Lawrence Fabric Inc. Wins IFAI 2011 International Achievement Award

Lawrence Fabric & Metal Structures, Inc. (October 2011) was recognized with the 2011 International Achievement Award (IAA) for design excellence in specialty fabrics applications. The ceremony took place at the IFAI Expo Americas 2011 at the Baltimore Convention Center in Baltimore, Md. on October 25.

Lawrence received an Outstanding Achievement Award for its Shick Trade Show Exhibit project. The project was recognized in the competition’s Interior Display category.

The annual IFAI Expo Americas is the largest specialty fabrics trade show in the Americas, and for more than six decades, IAA has recognized excellence in design and innovation, highlighting truly spectacular work in the specialty fabrics industry.

Entrants were encouraged to submit projects and compete in 35 categories in this 64th competition. In all, IFAI received 385 entries from 16 countries. Entries were judged by industry experts, editors, architects, educators and design professionals, who were selected for their knowledge in a particular field of study or product area. Winners were selected based on complexity, design, workmanship, uniqueness and function.

IFAI encourages specialty fabric projects of all sizes and type. The goal of IAA is to promote awareness of the specialty fabrics used in thousands of products and applications. All entries receive prominent recognition at IFAI Expo Americas. Entrants receive additional publicity through coverage in IFAI magazines, as well as press releases distributed to media professionals.

The International Achievement Awards competition is sponsored by IFAI, a not-for-profit trade association whose 2,000 member companies represent the international specialty fabrics marketplace. Photos and detailed project description available Here.

LAWRENCE FABRIC & METAL STRUCTURES, INC IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THE ACQUISITION OF KRAUSS GRAPHICS

ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, (September 2011) Jerry Grimaud, Owner & President of Lawrence Fabric, has acquired Krauss Graphics of Highland Heights, Kentucky. The previous owner of Krauss Graphics, Jack McMath has decided to retire. For many years, Krauss Graphics has supplied Lawrence with excellent service and quality for specialty graphics products. "We have always been impressed with their knowledge of RF welded vinyl letters and SGS Graphics", explains Grimaud. Krauss offered a wide range of processes for awning graphics including backlit, pressure sensitive and sunbrella graphic systems. Krauss will compliment Lawrence's ability to print in-house. In an effort to continue the service and traditions of Krauss, Lawrence has acquired their equipment and customer database. Most of Krauss’ customers are serviced using UPS or Federal Express delivery. "With Tri Vantage distributing fabrics in St. Louis, our customers will be able to ship fabric directly to Lawrence for the graphic applications," Grimaud says. While working through the logistics, Lawrence's main goal will be to continue to run the company efficiently during this transition period. "We are very excited about this new venture and look forward to serving the needs of our clients now and in the years to come," added Grimaud.

Our fearless leader, Jerry Grimaud is on the cover of Specialty Fabrics Review, a national trade publication for Industrial Fabrics Association International. Read his article "Game On" and learn how he stays ahead of the game. He shares his strategy ideas on risking product changes and policies based on market trends. Read More...

ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, (July, 2011) Bob Helmsing, a leader in the Awning & Canopy Industry, former president and owner of Lawrence Fabric & Metal Structures, Inc., will retire after 34 dedicated years. Bob acquired the company in 1977 and has done an outstanding job at contributing to the growth of the company from 8 employees to currently 50. Over the years, Lawrence has won numerous national and international industry awards. Helmsing, served as chair of PAMA, held the position of President of Zone 8, and is an honored IFAI lifetime member. Bob will stay involved in an advisory capacity, but will step away from day to day operations. We wish him the best of luck in his future of pursuing other lifelong interests.