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Geotextiles and geogrids mean longer-lasting roads
April 1st, 2026
A contractor installed this wicking geotextile, Solmax® MIRAFI® H2Ri, on Interstate 94 in Minnesota using a milling machine, which resulted in accurate placement with reduced time and cost. Image: Minnesota Department of Transportation Can geotextiles and geogrids help build roadways that last for 100 years—or longer? Yes, say both industry and transportation representatives, although wider […]
Geotextiles provide an upgraded recreational field
March 5th, 2026
The Town of Needham recently completed a major renovation of Claxton Field, a multiuse recreation facility. The purpose of the project was to improve the functionality and overall experience of the community space by reconfiguring several athletic fields, installing new site amenities, upgrading lighting and turf, and adding ADA-accessible walking paths and landscaping. Previously a […]
Enhancing load-bearing capabilities with woven geosynthetic
February 10th, 2026
In the summer of 2024, ThermoBond, a leading manufacturer of precast concrete structures, initiated construction on a new facility in Brandon, S.D. GeoTek Engineering collaborated with Solmax to develop a reinforced section using MIRAFI RS580i, a high-performance woven geosynthetic designed to enhance load-bearing capacity. Photo courtesy of Solmax. A key element of the site was […]
IAA Case Study: Yerba Buena Island
January 21st, 2026
The city of San Francisco and private developers planned a $1.5 billion redevelopment of Yerba Buena Island (YBI) and its adjoining island, Treasure. This required infrastructure improvements, upgrades and slope failure repair to the road—work that was necessary after heavy precipitation in fall 2021. The heavily eroded slope had almost a sheer vertical dropoff, was […]
Solmax appoints Patrick Hébert as CFO
January 14th, 2026
Photo courtesy of Solmax. Solmax has appointed Patrick Hébert as its CFO, succeeding François Laurin, who will retire later this year. Hébert is a CPA with an Executive MBA from Université de Sherbrooke and a certificate in Strategy, Execution and Post-Merger Management from Harvard University. He brings extensive experience in the aerospace and infrastructure sectors, […]
El Maximo: Keep it flowing
December 9th, 2025
To reduce tons of phosphorus and nitrogen headed into Lake Okeechobee in Florida, the El Maximo Ranch Northern Everglades Water Quality Project diverted water for treatment. Part of the project involved constructing 40 earthen weirs to reduce hydraulic stresses from culverts moving the water under unpaved zigzagging roads. Their protection and road stabilization were critical. […]
IAA case study: Yanting Natural Gas Treatment Facility
November 19th, 2025
2025 Outstanding Achievement in the Geosynthetics, Energy, category of the Advanced Textiles Association International Achievement Awards The Yanting Natural Gas Treatment Facility project is located in Yanting County, Sichuan Province, China, covering approximately 320 acres. The site includes various zones such as production, auxiliary production, torch and front plant areas, as well as functional spaces […]
Solmax closing South Carolina facility
September 26th, 2025
Solmax will be consolidating manufacturing in the Americas and closing its Kingstree, S.C., facility, the company announced Thursday. The move will reduce the company's American manufacturing facilities from seven to six. “This consolidation is a strategic step forward in building a more agile, scalable, and customer-focused organization,” said Bob Gilligan, President and CEO. “By investing […]
Solmax names Jim Hamakiotis as COO
September 24th, 2025
Jim Hamakiotis, photo courtesy of Solmax. Solmax has announced the appointment of Jim Hamakiotis as chief operating officer, reporting directly to President and CEO Bob Gilligan. In this new role, Hamakiotis will oversee global operations – including supply chain, manufacturing and operational excellence – while working closely with the company’s regional business teams to ensure […]
International Achievement Awards for geosynthetics, other categories close June 20
June 4th, 2025
The deadline is coming soon to enter this year's International Achievement Awards, including four categories for geosynthetic projects. Solmax received the Advanced Textiles Association’s (ATA) International 2024 Achievement Award of Excellence in the Geosynthetics Project – Water category for its El Maximo Ranch water management project. Photo courtesy of Solmax. The 2025 International Achievement Awards […]