Herculite Blog

Visit Herculite at Advanced Textiles Expo 2026

mbrommer@herculite.com (Matt Brommer) — Wed, 07 Oct 2026 18:40:16 GMT

Visit With Herculite and Strataglass at Advanced Textiles Expo 2026

Herculite Products Inc., a leading innovator and manufacturer of high-performance and custom fabrics, will be showcasing its innovations, Herculite® Architent and Latitude by Strataglass®, at the Advanced Textiles Expo in booth 1825, taking place in Orlando from November 3-5, 2026.

Architent Heritage is an American-made 16-ounce, highly translucent engineered vinyl tent fabric with an extreme matte finish that protects guests from the elements while letting light pass through and reducing glare, enhancing the ambiance for evening events.

Latitude by Strataglass is a high-performance textile engineered in the USA, featuring a unique vinyl film that combines a soft feel with exceptional durability for various marine applications. Resistant to cold cracking, tearing, and UV rays, it’s easy to clean and maintain, backed by a five-year limited warranty for added peace of mind.

The Advanced Textiles Expo is the premier event for the specialty fabrics and advanced textiles industry, bringing together manufacturers, suppliers, and innovators worldwide. As a trusted U.S. manufacturer with more than 70 years of experience, Herculite will showcase its full assortment of high-performance textile solutions for industries ranging from healthcare and awnings to marine and military applications. For more information about Herculite Products and for a code for discounted or free entry to the 2026 Advanced Textiles Expo, click here.

For more information about the show, visit advancedtextilesexpo.com

Humberto Medrano joins Herculite as Regional Sales Manager

mbrommer@herculite.com (Matt Brommer) — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 16:05:34 GMT

Herculite Products is pleased to announce that Humberto Medrano has been hired as Regional Sales Manager covering the Southwest to develop and grow relationships with End Product Manufacturers and related sales personnel for all Awning and Marine brands and to promote awareness, loyalty, and consumption of our industry-leading awning fabric brands through our distribution partners.

Humberto holds a Bachelor of Science in Electronic Engineering from DeVry University. He has more than 40 years of international and domestic sales and account management experience, including over 20 in the textile industry. He currently lives in Azusa, California, is a dad to four amazing grown children, and a grandfather to two beautiful little girls. Humberto enjoys baseball and has played and coached in his spare time; one of his children played at the college level, and the other played in the Mexican professional league.

At Herculite, we are committed to delivering the highest level of service, support, and innovation in the industry. We are confident that Humberto’s experience, communication skills, and customer-focused approach will make him a valuable addition to our team and enable him to contribute meaningfully to our mission.

Erik Moesch Joins Direct Sales Team

mbrommer@herculite.com (Matt Brommer) — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 13:44:57 GMT

Herculite Products is pleased to announce that Erik Moesch is joining Herculite as the new Northeastern Regional Sales Manager on the Direct Sales Team. Herculite is excited to expand its sales team to support continued strong growth in that market.

Erik will oversee the Northeast region of our Direct Sales team, partnering with customers across our engineered solutions, healthcare, agriculture, and tent and structure markets. His experience in relationship-driven sales and strategic account development will help strengthen our presence in these key industries.

Erik holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from East Stroudsburg University and has more than ten years of sales and account management experience. He currently lives in York, Pennsylvania, with his child, girlfriend, and their three dogs. Erik grew up playing baseball and remains an avid fan to this day. When he’s not at home or watching baseball, you can find him on his local golf course.

At Herculite, we are committed to delivering the highest level of service, support, and innovation in the industry. We are confident that Erik's energy, communication skills, and customer-focused approach will make him a valuable addition to our team and enable him to contribute meaningfully to our mission.

Gwen Conley Joins Herculite as Innovation Engineer

mbrommer@herculite.com (Matt Brommer) — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 15:07:26 GMT

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

Gwen has nearly 2 years of experience with product development and improvement, materials testing, and quality control. Before joining Herculite, she worked as a Junior Materials Research Engineer at Greenleaf Corporation, where she contributed to research and development projects aimed at improving existing products and processes and creating new products to meet customer needs in the metal-cutting industry.

Gwen graduated from Susquehanna University in 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Physics and a minor in Mathematics. During her time there, she participated in undergraduate research that strengthened her analytical and problem-solving skills, was inducted into Sigma Pi Sigma – the national physics honor society – and earned the Outstanding Senior in Physics award in 2023. Gwen has always enjoyed solving problems and understanding how things work, which led her to pursue physics and a career in engineering.

Herculite Welcomes New Customer Service Rep, Jalyn Himmelright

mbrommer@herculite.com (Matt Brommer) — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 15:07:22 GMT

Herculite Products, Inc., a leading innovator and manufacturer of high-performance and custom fabrics, is pleased to announce that Jalyn Himmelright has been hired as a new Customer Service Representative. In this role, Jalyn will work closely with customers, distributors, and internal teams to provide exceptional service and support.

Jalyn, serving as a Customer Service Representative, will be responsible for promptly and professionally addressing customer inquiries. She will also process orders efficiently, coordinate closely with the production and shipping teams to ensure timely delivery, and consistently strive to provide a positive, seamless experience for customers from the initial order through final delivery and follow-up.

Jalyn is enthusiastic about joining Herculite because she cares deeply about creating positive experiences by assisting others. When not working, she enjoys walking her two dogs, discovering small businesses and new coffee shops, and spending time with her friends and family. She graduated from Northeastern High School and lives in York, Pennsylvania.

Introducing Latitude by Strataglass: A Next-Generation Marine Textile

mbrommer@herculite.com (Matt Brommer) — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 13:39:44 GMT

Strataglass LLC, the leading manufacturer of marine vinyl enclosure products, and Herculite Products are excited to introduce a new marine fabric, Latitude by Strataglass. This American-made marine fabric sets a new standard in performance textiles for the marine industry, blending premium aesthetics with enhanced durability. This innovative fabric is built to meet the high demands of marine fabricators, boat builders, and boat owners seeking durable protection without sacrificing appearance or ease of use.

Latitude by Strataglass uses a specially designed vinyl film technology that provides an exceptionally soft feel while ensuring the durability needed for tough marine environments. The material is engineered for easy fabrication, making it perfect for a wide range of marine uses where both performance and craftsmanship are important.

Built to withstand the toughest conditions on the water, Latitude offers outstanding resistance to cold cracking, tearing, weathering, rot, and ultraviolet exposure. Its advanced protective topcoat helps prevent damage from everyday marine contaminants while also making the material easy to clean and maintain. This protective layer not only preserves the fabric’s appearance but also extends its service life, delivering long-term value for customers.

"Latitude represents the next evolution in marine textile innovation,” said Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Craig Zola. “We designed this product to give fabricators a material that performs as beautifully as it looks, while providing boat owners with the durability and protection they expect from Strataglass.”

Latitude continues the Strataglass tradition of delivering premium marine materials that balance innovation, reliability, and refined appearance. With its unique combination of softness, durability, and weather resistance, Latitude is positioned to become a preferred choice for marine professionals and boating enthusiasts alike.

For more information about Latitude by Strataglass, including technical specifications, performance characteristics, and availability through authorized distributors, please visit www.strataglass.com. You may also contact Herculite/Strataglass directly at 1-800-772-0036 to speak with a representative about sample requests, application recommendations, or assistance in selecting the right marine fabric solution for your project.

Celebrating Kathy Jo Sipe's Retirement After 22 Years of Dedication

mbrommer@herculite.com (Matt Brommer) — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 12:57:02 GMT

After more than two decades of exceptional service, Herculite proudly celebrates the retirement of Kathy Jo Sipe, a Customer Service Representative whose dedication, teamwork, and commitment to excellence have made a lasting impact on both our customers and our organization.

For 22 years, Kathy has been a trusted voice and a reliable resource for customers, consistently demonstrating professionalism, patience, and a genuine desire to help others. Her approach to customer service has always been rooted in collaboration. She understands that the best solutions come from strong teamwork, open communication, and a shared commitment to putting the customer first. Her willingness to share knowledge, support her colleagues, and contribute to a positive workplace culture has made her an invaluable member of the Herculite family. Her positive attitude and team-first mindset will be greatly missed.

Kathy has always appreciated being part of a company that proudly manufactures products in the United States, and she has taken great pride in supporting Herculite’s mission and values throughout her career.

Outside of work, Kathy enjoys a variety of hobbies that reflect her patient and caring nature. She spends time knitting, tending her garden, and helping her husband with his beekeeping. Whether at work or at home, Kathy’s dedication and attention to detail are evident in everything she does.

As Kathy begins this well-deserved new chapter, we thank her for the many contributions she has made over the years. Her legacy of teamwork, customer focus, and kindness leaves a strong foundation for others to follow.

From all of us at Herculite, thank you, Kathy, for your 22 years of service, your many contributions, and the positive difference you’ve made for our customers and your coworkers alike. We wish you a happy, healthy, and fulfilling retirement.

Alternating Pressure Air Mattresses: Fabrics for Ulcer Prevention

ctwombly@herculite.com (Chad Twombly) — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 05:15:00 GMT

Air mattresses are often associated with temporary sleeping solutions, but in the healthcare industry, they serve a much more critical function. Alternating Pressure Air Mattresses (APAMs) are widely used in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home healthcare settings as part of comprehensive pressure ulcer prevention protocols.

These specialized medical support surfaces are designed to redistribute pressure, manage moisture, and improve patient outcomes through advanced material engineering and dynamic pressure management technology.

Understanding Pressure Ulcers and Patient Risk Factors

Pressure ulcers—also referred to as bed sores, pressure injuries, or decubitus ulcers—occur when sustained pressure reduces blood circulation to the skin and underlying tissue. This ischemic condition can lead to tissue breakdown, particularly in areas covering bony prominences such as the sacrum, heels, hips, and scapula.

Patients at the highest risk typically include those with:

Limited mobility or paralysis
Extended post-surgical recovery periods
Advanced age
Poor circulation
Diabetes or compromised skin integrity
Long-term bed confinement

According to the Mayo Clinic, pressure injuries can progress through multiple clinical stages, ranging from mild skin discoloration to severe deep tissue damage involving muscle and bone. Prevention through proper support surfaces and repositioning protocols remains the most effective strategy.

Clinical Strategies for Pressure Ulcer Prevention

Healthcare providers typically implement multiple interventions to reduce pressure injury risk, including:

Scheduled patient repositioning protocols
Use of patient positioning and transfer devices
Pressure redistribution support surfaces
Moisture management systems
Offloading cushions for high-risk anatomical areas
Bed articulation adjustments to reduce shear forces

One of the most effective support-surface technologies used today is the alternating-pressure air mattress system.

How Alternating Pressure Air Mattresses Work

Alternating Pressure Air Mattresses are dynamic support surfaces designed to reduce continuous interface pressure through a series of air cells that inflate and deflate in programmed cycles. This alternating pattern helps redistribute patient weight and improve localized blood flow.

APAM systems are particularly valuable for patients who cannot reposition themselves independently, as the mattress continuously performs micro-repositioning to minimize prolonged pressure exposure.

Typical APAM system components include:

Air cell chambers
Automated pump and control units
Pressure adjustment settings
Low air loss or fluid management features
Protective mattress covers

Material selection plays a critical role in APAM performance, particularly in infection control, durability, cleanability, and patient comfort.

Performance Requirements for Medical Mattress Fabrics

Healthcare mattress fabrics must meet strict performance requirements to withstand the demands of clinical environments. Engineered healthcare textiles used in APAM construction must balance flexibility, durability, infection prevention, and regulatory compliance.

Key performance characteristics include:

Antimicrobial protection to inhibit bacterial growth
Flame resistance to meet healthcare fire safety standards
Fluid resistance to prevent contamination penetration
Moisture vapor transmission (MVT) for microclimate management
Thermal conductivity for patient comfort
Chemical and stain resistance for cleanability
Hypoallergenic properties for patient safety
Conductive properties for specialized medical applications
High tensile and tear strength for durability
Elastic recovery for pressure redistribution performance
Odor resistance
Phthalate-free formulations for environmental and patient safety

These technical requirements highlight the importance of selecting high-performance coated fabrics specifically engineered for medical applications.

Engineered Healthcare Textiles from Herculite

Herculite Inc. manufactures advanced flexible composite fabrics designed specifically for healthcare support surfaces and medical equipment applications. The Sure-Chek® line of medical fabrics incorporates a proprietary antimicrobial protection system engineered to remain effective throughout the material's useful life.

Herculite healthcare fabrics are designed for use in:

Alternating pressure air mattresses (APAMs)
Mattress ticking and surface covers
Fire barrier layers
Medical positioning cushions
Conductive medical fabrics
Healthcare privacy and shower curtains

By combining durability, cleanability, and pressure-management performance, Herculite fabrics help manufacturers meet the evolving technical requirements of the medical support surface market.

Learn More About Healthcare Mattress Fabrics

As pressure injury prevention remains a major focus in healthcare settings, the importance of engineered medical textiles will only grow. Selecting the right support surface materials can significantly impact patient safety, product longevity, and regulatory compliance.

To learn more about Herculite’s Sure-Chek® healthcare fabrics, visit:
http://www.herculite.com/healthcare-fabrics

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.

Boat Shade Tops 101: Understanding the Different Type of Covers

czola@herculite.com (Craig Zola) — Sat, 28 Feb 2026 05:30:00 GMT

Did you just purchase a new boat, or are you thinking about upgrading your current watercraft with better protection and comfort? One of the smartest places to start is with your shade and cover system. The right top or cover doesn’t just make time on the water more enjoyable—it helps protect your investment from sun, salt, rain, and everyday wear.

There are several types of shade tops and covers designed for different boating styles and environments. From versatile bimini tops that provide open-air shade, to full enclosure curtains that help shield your cockpit from wind and spray, to boom awnings that extend coverage over larger deck areas, each option serves a specific purpose. You’ll also find dodgers that protect the companionway and forward cockpit, as well as traditional boat and mooring covers that safeguard the entire vessel when it’s not in use.

Understanding these different systems—and how they pair with high-performance marine fabrics—will help you select a solution that fits your boat, your climate, and the way you use your vessel.

Here’s a quick list of some of the boat covers and shade tops available:

Bimini Tops: These are open-front top covers for the cockpit, made from either canvas or another specialty material. The bimini uses a metal frame and can be taken down or put up as needed.
Enclosure Curtains: These are vinyl or acrylic curtains, sometimes made with other specialty textiles, that enclose your boat’s cockpit or deck area. The curtains extend or attach to the frame of a shade cover, like a bimini top.
Boat Covers: These are specially designed, measured fabric covers used to cover your entire boat when it’s not in use or in storage.
Boom Awnings: Boom awnings are similar to the shade structures you’d find on a building. These are designed to cover the deck or another part of the boat with shade and aren’t limited to just the cockpit.
Boat Dodgers: Sometimes called spray-hoods, boat dodgers use metal frames and canvas to create a protective area over the boat’s entrance and part of the cockpit. The dodger also typically has vinyl windows.
Boat Mooring Covers: Similar to a boat cover, mooring covers protect the boat when it’s not in use. However, they cover the entire boat, including below the rub rail.

The list above, which is not exhaustive, may seem overwhelming. When deciding on the type of boat cover or shade structure you need or want, it’s important to consider personal taste, style, and preference. There are various resources, including the Industrial Fabrics Association International boat shade top marine fabrics division, dedicated to informing consumers.

It’s helpful to have a basic understanding of the textile the covers are made from. Boat shade tops are made from specialty fabrics that include, but are not limited to: vinyl, polyvinyl composite, acrylic, and canvas

But why is this important? The type of fabric you choose will ultimately determine how long your boat top cover lasts. You should look for a textile that offers UV ray, water, mold, and mildew resistance. You might also want to find a boat shade top cover that is lightweight, easy to clean, and colorfast. Check if your cover comes with a warranty.

Without water- or UV-ray resistance, your boat’s shade top will fade and deteriorate faster. Eventually, you’ll find yourself buying another one, often much earlier than expected. Boat top covers made from materials not designed for the rigors of the sea will fray, tear, stretch, fade, and fall apart. Essentially, investing in a boat also means investing in its accessories — you will save in the long run.

When it comes to marine fabrics, laminate provides several clear benefits. Learn more by checking out our latest eBook, "Why Laminated Marine Vinyl Fabrics Offer Advantages Over Coated Marine Vinyl Fabrics".