Fabric Architecture Specifier's Guide 2019 - 2

FIRST WORD

Innovation is still the big driver

T

he future for industrial shade markets continues to be a mix of good news with
cautious caveats. IFAI market research manager Jeff Rasmussen reports that in
2018, economic momentum-based on low unemployment, strong consumer
spending of 2.7 percent and record consumer confidence-carried the United
States to a GDP of 3.0 for the first time in 13 years.
Specialty fabrics companies are wrestling with certain factors: the rising cost of
raw materials (oil/gas and resulting polymers); increased labor costs; and trade wars
and resulting tariffs. However, Rasmussen says, "To win sales
and market share in today's specialty fabrics industry, market
participants must perpetuate a business climate centered on an
unending pursuit of innovation."
Such shade innovations include shade sails, retractable pergolas
that incorporate waterproof composite textiles, solar shades, zipper
screens and sun shades with fire-resistant properties.
Awning and canopies
In 2018, growth in the awning market was up in the low single-digit
range. Contributing to the growth was an approximate 5.5 percent
rise in housing values in 2018; a 4.5 percent increase in home values
is expected in 2019. U.S. remodelers had increased demand for residential repairs in
2018 and expect to be busy in 2019.
* U.S. residential construction was up 4.9 percent in 2018, while nonresidential
(lodging, office and commercial) construction was up 5.2 percent.
* In 2018, the U.S. had warm weather conditions in May through August, resulting
in a good selling season for awnings-especially the residential awning and solar
shade business. The strong U.S. economy in 2018 also helped to boost awning sales
in 2018 versus 2017.
* The outlook for the awning and canopy business will be similar in 2019, according
to Rasmussen. With unemployment holding at 3.5 percent and, weather permitting,
an early start to the selling season should lead to a moderate increase in U.S. and
Canadian sales.
Rebecca Post
Editorial Director
+1 651 225 6960
bjpost@ifai.com

Fabric structures
Growth was just below the mid-single-digit range in the U.S./Canadian fabric structures
market in 2018; growth is projected to be the same or slightly down in 2019 compared
to 2018. Trends include:
* There was good demand in 2018 for temporary fabric structures used by emergency
responders due to hurricanes and wildfires.
* Infrastructure projects continue for stadiums, schools and sporting events.
* Increased sales continue for new types of shade structures like shade sails
and retractable pergolas.
* Increased demand for engineered structures continues.
* The appeal is great for the improved quality of fabrics that feature long lasting
brilliant colors, waterproofing and fire resistance.
In the pages ahead, numerous examples of innovation are on parade, highlighting
the 2018 International Achievement Awards. Enjoy!

IFAI PRESIDENT/CEO

Steve Schiffman | saschiffman@ifai.com

EDITORIAL

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Editorial Director Rebecca Post
Production Editor Michelle Cook
Contributing Writer Bruce N. Wright, AIA
Special Thanks To Members of the boards of the
Fabric Structures Association and the Professional
Awning Manufacturers Association

MARKETING AND DESIGN

Director of Marketing Amy Collins
Creative Director Marti Naughton
Creative Manager Cathleen Rose
Junior Graphic Designer Megan Shircel

ADVERTISING

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CIRCULATION

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Audience Development Manager Mary J. Moore
Circulation Promotions Specialist Jill Poirier
Fabric Architecture Advisory Committee
Sam Armijos, AIA, Fabric Architect LLC
Brett Baird, Trivantage
Gary Barnes, Tropical J's Inc.
Roy Chism, The Chism Company
Brian Dentinger, Birdair Inc.
Raymie Echols, Glen Raven Custom Fabrics LLC
Steve Fredrickson, Sattler Corp.
Nicholas Goldsmith, FAIA, LEED AP, FTL
Mar Ricketts, GuildWorks LLC
Marc Shellshear, Value Vinyls Inc.
Bruce N. Wright, AIA
Fabric Architecture is published by the Industrial Fabrics
Association International (IFAI), a 2,000-member
not-for-profit trade association dedicated to promoting
the use of specialty fabrics.

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©2019 by the Industrial Fabrics Association
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Statement of facts and opinions are made on the
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Fabric Architecture reserves the right to refuse any
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reproduced without written permission.

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Fabric Architecture Specifier's Guide 2019

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Fabric Architecture Specifier's Guide 2019
