Boat builders and buyers want convenience on a vessel in which both invest time and money, and automated power roofs are becoming a must-have. Taylor Made Systems, Gloversville, N.Y. and its partner company, Ameritex Fabric Systems, Bradenton, Fla., have the boating industry covered, literally, with a new range of glass and canvas power sunroof systems [...]

Alexium International Group, Cottesloe, Western Australia, developed its Cleanshell CB repellency treatment to apply to fabric used for chemical and biological protective wear. Working with the U.S. Air Force, Alexium has been testing the fabric treatment with simulated chemical warfare agents (CWAs). The results show dramatically increased repellency of treated fabrics to simulants such as [...]

Local officials and the South African Water Research Commission worry about water quality and quantity in the northwest province of South Africa. Severe drought and groundwater pollution from mining, industrial activity and agricultural irrigation raise serious concerns about drinking water supplies. A group of companies plans to install 20 sustainable drinking water systems, called GreenSource, [...]

A new meta-aramid fiber offering a high level of heat resistance combined with excellent dyeability will be manufactured by Teijin Limited, Tokyo, Japan, at a new facility to be built in Ayutthaya Province, Thailand. The fiber will strengthen the company’s profile in the protective apparel market, where demand for high-performance materials is increasing. Teijin will [...]

Interface Inc., a worldwide designer and manufacturer of carpet tiles and environmental recycling champion with European headquarters in Paris, France, recently joined “Healthy Seas, a Journey from Waste to Wear” program to recover and re-use abandoned fishing nets. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), there are approximately 640,000 tons of abandoned fishing nets [...]

Marlen Textiles, New Haven, Mo., is consolidating and renaming its growing selection of coated textile and solution-dyed products to make it easier to select the right fabric. The new brand names will be introduced at the 2014 MFA (Marine Fabricators Association) national convention in Charleston, S.C., in January. Marlen manufactures several proprietary coated, solution-dyed and [...]

Serge Ferrari North America has announced the hiring of Beth Hungiville as the design specifications manager for the company’s 100 percent recyclable Batyline® outdoor furniture mesh, Stamskin® contract upholstery faux leather and Soltis® contract solar protection textile membranes. “We are especially excited to have Beth join our team given her vast industry experience and skills,” [...]

Novel temperature-regulating, bi-component fibers in garments can maintain the balance between heat loss and heat generated. By Bengt Hagström Thermal comfort is dependent upon both environmental and individual factors and is influenced by the core and skin temperatures of the body. The thermo-neutral zone for naked resting subjects has been defined to lie between 28–30°C. [...]

 “Make your customers remember you. Make them laugh—but don’t be a salesman,” says Andy Moon, CEO of Baraboo Tent & Awning, Baraboo, Wis. “It’s your presence that makes an impression. Be a problem solver and help your customers out.” Moon grew up in and around the custom awning, canopy and marine business, in a company [...]

Interview by Sigrid Tornquist Baraboo Tent & Awning is located near the Wisconsin Dells—a Midwest tourist destination built around the confluence of three rivers and known for its water parks. How has being located near the parks affected business? The Dells is full of “wow.” We’ve got the water parks, restaurants, hotels—which need signage, awnings [...]