Herculite Blog

Lyle Shipley Joins Herculite as Director of Innovation

mbrommer@herculite.com (Matt Brommer) — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 15:59:21 GMT

Herculite Products is pleased to announce that Lyle Shipley is joining Herculite as the new Director of Innovation. In this role, Lyle will focus on advancing Herculite’s innovation strategy, developing new products and solutions, and supporting growth across the organization.

With over 25 years of experience in the plastics industry, Lyle has a strong background in film formulation, product management, technical services, and new product development. Most recently, he served as Senior Product Manager at Continental AG, where he led new product development initiatives and customer launches across healthcare, flooring, automotive, and specialty product lines.

Lyle holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology/Chemistry from Shepherd University, has completed additional leadership and business systems training, and received the Continental Excellence Award in 2022. Throughout his career, Lyle has dedicated himself to driving innovation, supporting continuous improvement, and partnering cross-functionally to bring new ideas from concept to market.

Julian Sponseller Joins Direct Sales Team at Herculite Products, Inc.

mbrommer@herculite.com (Matt Brommer) — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 20:03:26 GMT

Herculite Products is pleased to announce that Julian Sponseller has been hired as the Midwest Regional Manager for the Direct Sales Team. Herculite is excited to expand its sales team to support and continue the strong growth in that market.

Julian will oversee our Midwest region of the Direct Sales team, engaging with clients in the automotive, custom-engineered solutions, healthcare, agriculture, and tent and structure industries. At Herculite, our goal is to deliver the highest level of service and support in the industry, and we believe that Julian will make a valuable contribution to this mission.

Julian graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a major in Organizational Leadership and a minor in Sales, bringing four years of experience in the fabric industry to Herculite. He lives in Cincinnati and enjoys golfing and spending time with friends and family.

Herculite Named One of the Best Places to Work in PA for Third Year

mbrommer@herculite.com (Matt Brommer) — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 17:56:35 GMT

Herculite Products Inc., a leading innovator and manufacturer of high-performance and custom fabrics, is pleased to announce that the Central Penn Business Journal and Lehigh Valley Business have selected it as one of the Best Places to Work in PA for 2025.

“We’re honored to be recognized as one of the 2025 Best Places to Work in PA - and especially proud to receive this recognition for the third year in a row," said Vice President of Human Resources Pamela Funk. "This achievement is a direct reflection of our incredible associates, whose talent, dedication, and passion drive everything we do. At the heart of our culture is a commitment to empowering our associates to grow, thrive, and make a meaningful impact. Thank you to every member of our team — together, we’re creating a workplace where success and fulfillment go hand in hand.”

“The 2025 Best Places to Work in Pennsylvania have created workplaces that inspire success. They are committed to providing their employees with a positive environment, which translates into excellent customer service,” said Suzanne Fischer-Huettner, managing director of BridgeTower Media/Central Penn Business Journal and Lehigh Valley Business. “We are pleased to join with the Best Companies Group in honoring these inspirational businesses.”

Visit Herculite at Advanced Textiles Expo 2025

mbrommer@herculite.com (Matt Brommer) — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 18:55:56 GMT

Visit With Herculite and Strataglass at Advanced Textiles Expo 2025

Herculite is excited to attend the Advanced Textiles Expo this year. We will have a complete collection of our innovative fabrics, along with our team of fabric experts, to discuss our latest performance fabric innovations. Visit us at booth 1428.

The Advanced Textiles Expo is the premier event for the specialty fabrics and advanced textiles industry, bringing together manufacturers, suppliers, and innovators from around the world. As a trusted U.S. manufacturer with more than 70 years of experience, Herculite will showcase its latest advancements in high-performance textile solutions for industries ranging from healthcare and awnings to marine and military applications.

Herculite will proudly display its full assortment of American-made fabrics, produced with pride at its headquarters in Pennsylvania. The company will also feature its Berry-compliant fabrics, which meet the highest standards for U.S. military and government applications. These offerings underscore Herculite’s longstanding commitment to supporting American manufacturing and creating reliable, high-performance textile solutions for its customer partners that support critical industries.

The Advanced Textiles Expo 2025 will be held on Wednesday through Friday, November 5-7, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN, USA, with education sessions taking place Tuesday through Friday, November 4-7, 2025. This event brings together more than 4,500 decision-makers in the advanced textiles, specialty fabrics, and shade and weather protection industries for three-plus days of sourcing, education, and networking events.

Advanced Textiles Expo 2025 will again be co-located with Messe Stuttgart’s U.S.-based show Sun Shading Expo North America. Click the link below to receive a code for a free show floor registration or a 10% discount on All Access or Expo Plus registration.

Download Here

For more information about the show, visit advancedtextilesexpo.com

Strataglass to Showcase Clear Vinyl Solutions at IBEX 2025

mbrommer@herculite.com (Matt Brommer) — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 13:31:57 GMT

Strataglass, LLC, the leading manufacturer of premium clear vinyl enclosure products, is proud to announce its participation in The International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition Conference (IBEX) 2025, taking place in Tampa, Florida, from October 7-9.

As a trusted name in the marine industry, Strataglass has set the standard for clarity, durability, and performance in flexible vinyl products. At IBEX, the company will showcase its flagship Strataglass press-polished coated vinyl, as well as Crystal Clear and PanoramaFR products, renowned worldwide for their unmatched optical clarity, UV resistance, and long-lasting performance in demanding marine environments.

“IBEX is an ideal platform to connect with boatbuilders, designers, and marine professionals,” said Julie Tinsman of Strataglass, LLC. “We look forward to demonstrating how our products continue to enhance visibility, safety, and comfort on the water, while delivering the high level of performance our customers expect.”

Visitors can meet the Strataglass team at Booth # 2-316, where company representatives will be available to discuss product applications, answer technical questions, and showcase the latest innovations in marine enclosure solutions.

The IBEX show, recognized as the largest marine industry trade event in North America, attracts thousands of professionals from around the world seeking cutting-edge products and technologies. Strataglass is proud to be part of this premier event and continue its tradition of advancing the boatbuilding industry.

Mildew, Red Tide, Algae Blooms and Outdoor Fabric Structures

czola@herculite.com (Craig Zola) — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 14:35:47 GMT

Dockside fabric awnings, boat covers, and boat lift canopies are built to protect boats, marine craft, houses, docks, and even people from extreme environments found near large bodies of water. Typically, these shade structures are made using commercial-grade PVC composite textiles that are highly durable and resistant to both UV and mildew. Specifically, fabrics like Herculite’s Patio 500 and Coastline Plus are popular PVC textiles for this application as they contain flame-resistant and mildew inhibitors integrated in the raw materials and composite formulation. These inhibitor chemicals are inherent and will not degrade or “wash out” during the life of the textile.

Airborne red tides and algae spores present a unique challenge for canopy owners regarding the cleaning and maintenance of protective fabrics. Commonly known as “red tides,” scientists refer to these as harmful algal blooms, or HABs. These incidents occur through the explosive growth of ocean algae, usually caused by an unnatural increase in dissolved nutrients in seawater. As the algae populations explode, their blooming turns the ocean water red, thus the colloquial name of “red tide.”

These blooms and subsequent airborne releases occur in places like Florida with a seasonal frequency, but less frequently in other areas when certain conditions arise. Impacts can sometimes be minimal, but a large toxic bloom can disrupt the ecosystem, human health, and local economy. Scientists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have developed a harmful aquatic bacteria forecasting system: https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/science-areas/stressor-impacts-mitigation/hab-forecasts/ for specific regions of the United States where these can be common, including Florida, California, and Lake Erie.

Most scientific studies on the effects of harmful algae blooms have been focused on the potential causes and the blooms’ impact on human health and the environment. However, there may be some effects on property and materials close to the body of water affected. Any fabric or material that has contact with the airborne bloom for an extended period could be at risk of damage if not maintained.

While Herculite fabrics like Patio 500 and Coastline Plus do offer mold and mildew resistance, red tide airborne blooms can result in such extreme levels of organic materials in the air that they accumulate to the levels where contaminants, like mold and mildew, can survive on that buildup. When this happens, the aggressive spores gather and act as a barrier between the mildew inhibitors and the mildew itself, becoming the “carrier” of the mildew. The red tide algae spores create a food source on the fabric surface to grow mildew, bypassing the inherent fabric’s resistance. The results can be ugly, with swirls of mold and mildew developing over time that can be difficult to clean.

Herculite's Coastline Plus awning fabrics feature RainKleen®, a top surface coating technology that serves as a barrier between the fabric surface and harmful environmental elements, including airborne particles. RainKleen’s proprietary surface coating can reduce damage caused by Harmful Airborne Particles (HABs) containing blue-green algae and red-tide particles in the form of cyanobacteria.

We recommend that shade structures in mildew-prone areas, made with Patio 500 or Coastline Plus, are adequately maintained on a cleaning schedule. Increasing the frequency of cleaning during summer months and red tide “season” will help prevent contaminant buildup and will help to allow the fabrics' antifungal and stain-prevention attributes to function normally. Specifically, we recommend frequent hosing with clear water to prevent dirt accumulation. Maintenance cleaning can be accomplished by applying 50/50 strength bleach/water and using an extension, brushing softly to cover thoroughly the surface area. Allow the bleach solution to remain on the surface for two or three minutes, then thoroughly rinse (very thoroughly) with clear water. It’s very important to protect the surrounding area (furnishings, plants, and vegetation) that the bleach might damage.

For more information on the importance of fabric maintenance, specific types of fabric cleaning, and a general overview on the importance of regular fabric cleaning, visit our post “how to clean fabrics.”

For more information on red tides or harmful algae blooms visit the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s website here: https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/hazards/hab/.

Awning Fabrics Comparison: What’s the Right Material for You?

czola@herculite.com (Craig Zola) — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 04:00:00 GMT

Awnings are a valuable addition to any home, offering significant energy and cost savings while enhancing comfort and protection. By providing shade, awnings can lower outdoor and indoor temperatures by 8 to 15 degrees, creating a cooler and more enjoyable living environment. This temperature reduction can lead to a substantial decrease in air conditioning usage, with potential savings of up to 25 percent on cooling costs. Beyond financial benefits, awnings play a critical role in safeguarding your family and property by blocking harmful ultraviolet rays and minimizing sun damage to furniture, flooring, and household finishes. Investing in a quality awning not only supports energy efficiency but also helps preserve the long-term value and safety of your home.

Awning fabrics come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and materials, each offering distinct advantages depending on your specific needs and environment. Selecting the right material for your awning involves more than just considering the upfront cost; it requires a careful evaluation of long-term performance, durability, maintenance, and aesthetic appeal. By thoughtfully assessing features such as weather resistance, UV and mildew protection, fire safety, and ease of cleaning, you can choose an awning fabric that not only complements your home or business visually but also provides superior functional benefits over time.

In addition to weather-related durability, think about the frequency of use and your specific climate conditions. For instance, homes in humid regions may require fabrics that resist mildew, while properties exposed to substantial sunlight benefit from enhanced UV protection and colorfastness. Commercial settings often require fabrics that can withstand intensive use and meet specific fire resistance standards.

By selecting a fabric that meets the specific demands of your application, you can achieve substantial savings through increased longevity and reduced replacement costs over time. Ultimately, an informed decision in material selection leads to greater satisfaction, heightened curb appeal, lower maintenance costs, and ongoing protection for your investment—making your awning both a practical and visually appealing feature for years to come.

The most common materials used in awning fabrics include vinyl, acrylic, polyester vinyl composite, metal, and natural fibers. Each has its own characteristics and benefits:

Vinyl and Polyester Composite Fabrics: Known for their exceptional durability, these materials are waterproof, inherently fire-retardant, lightweight, and flexible. Their resilience makes them a popular option for both residential and commercial installations, offering low maintenance with reliable performance across varying conditions.

Acrylic Fabrics: More durable than traditional cotton blends, acrylic fabrics enhance design appeal while naturally resisting water and mildew. Although not fully waterproof, they perform well in humid climates and are effective at minimizing ultraviolet (UV) degradation and mildew growth.

Vinyl-Coated Fabrics: These provide additional translucency and mildew resistance, but may be heavier. Their toughness and ability to withstand sun exposure make them a solid choice for high-performance applications.

Metal Awnings: Extremely durable and architecturally appealing, metal awnings require regular maintenance to prevent rust and can be susceptible to damage. They are heavier and typically more expensive than fabric options, and they may become conductors of heat during the summer months, which can impact overall comfort.

Natural Materials (Wood, Canvas, Cotton): While initially cost-effective and attractive for particular design aesthetics, natural fibers are more susceptible to environmental wear, requiring frequent replacement and higher long-term maintenance costs compared to synthetic alternatives.

Selecting the ideal material means balancing factors such as weather resistance, fire safety, energy efficiency, maintenance requirements, and overall design preferences. For durable, waterproof, and fire-resistant performance, vinyl polyester composite fabrics are an optimal solution. Herculite offers an extensive range of high-quality awning materials engineered to be flexible, stain and mildew-resistant, easy to clean, and tailored to fit your project specifications and budget. When evaluating your options, consider both the immediate and long-term benefits. A well-chosen awning fabric can deliver ongoing energy savings, enhance your home’s curb appeal, and safeguard your family and interior spaces for years to come.

To learn more about awning fabrics, download our free guide, "Five Factors to Consider when Determining a Quality Awning Fabric"

Herculite Promotes Austin Barshinger to Quality Supervisor

mbrommer@herculite.com (Matt Brommer) — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 19:13:58 GMT

Herculite Products Inc., a leading innovator and manufacturer of high-performance and custom fabrics, is pleased to announce the appointment of Austin Barshinger as the new Quality Supervisor in York.

Austin has been a valuable member of our team since he joined Herculite in December 2021. Over the past four years, he has consistently taken on more responsibilities in operations and safety, demonstrating his dedication to growth within Herculite. He has advanced to a Level 7 Lam Operator, earned his Master Supervisor Certificate through the Manufacturers’ Association, and is a founding member of the Safe Pack committee. Additionally, he has reliably served as a backup team leader when needed. His understanding of our production processes, commitment to quality, and passion for continuous improvement make him an excellent fit for this role.

In his new role, Austin will be responsible for leading the Quality Team in their daily duties supporting Herculite's mission to help customers grow their businesses by delivering products and services of exceptional value—marked by their quality and innovation—on time, every day.

Herculite Achieves 1,000 Days Without a Lost-Time Incident

mbrommer@herculite.com (Matt Brommer) — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 13:59:40 GMT

Herculite Products Inc., a leading innovator and manufacturer of high-performance and custom fabrics, is proud to announce that they have reached 1,000 days with zero lost-time incidents (LTI). This achievement highlights Herculite Associates' commitment and vigilance in making safety a shared responsibility every single day.

Safety is a core value at Herculite, and this milestone demonstrates the hard work and dedication of every team member in upholding the company’s strict safety standards. Reaching 1000 days without a single LTI is a significant achievement, emphasizing Herculite employees' commitment to safety procedures, continuous training, and shared safety responsibilities.

Herculite President and CEO Peter McKernan said, “This achievement is not about numbers. It’s about people. It’s about the way we look after one another, the pride we take in doing things safely, and the Herculite culture we have built together – it’s who we are. It is one of the many reasons we have been recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in PA.”

Herculite associates understand that safety is an ongoing process, not just a final goal. Guided by our volunteer-led Safe Pack safety team, Herculite continues to emphasize the importance of safety at home, at work, and throughout the organization through workplace improvements and increased safety awareness.

American Manufacturing: Why it Matters

ctwombly@herculite.com (Chad Twombly) — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 04:30:00 GMT

As the world’s second-largest manufacturer, the United States has historically benefited from a robust manufacturing sector, boasting a plentiful supply of manufacturing jobs and competitive power in the global economy. However, high tariffs and expensive labor pose significant challenges. Are there still benefits to domestic manufacturing?

Despite these challenges, domestic manufacturing offers distinct advantages that extend beyond economics. Manufacturing within the United States helps ensure compliance with stringent quality standards, supports local communities through job creation, and strengthens national supply chains. Domestic operations often lead to enhanced oversight, shorter project timelines, and increased transparency throughout the production process. Additionally, manufacturing close to home enhances the ability to innovate, adapt to market demands, and respond quickly to customer needs. In a rapidly changing global landscape, investing in domestic manufacturing can provide both stability and long-term value for businesses and consumers alike.

The Impact of American Manufacturing

Domestic manufacturing has a significant impact on the U.S. economy. According to the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), $1.82 is added to the economy for every $1 spent in manufacturing. When manufacturing for other industries’ supply chains is taken into account, this contribution could account for up to one-third of the GDP and employment.

In addition to strengthening the local workforce, domestic manufacturing offers significant advantages for both vendors and consumers. Relying on international production and imports can introduce a range of risks, including shipment tracking issues, customs delays, and the potential for product damage during transit.

Domestic manufacturing has a shorter supply chain, which translates to faster delivery, more streamlined service, and better quality control, without the complications of international warehousing and shipping. By keeping production close to home, companies can respond more quickly to customer needs, reduce lead times, and minimize the risk of disruptions caused by global events or logistical issues. This not only enhances product reliability and satisfaction for end users but also provides manufacturers with greater oversight throughout each stage of the process—leading to more consistent quality, improved inventory management, and the ability to implement innovations or address challenges as they arise quickly. Ultimately, a localized supply chain fosters stronger relationships among suppliers, manufacturers, and customers, thereby reinforcing trust and collaboration throughout the industry.

An Interview With Kimberly Amadeo, U.S. Economy Expert for The Balance

To learn more about the impact of domestic manufacturing, we spoke with Kimberly Amadeo, who has 20 years of senior-level corporate experience in economic analysis and business strategy. Here are a few of the questions we posed about domestic vs. outsourced manufacturing, and what she had to say:

In your opinion, what is the #1 benefit of utilizing domestic manufacturers?

There are many reasons, but the #1 benefit is the protection of intellectual property. That includes manufacturing processes as well as products. Some countries, such as China, allow their factories to copy U.S. manufacturing processes and designs. They use this knowledge to make "knock-offs" that they can sell for less. They create just enough differences to avoid costly lawsuits. Once the technology is copied, that genie cannot be put back into the bottle.

You’ve been writing about the U.S. economy for years. Has the shift toward foreign manufacturing affected the overall health of our country? If so, how?

The biggest impact has been on unemployment. According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis report “Activities of U.S. Multinationals,” foreign affiliates that are majority-owned by U.S. multinationals employed 14.3 million workers in 2015. That's more than double the 5.9 million Americans who were unemployed in June 2019, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

If all those jobs returned, it would be enough to also hire the 4.3 million who were working part-time but would prefer full-time positions. Of course, not all those jobs could return. Many foreign employees are hired to help with local marketing, contacts, and language.

What would you say to business leaders in America who want to go with the “cheaper” option and shift operations overseas?

They are running a risk. First, their products, processes, and technology could be copied by their foreign partners. Moving operations overseas also diverts the attention of top management from other core business needs, such as marketing and product development. Manufacturing overseas also increases the company's exposure to volatility in transportation costs and exchange rate risks.

Herculite: Made in the U.S.A.

As Kimberly Amadeo explains, domestic manufacturing is the safest route, benefiting vendors, consumers, and the overall U.S. economy.

We’re proud to say that our products are made in America. Our domestic manufacturing supports local economies and communities, enabling us to produce high-quality products that comply with FTC standards. We also carefully select local wholesale distributors for our marine and awning fabrics to maximize quality and availability.

Herculite®, Inc. has been specializing in high-performance laminated & coated fabrics for more than 60 years. Learn more about our commitment to domestic manufacturing.