Detecting Air Leaks

Handheld instruments such as U.E. Systems’ Ultraprobe can be used to detect air leaks in
compressed air pipelines.Detecting Air Leaks
Using ultrasonic technologies to test for air leaks can save textile manufacturers thousands of
dollars in wasted air and energy.It is hardly surprising that the industry that uses the most
compressed air in its manufacturing processes is also the one most likely to waste air. What is
surprising, however, is how often the waste goes undetected especially when air leaks can easily be
detected with ultrasonic technology and the exact cost of the waste can be measured, according to
Alan Urwick, director, Anovotek Energy, Clinton, S.C.Anovotek Energy provides consulting services
and energy audits for industrial manufacturers. For the last few years, the companys focus has been
primarily on the textile industry. Using an industry standard to calculate the loss, Urwick found
that a plant that spends more than a million dollars a year on compressed air can lose anywhere
from $75,000 to $100,000 in wasted air through leaks if it does not have a leak management program.
Urwick based these figures on the energy standard number for the cost of compressed air 19 cents
per 1,000 cubic feet, 4 cents per kilowatt-hour of electricity. Using Ultrasound To Find The
LeaksSince the advent of air-jet technology in yarn and fabric formation, the textile industry has
become the largest user of compressed air. According to Urwick, most companies have several
powerful compressors that deliver thousands of cubic feet of air per minute to the manufacturing
processes including ancillary processes such as static pneumatic functions. In some fabric
formation processes, air does the work: A stream of compressed air carries the yarn across the
air-jet machine that weaves the fabric. In air-jet spinning, two nozzles of air positioned in just
the right way twist the fibers to make the yarn. To find air leaks, Urwick and his team rely on
ultrasonics to pick up sounds that the human ear cannot. Pressure and vacuum leaks produce a
turbulent flow, which has strong ultrasonic components, Urwick explained. And leaks can be located
more easily while the system is under pressure.When using a handheld ultrasonic instrument such as
the Ultraprobe, manufactured by U.E. Systems Inc., Elmsford, N.Y. the inspector puts on headphones
and listens for the telltale sounds of air leaks by waving the instrument around like a wand and
pointing it towards pipes and fittings. The instrument picks up leaks close by and as far as 50
feet away.We begin the inspection by creating a series of zones to prevent the possibility of
overlooking a section and missing some leaks, Urwick explained. We dont look at the places where
air is being supplied to the process or at the point where its being used, because air is expected
to leak there. Instead, we go to the regulators, the filters and the solenoids that activate the
machines. The method for detecting leaks with ultrasonics is straightforward. An inspector scans
the lines, listening for the distinct rushing sounds that signal compressed air leaks. Continuously
adjusting the instruments sensitivity/volume control, he follows the sound until the loudest point
is heard. Since ultrasound is a short wave signal, an inspector can discriminate between irrelevant
background noises and the actual leak signal. A rubber focusing probe is then attached to the
instrument, narrowing the area of reception to shield against competing ultrasounds. This helps to
isolate and pinpoint the exact location of small leaks. Throughout the inspection procedure, close
attention is paid to problems such as loud leaks that can be spotted and tagged without the aid of
an ultrasonic detector. Even with ultrasonics, the human element plays a role. Urwick and his team
have developed experienced ears over time, which help them determine the size of a leak. Draining
The BudgetUndetected leaks can be an unnecessary drain on a companys operating budget, and without
ultrasonics technology, testing would be virtually impossible, according to Urwick. With as many as
400 machines, each with 10 to 15 connections, using the sudsy bubble test would be a tedious and
time-consuming job. Urwick said. In the past, technicians would walk through the manufacturing
rooms on a Sunday when the plant was closed, relying on the human ear to spot leaks. Unfortunately,
this is not a very effective method, Urwick said, as most leaks occur only when machines are
running. According to Urwick, a typical facility with 300 weaving machines and 40 to 60 spinning
frames can require two people eight to 10 hours to conduct an ultrasonic leak survey. Leak checking
takes this long because it is extremely comprehensive, and inspectors have to open the panels on
every machine, Urwick explained. Once the survey is completed, inspectors record their data and
write a very detailed list of where the leaks are, their sizes, and what they are costing the
company each month. The report is sent to the appropriate department for repairs. It is not
unreasonable to expect that most facilities can cut down 5 to 10 percent of their compressed air
costs simply by implementing a leak detection and repair program, Urwick said.In addition to
locating leaks, Anovotek Energy uses ultrasonics to listen to and evaluate the function of steam
traps, he added. We have also used ultrasound to monitor motor bearings to learn if they are
performing as they should. However, it is as a leak detector that we find ultrasonics technology
most effective. For many companies, compressed air has become as essential a utility as electricity
or water. Urwick concluded, When you can measure your air loss exactly, it makes a very powerful
case for leak detection with ultrasonics.
Editors Note: Alan S. Bandes is vice president, marketing, U.E. Systems Inc.

December 2003

Material World Looks Ahead

The Fall 2003 edition of Material World, an event of the American ApparelandFootwear
Association (AAFA), held recently in Miami Beach, Fla., was the focal point for the garment
sourcing supply chain. Visitors saw the latest in products, met suppliers and took advantage of
networking opportunities. This edition of the show, however, also set the stage for change. The
Spring 2004 show, to be held May 18-20, will take on special importance with the co-location of the
Sewn Products EquipmentandSuppliers of the Americas (SPESA) Expo 2004, as well as the second
edition of Technology Solutions an information technology event jointly owned and produced by
SPESA, AAFA and Urban Expositions, owner and producer of Material World.The Fall 2003 Material
World the fifth edition of the show saw a 12-percent increase in attendance over the Fall 2002
event. In addition to offering educational programs, the show aspires to be a true full-package
sourcing, fabric and fashion information event. This editions 373 exhibiting companies presented a
broad array of products including fabric, trim and yarn; educational institutions; contractors;
manufacturers; technology (CAD, PDM, Web-enabled solutions); full-package providers; services such
as freight forwarding, financial, and color/trend forecasting; associations; and more.This was our
most successful edition to date, and we were especially pleased with the increase in high-level
retail traffic and attendance from other key top decision-makers from the industry, said Tim von
Gal, executive vice president, Urban Expositions.Material World has really reached its stride as a
complete destination for the sewn products industry, remarked Kevin M. Burke, president and CEO,
AAFA.The organizers state that, in addition to Material Worlds exclusive alliance with AAFA, the
show enjoys the support and endorsement of the American Apparel Producers Network (AAPNetwork), the
National Textile Association, the Textile Distributors Association, the American Yarn Spinners
Association, and the Office of Textiles and Apparel of the US Department of Commerce, as well as a
number of other important international industry associations.The May 2004 event, promoted as Three
Great Events Under One Roof, promises to extend value to exhibitors and attendees. Recognizing that
the sewn products industry has changed dramatically over the past few years, SPESA and Urban
Expositions believe that the industry is best served if visitors can see all the major components
of the sewn products industry in one place, at one time, von Gal said. While each exhibition will
retain its own identity and deliver its own message, the co-location of SPESA Expo and Material
World will provide the attendee a seamless opportunity to visit both shows, said Benton Gardner,
executive vice president, SPESA.

The eWarna sales team promoted its on-line color collaboration color engine, which links
color solutions via the Internet.

Members of the Bayer Chemicals sales team presented BayProtect protective finishes.

The Fall 2003 edition of Material World attracted a diverse gatheringof exhibitors and
attendees for the most successful edition to date.

Mount Vernon Mills displayed Career Wear, among other products.

New Generation Computing was on hand with technology solutions.

Left to right: Tom H. DePuit, Bob Fudge and John Paleczny, Thermopatch Corp.

Sue Strickland, executive director, AAPNetwork

Organizers and sponsors of Three Great Events Under One Roof gathered to explain and promote
the 2004 co-location of Material World, SPESA Expo and Technology Solutions events.

December 2003

Bakron Presents TORLON 35 Sewing Machine Parts

Bakron PresentsTORLON® 4435 Sewing Machine PartsBakron Corp., Buffalo Grove, Ill., now manufactures
hooks, bobbins and bobbin baskets using Alpharetta, Ga.-based Solvay Advanced Polymers LLCs TORLON®
4435 polyamide-imide polymer. The company says the new parts require no lubrication and minimal
adjustment, and dont stick or slip, allowing sewing machines to run at speeds approaching 9,000
revolutions per minute. In addition, they are flexible enough to allow slight variations between
upper and lower thread tensions, an advantage in light-tension stitching.

December 2003

European Focus

At the recent Fil Event, exhibitors showed weaving yarns for Spring/Summer 2005. The show
will be replaced by Expofil in February 2004.New fibers, new finishing treatments and
embellishments were the focus at recent textile trade shows in Europe. In Italy at Moda In and
Shirt Avenue, and in Paris at Premiere Vision and its satellite shows Fil Event and Indigo, the
emphasis was on creativity. Fabrics made from soy beans, finishes developed to repel grease and
liquids, laser-cut double cloths, metallic adornments, embroideries and appliquattracted buyers
attention. Even classic checks and tartans had added finishing touches.At Moda In, a total of 426
companies exhibited their latest collections. Trend consultant Angelo Uslenghi prepared Fall/Winter
2004-05 fashion and color statements in three themes Firm, Mild and Bold. Uslenghi said wool plays
the leading role, but it is treated in unconventional ways. In the Firm group, colors were tonal
and neutral or slightly grayed. Mild colors were soft and warm. A lot of the fabrics had a velvet
touch. In the Bold category, there were large-scale patterns, frequently colored in black and white
with a splash of bright.At Shirt Avenue, where the focus was entirely on quality shirting fabrics,
visitors were serious buyers. Many of the 35 exhibitors showed classic, fashion and sportswear
ranges. Stripes and clean finishes were favored in classic ranges, jacquards and soft finishes with
a vintage quality turned up for fashion. Sportswear shirtings tended to be dyed in dark colors;
woven with twisted yarns; and embroidered, printed or otherwise embellished. Many exhibitors at
Shirt Avenue noted that sales are up for womenswear, where stretch is popular. Sportswear is
overtaking traditional. New Fiber DevelopmentsAt Moda In, INVISTA Inc., Wilmington, Del., promoted
three areas Teflon®, Linen plus Lycra® and leather with Lycra. The company used the Premiere Vision
venue to introduce Advanced Teflon fabric protector with Dual Action Repel and Release system. This
new product repels liquids and prevents fibers from holding stains and soil, so they wash away
easily during laundering.At Premiere Vision, Dow Fiber Solutions, Midland, Mich., held its first
birthday party for DOW XLA lastol stretch fiber. With a successful launch in the better shirting
market, product is available at retail in Europe, and in US stores beginning this month. New focus
areas are casual sportswear, denim and uniforms. Dow also is working on blending XLA with wool, and
looking at the swimwear market because the fiber stands up well to chlorine, salt and sun.Dow XLA
was shown blended with cotton at Shirt Avenue, Moda In and Premiere Vision. Cotonificio Albini
S.p.A., Arco Texteis S.A., Emanuel Lang Textiles, Tejidos Royo, Decouvelaere S.A. and F.M. Herle
are some of the companies using this fiber.At Fil Event, Unifi Inc., Greensboro, focused on
performance yarns for added comfort. Fabrics that dont bag, wash and dry in 12 minutes, help to
maintain a comfortable body temperature and have moisture management properties were on display. A
techno fleece containing Reflexx in the yarns core for stretch and Augusta on the surface has a
natural look and feel.Zimmer AG, Frankfurt, was a first-time Fil Event exhibitor. It showed Sea
Cell®, a new fiber made from dried seaweed blended with lyocell in the spinning process. Sea Cell
absorbs moisture, inhibits bacteria, prevents odors and reduces fungus growth. Targeted areas are
shoe linings, socks, underwear and bedding.Several exhibitors showed new fabrics containing soy and
bamboo. The best sampling fabrics at Premiere Vision were a group called second skin from Ratti
S.p.A., Italy, that are knitted and woven with soy bean fiber. The fiber imparts a silky touch and
warm hand, prints and dyes well, and is less expensive than silk. Ratti has an extensive line
including a knitted jersey of 100-percent soy, satin, chiffon and twill in blends with silk.At Moda
In, Italy-based G. ChierichettiandF. S.p.A. showed a line it refers to as biological. Fabrics in
the line contain soy and bamboo fiber. The bamboo comes from Asia and dyes like cotton, while soy
has the absorbency of viscose and performance of polyester.Premiere VisionSwitzerland-based
Schoeller Textil AG has further developed its NanoSphere® technology a self-cleaning textile
finish. At Premiere Vision, the company demonstrated how the technology works ketchup poured on
NanoSphere-treated fabric rolls off in seconds. Any substance that does cling, including ink or
grease, can be rinsed off with water. Metal-effect was another Schoeller technology on display.
Copper, steel, aluminum, silver and gold can be applied using a new vacuum metalizing process. Some
of the fabrics are ultra-light and also have been treated with the NanoSphere finish. Italy-based
Clerprem S.A. showed cottons and cotton/wool blends coated with Teflon or resins to give them water
repellency without affecting their natural touch. Other fabrics shown are pigment-dyed and take on
a faded or vintage look after the first washing. Fabrics included fleeces that have been coated to
give them a wrinkled paper effect, and double cloths bonded using a water-soluble bond to eliminate
cutting and sewing a separate lining. At Italy-based Limonta S.p.A., there were bonded fabrics and
water-repellent finishes that cant be seen or felt. Limonta has wool/nylon twills with a finish
referred to as British MacIntosh. There were luxurious sueded fabrics woven with microfibers, a
silk/nylon fabric called Glove that has a doeskin touch, ultra-light taffetas and heavy-stretch
double cloths. In the sportswear sector, sampling doubled over the previous year at CordandVelveton
GmbH. The Germany-based company explained corduroy is a staple for menswear and childrenswear. This
season, it is a fashion item in womenswear. Weft-stretch cotton/Lycra corduroy, baby cords and
small ribs, mnge corduroy, mill-washed qualities and tonal high/low rib corduroys are among the
most popular. All have an ultra-soft finish.Tencel®/cotton soft-sueded twills are popular at
Tejidos Royo, Spain. Denim is going lighter and softer. UCO, a denim producer with mills in
Rockingham, N.C., and Belgium, showed slubbed denim, new washing treatments and herringbones that
are woven using a streaked warp and then piece-dyed.Novelty In The Wool SectorClassics are back in
fashion, but with a twist: Pin stripes are woven with metallic yarns; traditional Harris tweeds are
sparked with color; tartans are redesigned; and new combinations of yarns and patterns give a
contemporary look and touch.Scottish weavers Lochcarron of Scotland, CalzeatandCo. and Johnstons of
Elgin have updated their Fall collections without giving up quality or tradition. At Lochcarron,
estate tweeds are woven in wool/cotton blends and are shrink-finished for a crinkled surface.
Calzeat combines tartans with jacquard designs for a patchwork effect, and gives pinstripes argyle
borders.Johnstons of Elgin is selling traditional estate tweeds to Italian designers. John
Gillespie, director of design, noted that more of its line is selling to womenswear than in the
past. There are boucl#44; bold checks and a lot of color in this line. France-based AJM has a lot
of novelty. There are colorful rustic tweeds woven with hairy yarns and basket weaves woven with
metallic yarns. Most of the fabrics are woven with wool and mohair plus viscose, acetate, nylon,
acrylic or polyester.Fancy tweeds at France-based Isoule Textile have multicolored loops, are
touched with glitter and are woven with thick chenille yarns. DeCathalo S.A., France, has added
knits to coordinate with its wovens. Wool/angora melton coatings and jerseys are dyed to match.
Thomas Brochier, head of DeCathalos North American sales, said that with the importance of color
this season, the company is using angora because of its affinity to color.Loro Piana S.p.A., Italy,
is blending traditional cashmere with a coarser variety that comes from the top of the goat. It
resembles Shetland wool and is going into sporty tweeds. There are classic weaves in cashmere/silk
and all-weather fabrics that are backed by an invisible membrane.Rustic tweeds at Picchi S.p.A.,
Italy, are classic in pattern, but newly colored. There are washable jacket-weight fabrics in
viscose/polyester blends that have a wool touch. Linea Tessile Italiana S.p.A., also of Italy,
blends wool with linen, mohair, viscose, nylon and polyester for Fall. There are hairy and crinkled
jacquards with a touch of sparkle, open lacy fabrics woven with chenille yarns, brushed stretch
matelassand brushed wide-wale cords.Spanish exhibitor Pablo Farras Faus is selling classic wool
suitings with stretch and metallic stripes. There are Chanel-styled tweeds woven with chenille
yarns and jacquards in blends of wool, polyester and Lycra.Wool In The Silk SectorItaly-based
Mantero Seta S.p.A. introduced a line of novelty wools to coordinate with its silks. There are
thick boucl#44; rustic weaves with paillettes, and nubby textures with thin metallic threads
running through them. Double cloths combined silk chiffon jacquards with wool. Prints are bold and
bright, or soft and muted on silk velvet, satin, chiffon or crepe. Europ-Marchini, Italy, showed
double cloths with wool boucleversing to silk/acetate or swirling striped silk matelasseversing to
wool. Wool/silk/nylon woven jacquards are thick and lofty. Wool at Switzerland-based
Weisbrod-Zurrer AG is layered with one side cut out for a ragged patchwork effect; cut and washed
to give an aged look; or embellished with spangles, beads, embroidery or fur pompoms. Silks are
pleated and printed with metal. Gold embroidered leaves are sewn to chiffon.At Switzerland-based
Jacob Schlaepfer, silk chiffon is covered with sequins or striped with ribbon appliqu Gold squares
are glued to lace, and sheer double cloths shimmer with a metallic underlayer. French silk jacquard
weaver Bucol is printing on piece-dyed chiffon and mousseline to give it a tarnished appearance.
Vintage-looking jacquards woven with cotton/silk/wool are muted and have an antique off-the-sofa
feeling. Bucol has a new 100-percent silk chiffon that is available for immediate delivery.At
Bianchini Fer, France, there are enormous handpainted prints on chiffon and taffeta. Large paisleys
are popular. Light, supple jacquards look as if this firm has spun the yarn with gold. Solstiss
S.A., France, showed Chantilly lace with camouflage prints for a destructured, edgy look. Other
abstract prints emphasize the lace patterns. For a romantic and elegant feeling, this company has
reproduced old laces in 100-percent silk. KnitsFleeces, velvets, suedes, soft wool-touch fabrics
and metallics are popular in the knit sector. Billon Frs, France, showed suedes, velours and
corduroys dyed in warm shades of tobacco, brick and blue. There are a lot of metallics and prints
in this line. Silk, wool and mohair are fibers of choice at Italy-based Jackytex. There are
boucl#44; laces, crepes, jacquards and a lot of velvets. A new, younger and less expensive line
called Wag was introduced. It is sportier, with double cloths and fleeces in viscose/wool and
cotton/nylon blends.

At Premiere Vision, Jackytex introduced Wag, a new, less expensive fabric line.Plain and
printed velvet, piece-dyed wool jersey, jacquards, burn-outs and colorful Pop Art geometric prints
are among the favorites at Italy-based Marioboselli Jersey S.p.A. Another Italian firm, Mabu
Jersey, showed a line of washable interlocks knitted with Lenpur, a new cellulosic fiber. A group
of fancy ribs and basics in a blend of Tactel®/Lycra sampled well for active sports. Fleeces and
faux furs at Nello Gori S.p.A., Italy, are printed, embossed and bonded. Some are touched with
metallic yarns or dyes. News Fit To PrintNew colors, patterns, techniques and base cloths in the
printed fabrics sector attracted buyers. At Italy-based Miroglio S.p.A., optics, Art Deco and
William Morris-styled Art Nouveau designs, large-scale geometrics, swirling comets, vintage florals
and reptile skins that look as if they were printed on pleated fabrics are some of the new looks.
They are printed on a variety of base cloths, such as sheer viscose georgette, crinkled silk
georgette and viscose knits. France-based Chaine et Trame S.A. is printing on heavy twill, poplin
and corduroy fabrics, along with georgette, satin, jersey, mesh and jacquards. There is a lot of
coordination here and a lot of glitter. Geometric circles are combined with squares and rectangles.
London-based Liberty Plc has four base cloths Tana Lawn, Tana Jersey, Liberty Twill and Varuna
wool. Along with nostalgic florals from its archives, there are botanical designs, Art Nouveau
long-stemmed beauties, Art Deco shapes, paisley combinations and tapestry florals. Surface Design
At IndigoAlthough the design studios at Indigo showed surface designs for Spring/Summer 2005,
buyers were still shopping for Fall. New York City-based Tom Cody Design Inc. reported interest in
conversational prints with a 1920s feeling, realistic animal skins, clean graphics and Art Deco
florals. At The Style Council, New York City, varsity T-shirt sport themes, rock-and-roll and
circus motifs were of interest. Karen Moller, based in Italy and France, sold small, neat
geometrics and flowers; flower and dot combinations on black grounds; and brightly colored designs
with a Latino influence.Changes At Fil EventExhibitors at the latest Fil Event showed weaving yarns
for Spring/Summer 2005. St. Lieven, France, has sheer and fine-count linen yarns, shrinkable yarns
for seersucker and crinkle effects, linen/steel memory yarns for shape retention, and a
thermal-sensitive yarn called Fahrenheit. Ultra-sheer yarns turned up at Emile Tardy, France, and
Marioboselli. Microstructures were shown by Miroglio, Ghezzi S.p.A. and Pozzi Electra, all based in
Italy. Christory S.a.s., France, and Novaceta Group, Italy, had a lot of luster and shine, and
there were rustic yarns with an artisan quality at Christory; Jacob S.A., France; Marioboselli;
Pozzi Electra; and ANTEX, Spain.Sylvie Tastemain presented Fil Event colors for Spring/Summer 2005.
Her range included luminous, whitened neutral shades; darks with warm browns, cobalt blue and
forest green; vivid strong brights; and a group of whitened brights.Starting in February 2004, Fil
Event will be replaced by Expofil. The show will run alongside Premiere Vision from the 25th to the
28th. The focus will be on flat knitting yarns for Spring/Summer 2005, and weaving and circular
knitting yarns for Fall/Winter 2005-06.

December 2003

December 2003

The new Type 78 pressure regulator from

Marsh Bellofram
 , Newell, W.Va., controls output pressure over a range of flow and supply pressure
variations. Output and supply ports are available in 0.375-inch, 0.5-inch, 0.75-inch and 1-inch
NPT; and output gauge ports are 0.25-inch NPT. Optional versions are available.

bb1

Marsh Bellofram’s Type 78 pressure regulator



The Screenprinting & Graphic Imaging Association International
 , Fairfax, Va., has announced that it will change its name to the Specialty Graphic
Imaging Association.


Unifi Inc.
 , Greensboro, N.C., has established websites to provide global sourcing and networking
resources related to the following trade agreements: the Caribbean Basin Initiative —
www.cbisourcing. com; the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act — www.agoasourcing.com; and the Andean
Trade Pact — www.atpasourcing.com. Each site, available in English and Spanish, can be accessed via
www.unifi-inc.com.


Eagle Performance Products
 , Atlanta, has released a new brochure highlighting its line of coatings, polymers,
fluoropolymers, fire-retardant additives, textile finishes and thickeners, among other specialties.

The latest generation of Essex Junction, Vt.-based

Flex-A-Seal
 ’s Integrated Cartridge Program offers lower-cost cartridge seals, allows quicker
deliveries, minimizes inventory needs, extends sealing efficiencies, boosts reliability and
increases bottom-line results, according to the company.


Spirax Sarco Inc.
 , Blythewood, S.C., has launched www.spiraxsarco.com/us, an on-line resource for steam
system design and maintenance.

The first certified PROFInet products from the

PROFIBUS Trade Organization
 , Scottsdale, Ariz., are the Hilscher PKV50 PROFInet Internet/Ethernet Gateway, Siemens
Simatic Net Industrial Ethernet/ PROFIBUS Link, and Siemens Simatic Net CP 343-1 PN PROFInet
communications processor.

“Stepping Up To ISO 9004:2000 — A practical guide for creating a world-class organization,”
by Russell T. Westcott, has been released by

Paton Press
 , Chico, Calif.


The Modal Shop Inc.
 , Cincinnati, highlights its application software, hardware and connectivity solutions
for dynamic sound and vibration measurement at www.processvibration.com.

Two new hands-on training classes for the Yaskawa F7 adjustable-frequency AC drive have been
added to other classes offered by

Yaskawa Electric America
 , Waukegan, Ill. The F7 Level One class focuses on installation, wiring and commissioning
of the F7 drive; and the F7 Basic class emphasizes F7 features and functions.


ITT Industries Inc.
 , White Plains, N.Y., has launched www.ittfluidbusiness.com, a new website dedicated to
its fluid businesses.


Bushman Equipment Inc.
 , Butler, Wis., has released an updated brochure that features new pictures of its
coil-handling products.

Cleveland-based

Astrup Co.
 recently introduced Architectural Fabric Structure Solutions, a resource kit that assists
architects in design planning and fabric selection. The kit includes fabric samples and charts,
color photos, and an Astrup fabric catalog on CD-ROM. In other company news, Astrup’s website,
www.astrup.com/online, recently celebrated its one-year anniversary.

The “At A Glance” brochure from

Kaeser Compressors
 , Fredericksburg, Va., presents Kaeser’s line of compressors and compressed air
equipment.





bb2_CopyUnidex Inc.
 , Warsaw, N.Y., has released an updated brochure that presents its standard and
engineered-to-order ergonomic material handling systems and equipment.

Fairfield, Conn.-based

RBC Bearings
 ’ West Trenton, N.J., facility recently achieved ISO 9001:2000 certification.


Boston Gear
 , Quincy, Mass., has introduced new interactive features to its redesigned website,
www.bostongear.com.


Crydom Corp.
 , San Diego, has released a new solid-state relay and sensor catalog.


December 2003



Goller Unirelaxa Provides Tensionless Fabric Transport

Germany-based GTM Goller Textilmaschinen GmbH has introduced the Goller Unirelaxa to complement the
Goller-Sintensa® range used in wet-finishing applications. The Goller Unirelaxa guides fabric
without tension, providing either tight strand fabric guiding or a combination of plaiting and
tight strand fabric guiding. It can treat a full range of fabrics, from elastic knits to
dimensionally stable goods.

December 2003

NextLinx Ranks In Fast 50 Program For Second Year

For the second year in a row, San Jose, Calif.-based DeloitteandTouches Fast 50 Program has
recognized NextLinx Corp., Rockville, Md., as one of the fastest-growing technology companies in
the state of Maryland.NextLinx provides its Automated Global Trade Management software solution to
such companies as apparel manufacturer VF Corp. The company recently became a member of the
American Apparel Producers Network.To qualify for the Fast 50 Program, companies must have had 1998
operating revenues of no less than $50,000, and 2002 operating revenues of at least $1 million; be
based in Maryland; and be a technology company one that [owns] proprietary technology that
contributes to a significant portion of the companys operative revenues or devotes a significant
portion of revenues to research and development of technology. Standings are determined by the
growth of fiscal-year revenues over a five-year period. NextLinx ranked 17th with a 404-percent
revenue growth between 1998 and 2002.

December 2003

Central America Free Trade Agreement Approved

Central America Free TradeAgreement ApprovedThe Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) signed
on December 18 doesnt especially please US textile manufacturers or importers, but it appears to be
tilted in the direction of importers and Central American apparel manufacturers. Although details
of the agreement have not been made public it is certain to create controversy before it can be
finallyif ever– enacted.Sketchy details available at this time indicate that the agreement between
the US, Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras has a yarn-forward rule of origin that
requires apparel eligible for duty-free treatment to be made in the participating countries. There
are, however, two exceptions. One is a new principle in textile trade agreements called cumulation.
It will permit use of inputs from Canada and Mexico as participants in the North American Free
Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The other will give Nicaragua Tariff Preference Levels (TPLs) that will
permit use of a specified amount of inputs from non-participating countries.The text of the
agreement is expected to be published in January, and then the administration must give Congress at
least a 90- day notification before it signing the agreement. During that period both sides will be
making efforts to get the administration to modify and clarify some aspects of the agreement as it
is translated into legislative language.The American Manufacturing Trade Action Coalition (AMTAC),
which represents some 18 manufacturing interests including textiles, immediately announced its
opposition to the agreement. AMTACs Washington coordinator said: US trade policy is inherently
flawed. CAFTA replicates the failed policy of negotiating trade deals with countries capable of
manufacturing large amounts of consumer goods for the US market, but incapable of buying
significant numbers of finished US goods in return. He described cumulation, TPLs and other
provisions as loopholes that will significantly damage the US textile industry. He warned that
cumulation will encourage transshipments from China and other countries. Cass Johnson, interim
president of the American Textile Manufacturers Institute (ATMI) said the administration had an
excellent chance to negotiate an agreement that would benefit Central America as well as the US,
but he said CAFTA is loaded with side deals, special deals and loopholes that jeopardize US textile
jobs. ATMI is likely to oppose the agreement if it is sent Congress in its present form. The
National Textile Association called CAFTA a flawed agreement that will open US markets to a flood
of imports.While textile and apparel importers were disappointed in some aspects of the agreement,
Julie Hughes of the US Association of Importers of Textiles and Apparel, while expressing her
disappointment with some of the provisions of the pact, said it is overall a step in the right
direction. She said importers and Central American manufacturers would be much better off with more
generous use of TPLs and cumulation in order to give importers more flexibility in their purchases
of apparel. She believes the framework of the agreement is something we can work with, and if
properly implemented it can benefit both importers and US and Central American textile and apparel
manufacturers.Kevin Burke, president of the American Apparel and Footwear Association, said his
members have long maintained that a swift solution of a commercially meaningful US/Central America
is critical to the survival of both the US textile industry and its apparel customers in Central
America. While saying his association is generally pleased with the inclusion of TPLs, cumulation
and a short supply list, he expressed disappointment that some elements in the agreement fall short
of what is needed. He was pleased that the agreement, if ratified, will be retroactive to January
1, 2004. He expressed the hope that Congress will approve the agreement swiftly and that a
regulatory framework will be established quickly, so the transition from the current trade
framework can be accomplished in as seamless a manner as possible.In any event, the agreement faces
a rough road ahead, as Congress has to either approve or reject it, and members of Congress are not
very fond of dealing with trade issues in an election year. In announcing the agreement, US Trade
Representative Robert B. Zoellick said: This will be a major challenge. There is no doubt about
that, but we are committed.By James A. Morrissey, Washington Correspondent
December 2003

Stretch Active Versus Easy

By John E. Luke, Technical EditorS t r e t c h:Active vs.
Easy
Stretch fabrics offer creative investment opportunities when developed to consumers
tastes.On numerous occasions, observers of the textile scene and Textile World have taken
serious issue with the industry for not investing in new technologies to provide an insulative
separation from the murderous increase in imports, particularly from the Far East. Although the
concept of stretch is not a new subject, particularly for our knitter compatriots, it still is a
series of technologies that offer niche opportunities for the creative, investing manufacturer. In
a curiously interesting way, while a current discussion of stretch fabrics and fibers provides
another opportunity to carp on product development investment, it more importantly offers a chance
to examine the marketplace and suggest directions for stretch products for several coming
years.Stretch HistoryHistorically, with the notable exceptions of knit fabrics and several stretch
woven fabrics denim particularly stretch has meant the inclusion of spandex in fabric construction
to add the third dimension of extensibility and recovery. Historically, this added dimension also
contained the concept of power, body control and body performance enhancement. At the height of the
Baby Boom exercise fury of the 1990s,
TW looked at stretch fibers and fabrics and concluded that substantial growth awaited
fabric manufacturers capable of incorporating stretch, primarily spandex, in traditional sportswear
and formalwear fabrics
(See Silent Spring, ATI, June 1998). The Baby Boomer, primarily into running and walking,
tennis, swimming and biking, was pushed by his/her ego and children to preserve the physical beauty
and muscle tone gained through the pain of exercise but squandered behind a desk in an endless
pursuit of sufficient wealth to afford the time and the accoutrements of planned exercise. In
stretch history of the late 1990s, TW concluded that spandex growth was barely more difficult than
building a production facility and hanging out a shingle. Alas, such was not to be the case, and TW
admitted in a follow-up article that it too had been mesmerized by the attractiveness of
spandex-containing garments and had overstated market growth potential
(See Spandex Revisited, TI, May 2001). The recession was coming, and TW had discounted
consumer purchases of more expensive garments. What was missed, however, was the consumer
resistance to substantially higher prices for spandex-containing articles, compounded by continuing
workplace dress code changes to even more casual apparel. Mid-1990s signs of a return to more
formal office dress codes evaporated, and premium stretch took a back seat to practical, but
non-stretch, function The best example of this is the continuing sales decline of womens hosiery
and pantyhose. The Baby Boomer wife/professional appears satisfied that she can present an
attractive well-toned body without the assistance of power garments, including hosiery and
pantyhose. Against these substantial consumer projections, TW published a table of spandex usage,
which is presented again here
(See Table 1).

It is obvious from some current preliminary research that sales fell short of the year 2000
outlook and continue to this day to underperform the estimated 2005 level. Little was it realized
that the consumer was plotting against the industry and her scheme would finally be exposed in
recent data from the Mount Prospect, Ill.-based National Sporting Goods Association, which
regularly tracks participation in sports activities. Table 2 presents data for the top 10
activities in 2002.Combining these statistics with one more set opens a new picture of the future
for stretch. Several recent domestic and international studies have outlined the age demographics
of sports participants
(See Table 3).Aye, and there lies the rub. Just as the worldwide fiber industry is
completing its spandex fiber-building binge, raising capacity well beyond even the optimistic
estimates of several years ago, the Baby Boomer the fuel for the exercise revolution is changing
sports and doing less. What is to become of the myriad of sports-specific garments prepared for the
exercise-addicted Boomer It appears that a new direction is needed.

Comfort StretchThe new direction is comfort stretch, not active stretch. The Baby Boomer
generation, currently ranging in age from 38 to 56, dominates the 45-to-54 age category, is leaving
the 35-to-44 year-old category, and is slowly sneaking into the 55-to-64 category. The absolute
numbers of the Baby Boomer generation soon will start to decline, and sports participation by the
remaining members will slide from 74 to 80 percent, to under 70 percent. Sports-specific apparel is
less in demand.As people age, they tend to add weight. This, despite the obvious cardiac
implications, is good news for stretch. In addition to the new business brought to exercise salons,
diet programs and doctors, heavier Baby Boomers will need to re-wardrobe, and that new clothing
will contain elements of stretch. Unfortunately, as people gain weight, so also do they change
their seated appearance, stretching and sagging more widely. Since woven fabrics generally are cut
longitudinally for slacks, filling stretch is used to compensate for the horizontal extension of
their avoirdupois, keeping them comfortable as they strain against the constraints of garment leg
construction. Less movement, less exercise, less posturing in active-sport-specific clothing all
point to comfort, not power and action.In their constant attempts to reduce the cost of active
fabrics, US textile manufacturers have searched for ways to reduce the price of spandex or have
searched for substitute materials less expensive than spandex. Until recently, Wilmington,
Del.-based INVISTA Inc., then DuPont, was able to keep a floor under price movements in domestic
spandex through a combination of consumer brand loyalty and active, pointed product development for
Lycra® in activewear applications. Three forces, however, have conspired to weaken the companys
position. First, domestic competitors ramped up production, weak producers were absorbed by
stronger organizations, and excess production flowed into the market. Simultaneously, foreign
producers, largely from Korea but increasingly producing in many parts of the world, flooded US
shores with relatively good-quality, cheap spandex, attacking DuPonts traditional price levels and
offering manufacturers opportunities to try spandex constructions with marginal cost additions.
Mills experimented with low levels of spandex in many applications without seriously increasing
greige fabric costs (finishing costs were another matter, beyond the scope of this analysis).
Knitters added small percentages of spandex to lightweight blouse fabrics, and weavers added even
smaller amounts to the filling in light to heavyweight twills for slacks and outerwear garments.
The basic spandex structure provided basic stretch and power characteristics to the fabric. So far,
so good, but now it was the consumers turn. She, now slightly older, changed her buying and
exercise habits and searched less for power and exercise garments and more for comfort garments.
Several ancient technologies stepped forward, including textured polyester and textured nylon, each
finding its own niche, generally chosen by fabric economics rather than aesthetics. DuPont changed
the rules around the Lycra brand, allowing it to be used on DuPont-approved constructions
containing spandex, nylon or polyester from DuPont. The logic was simple use a DuPont product, meet
certain performance standards and label it Lycra, probably the strongest brand in the companys
stable. It is not certain how the market accepted change, but corruption of a historically strong
marketing brand is a move to be questioned.Spandex manufacturers tried to lower prices to compete,
never really meeting the self-flagellating price levels to which polyester or nylon textured fibers
would sink. Meanwhile, Dow Chemical, Midland, Mich., is trying an alternative route with DOW XLA, a
polyolefin-based melt-spun monofilament fiber that has been granted its own subclass, lastol. Dow
makes no pretense of competing with Lycra or other spandex materials but, rather, claims the fiber
will provide soft stretch performance and require little or no heat-setting to stabilize heavy
recovery. This probably is the best definition of comfort stretch that has been offered.

The Future Of StretchComfort stretch is here to stay. As a matter of fact, comfort stretch
will/should become a regular offering from US knitters and weavers. The consumer is downsizing her
tastes and lifestyle to more easygoing levels, and, while exercise still is important, it slowly is
decreasing in consumer attractiveness. As the population ages, the consumer looks to garments that
enhance her figure in different venues in smaller, more subtle ways.Comfort stretch is a natural
for the textile industry. Spandex insertion in knitted fabrics is relatively easy, without specific
machines needed. Contrarily, weavers need extra-wide looms to accommodate the spandex and produce
the 60- to 70-inch finished widths needed for cutting slacks. Comfort stretch, without the need for
narrow greige widths to develop power and recovery that must be stretched out and controlled by
heat-setting, can be made commercially using existing equipment. An industry struggling to survive
certainly doesnt have access to or want to spend the capital to install new looms in the hope that
spandex wins the comfort stretch race. Rather, existing mill equipment both knit and woven can be
adapted with little effort to produce, as Dow says, soft stretch performance. Recent political
campaigns have urged the voter to follow the money. Textiles need to follow the consumer to comfort
stretch. Active stretch will never go away, but comfort stretch will replace substantial portions
of the market as the consumer replaces active with easy.

December 2003

IFAI Expo Participants Optimistic

.

Las Vegas proved to be a good venue for IFAI Expo 2003, held recently at the Las Vegas
Convention Center. The annual industrial fabrics trade show, sponsored by the Industrial Fabrics
Association International (IFAI), Roseville, Minn., attracted 7,425 attendees and exhibitors, the
second-largest number of participants in the shows history. The IFAI Expo 1999, held in San Diego,
holds the record with 7,542 participants. Last years show in Charlotte attracted 7,356.Participants
traveled to Las Vegas from a record 55 countries. The show had 480 exhibitors including more than
90 companies that exhibited for the first time.We are getting more international exhibitors, said
IFAI President Steve Warner. They are showing more specialized-type products. A lot of companies
will walk the show one year and then decide to exhibit the next.As a whole, exhibitors were pleased
with both the quantity and the quality of visitors. They also were optimistic about business
conditions.Kevin Crean, vice president, Avondale Mills Inc., Specialty Fabrics Division,
Graniteville, S.C., reported good traffic at the expo. We have a lot of customers here, and we had
some good meetings with them including some new customers on the job-finishing side, he said.We are
committed to this show, said Marty Colwell, sales manager, American Dornier, Charlotte. Its a good
show for us because we have so many customers present.Glen Raven Moves IndoorsAt last years show in
Charlotte, Glen Raven drew big crowds with its Sunbrella® Graphics System. The system is used to
apply graphics to Sunbrella awning fabrics using 3M Scotchcal ElectroCut Graphic films.Weve had
good acceptance, and people are doing some fantastic work with it, said Harry Goble, marketing
director for Glen Raven Custom Fabrics LLC, Glen Raven, N.C. Its still growing. We are trying to
get the word out to the commercial sector. We will be doing a bit more advertising and promotion
there, now that we have a manufacturing base established. It has been very well received.This time
around, Glen Raven showed more of the jacquard and decorative fabric side of its business. The
company is taking its well-known Sunbrella brand inside for performance interior fabrics.Whether
its [for the] sunroom or any room of the house, [Sunbrella] has the soft hand, cleanability and
fade resistance that is pretty much unmatched in residential fabrics, Goble said. Our biggest
challenge right now is to get it to furniture manufacturers and to the public in general.When asked
about business conditions and industry trends, Goble pointed to strong sales in the western United
States, a strong recreational vehicle industry and a recovery in boat sales as positive indicators.
Tight inventories and shorter lead times have made it tougher to gauge this market.People are
holding much tighter inventories, he said. Everyone is playing things very close to the vest.
Between the economy, the war and the weather in the Eastern half of the country, 2003 has been a
little less than stellar. But we have seen gradual improvement late-season, which is a little odd
in the awning and marine business. I think people had to deal with a backlog.

IFAI Expo 2003 featured 480 exhibitors, more than 90 of which were first-time
participants.Avondale Mills Sees GrowthThe subject of inventories came up again and again at the
show. Clearly, good inventory management is becoming a critical skill in the industrial fabrics
business.Our business is very strong, Crean said. There doesnt seem to be any planning ahead on
purchasing. Everybody today wants it immediately. Customers dont seem to know when their customers
are going to order. So you have to be prepared and watch your inventories. Its all about inventory
keeping it as low as possible, yet running the business.Avondales solvent-coating capability has
been a major contributor to the Specialty Fabrics Divisions success.Our largest area of growth in
our fiscal year ended August 29 was with our job-finishing business, and we expect to see that
growth continuing as we move forward, Crean said. The growth is driven by our ability to do solvent
coating with such chemistries as urethane and vinyl.SI Expects Carpet ComebackWe are continuing to
see softness in sales, said Kemp Harr, vice president of marketing for Furnishings and Flooring, SI
Corp., Chattanooga, Tenn. We are optimistic, however, that business in 2004 could come back to the
level we saw in 2000.SI Corp. is involved in four core businesses carpet backing, fiber-reinforced
concrete, geotextiles and high-performance materials. Half of the companys business is
manufacturing carpet foundations including primary and secondary backings.The residential side has
been fairly robust because of the builder segment, Harr said. But almost 75 percent of residential
carpet purchases are replacement. People can voluntarily extend the time that they live on that old
carpet waiting for better economic times. Its a deferrable purchase. Next year, we hope to see more
in that segment. The life of residential carpet is averaging 10 to 12 years, so we feel like there
is some pent-up demand. We are looking forward to a turnaround in that area.The company has gone to
cellular manufacturing in its plants. For example, its 2.5-million-square-foot plant in
Chickamauga, Ga., used to operate as one plant. Now it is considered to be seven different plants
under one roof.SI Corp. also is working aggressively to reduce costs and improve quality through
programs such as Six Sigma. At the same time, the company still is making significant investments
in research and development of innovative products that will provide future growth, according to
Harr.Gore Introduces GORE TENARA® Architectural FabricW.L. GoreandAssociates Inc., Elkton, Md.,
showed its GORE TENARA® Architectural Fabrics for the first time in the United States. Introduced
at Techtextil in Germany earlier this year, the fabric was specially developed for textile
architectural structures and features a unique blend of aesthetics, flexibility and durability. The
chemically inert fabric not only is insensitive to ultraviolet light, flex-resistant and
waterproof; but also has a light transmission ratio of up to 40 percent, adding an extra dimension
to textile architectural structures
(See Quality Fabric Of The Month, TW, November 2003).brM Offers Creative SolutionsBally
Ribbon Mills (brM), Bally, Pa., showed its extensive product line of engineered, woven, narrow
fabrics; specialty broadcloth; and woven structures for medical, industrial, aerospace and
commercial applications.The company had on display samples of woven tubular vascular stents,
bifurcates, tapered weaves and arteries that are used to replace damaged blood vessels. brM also
exhibited blood filtration membrane and carbon fiber structures for orthopedic and prosthetic
applications. In addition, brM showed circular (polar) weaves, woven 2-D and 3-D shapes, and
fabrics used for parachutes and airframe components.Having a wide variety of sample products on
hand at the companys booth stimulates discussion with potential new customers, according to Louis
Franconi, new business development manager, brM.The only way to drive people to get more creative
is to give them an example, a hint about whats going on, and then let them use their internal
creativity to present you with the application, said Franconi. And then you work together with them
to create a solution.Atlas Acquires SDLThe big story at the Atlas booth was the companys
acquisition of SDL International Ltd. an England-based testing instrument supplier earlier this
year.The merger provides textile manufacturers with a single source for many kinds of
instrumentation. The newly created SDL Atlas LLC headed by Charles S. Lane includes SDL, Atlas
Textile Test Products, Raitech and Textile Innovators. The restructuring strengthens Atlas focus on
textile testing instruments, and its core weathering test instruments and services.Atlas also
recently entered into an exclusive partnership with Weiss Umwelttechnik GmbH, Germany. Under this
agreement, Atlas is Weiss Techniks exclusive partner for the marketing and production of standard
climatic test chambers in the United States and Canada.American DornierSeveral industrial fabric
markets are strong right now, including filtration, airbag and outdoor furniture, according to
American Dorniers Colwell. Furniture is up and down, with an upward trend seen at the upholstery
mills.We are getting a lot more requests for quotations, so thats a positive sign, Colwell
said.American Dornier continues to add personnel at its Charlotte office, and also has begun
servicing Mexico and Central America from there.Picanol Focuses On Technical FabricsWe are pushing
hard in [the technical fabric] direction, said Cyril Guerin, sales manager, Picanol. This is where
the textile industry in North America is going to survive.One example of Picanols increased
emphasis in this area is the GamMax rapier weaving machine, based on the earlier Gamma model.
According to the company, it can weave a wider range of yarns at higher speeds using less energy.
The machine also has a wider reed, which allows it to participate in specialty markets such as
upholstery. A version to weave fiberglass has been developed. The company also has been successful
with a tire cord loom based on its OMNIplus air-jet machine.

IFAI Expo 2003 keynote speaker US Navy Captain D. Michael AbrashoffEducational Opportunities

Fabric Structures 2003, which took place just prior to IFAI Expo 2003, presented nearly two
dozen case studies on using fabric elements, and provided a forum for discussion of the unique
aspects of fabric structures. The nearly 200 participants earned American Institute of Architecture
Continuing Education System Learning Units.US Navy Captain D. Michael Abrashoff delivered a
leader-focused keynote presentation and explanation of how grassroots leadership is a principle
that empowers every individual to share the responsibility of achieving excellence. Abrashoff is
the author of Its Your Ship, a book detailing how he overcame low morale and high crew turnover as
commander of the USS Benfold. Glen Raven sponsored the keynote address.This year, IFAI Expo had
more than 70 educational programs covering medical textiles, signs and graphics, safety and
protective, textile construction, awning and canopy, sports and recreation, filtration textiles,
upholstery, marine fabrication, transportation textiles, equipment and technologies, and business
and leadership.These programs were packed with participants crowds ranged from 40 to well over 100
for each niche-market session.IFAI 2003 International Achievement AwardsDuring the Chairmans Annual
Breakfast at IFAI Expo 2003, winners of the 2003 International Achievement Awards were announced.
Presented annually for the past 56 years, the awards recognize product complexity, design,
workmanship, uniqueness and function in 26 different industrial fabrics-related end-use categories.
Faith Fredericks, Banner Canvas, Ham Lake, Minn.; and Cindy Lubin, W.L. GoreandAssociates Inc.,
Elkton, Md., presented the awards.Following are the Award of Excellence and Outstanding Achievement
Award winners.Air and Tension Structures Under 10,000 Square FeetAward of Excellence:Linstrand
Balloons Ltd., England, for Welsh Development Agency Thought BubblesOutstanding Achievement
Award:Downer International Ltd., Dublin, Ireland, for Galway/Mayo Institute of TechnologyYasuo
Kume, TSP Taiyo Inc., Tokyo, Japa, for the Kirara Expo main gate “Japan Expo Yamaguchi 2001″Air and
Tension Structures 10,000 to 30,000 Square FeetAward of Excellence:Taiyo Kogyo Corp., Japan, for
Flex House of Asahi Glass Co. Ltd.Outstanding Achievement Award:Skyspan (Europe) GmbH, Germany for
Madrid Xanadu entrance canopiesTSP Taiyo Inc., Tokyo, for the Kirara Hall “Japan Expo Yamaguchi
2001″Air and Tension Structures More Than 30,000 Square FeetAward of ExcellenceB&O Hightex
GmbH, Germany, for Pusan Stadium membrane roofShade Structures Birdair, Australia, for Longitude
131 degrees Ayres Rock projectOustanding Achievement AwardCovetex GmbH, Germany, for Masoala Rain
ForestGeiger Engineers, Suffern, N.Y., for 2002 World Cup main stadiumSkyspan (Europe) GmbH for
Madrid Xanadu main roofAwnings, Commercial, Interior and Multi-ResidentialAward of
ExcellenceRainier Industries Ltd., Seattle, for Santana Row awnings, San Jose, Calif.Outstanding
Achievement AwardRainier Industries Ltd., Seattle, for Santana row awnings, San Jose, Calif.Valley
CanvasandAwning Ltd., Canada, for the Film BoxAwnings, Single-Family ResidentialAward of
ExcellenceSunmaster of Naples Inc., Naples, Fla., for beachfront guest cottageOustanding
Achievement AwardTotal Identity Group, Rochester, N.Y., for Polka Dot residential awningValley
CanvasandAwning Ltd. for Summach residenceAwnings and Canopies, IlluminatedAward of
ExcellenceAdvanced Awning Design, Cloquet, Minn., for Railway PizzaOutstanding Achievement
AwardAdvanced Awning Design, Cloquet, Minn., for ErbertandGerbert’sGandJ AwningandCanvas, Sauk
Rapids, Minn., for Bingo emporiumMuskegon AwningandManufacturing Inc., Musekgon, Mich., for
Crosstown Center renovationAwnings, RetractableAward of ExcellenceSunmaster of Naples Inc. for
Privacy Lanai Lateral PlusOustanding Achievement AwardCalypso Marine Canvas Ltd., Chaguanas,
TrinidadandTobago for Hillside AvenueCanvas Experts Inc., Berlin, Md., for 26 foot by 12 foot
retractable awningCanopies, Commercial and Multi-Family ResidentialAward of ExcellenceCanfab
Products Ltd., Canada, for EpcorOutstanding Achievement AwardCanfab Products Ltd., Canada, for
Fairmont Hotel McDonaldMuskegon AwningandManufacturing Inc. for Panopoulus Hair SalonCanopies,
Single-Family ResidentialAward of ExcellenceDillon Co., St. Joseph, Mo., for GuptaOustanding
Achievement AwardArchitectural Fabric Structures, Sausalito, Calif., for Napa residenceSun State
Awnings Inc., Englewood, Fla., for residential canopy C-4576Architectural Structures OtherAward of
ExcellenceTaiyo Kogyo Corp. for Shinagawa Sea Side Forest Oval GardenOutstanding Achievement
AwardMiami Awning Co. Inc., Miami, for village of Merrick Park single and double escalator
canopiesTaiyo Kogyo Corp. for city of Kadoma recycling centerBanners and Flags, Special or
Large-Scale EventsAward of ExcellenceSugar House AwningandCanvas Products, Midvale, Utah, for Salt
Lake 2002 building wrapsOutstanding Achievement AwardFlying Colors Inc., Berkeley, Calif., for
Super Bowl XXXVII

Banners and Flags, Exhibitions and Arts and CraftsAward of ExcellenceShade Structures Birdair
for Sidney Myer Music Bowl celebration sculptureOutstanding Achievement AwardRainier Industries
Ltd. for port of Seattle Cruise Lines terminal bannersRainier Industries Ltd. for Wolf Creek
Education Center banners Redwood National and State ParksSignage and GraphicsAward of
ExcellenceTakara Co. Ltd., Japan, for Diamond City Itami external wall graphic signageOutstanding
Achievement AwardFabric Images Inc. for exhibitor 2003 20 by 20 tradeshow environmentRainier
Industries Ltd. for Seattle Seahawks stadium bannersTSP Taiyo Inc. for the FUJIFILM Billboard (2002
World Cup Korea/Japan)Interior ProjectsAward of ExcellenceB&O Hightex GmbH for Marsyas at the
Tate Modern fabric sculptureOustanding Achievement AwardCovertex GmbH, Germany, for
bionicsTransformit, Gorham, Maine, for Harmon exhibitMarine Exterior Fabric Products
PowerboatsAward of ExcellenceCanvas Experts Inc., Berlin, Md., for 39-foot closed canopy
cigaretteOustanding Achievement AwardMike’s Marine Custom Canvas, Virginia Beach, Va., for 34-foot
Searay SundancerMike’s Marine Custom Canvas for 42-foot Hatteras Cabin CruiserMarine Upholstery and
Interior Fabric Products PowerboatsAward of ExcellenceCanvas Designers Inc., Riviera Beach, Fla.,
for 50-foot azimuthOustanding Achievement AwardCalypso Marine Canvas Ltd. for CelerityCustom Marine
Canvas, Noank, Conn., for Wolf InteriorMarine Exterior Fabric Products SailboatsAward of
ExcellenceMikes Marine Custom Canvas for 30-foot gemini catamaranOutstanding Achievement
AwardCramer’s Custom Canvas, Pawcatuck, Conn., for 45-foot HunterNautical Intex Inc., San Pedro,
Calif., for sailboat exteriorMarine Upholstery and Interior Fabric Products SailboatsAward of
ExcellenceCustom Marine Canvas, Noank, Conn., for Hammell interior Party Tent RentalAdvanced Tent
Rental Ltd., Canada, for Graydon Hall Manor clear top custom clearspanOutstanding Achievement
AwardNeedle Loft Inc., Kemah, Texas, for MorganNeedle Loft Inc. for Hunter/EllisParty Tent
RentalAward of ExcellenceAdvanced Tent Rental Ltd., Ontario, for Graydon Hall Manor clear top
custom clearspanOutstanding Achievement AwardCelebration Rentals, Pipersville, Pa., for
construction site weddingRegal Tent Productions, Ontario, for Fashion Week – Ralph LaurenCommercial
Tent RentalAward of ExcellenceRoder Zelt-und Veranstalungsservice GmbH, Germany, for Spengler
CupOutstanding Achievement AwardFiesta Tents, Canada, for Formula One Grand Prix of Canada
corporate suitesMain Attractions, Edison, N.J., for car tourRoder Zelt-und Veranstalungsservice
GmbH for Bertelsmann anniversaryTent ManufacturingAward of ExcellenceFTL Design Engineering Studio,
New York City, for Voltige Circus tensile structureOustanding Achievement AwardCanvas Specialty,
Los Angeles, for HidalgoCanvas Specialty for Westin BonaventureRoder Zelt-und Veranstalungsservice
GmbH for Audi DTMInteractive and Cold-Air InflatablesAward of ExcellenceBrainchild Design Lab LLC,
Greeley, Colo., for The BeastGeosynthetic ProjectsDarling Downs Tarpaulins, Australia, for E-Vapcap
floating evaporation control coverOutstanding Achievement AwardGeotechnicalandGeoenvironmental
Engineering Consultant, Madison, Wis., for Madison metropolitan sewerage district contaminated
sludge lagoonTerafix Geosynthetics Inc., Toronto, for Rennie St LandfillIndustrial
ApplicationsAward of ExcellenceLinstrand Balloons Ltd. for Alcan loading bay inflatable
systemOutstanding Achievement AwardCamel Manufacturing Co., Pioneer, Tenn., for extreme weather
insulated linerNorth Texas TarpandAwning, Wichita Falls, Texas, for bra for CadillacSafety and
Protective ProductsAward of ExcellenceFoster-Miller Inc., Waltham, Mass., for Objective Force
WarriorOutstanding Achievement AwardAR Tech, Fontana, Calif., for Lockheed Martin Atlas IIAR PLF
blanketsAR Tech for vertigo chemical biological shelter: STAT, Small Tactical Airbeam
TentMiscellaneousAward of ExcellenceMoss Inc., Belfast, Maine, for American Express Rewarding Lives
ExhibitionTransformit, Gorham, Maine, for Shinkaiku in the OKI tradeshow exhibitOutstanding
Achievement AwardAlpha TentandAwning Ltd., Canada, for movie “Sleeping Tent”Canvasland Holdings
Ltd., New Zealand, for softedge trampoline 
Editors Note: Alfred Dockery is editor of The HunTex Report, a newsletter for industrial
textiles. A graduate of North Carolina State Universitys College of Textiles, he has been writing
about the textile industry for 15 years. Dockery is based in Clemmons, N.C

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December 2003

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