SIC 2394
CANVAS AND RELATED PRODUCTS

This category covers establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing awnings, tents, and related products from purchased fabrics. Establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing canvas bags are classified under SIC 2393: Textile Bags.

NAICS Code(s)

314912 (Canvas and Related Product Mills)

In the early 2000s, most companies primarily producing canvas and related products were small. Approximately 85 percent had fewer than 100 employees. California, Florida, and New York had the highest concentration of establishments in this industry.

The canvas and related products industry has become more of a custom industry since the 1950s, offering more colors than the well-known khaki or green. After growing steadily throughout the late 1990s, due to the booming U.S. economy, the value of shipments of canvas and related products made from cotton, nylon, polyester, and other industrial materials declined from its peak of $1.68 billion in 2000 to $1.59 billion in 2001.

Some of the top canvas products are awnings, noncamping tents, fitted tarpaulins, camping tents, flat tarpaulins, and sails. The industry also produces goods such as fabric roofs for sports arenas, canvas bags, and customized carry cases for electronic items.

In the early 2000s, more than 1,600 companies operated in this category, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The cost of materials for the category was $844 million in 2001, and capital expenditures totaled $45 million.

Among companies whose primary business was the manufacturing of canvas and related products, American Recreation Products Inc. (St. Louis, Missouri) had 2003 sales of $90.6 million; Birdair Inc. (Buffalo, New York) had sales of $73 million; Hoover Industries Inc. (Miami, Florida) had estimated sales of $39 million; North Sails Group Inc. (Milford, Connecticut) had sales of $35 million; and Anchor Industries Inc. (Evansville, Indiana) had sales of $25 million.

The canvas products industry employed 19,681 workers in 2000, up from 18,692 in 1997 and 14,000 in 1977. Payroll for all employees in 2000 totaled $486 million. The 14,998 production workers in these establishments earned an average hourly wage of $9.21.

An important new product is flexible fabric sides, called curtainsiders, for truck trailers. Another innovation is synthetic textiles that resemble canvas but are cheaper and easier to clean. The more expensive, true canvas is still offered for consumers who desire a more durable product and are willing to pay the higher price for better quality.

Further Reading

U.S. Census Bureau. "Statistics for Industry Groups and Industries: 2000." February 2002. Available from http://www.census.gov/prod/2002pubs/m00as-1.pdf .

——. "Value of Shipment for Product Classes: 2001 and Earlier Years." December 2002. Available from http://www.census.gov/prod/2003pubs/m01as-2.pdf .

U.S. Department of Agriculture. "NAFTA: A Clear Success for U.S. and Mexican Textile and Cotton Trade." January 2004. Available from http://www.fas.usda.gov/info/agexporter/2004/January/pgs%2022-23.pdf .