ALMELO, The Netherlands, April 13, 2010 — TenCate Protective Fabrics has secured a important order
from the Swedish manufacturer Gulins Business Design AB for the supply to the Norwegian FLO
(Defence Logistic Organisation) on inherently flame-resistant TenCate Defender™ M fabric in the new
colour dark blue. This involves fabric for more than 25,000 sets of clothing in two years, to
protect the Norwegian marines.
This order is the result of ongoing product development based on specific customer needs.
Thanks to patented technology and the success of TenCate Defender™ M that was developed by TenCate
Protective Fabrics in the US, the Research & Development team of TenCate Protective Fabrics in
Nijverdal (the Netherlands) has realized a new composition. Therefore this protective fabric is now
also available in dark blue and black. TenCate Defender™ M was already available in a variety of
camouflage patterns and solid colours for the uniforms of land and air forces. It can now also be
used for other markets, such as Marine Corps and police forces (including riot police and special
squads), which principally wear the colours black or blue for their operations. The fabric for this
order will be produced in Nijverdal (the Netherlands).
Ramon Overdijk, Marketing & Sales Manager of TenCate Protective Fabrics EMEA explains:
“The characteristics of TenCate Defender™ M are unique. In addition to the excellent protection it
provides against heat and fire and its anti-static properties when there is a risk of explosion,
the fabric is also exceptionally comfortable to wear, allowing great freedom of movement. The
fabric is cooling, breathable and moisture-regulating, thanks to the use of Lenzing® FR rayon
fibres in its composition; it is also durable and provides excellent resistance to wear, tear and
fading. As an optional extra TenCate Protective Fabrics offers a durable finish that repels petrol
splashes.”
European wearer trials
TenCate expects total revenues from TenCate Defender™ M products to increase further, which
will involve a wider geographical spread of sales as well as expansion of its applications.
Military wear trials are currently being conducted in several European NATO countries. TenCate will
not be issuing any further statements about these trials.
Continued development and innovation of the TenCate Defender™ M product portfolio is focused
on new applications and new functionalities, such as laminates and stretch. Collaboration with
fibre suppliers and garment makers, and in particular with the military organizations involved, is
of strategic importance in developing products that meet the wishes and specifications of soldiers,
marines and police officers.
Breathable and comfortable
TenCate and fibre producer Lenzing from Austria have combined their knowledge of the
development and production of flame-resistant fabrics with fibres that are inherently
flame-resistant and comfortable to wear. The Lenzing FR® fibre is a key ingredient of TenCate
Defender™ M fabrics. Unlike other flame-resistant fibres, Lenzing FR® fibre not only offers
inherently flame-resistant properties but also absorbs moisture. This combination makes the fabric
breathable and comfortable to wear.
Standard fabric
TenCate Defender™ M fabrics continue to be selected as the fabric of choice for
flame-resistant combat uniforms worn by the US Army and the US Marine Corps. The responses from the
field regarding TenCate Defender™ M fabrics are consistently positive, and data show a reduction in
the number of injuries related to IED (improvised explosive devices) attacks.
Since 2007 TenCate received official commendations from both the US Army and the US Marine
Corps for the excellent quality of its products and services.
Posted on April 13, 2010
Press Release Courtesy of TenCate Protective Fabrics
