recruiter@godshallstaffing.com
Visit our Web site for additional
COMPANY FOR SALE positions: www.sccareersearch.com
Custom Canvas Shop for Sale located in Northern Call Robert Graham or
Ontario Sales in the $750 K and up range. Richard Heard
Great profit margins
Wall tent, Tipis, tool bags etc. Constant work load, COMMISSION SALES REPS WANTED
and good management structure in place.
Owner ready to retire. Neoprene Sheets, Hook & Loop, Webbing,
Elastic, Zippers, Buckles
Please send inquires to:
Many territories available. Established
Deni Poulin
in 1985, large inventory for fast delivery.
denijpoulin@yahoo.com
Please visit www.perfectex.com.
or Call 800-461-1045

COMPANY FOR SALE

E-Mail: info@perfectex.com
Awning company in Colorado’s banana belt. Fax resume to 714-893-9339
Opportunity knocks with a great, twenty year Or call 1-800-326-1288 ext. 104
reputation and excellent customer base. Want to
For more information on Charlene Mastin
retire but too much business to leave. Owner will
classified advertising in IFAI’s stay to train and help you meet the community.
Specialty Fabrics Review,
Contact Kristen Evanson Please send inquires to:
Wanted
1801 County Rd. B W.,
Roseville, MN 55113-4061 IFAI, County Road B W WE BUY
USA. Phone: 800 382 0134, Box 765, Roseville, MN 55113 SHELF-DATED BANNER FABRIC, IND.
Fax: +1 651 225 6966, or email: FABRIC, LAMINATED & COATED VINYL,
E-mail:kmevanson@ifai.com kmevanson@ifai.com SECONDS & CLOSEOUTS.
CALL CANVYL 514/866-4255

Organised by

&

EDANA and BCH present a high-level conference

and unique business opportunities supporting the
18-19 February 2010 expected market growth for filtration across the
Intercontinental Eros Nehru Place Indian subcontinent and Asia
New Delhi, India
CONFERENCE THEMES
VISIT THE EXHIBITION AND... New filter media technologies
lDiscover the latest equipment
Market trends
EXHIBIT AT FILTREX ASIA 2010 AND.. land processes in the filtration
field Automotive filtration
lEstablish new business contacts
lPromote your company brand to a lFind the tailored solution for Air filtration
global audience l your business
Liquid filtration
lBe able to launch and demonstrate new lMake new contacts
Gas filtration
technologies, products & services lJoin us at the cocktail party for
Emission - air pollution
more networking opportunities Control/legislation
TO REGISTER OR FOR ANY FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Water treatment
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1 1
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akanksha@bch.in 1 1
P.+32 / 2 734 93 10 F. +32 / 2 733 35 18 Ihssane.mediari@edana.org

11.09 Review 73

1 3
Creativeforefficiency
cost-effective production
1 Privacy aboard
Sunbrella View, a light-filtering version of
®
Sunbrella fabrics excellent for privacy screen-
ing onboard ship, is now available in Pacific
Blue and Captain Navy colorways, in response
to requests from customers for a version of the
fabric with traditional marine colors. Sunbrella
Supreme, a two-sided, waterproof fabric with a
flocked underside for biminis and boat covers,
is being expanded with the addition of a Black
and Cadet Gray combination. Sunbrella View
offers light-filtering features for above- and
below-deck applications, filtering light without
completely obstructing the view. It’s colorfast,
durable and easy to clean, and can help to
reduce heat gain in the cabin.
Contact Glen Raven Custom Fabrics, Burlington, N.C., U.S.A.;
www.sunbrella.com.
74 Review 11.09
2
2 Tabletop PnuBurst
The innovative PnuBurst from SDL Atlas offers
the convenience of a preprogrammed unit for
basic burst testing for customers who do not
need the extended range of the company’s
regular AutoBurst model. Economical table-
top model features a pneumatically operated
diaphragm, a color touch-screen controller
preprogrammed for major test protocols, and
automatic bell size and clamp ring detection.
USB port, data cable and onboard software
allow users to save and analyze test data eas-
ily. Unit delivers consistent and accurate test-
ing for woven and nonwoven textiles, paper,
paperboard and films.
Contact SDL Atlas, Rock Hill, S.C., U.S.A.;
+1 803 329 2110, www.sdlatlas.com.
3
3 More efficient sewing
Unicraft Corp. has added a three-pedal, heavy-
duty long arm sewing machine stand to its
current line. It can be used with 25- and 30-
inch long bed walking foot sewing machines,
and features a newly redesigned mechanism
for pedal operation: one pedal engages the
motor, one lifts the machine presser foot, and
one is used for backtack/reverse sewing. The
new configuration improves the efficiency and
aesthetics of the stand, and reduces its cost
compared to previous designs.
Contact Unicraft Corp., Miami, Fla., U.S.A.;
+1 305 571 9300, www.unicraftcorp.com.

4 Fabric wall structures
The EZ Fabric Wall System from Moss Inc.
combines the versatility of modular walls with
the benefits of lightweight fabric structures.
Sturdy, lightweight extrusion system accepts
fabric as well as hard substrates, and walls
can be configured to make the most of any
display space. Dozens of available accessories
can be attached, such as monitors, shelves or
graphics, and even structures from the Moss
Shapes or Rents lines. Designed for use with
Moss Photo Fabric® printed graphics, which
are available either as individual wall-to-wall
panels or as a large-scale continuous image
over many wall sections.
Contact Moss Inc., Belfast, Maine, U.S.A.;
+1 207 930 6150, www.mossinc.com.
5 Flexible “Textures”
The Textures collection with Nano-tex pro-
tection, now available from Silver State Inc.,
has a unique finish that provides enhanced
durability and cleanability, while retaining the
exceptional hand of the fabric. The collection
includes nine new solid patterns, with surface
textural weaves such as ottoman, boucle, che-
nille, tweed and herringbone. The Nano-tex
high-performance finish builds permanent
spill and stain protection into the fiber struc-
ture; the finish is also recyclable, and holds
MBDC environmental certification.
Contact Silver State Inc., Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.A.;
800 453 5777, www.silverstatetextiles.com.
Sf Resources
New products
6 Heat transfer machines
Model 7240IJO rotary drum heat transfer ma-
chine for digital dye-sub printing of fabric up
to 40 inches wide prints approximately 3 linear
feet per minute at a 40-second dwell time, and
features a new oil-heated drum specifically de-
signed to meet the increasing demand for high-
quality dye sublimation transfer technology.
Multiple safety systems, high-quality electronic
components and ergonomic, lightweight roll
shafts minimize downtime and maximize in-
vestment return. Also available: Models 120CR
and 240CR platen-style heat transfer machines,
with three zone heat control and two large
pneumatic pressure cylinders to provide a cost-
effective solution for high-quality dye sublima-
tion of sports apparel, flags and banners.
Contact Advanced Innovative Technologies, Ball Ground, Ga.,
U.S.A.; +1 770 479 1900, www.aitequipment.com.
www.specialtyfabricsreview.com • 11.09 Review 75
 * **
**
**
Plan your year. January \\ February \\ March \\ April \\ May \\ June \\
**
**
November
2010 NECPA Awning and Marine
Canvas Products Show [ Jan. 28–30 ] **
**
The 14th Annual Frank O. Johnson Memorial
Expo & Conference will take place at the
High-Performance Fibers 2009 [ Nov. 17–18 ] MassMutual Center in Springfield, Mass., U.S.A.
International conference will be held at the Double-
tree Guest Suites Historic Charleston Hotel in
IFAI’s Marine Fabricators Association (MFA) will
host a workshop as part of the conference. For
**
**
Charleston, S.C., U.S.A. Representatives from lead- information, visit www.necpa.org.
ing fiber manufacturers will discuss recent techni-
cal innovations and the latest market trends. For PAMA Canopy Design & Installation Workshop

**
information, visit www.compositesworld.com.
[ Jan. 29 ]
Full-day workshop on canopy design and instal-

**
lation will be held in conjunction with the NECPA
December 2010 convention in Springfield. Visit www.necpa.
org for more information, or contact Pama man-

**
aging director Michelle Sahlin at awndiv@ifai.
FGA Sewing Machine Operation & com.
Maintenance Workshop [ Dec. 3 ]
Fabric Graphics Association workshop will take
place at Glawe Tent and Awning, Dayton, Ohio,
February **
**
U.S.A. For information, contact FGA managing
director Jan Schieffer at jmschieffer@ifai.com, or
visit www.fabricgraphicsassociation.com. Midwest Fabric Products Association

CPA (Zone 7) Convention [ Dec. 3–4 ]
Canvas Products Association Zone 7 presents
“Keeping up with the industry” at the Hilton Gar-
den Inn in Dayton, Ohio, U.S.A. For information,
**
Annual Convention [ Feb. 3–5 ]
Will take place at the Hilton Garden Inn, Champaign,
Ill., U.S.A. For more information, contact Byron
Yonce at TCT&A Industries, +1 217 328 5749.

**
**
visit www.canvaszone7.com.
The Rental Show 2010 [ Feb. 7–10 ]
Will take place at the Orange County Convention
ATNT–2009 [ Dec. 7–9 ] Center in Orlando, Fla, U.S.A. For information,

**
The 6th edition of Advances in Textiles, Machinery, visit www.therentalshow.com.
Nonwovens and Technical Textiles, conducted by
Texas Tech University in collaboration with the

**
IFAI Canada Expo 2010 [ Feb. 18–20 ]
Bannari Amman Institute of Technology (BIT),
Will take place at the Chateau Cartier, Gatineau,
will be held on BIT premises in Sathyamangalam
Quebec, Canada. Contact IFAI Canada managing

**
in the Coimbatore region of India. For informa-
director Kristy Osman, klosman@ifai.com, or visit
tion, contact Dr. Seshadri Ramkumar, Texas Tech
www.ifaicanada.com.
University, U.S.A., at seshadri.ramkumar@tiehh.

**
ttu.edu.
CMCFA Convention 2010 [ Feb. 18–21 ]
The Chesapeake Marine Canvas Fabricators

**
Association (CMCFA) annual convention will be
2010 January held at the Princess Royale Hotel in Ocean City,
Md., U.S.A. CMCFA is dedicated to promoting

**
professionalism among canvas fabricators in
2010 Marine Fabricators Association the mid-Atlantic region of the United States. For
National Convention [ Jan. 10–12 ] information, visit www.cmcfa.org.
Will be held at the Rosen Plaza Hotel in Orlando,
Fla., U.S.A. For more information, contact MFA
**
**
managing director Beth Hungiville, +1 651
225 6952, blhungiville@ifai.com, or visit www. March
marinecanvas.com.

**
Architecture + Construction Materials 2010
2010 IFAI Tent Conference [ Jan. 21–23 ] [ Mar. 9–12 ]
IFAI’s Tent Rental Division (TRD) conference

**
Takes place at the Tokyo International Exhibition
will be held at the Scottsdale Plaza & Resort in
Center in Tokyo, Japan. The show will include a
Scottsdale, Ariz., U.S.A. Contact TRD managing
special exhibition called “Canvas Japan 2010”

**
director Jan Schieffer, jmschieffer@ifai.com, or
to meet increasing industry needs for canvas,
visit www.tentexperts.org.
awnings and tents. For information, visit www.
shopbiz.jp/en.ac.

**
76 Review 11.09
*
**
** Sf Resources

** Calendar

**
** \\ July \\ August \\ September \\ October \\ November \\ December
**
** Mid-American Trucking Show [ Mar. 25–27 ]
Will take place at the Kentucky Exposition Center
ACASPA Expo 2010 [ May 29–31 ]
Trade show for everyone involved in Australia’s

**
in Louisville, Ky., U.S.A. For information, visit textile industry. Show will be held at the RACV
www.truckingshow.com. Royal Pines Resort, Gold Coast, Queensland, Aus-
tralia. For details, visit www.acaspa.com.au.

** April

**
June
34th SWIFA Annual Convention [ April 7–10 ]

**
Southwest Industrial Fabrics Association 2010 AIA Conference and Expo [ June 10–12 ]
will have its annual convention at the Capitol American Institute of Architects annual exposition
Hotel in Little Rock, Ark., U.S.A. SWIFA serves will take place at the Miami Beach Convention

**
fabricator members from Arkansas, Louisiana, Center in Miami, Fla., U.S.A. For information, visit
New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas, with supplier www.aiaconvention.com.
members from across the U.S. For information,

** visit www.swifa.org.
Advanced Textiles ’10 [ June 16–17 ]
Third annual European-U.S. Entrepreneurs Net-

**
International Sign Expo { April 8–10 ] working Conference will be held in Paris, France.
Will take place at the Orange County Convention For information, e-mail info@ihofmann.com.
Center in Orlando, Fla., U.S.A. For information,

**
visit www.signexpo.org.
The Great West Truck Show [ June 17–19 ]
At the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las
Techtextil Russia 2010 [ April 19–21 ]

**
Vegas, Nev., U.S.A. For information, visit www.
At the Crocus-Expo IEC in Moscow, Russia. For truckshow.com.
information, visit www.eventseye.com.

** Outlook Conference 2010 [April 26-27]

The premier business networking conference
FESPA 2010 [ June 22–26 ]
The Federation of European Screenprinters As-

**
sociations main event, held every three years, will
for technical textiles is scheduled at Pinehurst take place in Munich, Germany, spread over six
Resort, N.C. Developed by USIFI and NFI. For halls, including two new fabric and finishing areas.

**
more information, contact Ruth Stephens at For information, visit www.fespa2010.com.
+1 651 225 6920.
OFPANZ 2010 Trade Show and Conference

**
IDEA10 International Engineered Fabrics [ June 24–26 ]
Conference & Expo [ April 27–29 ] Conference will be held at the Spencer on Byron

**
Organized by INDA, Association of the Nonwoven Hotel in Takapuna, Auckland, New Zealand. For
Fabrics Industry, the triennial show will take place information, e-mail ofpanz@quicksilver.net.nz.
at the Miami Beach Convention Center in Miami,

**
Fla., U.S.A. For information, visit www.inda.org.

October

** May

** Techtextil North America 2010 [ May 18–20 ]

Co-locating with Megatex, to take place in Atlanta,

**
Ga., U.S.A. For details, visit www.techtextilNA.
com. IFAI Expo Americas 2010 [ Oct. 27–29 ]

**
At the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando,
SPESA EXPO 2010 [ May 18–20 ] Fla., U.S.A. New in 2010: Advanced Textiles, blending
To take place at the Georgia World Congress technology and materials. The largest specialty

**
Center in Atlanta, Ga., U.S.A. Part of Textile and fabrics trade show in the Americas. For information
Sewn Products Industry Week, SPESA Expo is the on exhibiting, sponsoring or speaking at the show,
largest gathering of sewn products professionals visit ifaiexpo.com.

**
in the Americas for 2010. For information, visit
www.spesaexpo.com.

**
**
* www.specialtyfabricsreview.com • 11.09 Review 77
Sf Resources * **
Editorial
Sources
**
**
Get listed on this page.
**
**
Share your k
nowledge a nd expertise.
w stories. W
e are **
Offe
prep
r
a
yo
rin
u
g
r in
fu
p ut on Revie
ture issues,
and we ’r
rces on th
e
e
lo
se
o king
to pics: **
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g e able so u
for knowled
griculture
Fabrics in a
Wide-form
Showroom
at printing
: exhibits **
Contact by D
ecember 15,
dstrom | gd
2009
nordstrom@
ifai.com
**
**
Galynn Nor

**
**
**
**
36 \ Drawing on expertise
Academy Awning, City of Commerce,

**
Calf., U.S.A.
800 422 9646 | www.academyawning.com

**
B&C Awnings Inc., Annaheim, Calif., U.S.A.
800 962 9949 | www.bcawnings.com

**
Fabric Structures Association
30 \ The art of mind reading 800 209 1810 |
www.fabricstructuresassociation.org

**
Banner Creations Inc.,
Minneapolis, Minn., U.S.A. FabriTec Structures, Costa Mesa, Calif.,
+1 612 871 1015 | www.bannercreations.com U.S.A.

**
877 887 4233 | www.fabritecstructures.com
Lawrence Fabric Structures,
St. Louis, Mo., U.S.A. FTL Design Engineering Studio, New York,

**
+1 636 861 0100 | www.lawrencefabric.com N.Y., U.S.A.
+1 212 951 6361 | www.ftlstudio.com
Moss Inc., Belfast, Maine, U.S.A.

**
+1 847 570 6007 | www.mossinc.com GSE Lining Technology Inc., Houston,
Texas, U.S.A.
Miller Weldmaster Corp., Navarre, Ohio, U.S.A. 800 435 2008 | www.gseworld.com

**
+1 330 833 6739 | www.weldmaster.com
Huntington Design Associates Inc.,
Rainier Industries, Tukwila, Wash., U.S.A. Oakland, Calif., U.S.A.

**
+1 425 981 1201 | www.rainier.com +1 510 339 0110 | www.huntingtondesign.com
Jack Sims Tentnology, Surrey, B.C., Canada

**
+1 914 509 5170 | info@jacksims.com. 800 663 8858 | www.tentnology.com

**
**
**
**
78 Review 11.09
*
**
** Sf Resources

** ad index

**
** Look who’s advertising. When you contact an advertiser in this issue, please tell
them that you saw their ad in Specialty Fabrics Review.

**
** 58 ABC Industries F CV2, 1 Glen Raven Custom Fabrics F 61 Sinclair Equipment Co. F

** 800 426 0921

sales@abc-industries.net
www.sunbrella.com 800 624 2408
www.sineqco.com

** 35 Alpha Productions F
4 Herculite Products Inc. F
800 772 0036 17 Snyder Mfg F

**
800 223 0883 www.herculite.com 800 837 4450
www.alphaproductions.com www.snyderman.com

**
43 Hiker USA Inc. F
9 American Cord & Webbing Co F 866 664 4537 3 Stimpson Co. Inc. F
+1 401 762 5500 www.hikergrommets.com 877 765 0748

** www.acw1.com

61 Jomar Softcorp International F

www.stimpson.com

** 62 Bally Ribbon Mills F

+1 610 845 2211
+1 519 740 0510
www.jomarsoftcorp.com
19 TMI Vinyl Solutions F
800 888 9750

**
www.ballyribbon.com www.tmivinylsolutions.com

62 Leister Process Technologies F

**
73 Business Co-Ordination House F 800 694 1472 64 Top Value Fabrics Inc. F
+91 11 23328130 www.leister.com 800 428 5006
ankita@bch.in www.tvfinc.com

** 64 Canvas Link Inc F

C v3 Manart-Hirsch Co. Inc. F
+1 516 887 1133 Tri Vantage LLC F
Cv4

** 800 226 8275

www.canvaslink.com
www.manart-hirsch.com www.trivantage.com

** 66 Coletech F
7 Mermet USA F
866 902 9647
66 Vicar International F
800 526 6997

**
800 872 6950 www.mermetusa.com www.vicarinternational.com
www.coletech.net

**
43 Miller Weldmaster F 58 Vidir Machine Inc. F
56, 57 Covin Sales & Converting F +1 330 833 6739 800 210 0141
888 862 6846 www.weldmaster.com www.vidir.com

** www.covinsales.com

17 MMI/NDW Textiles F

** 19 DAF Products F
800 228 9837
888 664 0086
www.mmitextiles.com
F I FA I Member

**
www.dafproducts.com

44 Munro Fastenings & Textiles F

**
20 Designtech Inc. F 877 476 6638
+1 864 906 8462 www.munrofastenings.com
weaveclean@msn.com

** 35 Eastman Machine Company F

44 Robeco/Ascot Inc. F
800 992 1067
The bolded advertisers are
exhibitors at IFAI EXPO. Be

**
sure to visit their booths at the
+1 716 856 2200 www.robecoinc.com show, which will be held at
www.eastmancuts.com the Orange County Convention

**
Center, Orlando, FL on
21 Sattler North America F October 27–29, 2010
2 Fasnap Corp. F 866 992 9646
For more information on IFAI

**
800 624 2058 www.sattler-corp.com Expo 2010, please visit www.
www.fasnap.com ifaiexpo.com. For advertising
rates and information call

**
24 SeaShell Awnings F Shelly Arman at 800 225 4324.
57 Futureguard Building Products F 877 757 4355
800 858 5818 www.SeaShellAwningsUSA.com

** www.nuimagepro.com

* www.specialtyfabricsreview.com • 11.09 Review 79

 984
Year in Review: 1

Chain of tools

Vertical Integration
in Industrial Fabrics
… Numerous comp
anies advise that
is sa fer to in te gr it wh y th en is th e
at e ba ck wa rd s th pr ac tic e m uc h m
an widespread and su or e
forwards. ccessful in Europe
“Y ou ha ve to be ?
“You’re better off ba in yo ur po ck et of
cking toward the
supply point than the industry. You
toward the marketi can’t span the entir
ng in du st ry ,” ex pl ai ns e
point,” Boyle Pres Ol of M ar te ns so n,
ident Bill Pitt sta
“If yo u m ov e in to tes. president of
th e m ar ke tin g en Awnings Unlimite
d, Annapolis, M d Inc. in
there is a broad base d. Martensson wa
of your own custom- s in the
ers you tend to bypa awning business in
ss.” Sw ed en be fore mov-
Glen Raven Mills, ing to the U.S. in 19
for instance, has 77.
been integrating ov “This country is to
er the last 25 year o big,” says Mar-
taking in spinning s, ten sson. “You can do it
, weaving, texturiz in a smaller coun-
For textile manufacturers, an in-house and finishing. But ing try.” (In Euro
Vice President Ce pe, the fiber produc
supply chain, extended backwards, cil also weave, co er may
Gant Jr. says the at or laminate fabric
might be viewed as a natural method company never co s, and
sidered end produc n- then make th
t manufacturing as ose fabrics into aw
of growth (and control). Whether this nings.)
another step. “To go … Robert Huntoon,
would offer cost or quality advantages farther downstream another business
to end product manufacturers remains wo ul d be to go in consultant, says tex
to an ot he r bu sin tile mills found in
es s creased profi -
to be sewn … er, seen. altogether,” he says ts by taking over th
. e manu-
WestPoint Pepper facture of bedsheets
ell’s Fred Cook Jr all the way throug
. m ar ke tin g. Bu t th at h
suggest that forwa in te gr at ion to ok
rd integration woul
re qu ire la rg er sa d “a tre m en do us in
les st af fs to ha nd ve st m en t,” he sa
le and only “ver ys ,
smaller, more spec y lar ge companies” accom-
ialized accounts.
“You can burn a lot plished the conver
of bucks if you’re sion successfully.
not careful,” Cook sta Huntoon adds, “It
tes. “We’d be butting is never as cheap to
heads with too ma go into your custo
ny of our customers. mers’ business as
” think it is, and it is you
never as low-cost to
European Success go into your supp
lier business as yo
With American ex th ink it is.” u
amples of success
ve rti ca l in te gr at ion fu l
a sm al l nu m be r, ~Steven Thomma,
Industrial Fabric Products
Review July, 1984
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