Jeff Newkirk Achieves MFC Certification

Published On: January 17, 2020

New Marine Fabricators Association (MFA) Advisory Board member Jeff Newkirk, owner of Precision Custom Canvas Inc., in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada, achieved Master Fabrics Craftsman (MFC) certification in Marine in December 2019.

This certification recognizes that Newkirk has attained the highest level of expertise in all phases of hands-on product design, craftsmanship and installation for the marine industry.

Jeff Newkirk

Newkirk joins a select group of certified professionals who have participated in rigorous and in-depth testing, design, fabrication, installation and documentation of their work.

Newkirk has been an Industrial Fabrics Association (ATA) member since 2014. He received a 2019 Marine Fabrication Award of Excellence for his project Cockpit Creativity and a 2015 Marine Fabrication Award of Excellence for his Marquis 65 project, and an Outstanding Achievement Award for Captivating Curtains. Newkirk says that receiving an MFC helped him understand that its value goes far beyond the designation itself. “It’s a way of selling myself as a higher-level fabricator,” he says. “It’s a marketing opportunity to help set me and my business apart from other fabricators.”

Newkirk says part of the reason he joined the MFA board was to increase the visibility and value of the MFC and Industrial Fabric Manager (IFM) certification programs. “We have to make them more of a marketing tool by helping customers understand the value they are getting by using fabricators who have achieved this level of craftsmanship. When they see that credential on someone’s website or shop wall, they’ll understand that they’re paying for work that ensures the highest levels of craftsmanship, and that means a great deal for both project skill levels and integrity.”

For more information about ATA’s Professional Certification Program, contact Martha Baker, Member Programs Specialist, at + 651 225 6932, or email her.

About Marine Fabricators Association
The Marine Fabricators Association (MFA), a division of ATA, provides resources and programs for marine fabricators and establishes standards of excellence for business practices, products and craftsmanship. MFA works to establish and maintain an identity for marine fabricators, representing nearly 300 member companies. It is the only trade association dedicated to assisting marine fabrication industry professionals with their businesses. Projects and activities include sponsoring regional workshops and the annual Marine Fabricators Conference.

About Advanced Textiles Association
ATA is a member-owned, member-driven trade association representing the global industrial fabrics industry since 1912. ATA invests more than $8 million each year to advance the industry and support member companies. ATA provides members with relevant information, sourcing solutions and networking opportunities to sustain and grow their business. For more information visit ATA.com.