Union City, Ga.-based TenCate Protective Fabrics Americas — manufacturer of inherently
flame-resistant (FR) fabrics, and a division of the Netherlands-based Royal Ten Cate’s TenCate
Protective Fabrics business — reports it has increased production of TenCate Tecasafe® Plus fabrics
in response to supply chain challenges in the industrial safety apparel market.
According to TenCate, the global shortfall in cotton fiber supply has caused the FR industry
to experience shortages and longer lead times for industrial safety apparel, thereby unexpectedly
increasing demand for inherently FR solutions such as the company’s Tecasafe Plus fabrics. Last
year, TenCate began working with its supply chain partners and enhanced its proprietary
manufacturing processes in anticipation of reduced availability of FR cotton. The company reports
it not only reduced its backlog for Tecasafe Plus, but also has increased production capacity
sevenfold. TenCate also has added new jobs since June 2010, and now has four full-time shifts
working seven days a week.
“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.”
TenCate Tecasafe Plus fabric originally was engineered in Europe but later was modified to
meet the specific requirements of the North American market. It offers comfort and durability as
well as flame resistance — including electric arc and flash fire protection — at an affordable
price, TenCate reports.
August 9, 2011
