Connection: Issue One, 2018

CONNECTIONS

ISSUE ONE 2018

S P E C I A L I S E D T E X T I L E S A S S O C I AT I O N I N C .

ISSUE ONE 2018

DESIGN | TECHNOLOGY | INDUSTRY TRAINING | BUSINESS | MEMBERS

PRINT POST 100016128

YOUR GUIDE TO SPECTEX18 Meet Peter Fenn from SupaFit Seat Covers What do noncomplying products mean for your insurance policy?

Fabritecture’s tent house and North Queensland Trimming’s classic Chevy interior

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TRADE EXHIBITION & CONFERENCE 26-28 MAY THE ESPLANADE HOTEL , FREMANTLE, WESTERN AUSTRALIA

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CONTENTS 03

13

16 28

TRADE EXHIBITION & CONFERENCE 26-28 MAY THE ESPLANADE HOTEL , FREMANTLE, WESTERN AUSTRALIA

An Industry Trade Exhibition and Conference for everyone involved with Fabrics, Components, Equipment and Services

e the to wa to se come back our industry

future of

18

REGISTER ONLINE NOW TO ATTEND

www.specialisedtextiles.com.au

PLATINUM SPONSOR

SpecTex 2018 FP Advert.indd 1

STA NEWS GOLD SPONSOR

SILVER SPONSOR

17/4/18 4:46 pm

Product news

13 BUSINESS

What do non-conforming and non-complying products mean for your insurance policy?

16 EDUCATION

Chris Campbell of the Australian Wool Testing Authority briefly decodes the National Construction Code for the fire performance of textiles.

www.specialisedtextiles.com.au

19 Program 20 Exhibitor profiles

BRONZE SPONSOR

06 Report from STA president, Beatrice Moonen 09 STA Report 09 New and accredited members

10 NEWS

18 SPECTEX18

MAM9384

04 EDITORIAL 06

29

26

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CASE STUDIES 26 Fabritecture 29 North Queensland Trimming

32

MEMBER PROFILE

Peter Fenn and SupaFit Seat Covers

34 EVENTS

Upcoming events for the specialised textiles industry, locally and internationally

34

ADVERTISING DIRECTORY

32

Issue 1 2018 CONNECTIONS

04 EDITORIAL

Editorial Contributions by the STA Editorial committee

Welcome to Connections

W

elcome to the first issue of Connections for 2018. You may be surprised to see a new face on this page this time around, so allow me to introduce myself. My name is Tiffany Paczek and I’m the acting editor for this issue of the magazine. My usual role is as assistant editor, but I’m lucky enough to step up for this first issue of the year to take on the big job.

It’s been my privilege to work on and contribute to Connections over the last few issues, and I’ve learned a great deal about the specialised textiles industry. The best part, though, has been meeting and interviewing some of its people – people with real passion and enthusiasm for what they do. And it’s great to be able to curate an issue that’s gearing up to celebrate these people at the industry’s foremost event, SpecTex. I’m especially eager to see the outcome of the Awards for Excellence, as I’m sure are all of you!

In this special issue, we have for you a guide to SpecTex18, complete with a conference program and exhibitor profiles. It’s your roadmap to the event and we hope it helps you navigate the expo.

For our member profile (page 32), I had the chance to chat to Peter Fenn of SupaFit Seat Covers to learn about his company’s journey and ideals, and all about automotive trimming – which has made me quite conscious of my own car’s distinctly naked seats.

I also had the opportunity to delve into last year’s SpecTex award nominees to bring you a more in-depth look at Fabritecture’s work at Verrierdale Tent House and North Queensland Trimming’s interior refurbishment of a vintage Chevy Coupe (pages 26 and 29, respectively). Fascinating!

For those of you who are heading to Fremantle in May to attend SpecTex18, I hope you have a wonderful time.

And enjoy the issue!

Tiffany Paczek Acting Editor

ASSOCIATION MANAGER Ana Drougas MANAGING EDITOR Madeleine Swain madeleine.swain@niche.com.au ACTING EDITOR Tiffany Paczek tiffany.paczek@niche.com.au Advertising Neha Minhas neha.minhas@niche.com.au 03 9948 4918 Design DESIGN & DIGITAL PRE-PRESS Karl Dyer PRODUCTION MANAGER Alicia Pinnock alicia.pinnock@niche.com.au

Publishing CHAIRMAN Nicholas Dower MANAGING DIRECTOR Paul Lidgerwood GROUP COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR Joanne Davies FINANCIAL CONTROLLER Sonia Jurista

Connections magazine is published on behalf of the Specialised Textiles Association Inc by Niche Media Pty Ltd ABN 13 064 613 529 Suite 1418, Level 14, 1 Queens Road, Melbourne VIC 3004 Tel: 03 9948 4900 / Fax 03 9948 4999 Printing Southern Colour Cover Image 123RF’s bennymarty © 123RF.com

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Specialised Textiles Association 102/22 St Kilda Rd, St Kilda Vic 3182 Tel: 03 9521 2114 / Fax: 03 9521 2116 Email: office@specialisedtextiles.com.au www.specialisedtextiles.com.au

NEXT ISSUE OF CONNECTIONS Remember this is your magazine, about your industry. And we always love to hear your feedback or ideas for the direction of the magazine.

If you have any suggestions for articles or features that you think may be appropriate, please don’t hesitate to contact the editor directly at madeleine.swain@niche.com.au or Ana Drougas in the STA office at ana@specialisedtextiles.com.au or on 03 9521 2114.

CONNECTIONS Issue 1 2018

All unsolicited material should be addressed to the attention of the editor at the address above. Material will only be returned if a postage prepaid self-addressed envelope is supplied. Niche Media Pty Ltd accepts no liability for loss or damage of unsolicited material.

Connections is a publication of Niche Media Pty Ltd, ABN 13 064 613 529, 1 Queens Road, Melbourne Vic 3004 Australia, tel +613 9948 4900, fax +613 9948 4999.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, internet, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publishers. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication, the publishers accept no responsibility or liability for any errors, omissions or resultant consequences including any loss or damage arising from reliance on information in this publication.

The opinions and material published in this publication www.specialisedtextiles.com.au are not necessarily endorsed by the editor, publisher or Niche Media Pty Ltd, unless where specifically stated.

06 PRESIDENT’S REPORT

President’s report

M

uch like books are enjoying a resurgence, this Connections magazine is available in both hard copy and electronic format.

Connections’ readership goes beyond a quick flick or view on a computer screen.

One copy of Connections is read by more than one person as it ‘moves’ from desk to desk, enjoying a readable life of months and even years. You, the readers, are clear you want a hard copy version of Connections magazine to stay and the STA will oblige.

Connections is distributed to its members and the wider industrial textiles community and is the industry magazine.

Complemented by the eNewsletter, which reports on current news and event dates, it means the STA can effectively deliver industry information.

This is the pre-conference Connections issue, where STA proudly recognises the contributions of our important sponsors and exhibitors who will participate at SpecTex18 in Fremantle in May and who will take us ‘back to the future’. At SpecTex18 we are going back to the west with forward-thinking events, processes and products that are sure to improve business into the future. The STA hasn’t held a conference in WA for 20 years and we expect to attract many members and guests to this excellent location.

A program of events is included in this issue, highlighting trade exhibitors, seminars, the marine workshop, entertainment and social events. For those of you yet to book your place in Fremantle, now is the perfect time as there are deals about. Perth Airport is only 4.5 hours from the east coast and Fremantle is only a short distance from Perth. With its nautical history and quirky ambience, Fremantle is a delight to visit and the perfect setting for our 2018 STA industry conference.

CONNECTIONS Issue 1 2018

The topic of fire retardancy, testing of fabrics and how changes to the National Construction Code’s Building Code of Australia (BCA) will affect our industry are discussed in this issue. You will be pleased to learn that STA’s submission to the Australian Building Codes Board was recognised and will avert the potential for far reaching damage to our industry.

This will be my last contribution to Connections as president of the Specialised Textiles Association. It has indeed been my great pleasure to dedicate two years to this very worthy endeavour, in particular lobbying and meeting members. I thank you all for affording me this privilege, which I will cherish forever. It has passed ever so quickly.

Through the combined efforts of the Council of Management (COM), the executive manager, committees and dedicated members, the STA has made good progress to advance our industry.

I thank you all for your great work and dedication. What stands out as successes have been the change to Australian Standard AS4174 on shadecloth, released in February 2018 after a long process, the STA’s submission into the National Building Code, the STA’s relentless push to raise standards in our industry, the first full TAFE recognised apprenticeship course, the return of TAFE trade training to WA in 2018, the strengthening of our ties with BMAA and OFPANZ, changes to Gala Award categories to encourage smaller members and the launch of a membership drive to encourage micro businesses.

So relax and grab a cuppa, and I trust you will enjoy this pre-conference issue of Connections. See you in Fremantle.

Best regards and good fortune.

Beatrice Moonen

www.specialisedtextiles.com.au

Passionate people distributing leading brands

fabrics@hvg.net.au www.specialisedtextiles.com.au| hvgfabrics.com.au | p 1300 854 811 | f 1300 658 889 Issue 1 2018 CONNECTIONS

POLYMAR

8556

S I DE C U R TAIN FABR IC

POLYMAR 8556 SIDE CURTAIN FABRIC

Polymar 8556 is a coated panama weave fabric designed specifically for side curtains and tarpaulin applications.

www.theshanngroup.com

Featuring a high gloss finish and superior abrasion and tear strength, the exceptional German made fabric is weather and temperature resistant and available in more than 50 colours. The print version is available in both matte and gloss and is strong, durable and flexible.

CONNECTIONS Issue 1 2018

www.specialisedtextiles.com.au

STA REPORT 09

STA report

B

y the time you read this issue of Connections we will be very close to SpecTex18 actually taking place in Fremantle, Western Australia. What is SpecTex18? It is the only Australian industry trade exhibition and conference and has been running for over a decade. Will you be attending? Here are five reasons why you should: l it’s the only place in WA where all the specialised textiles industry will come together in the same place at the same time l you will be inspired by the trade displays – where you can see, touch and feel fabrics, components and equipment that will excite you l you will expand your knowledge by attending the technical and business topic sessions on offer over two days l you will meet face-to-face with industry leaders – suppliers and fabricators – and fast-track your business prospects, and l you can experience the magnificence and history of Fremantle.

Actually, there is a sixth reason too… Training has returned to Western Australia after a very long absence. Have all your questions answered at the ‘Training Hub’ at SpecTex18 – training providers and apprenticeship centre representatives will be there to answer all your questions and take enrolments for Certificate III in Manufactured Textile Products and Automotive and Marine Trimming Technology.

In this issue of Connections, everything SpecTex18 starts from page 18. Whether you just want to visit and take a look at the trade exhibition, attend the business sessions and/or participate in the marine fabricator workshop, or simply relax and socialise at one – or all – of the evening functions, SpecTex18 has something for everyone. Register now to attend SpecTex18 and I’ll see you in Fremantle!

Ana Drougas, Executive Officer STA

NEW MEMBERS The STA is pleased to welcome the following companies to its membership.

CANVAS & MARINE COVERS Contact: Maree and Peter Douglas 19 Action Street, Noosaville Qld 4566 Tel: +617 5470 2277 Website: www.canvasmarine.com.au

DRIFTA CAMPING KITCHENS Contact: Luke Sutton 7 Lowe Street, Gloucester NSW 2422 Tel: +612 6558 2328 Website: www.drifta.com.au

CAFÉ BLINDS BY GARY MCCORMICK Contact: Gary McCormick 11 West View Road, Mullaloo WA 6027 Tel: +614 3882 1346

www.specialisedtextiles.com.au

SHADE & SAIL INNOVATIONS Contact: John Condon 3/47 Biscayne Way, Jandakot WA 6164 Tel: +618 9414 7737 Website: www.shadesail.com.au

STINGRAY SHADE & VINYL Contact: Steve Herron 1 Leyland Street, Garbutt QLD 4814 Tel: +617 4775 6162 Website: www.stingrayshade.com.au

STREAMLINE TRIM Contact: Brad McNulty Shed 10, 41-45 Cessana Drive, Caboolture QLD 4510 Tel: +617 5495 3437 Website: www.streamline1.com.au

HEAVY INDUSTRIAL SEWING MACHINES Contact: Lance Phillips 6 Lanham Court, Koondoola WA 6064 Tel: +614 0892 1194

Issue 1 2018 CONNECTIONS

10 NEW MEMBERS

BAYSIDE BOAT CANOPIES Contact: Julie and Ray Sloan 570 Royal Esplanade, Manly QLD 4179 Tel: +614 2832 4575 Website: www.boatcanopies.com.au

SYDNEY MARINE TRIMMING

ASSOCIATION

The STA is proud to announce the latest member company to gain its business accreditation.

Contact: Sam Braid 3 McGuiness Avenue, Middleton Grove NSW 2171 Tel: +614 6896 2261 Website: www.sydneymarinetrimming.com

And welcome back to…

SEWING PERFECTION MACHING CO Contact: John Grom 8 Geogan Street, Werribee, VIC 3030 Tel: +613 9742 5854 Website: www.sewingperfection.com.au

CJ LOFTUS ELECTRONICS Contact: Craig Loftus 17/2-8 Daniel Street, Whetherill Park NSW 2164 Tel: +612 9757 3355 Website: www.cjloftus.com

CREATIVE CANVAS Creative Canvas Shade Solutions is Sydney’s awardwinning shade company, specialising in the custom design, construction and installation of shade sails, outdoor umbrellas, retractable awnings, shade structures, external blinds, carports, louvres and privacy screens, for both domestic and commercial applications.

Unit 33, 5 Ponderosa Parade, Warriewood NSW 2012 Tel: +612 9979 6477 www.creativecanvas.com.au

VELCRO AUSTRALIA Contact: Xavier Poynton 5-11 David Lee Road, Hallam VIC 3803 Tel: +613 9703 2466 Website: www.velcro.com

DASEC DURKOPP ADLER

Single needle? Double needle? Both – without compromise.

The new Dasec Durkopp Adler M-type 867 Asymmetric offers total flexibility in single and twin needle seaming with the one machine.

At SpecTex18, Dasec Durkopp Adler will show the new industrial sewing machine model 867-70-M Eco, a long-arm triple feed with DAC integrated direct drive servo motor and asymmetric sewing set for both single and twin needle seaming.

The new model offers: • total flexibility when switching between single needle and twin needle operations • no technical set-up or adjustment required between needle change • twin needle gauge from six millimetres up to 14 millimetres • a comprehensive range of attachments and sewing feet suitable for all sewing operations, and • sewing technology made in Germany.

CONNECTIONS Issue 1 2018

www.specialisedtextiles.com.au

www.specialisedtextiles.com.au (02) 9794 5700 (07) 3717 3900

(03) 9355 4800

(08) 8341 1144

Issue (08)1 2018 9351CONNECTIONS 9255

Do you remember this ad from 2004?

12 DESIGN

In 2018, this Polyfab project still continues to exceed our customer’s performance expectations, years beyond its warranty.

CONNECTIONS Issue 1 2018

www.specialisedtextiles.com.au Polyfab Australia Pty Ltd, a division of the Nolan Group

BUSINESS 13

123RF’s Jakub Jirsak © 123RF.com

WHAT DO NON-CONFORMING AND NONCOMPLYING PRODUCTS MEAN FOR YOUR INSURANCE POLICY? Ben Gair from McLardy McShane gives us an insight into what installers and fabricators in the textiles industry should be aware of when supplying or using a product or material that may subsequently be found to be unsuitable for its intended purpose. By Ben Gair.

F

ollowing some recent events involving combustible and flammable materials, insurers are becoming more stringent with policy terms and conditions. Some insurers are imposing policy terms and conditions that exclude coverage in the event that builders or related contractors recommend or use material that does not comply with or conform to the Building Code of Australia (BCA). With recent changes to legislation involving building products, it’s important to ensure that this risk is managed accordingly.

Non-conforming products and materials are those that: l claim to be something they are not l do not meet required standards for their intended use, or l are marketed or supplied with the intent to deceive those who use them. www.specialisedtextiles.com.au

This is different to non-compliant products (NCPs) and materials that are used in situations where they do not comply with the requirements of the National Construction Code (NCC).

EXAMPLES OF NCBPs AND NCPs l

NCBPs – a building product that is labelled or described as being noncombustible, but which is actually combustible, is a non-conforming building product. l NCPs – a building product that is combustible, and described as such, but is used in a situation where a noncombustible product is required under the NCC, is not fit for purpose and is a non-complying product.

If you are a builder, involved in construction or provide advice, a professional indemnity insurance policy is an integral part of a robust insurance program. Professional indemnity insurance provides cover for

liability for claims and defence costs that arise from breaches of professional duty.

For builders, that professional duty usually involves, directly or vicariously, providing advice in relation to design and product suitability in accordance with all relevant building, construction or engineering codes and standards.

In the event of a loss this could have disastrous consequences. In the event that further works are required to reinstate the property to the appropriate standard and comply with the relevant codes, it could be very costly. Professional indemnity insurance is provided on a ‘claims made’ basis. That means that the claim must occur in that policy period. If work was conducted prior to the policy being renewed and that work was nonconformance or non-compliance, this exclusion would mean that a claim relating to non-conformance or non-compliance would be denied.

Issue 1 2018 CONNECTIONS

14 BUSINESS

To ensure that you comply with the BCA: l only source products from reputable suppliers l ensure that products are appropriately labelled in accordance with the applicable Australian Standard, and l ensure the products comply with the relevant code and standard.

Your place in the supply chain can mean you have specific obligations or duties to check and assure that the right products are used, and are used correctly.

Depending on your place in the supply chain you can face specific risks and liabilities if products and materials are non-complying or non-conforming.

MANUFACTURERS Manufacturers need to ensure that they know the requirements of compliance and conformance of their products and materials and the evidence required

CONNECTIONS Issue 1 2018

to demonstrate compliance. This involves being aware of a range of related requirements such as testing, assurance and certification. It also requires manufacturers to understand how customers should and should not use their products.

IMPORTERS, WHOLESALERS, DISTRIBUTORS AND RETAILERS Importers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers need to ensure that the products being supplied do not breach trade or consumer laws or industryspecific requirements for safety or performance. Some products or materials (such as consumer gas and electrical products) have specific requirements to demonstrate safety and suitability before they can be lawfully sold and may require independent testing and certification before being supplied. C

If you have any questions and require further assistance with your insurance policy, please contact Ben Gair at McLardy McShane on +612 8912 0801 or at ben@mclardymcshane.com.au.

For information on building codes go to www.abcd.gov.au. www.abcb.gov.au/NCBP/Nonconforming-building-products/ What-is-my-responsibility

www.specialisedtextiles.com.au

Australian Made Canvas for Australian Conditions.

Don’t settle for anything less.

www.waxcon.com.au /dynaproofed World’s Best Practice Program

www.specialisedtextiles.com.au

Internationally Recognised Defence Quality

Issue 1 2018 CONNECTIONS

16 EDUCATION

TEXTILES IN PUBLIC BUILDINGS CHRIS CAMPBELL OF THE AUSTRALIAN WOOL TESTING AUTHORITY BRIEFLY DECODES THE NATIONAL CONSTRUCTION CODE FOR THE FIRE PERFORMANCE OF TEXTILES.

BY CHRIS CAMPBELL

T

he National Construction Code (NCC) is released on a threeyear cycle, with the 2016 code being the current one. Volume one of the code deals with public buildings. Due to urgent changes needed to address, for instance, cladding and external wall systems, an amendment to the code was issued in March 2018. The code now incorporates AS 5113 – 2016, Fire Propagation Testing and Classification of External Walls of Buildings. This standard, although accepted by the amended code in its current form, is still under review and, importantly for our interest, goes on to clarify that textile curtains are not considered part of a façade or external wall system.

The NCC now gives two streams for demonstrating compliance: ‘deemed to satisfy’ and ‘performance solutions’ (previously referred to as ‘alternate solutions’).

DEEMED TO SATISFY This is the simplest approach and likely to be the path for a textile application, with the exception of some sarking and insulation materials that may need to be part of a performance solution.

The code gives performance requirements in order determine whether a product is deemed to satisfy the provisions. An example of this is the use of Section C1.10, which deals with most interior textiles and prescribes test methods and performance requirements by end use. Meeting these requirements leaves a product “deemed to satisfy” the provisions of the code.

PERFORMANCE SOLUTIONS For more complex projects or installations, a performance solution may need to be developed in order to demonstrate meeting the performance requirements.

123RF’s Oleksandr Farion © 123RF.com

CONNECTIONS Issue 1 2018

www.specialisedtextiles.com.au

This may need to involve several stakeholders such as building surveyors and engineers.

The code encourages interaction with the relevant approval authority to ensure that the final solution meets documentation and final sign-off needs. Approval authorities need to be consulted without becoming part of the solution in order to remain neutral in their assessments.

UNDERSTANDING FIRE AND TEXTILES The fire performance requirements of textiles are outlined in Section C1.10 of the NCC, Australian Standards and also the Temporary Structures Code.

Here, we find deemed to satisfy solutions for upholsteries, wall coverings, window furnishings, flooring and more.

The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB), in its ‘What practitioners need to

www.specialisedtextiles.com.au

know’ fire presentation, reminds us of the fire triangle – i.e. the three elements that come together to make a fire possible These are: oxygen, heat and fuel.

“Fire is a product of a chemical reaction between oxygen in the air and gases released from fuel,” the ABCB stated in the presentation.

Each fire goes through a growth phase, then reaches flashover and becomes fully developed. It then goes into decay, during which one or more of the triangle elements are reduced – for example, the fuel is exhausted.

Of interest to us is the fuel and the effect or result of its availability when oxygen and heat are present. The burning behaviour of textile fuel is largely determined by the composition of the textile. l Cellulosics such as cotton or viscose rayon ignite easily and spread rapidly decomposing into light ash

l

l

l

Thermoplastics such as nylon and polyester tend to shrink away from heat, but enough heat will cause them to melt and drip or spread a flame Protein fibres such as wool or silk will tend to self-extinguish when a flame source is removed, and Specialised textile fibres such as aramids are flame resistant and used in specialised applications such as aerospace and some work and sports wear. C

Issue 1 2018 CONNECTIONS

18 DESIGN

TRADE EXHIBITION & CONFERENCE 26-28 MAY THE ESPLANADE HOTEL , FREMANTLE, WESTERN AUSTRALIA

An Industry Trade Exhibition and Conference for everyone involved with Fabrics, Components, Equipment and Services

e h t e e s o t a w o t k c a b y r t s come u d n i our

f o e r u t u f

www.specialisedtextiles.com.au

MAM9384

REGISTER ONLINE NOW TO ATTEND

PLATINUM SPONSOR

CONNECTIONS Issue 1 2018

GOLD SPONSOR

SILVER SPONSOR

BRONZE SPONSOR

www.specialisedtextiles.com.au

TRADE EXHIBITION & CONFERENCE 26-28 MAY THE ESPLANADE HOTEL , FREMANTLE, WESTERN AUSTRALIA

prograM

*Included in Full Delegate package

Friday 25th May 12.00pm – 5.00pm

Golf tournament at Royal Fremantle Golf Course

Saturday 26th May 9.00am – 4.00pm

Rottnest Island tour (Optional)

6.00pm – 8.00pm

*Welcome Reception at Bathers Beach House

Sunday 27th May

regiStration REGISTER online at www.specialisedtextiles.com.au

REGISTER AS A FULL DELEGATE & SAVE $110 * Full delegate package includes welcome reception, all business sessions and marine workshop, teas and lunches plus theme dinner and awards dinner Full Delegate (STA Members)

$720.00

Full Delegate (Non Members)

$864.00

7.30am – 9.45am

*SpecTex18 Opening Breakfast and keynote presentation

10.00am – 1.00pm

Trade exhibition open to visitors

INDIVIDUAL REGISTRATIONS

10.30am – 1.00pm

*Marine Fabricator Workshop

Pick and choose what you would like to do:

11.00am – 4.00pm

Swan Valley Wine Tour (Optional)

1.00pm – 2.00pm

*Parallel Business sessions a. Marine Project Case Study b. Shade Project Case Study

2.00pm – 4.00pm

Trade exhibition re-opens to visitors

2.30pm – 4.00pm

*Marine Fabricator Workshop Track to track enclosures & zip technology.

4.00pm – 4.45pm

*Business session Fabrication Evolution. A panel discussion which will give you all the Insights into how to expand your business without the expense.

7.00pm – 11.00pm

*Theme Dinner: Murder Mystery at Esplanade Hotel

Golf Rottnest Island Wine Tasting Tour Walking Tour * Welcome Reception * Breakfast & Keynote Presentation * Business Sessions & Marine Workshop (Sun 27th) * Business Sessions & Marine Workshop (Mon 28th) * Theme Dinner * Awards Dinner * event included in full delegate registration STA Member rates quoted. Non Members +20%.

$130.00 $140.00 $120.00 $85.00 $85.00 $120.00 $120.00 $120.00 $175.00 $210.00

Monday 28th May 9.00am – 10.00am

STA members AGM

10.00am – 1.00pm

Trade exhibition open to visitors

10.30am – 1.00pm

*Marine Fabricator Workshop

12.30pm – 3.00pm

Fremantle Walking Tour (optional)

1.00pm – 2.00pm

*Parallel Business sessions a. Fabric Fire Retardancy test methods and NCC update and what it means for our industry b. Actionable online marketing tips for small to medium sized businesses

2.00pm – 4.00pm

Trade exhibition re-opens to visitors

2.30pm – 4.00pm

*Marine Fabricator Workshop Patterning continued.

4.00pm – 4.45pm

*Tips & Tricks of the Trade

7.00pm - midnight

*Awards for Excellence Gala Dinner at Optus Stadium

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PLATINUM SPONSOR GOLD SPONSOR SILVER SPONSOR BRONZE SPONSOR Issue 1 2018 CONNECTIONS MAM9385

20 SPECTEX18

SPECTEX18 EXHIBITORS

Aeronaut Automation Booth numbers: 23 & 24 Address: 4-6 Tepko Road, Terrey Hills NSW 2084 Email: sales@aeronaut.org Telephone: +612 9450 0800 Website: www.aeronaut.org

Apprenticeship Support Australia Booth numbers: 17 & 18 Address: 180 Hay Street, East Perth WA 6004 Telephone: 1300 363 831 Website: www.apprenticeshipsupport.com.au

Bradmill Outdoor Fabrics Booth number: 25 Address: 3/100 Fulton Drive, Derrimut Vic 3030 Email: sales@bradmilloutdoor.com.au Telephone: +613 9368 2222 Website: bradmilloutdoor.com.au

We are the Australian-made automated cutter specialists, and our machines are custom built for specialised textiles. Come and see a demonstration of our wide range of software for fabricating all kinds of canvas, marine, shade and window furnishing products, our Mikron 2 cutter and our market-leading Vision systems, SiliconEye and Cyclops.

Apprenticeship Support Australia, powered by CCI, is contracted to deliver free Australian apprenticeship support network services on behalf of the Federal Government. Our team of experts support employers to recruit, train and retain apprentices and trainees. Operating from 14 locations throughout metropolitan and regional WA, we can assist you no matter where you are located.

Give the Apprenticeship Support Australia team a call today.

Bradmill Outdoor Fabrics is Australia’s leading and most experienced manufacturer of industrial and consumer canvas fabrics and we have been doing it for over 60 years.

The majority of our fabrics are Australianmade to the highest quality standards and we operate a Quality Management System, which is accredited to ISO 9001-2015.

TRADE EXHIBITION & CONFERENCE 26-28 MAY THE ESPLANADE HOTEL , FREMANTLE, WESTERN AUSTRALIA FABRIC • MACHINERY • COMPONENTS • ACCESSORIES • SERVICES

Register online for FREE ADMISSION to trade expo

MAM9 MAM M9386 38 86

($20 fee applies on the day)

CONNECTIONS Issue 1 2018

Check out the full program and register at www.specialisedtextiles.com.au or phone (03) 9521 2114 www.specialisedtextiles.com.au

Dasec Booth numbers: 28, 29 & 30 Address: 3 Gunya Street, Regents Park NSW 2143 Email: dcaudo@dasec.com.au Telephone: +612 9645 2500 Website: www.dasec.com.au Discover why Dasec’s unequalled aftersales support, space part deliveries and factory trained service technicians are the benchmark in the industry.

On display at SpecTex 2018: l Durkopp Adler Sewing Technology (made in Germany) l SMRE Engineering technology in plotter cutters, welding, gluing units (special machines), and l Zemat Technology Group HF welding units and Impulse welding machines.

Defab Booth numbers: 6 & 7 Address: 30 Somerton Park Drive, Campbellfield Vic 3061 Email: canvas@defab.com.au Telephone: +613 9305 3988 Website: www.defab.com.au Defab is an Australian family-owned business focused on the production and distribution of high performance fabrics. As the supplier of Supaproof, Camperfield, Somerton and Tearlok ranges, we are proud to be part of this year’s expo. With the newly established Somerton View external mesh program and other new exciting developments in industrial textiles, we invite you to visit us at our trade display at SpecTex 2018.

Food, Fibre and Timber Industries Training Council Booth numbers: 17 & 18 Address: 6/800 Albany Highway, East Victoria Park WA 6101 Telephone: +618 9361 2800 Website: www.fftitrainingcouncil. com.au The Food, Fibre and Timber Industries Training Council provides strategic information and advice to the State Training Board and the Department of Training and Workforce Development on industry workforce development and training needs, including skills shortages.

We work in partnership with the government, industry leaders, registered training organisations and other stakeholders to achieve quality vocational education and training and assessment outcomes.

GALE Pacific Booth numbers: 34 & 35 Address: 145 Woodlands Drive, Braeside Vic 3195 Email: paul.cummins@galepacific. com Telephone: +614 156 95859 Website: www.galecommercial.com GALE Pacific is one of the world’s largest and most innovative manufacturers of technical fabrics, used for agricultural, architectural, industrial, horticultural and mining applications.

We claim a portfolio of market-leading products that are considered benchmarks within the industry, including Commercial 95, Landmark and Canvacon, among many others.

Elizabeth Machines Co

Booth numbers: 40, 41 & 42 Address: 876 Lorimer Street, Port Melbourne Vic 3003 Email: rick@elizabethmachines.com.au Telephone: +613 8671 0000 Website: www.elizabethmachines. com.au Elizabeth Machines Co is the proud, sole Australian distributor of Miller Weldmaster Welding Machines, Juki Sewing Machines, associated spare parts, cutting machines and accessories, and is also an agent for Seiko Sewing Machines, catering to all specialised textile industries. We welcome you to discuss the latest technology coming through our vast supplier range. www.specialisedtextiles.com.au

Hiraoka (Australia) Booth numbers: 4 & 5 Address: 2/37 Rimfire Drive, Hallam Vic 3803 Email: info@hiraoka.com.au Telephone: +613 8795 7322 Website: hiraoka.com.au Hiraoka range of mesh and architectural membrane fabrics offers a number of superior performance advantages. These include long-term UV resistance, (up to) a 25-year warranty, and excellent dirt resistance and strength-to-weight ratio.

Our new premium range of architectural membrane fabrics will be on display.

HVG Fabrics Booth numbers: 9 & 10 Address: 29 Henderson Street, Turrella NSW 2205 Email: fabrics@hvg.net.au Telephone: 1300 854 811 Website: www.hvgfabrics.com.au HVG Fabrics is your performance fabric provider of choice with our global supply partner and leading brands. HVG Fabrics offers a comprehensive range of decorative and technical fabrics for applications including blinds and awnings, shade production, architectural membranes, covers and tarpaulins, transport, marine and agriculture.

Innova International Booth number: 19 Address: 36-40 Sunmore Close, Heatherton Vic 3202 Email: sales@innova.com.au Telephone: +613 9551 8722 Website: www.innova.com.au Innova brings to the Australian region a range of fabrics to cover all your tensile architectural needs, from market umbrellas to stadium roofs. Innova has made and continues to make significant commitments to volume stock holdings, advanced logistical capabilities, information technology and ongoing staff training. This ensures that our customers have access to the right answers and the right materials.

Miami Stainless Booth number: 44 Address: Unit 3/99 West Burleigh Road, Burleigh Heads Qld 4221 Email: info@miamistainless.com.au Telephone: 1800 022 122 Website: www.miamistainless.com.au Miami Stainless provides the highest quality stainless steel hardware for shade sail, marine, tensile architecture, suspension structures and balustrades. We are now also the sole Australian and New Zealand distributor of the Blue Wave Hardware range, one of the largest manufacturers of high-quality stainless steel rigging hardware in the world.

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North Metropolitan TAFE Booth numbers: 17 & 18 Address: Locked Bag 6, Northbridge WA 6865 Telephone: 1300 300 822 Website: www.northmetrotafe. wa.edu.au

Plastral Booth number: 38 Address: 130 Denison Street, Hillsdale NSW 2036 Email: charlieg@plastral.com.au Telephone: +612 9695 3200 Website: plastral.com.au

‘Transforming lives, strengthening industry and communities.’

North Metropolitan TAFE continues to expand its offerings to meet the demands of our clients. We have the courses, the lecturers and the facilities to augment your training needs.

With more than 110 years as a postsecondary training provider, over 400 existing courses and with packages in Manufactured Textile Products and Automotive and Marine Trimming Technology commencing soon, your confidence is assured.

On display at SpecTex 2018: l The new hemming machine 20/30/or 40mm hem from Leister l Variant T1 40mm Overlap machine l Variant T1 50mmTape machine l Uniplan E 30mm overlap machine with hem attachment, and l Triac ST and AT Hand welders.

Paskal Booth numbers: 32 & 33 Address: 9A Lakewood Boulevard, Braeside Vic 3195 Email: paskal@paskal.com.au Telephone: +613 9588 8800 Website: www.paskal.com.au Paskal’s success comes from our ability to care about the service that we give to all our customers – from the sole operator to larger, more established companies. We now distribute a wide range of specialised products in fabrics and accessories specifically for the Australian market.

Pathfinder Australia Pty Ltd Booth number: 15 Address: 12 Did Court, Tullamarine Vic 3043 Email: kevin@pathfindercut.com Telephone: +613 9338 3471 Website: pathfindercut.com Pathfinder designs and manufactures worldclass cutting room solutions, with a focus on speed, accuracy, efficiency, minimal machine downtime, low operational cost and a long reliable working life. Our machines include Fabric Pro and Fabric Master spreading machines, Easyloader conveyorised tables and single- and multi-ply cutting machines.

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Ricky Richards Booth number: 45 Address: 16 Park Road, Homebush NSW 2140 Email: sales@rickyrichards.com.au Telephone: +612 9735 3333 Website: www.rickyrichards.com.au Ricky Richards has been Australia’s premier distributor of technical textiles, sun control and print media since 1983. That depth of experience combined with the sheer strength of our product portfolio means you can be confident that you will always receive the very best fabric available in the market, delivered on time – whatever the application.

Rojo Pacific Booth numbers: 26 & 27 Address: Unit 1/50 Rooks Road, Nunawading Vic 3130 Email: sales@rojopacific.com.au Telephone: +613 9872 1000 Website: rojopacific.com.au Rojo’s range of industrial fabrics includes PVC-coated polyesters to suit a wide range of uses for industries including agriculture, sport, automotive, camping and exhibitions.

Other uses include tarpaulins and trailer covers, caravan and camping applications like tents and awnings, printed signage, banners and marquees, truck side curtains and roll-over tarps.

Serge Ferrari Booth number: 8 Address: Level 12, 210 George Street Sydney 2000 Email: via website Website: www.sergeferrari.com Serge Ferrari, a world leader in flexible composite material technology, provides expertise and products to help you to design innovative products. Our lightweight, durable and recyclable solutions meet the functional and aesthetic requirements of sectors as diverse as building (tensile architecture, acoustic solutions and internal and external solar shades) and industry (modular structures, environmental protection and defence), as well as products suitable for the consumer market like furniture, internal and external blinds, awnings, pergolas and yachting materials.

Sewing Perfection Machine Co Booth number: 16 Address: 4/61 Russell Street, Werribee Vic 3030 Email: info@sewingperfection.com.au Telephone: +613 9741 2472 Website: sewingperfection.com.au Sewing Perfection welcomes delegates to see our new 8362i mobile intelligent wedge welder, which can be converted from lap seam to hemming seam in 30 seconds!

This machine has differential drive, digital touchscreen and programmable welding, and is now the leader in the field.

Stayput Fasteners Booth number: 11 Address: PO Box 2122, Goolwa SA 5214 Email: sales@stayputfasteners.com.au Telephone: +618 8555 4258 Website: www.stayputfasteners.com.au At SpecTex18 Stayput Fasteners will focus on a few of our newer items that you may not have seen yet, so be sure to drop past booth 11, make yourself familiar with our range and grab a few samples while you’re there.

www.specialisedtextiles.com.au

The Nolan Group Booth numbers: 12, 13 & 14 Address: 3 Bradford Street, Alexandria NSW 2015 Email: info@nolans.com.au Telephone: 1300 357 585 Website: www.nolans.com.au The Nolan Group is a diverse national supplier of textiles and associated hardware to a variety of market sectors, including industrial fabrics, outdoor structures, automotive and marine trimming and blinds and awnings. Over many years, the Nolan Group has established a solid and reputable network of trading partners from around the world. We pride ourselves on our core business principles of integrity, innovation and value for money, and we work with our valued customers to help them find textile solutions.

The Shann Group Booth number: 43 Address: 1/73 Gower Street, Preston Vic 3072 Email: enquiry@shann.com.au Telephone: +613 8480 0800 Website: theshanngroup.com The Shann Group looks forward to welcoming you to our stand, featuring the world’s most well-known brand of coated technical textiles, Mehgies. These flexible membranes are transformable into stadium roofs, truck tarpaulins, industrial covers, solar protections, tents, pools, boats, flexible containers and print billboards. More than 53 million square metres of this highly sophisticated product is produced and sold each year. We’d love to discuss how Mehgies’ product can transform your business. The Shann Group is located at booth 43.

Velcro Australia Pty ltd Booth numbers: Partnered with Nolans Group (12, 13 & 14) Address: 5-11 David Lee Road, Hallam Vic 3803 Email: infovaus@velcro.com Telephone: +613 9703 2466 Website: www.velcro.com.au VELCRO Brand hook and loop is used for applications ranging from agricultural to industrial cleaning to transportation. For example, VELCRO Brand hook and loop secures the AstroTurf at a professional football stadium and secures Kevlar plates in US military apparel.

Velcro Companies serves a variety of industries including: l packaging l medical and healthcare l apparel, and l personal care.

NEW DURKOPP ADLER TRIPLE FEED 867-M ECO RANGE • DURKOPP ADLER direct-drive servo motor & control • Supreme smoothness and sewing control • 80% increase in usable torque over conventional motor • Powerful triple feed system • XXL sewing hook • Integrated LED sewing light • Optional electronic jog wheel for total operator control • Optional electro-pneumatic sewing footlift • Sewing technology Made-In-Germany

DASEC PTY LIMITED Durkopp Adler Australia | New Zealand | Oceania region A: 3 Gunya Street Regents Park NSW 2143 Australia P: +61 29645 2500 F: +61 29644 4711 W: www.dasec.com.au E: info@dasec.com.au

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Wax Converters Textiles Booth numbers: 36 & 39 Address: 77 Racecourse Road, Rutherford NSW 2320 Email: waxcon@waxcon.com.au Telephone: +612 4932 6338 Website: waxcon.com.au WCT is Australia’s premier textile manufacturer of canvas, PVC and industrial and military grade fabrics. We look forward to showing of our world-class Australian-made fabrics at SpecTex 2018 in Fremantle, WA.

Weathermax Booth numbers: 1, 2 & 3 Address: 4A Wilmette Place, Mona Vale NSW 2103 Email: general@contender.com.au Telephone: +612 9997 4099 Website: www.contender.com.au Weathermax Performance Outdoor Fabrics is proudly distributed by Contender Sailcloth Pty Ltd. The revolutionary material is highly suited to marine, shade and awning, and industrial applications due to its incredible strength, water resistance, breathability and abrasion resistance. It features excellent fade resistance across the extensive range of styles and colours.

Weathermax 80 is now also available in 200-centimetre wide rolls, limited to the popular colours Black, Captain Nave and Lt Charcoal. Weathermax is available from our warehouse in Mona Vale and our extensive network of distributors.

SCENES FROM THE 2017 CONFERENCE, QUEENSTOWN NZ

CONNECTIONS Issue 1 2018

www.specialisedtextiles.com.au

Cutting the Future Where will your manufacturing business be in 5 years time? In ten years time? Most of us can only guess at what’s around the corner.

One thing is certain and that’s the fact that the businesses which survive and prosper are the ones who invest in the future. And the future of manufacturing means using the best available technology.

Since 1992, Aeronaut has been helping factories all around Australia automate and improve their productivity. 95% of those businesses and their Aeronaut cutting systems are still running well.

Automated cutting systems are an essential tool for the modern fabricator, reducing hours of cutting, creasing and marking down to a few minutes with perfect accuracy and reduced waste.

Aeronaut builds some of the biggest cutting systems in the world and factories making products from the largest tension structures to airliner floatation bags rely on our machines.

Aeronaut is known as much for innovation as performance and reliability and we have developed many types of cutting technology to tackle the most difficult cutting tasks from ultrasonic cutters for

sealing satellite insulating blankets to lasers for making aerospace re-entry parachutes.

Aeronaut has developed inkjet printing systems for rapid labelling of patterns and for marking coarse woven fabrics which cannot be marked with a pen.

Aeronaut’s innovative and low-cost machine vision systems, SiliconEye and Cyclops, are essential tools for a huge range of tasks from interactive leather nesting to matching of patterns on striped fabrics.

With Cyclops, you can mark fabric faults, digitise patterns to sub millimetre accuracy and automatically align cut profiles on digitally printed fabrics.

You may think that your work will never use any of these technologies in the future, but how many of us imagined how the smart phone would change our lives?

If you are looking at ways to improve your manufacturing processes, eliminate mistakes and reduce waste, you really should talk to Aeronaut about future proof automated cutting systems.

It’s not just that machines don’t need holidays and don’t charge overtime so much as the peace of mind in knowing you have the tools to face the future, whatever it looks like.

Aeronaut Automated Cutting Systems - Designed and manufactured in Australia A E RON A UT A UT OM AT I ON ~ 4 - 6 T E P K O R O A D T E R R E Y H I L L S N S W 2 0 8 4 A U S T R A L I A www.specialisedtextiles.com.au Issue 1 2018 CONNECTIONS P H O N E ( 61 - 2 ) 9 4 5 0 0 8 0 0 .

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26 CASE STUDY

WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE

By Tiffany Paczek

Photography © Sparks Architects

Company: Fabritecture Project: Verrierdale Tent house Fabric: TX30 Fabric supplied by: Serge Ferrari

W

e live in a world and an age where we’re constantly surrounded by infrastructure, technology, construction and pollution. Large, looming buildings and sky-scraping monstrosities surround us on all sides, dwarfing our lives and our stature. There’s no such thing as a nine-to-five job anymore.

We’re constantly online, accessible and reachable, whether we’re at the office or dozing on our couch at home – we’re always just an SMS or an email away.

In these citybound, metropolitan lives in CONNECTIONS Issue 1 2018

which many of us live (two-thirds of the world’s population by 2030, according to a UN report1), we can sometimes feel stifled or claustrophobic – and want nothing more than to escape for a while. Somewhere remote, peaceful and surrounded by nature, like Mowgli’s or Tarzan’s freedom in the jungle, returned to our roots of being in touch with our environment.

When Nick and Nicole New purchased a piece of land in the beautiful rainforest of Verrierdale, Queensland, this kind of serene escape is exactly what they were looking for – a home where they could truly relax, breathe and switch off. Just 15 minutes from Noosa’s stunning beaches and yet in the heart of Verrierdale’s forest, this unique setting deserved a unique design. And unique is

certainly what they got. In collaboration with Sparks Architects, the News created an architecturally-designed ‘tent house’ beneath the rainforest canopy. The design stemmed from the News’ desire to absorb as much of the stunning surroundings as possible and to live as close to nature as possible, but with all the comforts and innovations of modern designs. The awardwinning house features a retractable ceiling system, which allows its residents to fully appreciate and enjoy the surrounding environment. The walls and doors also slide away, bringing the outdoors inside (or is it the indoors outside?) and allowing for an exceptional experience and interaction with nature.

Enter Fabritecture, which was commissioned to create a custom canopy www.specialisedtextiles.com.au

structure for the roof of this groundbreaking design. The fabric roof needed to shelter the house from the elements such as heat and rain, as well as surrounding organic matter like falling leaves and branches, while still letting in maximum light.

The project required the design, engineering and installation of the exterior architectural fabric structure to be both aesthetically pleasing and in line with the architectural style of the custom-designed residence. It also needed to be functional as a roof, protecting the interior from the weather and debris when the roof and/or walls are retracted.

“The client requested a functional solution that still allowed through plenty of natural lighting and didn’t disturb the ambience of the surrounding environment,” says a spokesperson for Fabritecture. Thus, the choice of material was important and Fabritecture selected the Ferrari TX30, a premium fabric chosen for its excellent translucency and 25-year manufacturer’s warranty. Structural guy cables with stainless fittings hold large masts in place, to support the membrane over the ceiling.

In taking on a project of such uncharted territory, there were bound to be challenges along the way. The canopy is a complex geometric structure engineered to fill a list of requirements, from architectural appeal and weather protection to longevity and overall functionality.

Geometric steel columns with scalloped fabric shapes created the artistic form of the canopy.

“The installation took part in a remote location on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, which meant our team had to be well-organised and access [to the property] coordinated according to the program,” the spokesperson says. The canopy was installed on dirt terrain and a sloping site, which presented a challenge for the installers and their footing. The installation took two weeks and, interestingly, took place prior to the house being built. The construction of the house itself could only begin once the Fabritecture crew had completed the delivery of the overarching canopy.

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The tent structure ended up costing $150,000 and was produced from material manufactured in France, engineered in Australia and put together in Manila, in the Philippines. But it was well worth the effort, for the News family are thrilled with their unique home among the rainforest, and both the house and the roof have won awards in the industry. These awards include: l 2017 IFAI Award of Excellence: Verrierdale Tent House l 2017 People’s Choice Awards: Best Residential Project in Australia

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l AIA Sunshine Coast Award for Project

of the Year l AIA Queensland State Award for Residential Architecture l AIA National Awards ‘People’s Choice’, and l National Houses Award Commendation.

Unsurprisingly, the design of this architectural masterpiece captured the attention of the media, which followed the journey of the Verrierdale Tent house, from design and engineering right through to installation and completion.

Fabritecture says that the successful and commended completion of the Verrierdale Tent house resulted in continued business between Sparks Architects and Fabritecture. And, importantly, its clients are extremely pleased with the end result.

The News have achieved that elusive home escape from the built environment and found a way to well and truly connect with nature. It’s their own private, luxurious jungle escape, literally on their doorstep. C UN report: https://www.apnews.com /40b530ac84ab4931874e1f7efb4f1a22 1

SEAMTEK 36 The versatile and reliable welding machine for technical textiles • Works as a seam welder or tape welder • Very strong and smooth step motors • Test program to optimize weld parameters • Very good access and view during welding

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Plastral Pty Ltd I 130 Denison Street I Hillsdale NSW 2036 Phone: 61 2 9695 3200 I info@plastral.com.au

www.specialisedtextiles.com.au We know how.

FOR THE LOVE OF A CLASSIC

By Tiffany Paczek

Company: North Queensland Trimming Project: 1957 Chevrolet Belair Sport Coupe, interior Fabric: Bizon Fabric supplied by: JP Egan & Co

I

n the modern digital age flooded with new, expendable, throw-away products, people are returning to the well-made, high-quality, reliable creations of the past. From turntables and vinyl records to beautiful vintage clothing and sturdy fabrics, our love for all things nostalgic is stronger than ever. And there’s nothing quite like the classic cars of days gone by. They may not be all that great for our vulnerable environment, but gee whiz they’re beautiful.

www.specialisedtextiles.com.au

This is what faced Paul Marsh at North Queensland Trimming when a client brought in his “dream car” – a 1957 Chevrolet Belair Sport Coupe. The owners, Darrell and Karen Gibson, requested a refurbished interior to match the exterior build of the car (a high-quality body of work with a finished price tag in excess of $260,000), which was a from-the-ground-up restoration. The brief was to create a complete interior for the car to equal the outer restoration and elevate the standard of the classic car.

And so, Marsh began work on this enviable yet challenging project. The only items of the interior supplied with the car were two second-hand BMW front seats, five headlining bows, and the original interior chrome and alloy for the window

surrounds and tops of the doors, as well as the woodwork in the boot and top console section completed by Kool Cars & Kustoms.

The rest of the interior required designing and to be handmade, including the vehicle’s rear parcel tray, rear seats, quarter trims and arm rests, as well as the front retractable seat belts, centre console, front door trims, headlining, cowl trims, carpets and boot interior.

Keeping his clients happy was – is – extremely important to Marsh. He says, “Probably the most unique and complex challenge I had with the Chevrolet was delivering exactly what the owners had dreamed about for the last 40 years or so.

“They had very distinct ideas of exactly how they wanted the details of all the Issue 1 2018 CONNECTIONS

30 CASE STUDY

interior and exterior to be completed. On recognising this, I knew I would need to form a very good bond with [them], as I needed to get into their heads to create their vision – anything less and I would have had disappointed customers. I requested that they visit at least every two days during the build, to make sure I was completely on track,” Marsh says.

The most complex component of this Chevy’s interior was the full-length centre console, starting at the dash centre line and finishing at the brake light enclosure at the top of the parcel tray at the rear windscreen.

The console base had to finish perfectly in line with the chrome trim in the centre of the dash facia, and it also needed to incorporate the gear selector, power window switches, interior light switches, LED lighting, brake lights, courtesy lights, speakers, stereo head unit, centre armrest and storage box.

After many hours spent creating and shaping the console, the three-millimetre EVA foam and leather upholstery could be fitted. Marsh says that the Gibsons wanted to see a lot of visual highlight stitching throughout the interior, and so for this he chose French seams. The seaming was used extensively throughout the car – on the

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centre console, front and rear armrests, seats, windlacing and full-length from front to rear, and decorative stitching was introduced on the sun visors.

A major challenge Marsh and his clients encountered was the choice of leather.

“The owners were very specific in that it had to be off-white and with a heavy grain,” Marsh says. “This left us with only one choice of leather, which was an upholsterygrade leather.”

First, Marsh explained that this is not typically suitable for a vehicle interior, and the Gibsons accepted this with the knowledge that the Chevy would be driven only occasionally and cared for more meticulously than a daily car.

The sewing and fitting of the thicker leather meant a lot of shaving and skiving was required to allow it to be sewn, French-seamed and moulded where required for fitment to various panels and trims, Marsh explains.

Additionally, upon inspection the specific leather revealed “many, many, many imperfections”, acquired from branding marks, cuts, abrasions and heavy stretch marks on the belly and legs of the animal from which the material was produced.

Each of these imperfections across the 12

hides used required an immense amount of planning by sight and stretching by hand to ensure enough clean panels were found to create the full interior.

In the end, Marsh pulled off the job spectacularly. He says, “The customer’s words were, ‘You nailed it’. I was so proud when I heard Darrell say these words, as I worked extremely hard to deliver exactly what he wanted and expected – and I wanted to exceed this, as he had dreamed about every single aspect of this car. I’ve never had a customer so certain and clear about what he wanted, and I loved working for and with Darrell and Karen.”

Marsh himself was thrilled with the hard work and final finish of the car. “It all went fairly smoothly and there were no real stumbling blocks,” he says. “This was a very special job for me and was the first time in my 32 years of business that I had been [able] to venture into the world of $30,000 to $40,000 interiors.

“I was so proud when I was able to show [the Gibsons] our first award for their car from the Specialised Textiles Association – the award for excellence,” Marsh says.

“I was honoured when they came to take my family for a ride in their beautiful car.” C

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32 MEMBER PROFILE

Peter Fenn (R) and David Berkhout (L)

A SEAT AT THE TABLE SupaFit Seat Covers is a company that burst into existence through chance and a bit of luck, but it has become a main player within the automotive trimming industry.

By Tiffany Paczek

S

urvival and success is all about moving with the times, and that’s exactly how West Australian company SupaFit Seat Covers has excelled in a challenging economy. Peter Fenn, director, has been with the company from its beginning and has seen its journey through the years to the thriving business it is today.

Twelve years ago, Fenn and his business partner David Berkhout started up a motor trimming business specialising in trucks, fourwheel drives, mining seats and interiors, and catering to the industrial market. After a few years, the pair discerned that their seat covers were incredibly durable and lasting an unprecedented length of time, and they realised that they had on their hands a product they could easily sell in the east. According to Fenn, any product from West Australia (WA) labelled under ‘mining’ means people know exactly what it’s about – strength, durability and reliability. Recognising this advantage, Fenn and Berkhout decided to rebrand half of the business to fitting seat covers for the market that wasn’t after “pretty things”, but rather tough, long-lasting materials.

To kick off SupaFit, Fenn borrowed some money from his mum, which was enough to get the business off the ground. From there, things evolved and progressed and they built up the business, acquiring new sewing machines, work benches and various tools and utilities as they went. The main aim of SupaFit is to supply after-market seat covers that are tailored to specific seats, based on commercial mining, four-wheel drive trucking and industrial lifestyles.

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The company chose to use a heavy material – a 505-gram per square metre canvas – that’s Australian made and comes from the only Australian-made canvas company in the country.

“We chose a heavy material because that’s what the farmers, the miners and the truck drivers want,” Fenn says. And that led to SupaFit also catering to the personal market. For everyday use, the canvas was too heavy and so SupaFit began using a different product, denim, aimed at comfort and yet still tailored to fit, allowing it to look good on a commercial car.

The formation of Supafit turned out to be a lifesaver, as the severe downturn in WA’s mining industry saw many businesses suffer, including Fenn and Berkhout’s original business, which dropped by 40 to 50 percent.

“The introduction of Supafit levelled us out, so that we maintained the same amount of work going out the door, just under a different name,” Fenn says.

As other businesses around WA downsized during the mining slump, for SupaFit, the opposite occurred. The company continued to grow, bucking the trend in the economy.

“Five years ago we were at 17 [staff members], and we’ve continually grown and not lost anyone. We’re at 37 now, I think,” Fenn says.

The mining industry is affecting SupaFit’s target market, however. “We went from predominantly targeting straight into mining to basically selling [into the] retail market, through four-wheel drive www.specialisedtextiles.com.au

shows and through other dealers,” Fenn says. “For the first six years we were in business, under the name Minetrans, we pretty much sold directly to the end customer, whereas now we’re selling to people who sell the product on through four-wheel drive shows. So basically, most of the time, we’re the manufacturer.”

It’s been a rewarding experience so far, and Fenn highlights one of his favourite things as working with All 4 Adventure, a four-wheel drive show in Queensland. “Working with them, sponsoring them and putting our seat covers into their vehicles… those guys are as rough it gets. They’re hard on their vehicles, they’re hard on the materials, they’re hard on their gear – and for us to be a tester for a sponsored program and find out at the end of the show that they’ve lasted and gone the distance, and that they guys love them – that was something that stood out for us. We’re pretty proud of it, that we can give [our products] to the harshest guys on TV and they can’t wreck them.”

As well as expanding into the eastern states, SupaFit is working on moving into the international market. “If we base ourselves wholly in WA, we’d just limit our options of what we can do because we’re so specifically aimed at the industrial market rather than the home market. Wherever the industry is, we’ll follow,” Fenn says.

Currently, SupaFit has supplied seat covers to the Philippines and Costa Rica, but the field does present a different set of challenges. “[Overseas] vehicles have a slightly different specification to ours,” he explains. “Some of them have different names [because] the local dialect may not allow the words we would use in Australia. For example, in the Philippines it’s not called a Holden Colorado, it’s a Chevy Colorado. We have to work out what the words are, and then get our parts right so that people can buy our seat covers in foreign markets.”

The Costa Rican specifications differ significantly from the Australian models. “Our Land Cruiser is a five-seater; theirs is an eight-seater and is a left-hand drive,” Fenn points out. “So, through measurements and different patterns, we turned them upside down for the left-hand drive vehicle and we were able to square away there.”

Fenn claims that New Zealand seems to be the easiest country to expand into next, a new venture that the company is considering.

SupaFit now also offers custom embroidery, a service its added over the past four years, for customers who want to tailor their vehicle. Perhaps they want to put their name on their seat covers, or are looking to find help with their branding – SupaFit can embroider it on request. Fenn says that this service shows SupaFit will go the

extra mile for its customers, and strengthens their loyalty to the company. For example, if a mining or safety company wants its drivers to remember certain things – check your seatbelts, safety first, don’t speed, etc – SupaFit can reinforce the message by embroidering it onto the seat covers.

“Rather than just putting a sticker on the windscreen, we put it on the seats,” Fenn says.

The service is fairly easy to implement, although it does add extra time, and that’s SupaFit’s biggest challenge.

“We can make a product, have it on the shelf and send it out today,” Fenn explains, “but if it needs to be custom embroidered, then it involves the whole process of starting from scratch, cutting it out, embroidering it and then sending it out. So it adds a couple of days.”

Safety is an important factor to Fenn, and SupaFit has an innovation that he thinks sets the company apart from any other in Australia. Many modern vehicles, including four- and five-star rated vehicles, have internal inbuilt seat airbags. That is, when activated, an airbag will not only blow out of the dashboard, but one will also be deployed out of the seat. So SupaFit has conducted a lot of testing and training, searching for ways it can put its seat covers over the top of a seat airbag and not reduce its deployment time.

Its biggest success has been – with SupaFit seat covers on the vehicles – for all airbags to deploy correctly and within the timeframe set by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). “We can replicate it 100 percent,” Fenn says, “proving after the fact that what we’ve done is the same [deployment time] as what the OEM had.

“The investment we put into safety guarantees that, as a business, we will not get sued for anything that’s untrue, like someone saying that they’ve been injured because of their seat covers.

“We also guarantee that it’s going to blow out and [lack of deployment] won’t be an issue. And the customer’s not going to be injured indirectly by using the seat cover.”

The people who make up SupaFit are also important to Fenn and Berkhout, who see themselves in the future as a company that is “hopefully still growing” while also still retaining a level of care for its workers.

“It’s maintaining people’s lifestyles and giving them a job with relative comfort for what they do,” Fenn says. “Yes, that’s where we’d like to be – in a continual business that’s still making money, but still able to employ people from different ages, groups and disabilities.” C

LET US HANDLE THE BIG JOBS BULK WELDING IS OUR SPECIALTY

Why not stick to what you do best and leave the bulk sewing and welding (hot air, hot wedge, RF welding) to DDT. At our wholesale prices, you can improve your bottom line.

Contact Max or Michael for a quotation

DARLING DOWNS TARPAULINS INDUSTRIAL AVENUE PO Box 6267, Toowoomba West, QLD 4350 Phone: 07 4634 2166 Fax: 07 4634 7725 Email:www.specialisedtextiles.com.au ddt@ddt.com.au Web: www.ddt.com.au

SIZE IS NO PROBLEM

Darling Downs Tarpaulins are geared to cope with those very large jobs like green houses, shade houses, shade sails, dam liners and bulk storage covers.

Issue 1 2018 CONNECTIONS

34 EVENTS

ADVERTISING DIRECTORY

Specialises Textiles Association and industry events for 2018/2019 (If you know of or are holding an industry relevant event, please send details to office@specialisedtextiles.com.au – we would be happy to publish it.) For details on all STA events, go to www.specialisedtextiles.com.au/events

Innova International

Ricky Richards

INDUSTRY SESSIONS Brisbane, Qld: 1 May 2018 Sydney, NSW: 21 August 2018 All sessions run in the late afternoon and are a great opportunity to network in a friendly and casual environment.

Held by STA; all industry welcome to attend.

MARINE FABRICATOR WORKSHOP 9 and 10 September 2018 Cairns, Qld IFAI EXPO 15 to 18 October 2018 Dallas, Texas For further information go to www.ifaiexpo.com MEMBERS’ CHRISTMAS CHEERS 27 November 2018 Different locations around the country.

OFPANZ CONFERENCE 2018 21 to 23 June 2018 Crowne Plaza Hotel, Christchurch, NZ For further details go to www.ofpanz. co.nz/events/annual-conference

05 & 36

HVG 07

Shann Group SPECTEX18 26 to 28 May 2018 Esplanade Hotel, Fremantle, WA A conference and trade exhibition for all of the specialised textiles industry – fabricators, installers, manufacturers and suppliers. Trade exhibition open Sunday 27 and Monday 28 only.

Register at www.specialisedtextiles. com.au/annual-event-registration

02

Daley’s Auto Marine and Upholstery Supplies

08

11

Polyfab 12

ICL

14

Wax Coverters Textiles

15

Strata Glass

17

STA 20

Dasec 23

Aeronaut 25

Plastral 28

Miami Stainless

31

DDT 33 All events are listed online at www.specialisedtextiles.com.au/events. Remember to log in to the member area before registering for an event and, that way, if there is a cost you will automatically obtain the reduced member rate and your details will automatically populate the registration form, saving you time as well.

CONNECTIONS Issue 1 2018

Velcro 35

www.specialisedtextiles.com.au

With it’s classical curves, attention to detail and longevity, you know they have used genuine VELCRO® Brand fasteners !

www.velcro.com.au • AMAZING CONNECTIONS...

Genuine VELCRO® Brand fasteners, accept no imitations.

Yes, there is a difference!

For all your VELCRO® Brand fastener needs please contact Nolan Group info@nolans.com.au 1300 357 585 VELCRO Australia PTY LTD 5-11 David Lee Road, Hallam VIC 3803 Tel: (+61) 3 9703 2466 Fax: (+61) 3 9703 2305

1300 VELCRO (1300 835 276) FREE CALL 1800 337 024 Web: www.velcro.com.au infovaus@velcro.com

Quality ISO 9001

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO PURCHASER All statements, technical advice and recommendations contained herein are based on tests believed to be reliable, but the accuracy thereof is not guaranteed, and the following is made in lieu of all warranties, expressed or implied: Seller’s and manufacturer’s only obligation shall be to replace the quantity of product proved to be defective. Neither seller nor manufacturer shall be liable for any injury, loss or damage, direct or consequential, arising out of the use of or the inability to use the product. Before using, user shall determine the suitability of the product for its intended use, and user assumes all risk and liability whatsoever in connection therewith. No statement or recommendation not contained herein shall have any force or effect unless in an agreement signed by officers of seller and manufacturer. VELCRO® and other marks are owned by Velcro BVBA. Copyright © 2018 Velcro.