The catalog of tools for home decor design, quilting, upholstery and marine applications keeps growing at Rowley Co., Gastonia, N.C. The company just released its 2009 catalog, which includes nearly 200 new items that can be shipped the same day. View all of Rowley’s 2,700 products online or request a catalog at the Web site, [...]

In a letter sent to the National Council of Textile Organizations in October 2008, presidential candidate Barack Obama signaled his preference for change in American policy toward Chinese trade practices. “The massive current account surpluses accumulated by China are directly related to its manipulation of its currency value,” said Obama. “A fair trading system requires [...]

The Indonesia-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (IJ-EPA) signed in 2008 is likely to increase Indonesia’s exports to Japan from $650 million to $1 billion by the end of 2010, according to Ansari Bukhari, Indonesia’s director general for textiles in the Industry Ministry. China currently dominates the Japanese textile market, with a market share of 75 percent. [...]

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, signed into law by President Barack Obama on February 13, 2009, includes “Buy American” provisions that will preserve or create jobs in the textile industry, say industry representatives. The Act requires two federal agencies exempt from the World Trade Organization Agreement on Government Procurement, the Transportation Security Administration and [...]

The reverse-osmosis membrane and carbon fiber composite technologies developed by Toray Industries, Tokyo, Japan, provide practical and profitable solutions to global climate challenges. The United Nations Association of New York awarded Toray its 2008 Humanitarian Award to recognize its efforts to achieve reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and purify drinking water supplies for an estimated [...]

A new product line will enhance the display, fabric and shelter solutions of Rainier Industries Ltd., Tukwila, Wash., following Rainier’s acquisition of SunBlockers retractable awnings, roll shutters and exterior sun screens. SunBlockers, distributors of Eclipse Awnings and Talius Roll Shutters and Screens, became part of the Rainier family in February, 2009. Rainier recently opened a [...]

Citing continued growth and an expanding West Coast OEM base, TMI LLC, a producer and supplier of PVC, film, and coated and laminated vinyl, recently established a new Anaheim, Calif., warehouse and logistics center. It is TMI’s fourth location, reflecting the company’s continued strength despite tough economic times. “We are servicing markets that tie into [...]

Custom-made screens for retractable awnings in sizes up to 20 feet by 16 feet, 6 inches are available to give awning companies an opportunity to expand their offerings to their customers for whom a screen option is a key element. Units are custom made for almost any retractable awning utilizing marine components. Licenses and exclusive [...]

Electrospun polymers create high surface-to-weight and surface-to-volume ratio fibers in complex shapes. Zeus Inc., Orangeburg, S.C., recently introduced a new electrospinning process to produce fibers ranging from nano- to micro-sizes. The fibers are especially suitable for filtration media and medical devices, including implantable structures. The company can incorporate additives into the fibers and fabrics, integrating [...]

Since 2001, Arkansas State Senator Kim Hendren has pushed for legislation to require sand and gravel haulers to cover loads with tarps—and the persistent Republican from Gravette, Ark., introduced it again during the 2009 session. “In some of our neighboring states, it’s the law, and up near where I live I see loaded trucks cover [...]