Turnout suit material provides functional protection
August 1st, 2009
Problem: Firefighter turnout gear needs to provide full functionality, but be ready to provide protection from extremely high temperatures when the need arises. Solution: When DuPont™ Nomex® On Demand™ is exposed to temperatures approaching 250° F, the batt expands four to five times over its original thickness, providing up to a 20 percent increase in […]
Strap offers safe, flexible binding
August 1st, 2009
Problem: Rigid strapping systems can snap back or cut the worker securing a load. Solution: Gator Strap from Burlan Corp. will not snap back and potentially cause an injury. Soft, flexible and lightweight, but as strong as steel, it won’t scratch, dent or mar the surface of the product that it is binding. It easily […]
Setter allows safe and efficient washer setting
August 1st, 2009
Problem: There isn’t a safe and efficient means to set washers into fabric. Solution: The Simple Setter from Shademaker Inc. prevents hurt fingers by holding the washer in place and bending the prongs in one operation with no other tools needed, or by turning the tool over, all four prongs can be set in one […]
Clothing provides lightweight chemical protection
August 1st, 2009
Problem: Clothing that provides optimum protection against hazardous chemicals can be bulky and heavy. Solution: The ContiBarrier System® features high-resistance, media-impermeable layers for optimum protection from chemicals and gases, but is lightweight and easy to work. Hazardous substances, such as chlorine, chlorinated hydrocarbons and ammonia, are unable to penetrate the barrier layer, and a high […]
Vehicle armor creates portable safety zone
August 1st, 2009
Problem: Vehicle armor is a permanent installation and cannot be transferred to another vehicle. Solution: Mayotex Mobile Armor Solution (MPD) is an efficient and cost-effective mobile armor that creates a personal safety zone inside any vehicle. With no structural changes to the MPD or the car, the device fits onto any car seat as easily […]
Shock cords alllow secure adjustments
August 1st, 2009
Problem: Traditional bungee cords lack a safety clip and can slide off and cause injury, especially while being installed or released. Solution: Tarpline shock cords, using the Hippo Clip, can be installed loose and securely adjusted to the desired tension while out of harm’s way. The shock cord is made of natural rubber and wrapped […]
Gallagher visualizes success in the tent rental industry
August 1st, 2009
Jim Gallagher communicates excellence—professionally. By Sigrid Tornquist “Sure, I could go out and do everything myself. I could create my own website, put a couple of Polaroids on there and say ‘look at me.’ But how am I going to grow my business that way?” says Jim Gallagher, president of Partytime Productions Inc. in Addison, […]
Fabric benefits tight exhibits market
August 1st, 2009
Fabric exhibits transcend economic and environmental concerns for a natural fit in a tight market. By Barb Ernster No one disputes the fact that the exhibits market is hurting, but exhibit builders are not dismayed. They’re adapting to new demands for efficient, economical and longer-lasting designs with sustainable and changeable features. And fabric is part […]
Layoffs, terminations and tactics
August 1st, 2009
Fiscal reality, fair firing and responsible management. By William J. Lynott It’s an unwelcoming and unrewarding responsibility, but given today’s troubled economy, almost every manager will eventually come face-to-face with the disagreeable task of terminating one or more employees. “Firing people is one of the toughest, most unpleasant things you do as an employer,” says […]
Tent markets trend: a more competitive environment in 2009
August 1st, 2009
By Jeff Rasmussen The impact of the recession on tent fabric suppliers, tent manufacturers and event rental professionals has been profound. Sales for 2009 are down 15-20 percent for tent manufacturers through April, tent orders from event professionals are down and many event operators are in a wait-and-see mode, holding back on making big purchases […]