A ‘mixed bag’ for U.S. textile manufacturing
April 1st, 2021
When supply chains from Asia were cut off in the spring of 2020, the coronavirus pandemic revealed the extent to which the U.S. was dependent on imports of personal protective equipment (PPE) including nonwoven surgical masks, according to U.S. trade representative Bill Jackson. Photo: © Kateryna Rykun, Dreamstime.com The year 2020 was not a particularly […]
Macon City Auditorium repair includes a roofing membrane system
April 1st, 2021
A few years shy of its 100th birthday, the Macon City Auditorium in Macon, Ga., is getting a makeover, starting with a new roofing membrane system. The Classical-style structure, surrounded on three sides with limestone Doric columns, is on the National Register of Historic Places and has hosted the likes of the Allman Brothers and […]
The textile industry finds a path forward
April 1st, 2021
by Pamela Mills-Senn When the pandemic hit, Autometrix began offering live remote demos in the company’s Ohio office on its demo machine (shown here) to customers interested in its cutting machines. A large screen on the back wall allows for easy video conferencing to discuss details after the demo. Photo: Autometrix Inc. California was the […]
Opportunities in fabric graphics
April 1st, 2021
PWG created this artwork using dye-sublimation and silicone edge graphics, with LED perimeter backlighting. Photo: PWG. The market for fabric graphics continues to evolve, with new challenges presented by everything from COVID-19 to the changing workplace. Innovative companies, though, can find opportunities as they work to position themselves for the post-pandemic rebound. There’s no question […]
Homework brand launches antiviral curtains with Amicor
April 1st, 2021
Recommended for homes and hospitals, curtains from Gold House Decor with Amicor™ fiber are effective against bacteria, fungi and viruses, according to performance tests. Photo: Thai Acrylic Fiber Co. Ltd. Homework fabrics brand from Gold House Decor has launched a new collection of antiviral curtains with Amicor™ fiber. The collection for both residential and hospital […]
COVID-19 survey: Labor and supply chain challenges dominate pandemic struggles
April 1st, 2021
More than a year after the declaration of a global pandemic, it’s no surprise that a majority of companies in the industrial fabrics industry were negatively affected by the events of 2020. But the struggles were uneven, with some companies pivoting to new markets and others experiencing a positive effect. Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) […]
Fabricators pivot, persevere and prosper
April 1st, 2021
24/7 Events helped create a safe outdoor dining space using a clearspan tent with custom lighting, turf, sanitation stations and distanced tables for a casual dining restaurant chain headquartered in Southern California. Photo: 24/7 Events. COVID-19 made an abrupt entrance in 2020, catching almost everyone off guard. It quickly became clear that waiting it out […]
Pvilion and Rensselaer developing robotics to manufacture rapidly deployable structures
April 1st, 2021
A project to develop robotics for the manufacturing of emergency shelters such as Pvilion’s rapidly deployable structures answers “a timely challenge in both manufacturing and health care,” according to senior research engineer Glenn Saunders. Illustrations: Pvilion. When tents are needed immediately—for disaster response, a public health crisis or a military action—time is of the essence. […]
Take IFAI’s State of the Industry survey for a chance to win!
March 15th, 2021
A year into adapting to a global pandemic, an in-depth understanding the state of the industrial fabrics industry is more crucial than ever. IFAI’s State of the Industry survey is a valuable tool for gauging the successes and challenges of the industry at large. The survey deadline has been extended and will close at 11:59 […]
Eschenbach Group completes speedy construction of temporary structures over speed skating rink
March 1st, 2021
Eschenbach Group installed temporary structures totaling 6,000 square meters over an Olympic training speed skating rink so that reconstruction can proceed through the winter without stopping for the weather. Photos: Eschenbach Group. Olympic speed skating hopefuls in Germany will enjoy a modernized training facility once reconstruction is complete on a track in the state of […]