This page contains:
"In My Opinion" editorial by Steve Warner on the results of the IFAI Specialty Fabrics Expo 2013 / Advanced Textiles Trade Show and Conference.
List of those products considered by show management as :Showstoppers."
List of the winners in each category of the International Achievement Awards competition.
List of Chinese exhibitors at the show.
Recap press release summaries of the 2013 SGIA Expo and the IFAI Specialty Fabrics Expo/ Advanced Textiles Trade Show and Conference are available from the two organizations. Click here for IFAI's press release. Click here for SGIA's press release. There is also a really nice short video interview with SGIA President Robertson on his show's highlights. You can view it by clicking here.
Updated posting November 12, 2013
"Bigger, better, faster," was SGIA President Mike Robertson's succinct report when asked what was new at the 2013 SGIA Expo. "It was wonderful to see our members networking," observed IFAI President Mary Hennessy about the IFAI Specialty Fabrics Expo in the organization's wrap-up press release.
Both groups released final numbers. SGIA reported their show's attendance number would be around 22,400 after duplicate registrations were eliminated. This would make it the largest SGIA Expo in the organization's history.
On the other side of the aisle, IFAI reported their show had 5,300 attendees, which would make it down slightly from its 2012 show numbers in Boston. This has to be a little bit disappointing to IFAI which had hoped the co-location and improving economy would produce an attendance bump; however, show management and those in IFAI in the graphics industry had to be happy about the cross-over traffic from the SGIA side. Floor space for each show was about the same as the previous year.
So, who had the successful show? The answer is probably both.
There needs to be a caveat in judging whether a show was a success or it disappointed if you are comparing the numbers only to the organization's previous show. These 2012/2013 numbers don't tell the whole story. In my previous life at IFAI, I found you need to evaluate over a three-show period to get a direction of event trends, especially with an annual show. Show managers and exhibitors shouldn't get fixated on an increase or decrease in attendance. The number of attendees isn't as important as the number of companies represented and the buying authority of those attending. These numbers weren't released by either SGIA or IFAI. Sometimes large attendance simply means a lot of "tire kickers" from the same company.
Annual shows which move from location to location can have a dramatic affect on attendance. Weather or an extraordinary event happening in the world can affect the show, too. Or it may be an inconvenient location for travel, particularly for international visitors. Or it may be an expensive location and a company cannot afford to send too many to attend. No matter what, though, a company will find a way to send at least one representative to visit if the show is interesting.
And, don't judge a show's success because of the size of the show floor. It's more important to look at the number of exhibitors. Are the key players exhibiting? Size, to me, doesn't matter on an exhibit floor. A small, well-done booth can be very effective. I saw a couple of larger exhibits that looked so uninviting that I just didn't want to stop.
In the end, the only things that matter are whether or not visitors and exhibitors were satisfied with the business conducted and the relationships developed because the show took place.
My mantra when I am at a show is "All it takes is one good contact." The true test for both shows is the retention rate of exhibitors and visitors over a three-year period. Is this event a "must participate" event?
Congratulations to both SGIA and IFAI for putting on a combined industry event of the year in North America. I liked the partnership. I hope they consider coming together again every few years.
Steve Warner
Publisher
BeaverLake6 Report
The Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) announced the 2013
ShowStoppers awards for the best of the best new products and services at the
Specialty Fabrics Expo 2013 and Advanced Textiles Conference & Trade Show, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.
IFAI received a total of 97 entries from 53 companies in this year's competition.
Winners exhibited the newest; coolest; the most pragmatic and the most innovative; the most effective and the most efficient; the most economical and the most environmentally sound products and
services in the specialty fabrics and technical textiles industries. Winners were chosen by their industry peers in attendance
and exhibiting in Orlando.
ShowStoppers entries were displayed on the show floor in exhibitors' booths and highlighted in a prominent voting display.The awards were presented Thursday, Nov. 8 on the show floor by IFAI staff.
Some categories received more than one winner. The name of the winning product is followed by the company name and a brief description of the product.
Fabrics, Fibers & Films
Protects
cherries, raspberries, blackberries,blueberries and strawberries from the latest scourge: Spotted Wing Drosophila (outdoor fruit fly). Preliminary lab tests at
universities were successful and large-scale field testing is in process. The
Tek-Knit 80-gram fabric offers exclusion of any insect over .6mm plus
protection from heavy rain, winds and other elements, while providing only
minimum shade due to its color. www.tekknit.com
Special spun polyester material is applied to give a cotton-like look for reliable availability, consistent qualities and stable costs. Various raw materials may be applied to create different looks for all styles of designs. Applications include apparel, shoe and sporting goods markets. Special materials and treatments can be applied for industrial or medical markets. www.paiho-usa.com
End Products & Services
Zip system allows shade fabric to be wind-tight in every position and insect-repellent in the closed position. Sun-protecting fabric has a special trim with a symmetrical zip that holds the entire structure firmly in the two side channels. All materials are 100 percent corrosion-proof and windproof up to 75 mph. The bottom bar disappears into the head box. Available with glass fiber, polyester and blackout screen. www.rollac.com
Chemicals, Coatings & Compounds
Controls the growth of fungi, bacteria and
algae, dispersed into solution and applied by pad. Outdoor applications include cotton and cotton/poly blend ducking for canvas and awnings. Can treat filter media, polyester fiber for use in tow and
cut, animal bedding, cleaning implements, air filter media, wall and window coverings and dust towels. Applications in water-based emulsions include adhesives, grout, mortar, mastics and latex
coatings. www.ultra-fresh.com
Equipment & Tools
3-D software drapes patterns on models included in the software or on user's own model. Seamlessly integrates 3-D models with PDS pattern design. Offersunlimited number of body types by adjusting shape, height, circumference, muscle mass and other measurements. View style colorways and define print placement for fabrics, textures, stitches, buttons and logos. Share 3-D samples or finished products with anyone with a free 3-D viewer. www.optitex.com
Efficient and innovative tool for getting accurate dimensions on site. Digitize existing shapes and objects, edit, create shop tickets, get client approval, email results and more. Portable and lightweight, features include on-board CAD system, CAD/CAM compatibility and training and support. Measures up to 20 to 60 feet from one location depending on model. www.prodimusa.com
Hardware, Findings & Accessories
Complex designs
with abundant colors and patterns create three-dimensional
presentations on drawcords and shoelaces that are both functional and
decorative. Endless combinations of colors and patterns available. For apparel,
shoe and sporting goods markets. Different types of materials and treatments
are available for industrial and medical markets. www.paiho-usa.com
Easy to use, stainless steel Q-SNAP is like a
normal press fastener with two additional parts: a ring underneath the cloth and a gentle hook on deck. Turns
fastener into secured connection that won't pop loose, while incorporating a stretch-function (lever). Developed for covers and spray hoods on boats, appropriate for
any application requiring secure textiles: cushions and sunbeds on mega yachts, baby strollers, sunshades, furniture and more. www.surefas.com
Winners in the 2013 International Achievement Awards were announced October 24, 2013 during the IFAI Specialty Fabrics Expo in Orlando. IFAI received a total of 236 entries from 13 countries. The following is the name of the winner of the Award of Excellence in each category:
Tensile Structures, Under 600 Square Meters
Carpas y Lonas El Carrusel SA de CV
Mexico City, Mexico
Project: Tensostructure for Fast Food Area for University of Leon, Mexico
Tensile Structures, 600-2300 Square Meters
MakMax Australia
Eagle Farm, Queensland, Australi
Project: Souk Okaz Public Theatre
Tensile Structures, More Than 2300 Square Meters
Taiyo Europe GmbH
Sauerlach, Germany
Project: Opera Lesna Sopot
Frame-Supported Structures
Birdair Inc.
Ameherst, N.Y., United States
Project Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway
Air Structures
Architen Landrell Associates
Chepstow, United Kingdom
Project: London 2012 Water Polo Venue
Commercial Awnings and Canopies, Less Than 83 Square Meters
SunMaster of Naples
Naples, Fla., United States
Project: Bike Route Oasis Pavilion
Commercial Awnings and Canopies, More than 83 Square Meters
J. Miller Canvas, Inc.
Santa Ana, Calif., United States
Project: Sparks Building
Residential Awnings and Canopies
Shades (thailand) Co., Ltd.
Phuket, Thailand
Project: Seaview Patio Canopy
Retractable Awnings and Canopies
J. Miller Canvas, Inc.
Santa Ana, Calif., United States
Project: UCSB
Tensioned Awnings and Canopies
Tension Structures, Eide Industries
Cerritos, Calif., United States
Project: Aquarium of the Pacific
Free-Standing Structures, Less Than 92 Square Meters
Tension Structures, Eide Industries
Cerritos, Calif., United States
Projects: Francis Tuttle
Free-Standing Structures, More Than 92 Square Meters
Light Weight Structures
Maroochydore, BC Queensland, Australia
Project: East Cessnock Bowling Club
Exterior Shades and Screens
J. Miller Canvas, Inc.
Santa Ana, Calif., United States
Project: SLS Hotel
Shade Sales
Dunn Arquitectura Ligera SA de CV
Zapopan, Mexico
Project: DASSA
Multiple Modular Structures
Shades (Thailand) Co., Ltd.
Phuket, Thailand
Project: Condominium Courtyard Printed Fabric Products
Fabric Graphics
International Tension Structures
Fountain Hills, Arix., United States
Project: Denny's Neonopolis
Fabric Art
Hightex GmbH
Bernau am Chiemsee, Germany
Project: 'Leviathan'
Powerboat Exteriors
Afton Marina & Yacht Club
Afton, Minn., United States
Project: 410 Carver Sport Complete Bridge and Aft Enclosure
Sailboat Exterior
Custom Marine Canvas
Noank, Conn., United States
Project: USCGC Eagle Mid Deck Awnings
Marine Interior Upholstery
David's Custom Trimmers
Queensland, Australia
Project: Catarmaran Settee
Marine Exterior Upholstery
Canvas Innovations
Holland, Mich., United States
Project: Not Just Another Liberator
Private Tent Rental
Mahaffey Fabric Structures
Memphis. Tenn., United States
Project: Bijoux Parisians on Display
Corporate Tent Rental
Eventstar Structures Corp.
Miami, Fla., United States
Project: Kentucky Derby
Tent Manufacturing And Design
Base Structures Ltd.
Bristol, United Kingdom
Project: The London 2012 Olympic Games Shooting Ranges
Interior Display
Joe MacDonald/Urban A&O + Sonal Beri
Brooklyn, N.Y., United States
Project: American Competitiveness: What Works
Commercial Interiors
J. Miller Canvas, Inc.
Santa Ana, Calif., United States
Project: Bloomingdales
Upholstery
Buckminster Upholstery
Falls City, Neb., United States
Project: 1890'2 Turkish Couch
Micellaneous
Origin Tents Ltd.
Motueka, New Zealand
Project: Building Cosnent/Yurk Project
Anhui Plato Coated Fabrics Co., Ltd. |
EastSign International Ltd. |
Haining Bochuang New Material Co., Ltd. |
Haining Chaoda Weave Reunite Material Co., Ltd. |
Haining Fushengda Warp Knitting Co., Ltd. |
Haining Jinda Coating Co., Ltd. www.jinda.com.cn/en/index/index.aspx |
Haining Keder & Tent Material Manufacture Co. Ltd. |
Hongyuan Techtex |
Jiangsu Baihoo Textiles Tech Co., Ltd. |
New Fire Co., Ltd. |
Shanghai King Tech Industry Co. |
Shanghai Shenda Kobond New Materials Co. Ltd. |
Shenyang Ocean Technology Co. Ltd. |
Sijia Group |
Soyang Technologies |
Ta Ya Canvas (Shanghai) Co. Ltd. |
Xiamen Golden Delta Special Weaving Co. Ltd. |
Zhejiang Botai Plastic Co. Ltd. |
Zhejiang Deja New Material Co. Ltd. |
Zhejiang Hailide New Material Co., Ltd. |
Zhejiang Hongshida New Material Co. Ltd. |
Zhejiang Hongtu Warp Knitting New Material Co. Ltd. |
Zhejiang Huasheng Warp Knitting New Materials Co., Ltd. |
Zhejiang Huifeng New Materials Co., Ltd. |
Zhejiang Minglong Plastic Cement Co. Ltd. |
Zhejiang MSD New Material Co.,Ltd. |
Zhejiang Yuli Plastic Co., Ltd. |
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April 4-5: Meeting Changing Material Flammability Requirements for Ground Transportation, Dearborn, Mich., USA
April 11-13: SWIFA 2018 Conference, Addison, Texas, USA
April 14-17: ITM 2018, Instanbul, Turkey
April 15-18: NetInc 2018, Charlotte, N.C., USA
April 19: 117th Scientific Session of the Institute of Textile Science, Montreal, Que., Canada
April 24: Smart Fabrics Summit 2018, Washington, D.C., USA
April 26-27: SYFA 2018 Spring Conference, Charlotte, N.C., USA
Click here to view the complete technical textiles events calendar that includes show information links.
I am pleased to announce the first part of my report 2018 State of the U.S.Technical Textiles Industry has just been published by Textile World magazine.
This first part features a general industry overview, plus an evaluation of the status and impact of US trade positions.
The second part, featured in the April/May issue will cover major end markets for technical textiles such as automotive and military.
Click here to go to the Textile World website to read the first part.
Steve Warner, Publisher
BeaverLake6 Report is pleased to present a new report on the state of China's industrial textiles industry, presented through our exclusive exchange with China Textile magazine. In China's 13th "Five-Year Program" period, industrial textiles are focused on new materials and applications for environmental protection, infrastructure construction, medical treatment and health care, emergency and public safety, and military and civilian integration. Click here to go to the article.
The joint owners of the ITMA Asia + CITME 2018 textile machinery exhibition have announced new dates for the 6th combined showcase to be held at the National Exhibition and Convention Centre in Shanghai, China. The new dates are October 15-19, 2018. According to show owners CEMATEX and Chinese partners, the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT (CCPIT-Tex), China Textile Machinery Association (CTMA) and China Exhibition Centre Group Corporation (CIEC), the shift in the exhibition dates is due to a new national initiative, which affected the scheduling of all events at the exhibition center in October. [Note: BeaverLake6 Report is an industry media partner for the show.] Posted February 11, 2018
In October at the IFAI Expo 2017, I had the opportunity to sit down with -- at the time -- incoming Glen Raven CEO Leib Oehmig for an interview that has now been posted on the Textile World website and will also be in their printed November/December issue.
I've known Mr. Oehmig for probably more than 20 years and have watched his steady management progression within the Glen Raven organization. During the interview, he was very gracious with his time at a busy show and transparent in answering questions on a far-ranging number of topics including the management transition from Alan Gant, Jr., to Mr. Oehmig, the first non-Gant family member to lead Glen Raven. Click here to read the interview and learn more about the thoughts of one of our industry leaders.
Steve Warner
Publisher
As the saying goes "Politics make strange bedfellows." Today we find more than one-third of the Senate Democrats urging the inclusion of key amendments in the US FY 2018 National Defense Authorization Act (2018 NDAA) that would strengthen the US government's "Buy American" policies.
Versions of the NDAA were recently passed by both the Senate and House and a joint committee is working out a single bill. The submitted Senate version, however, left out proposed key amendments designed to prevent the weakening of domestic sourcing for the US military. One amendment included the prevention for lifting of the restrictions in place for domestic sourcing of wearable electronic products and another amendment prevents certain exceptions to the Berry Amendment which would allow non-domestic sourcing through memoranda of agreement with foreign governments.
What's the "strange bedfellows" aspect? Well, "Buy American" is also one of the key positions taken by the Trump administration. So, we have both the Democrats and the Trump administration on the same side, trying to keep strong the US domestic capability for supplying the military. Strange bedfellows given the current political animosity in Washington...but still the cooperation is vital for the US domestic textile industry.
Steve Warner
Publisher
Posted November 3, 2017
Since last August, the US Navy has been planning to phase out its iconic traditional wool peacoat in favor of a less expensive, synthetic cold weather parka which is lighter in weight and more versatile in types of inclement weather. It actually replaces two types of coats and the seabag the wool coat is stored.
The wool coat, however, has some powerful friends in the US Congress. Companies such as Northwest Woolen Mills in Woonsocket, R.I. and Sterlingware in Boston, Mass. Altogether, the supply chain involved in the manufacture of these woolen peacoats -- including sheep farmers -- is estimated to account for 400 jobs in the Northeast. Add to the drama that the new parka, made by the long-time military supplier Propper, is expected to be manufactured in Puerto Rico, a perceived feeling the new coat will be made by non-American workers. Read more...
Steve Warner
Publisher
June 29. 2017
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has released President Trump's 2017 Trade Policy Agenda. The document, officially called 2017 Trade Policy Agenda and 2016 Annual Report of the President of the United States on the Trade Agreements Program, outlines the new Administration’s four trade priorities:
BeaverLake6 Report has created a special page within this website and placed the first chapter of the 336-page document which summarizes the policy. Click here to read it. Posted March 2, 2017
Back on March 24, 2016, I was one of the first to predict the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement was a dead deal. In fact, I said that I wouldn’t be surprised that, if Donald Trump became President, the agreement is shredded on day one of his new administration. Well, I was off by three days. Yesterday, President Trump signed an Executive Order, officially withdrawing the United States from the TPP agreement. Now the question is can the National Council of Textile Organizations put together a comprehensive plan for the domestic textile industry in a post-TPP era? Click here to read the rest. Posted January 25, 2017
There are literally dozens of market reports for the many market sections and subsections within the technical textiles industry. In 2017, BeaverLake6 Report will be introducing a few of these reports to our viewers. The first report being features is The Future of Spcialty Geosynthetics to 2021. It was developed by Smithers Apex, a market research firm based in the United Kingdom.
In exchange for the promotion, Smithers Apex agreed to write an exclusive expanded executive summary of the market report for our readers. Click here to view the market summary. Posted January 9, 2017
2016 China Textile Innovation Conference, as an annual summit of industry innovation, was held in Beijing on December 12th, 2016. The conference, themed on “New Opportunity, New Advantages, New Vitality” – Stepping Towards a Textile Power, comprehensively summarized the industry innovation achievements and explored the new advantages in development in order to grasp the strategic opportunity of the new round of industrial changes. BeaverLake6 Report is pleased to present a report on the conference via our partnership with China Textile magazine. Please click here. Posted December 21, 2016
Domestic PFD Manufacturer's Application for FTZ Additional Production Authority Riles Textile Industry Trade Associations. There is a nasty fight taking place these past few months behind the closed doors of Room 48019 at the Herbert C. Hoover Building in Washington, D.C. The room is the office of the Foreign-Trade Zones Board. The fight pits domestic technical textile industry suppliers and a coalition of textile-trade associations against a fairly large domestic end-product cut-and-sew manufacturer. Click here to read the story.
Steve Warner
Publisher
In 2015, I posted more than 425 items of interest for our industry on the BeaverLake6 Report website. In reviewing it all last week, it got me to thinking about putting together a list of influential events, news and trends that I observed during the past year. I have focused primarily on the US marketplace but each of “the things that mattered” to me has global implications.
So, here go my thoughts in no particular order of importance. Let me know if you agree or if I have missed some. Click here to read the list.
Steve Warner
Publisher
Posted January 17, 2016
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