TenCate Protective Fabrics Americas, Union City, Ga., has increased by sevenfold its production capacity for TenCate Tecasafe® Plus fabrics. The expansion addresses industrial safety apparel supply chain challenges brought on by the global shortfall in cotton fiber supply and reduced availability of flame-resistant (FR) cotton. Tecasafe Plus fabrics contain a blend of modacrylic, lyocell and aramid fibers.

"Over the past year, TenCate has worked to build a strong and dependable supply chain which now stands ready to support the immediate needs of all customers," said Mike Anderson, vice president of operations, TenCate Protective Fabrics Americas. "Since TenCate has no shortage of fiber, end users need not hesitate to specify such fabrics as TenCate Tecasafe Plus in their garments. Lead times for alternative products based on treated FR cotton can be as long as eight weeks, while TenCate blends of FR fibers can ship within two to three [weeks]."

The company also has unveiled TenCate Tecasafe Plus knit fabric. Offered in jersey and piqué, the shirting fabric can serve as both a baselayer and an outerlayer fabric and may be worn in conjunction with other protective fabrics to provide maximum electric arc and flash fire protection. Fabrics are designed according to customers' specifications and can withstand repeated industrial laundering.

The fabric, which originally was engineered in Europe and later was modified to meet specific requirements of the North American market, offers comfort and durability as well as affordable inherent FR performance, TenCate reports.

September/October 2011