PITTSFIELD - Globe Manufacturing Company, makers of firefighter turnout gear, was awarded the 2016 International Achievement Awards (IAA) Award of Excellence and Best in Category for Advance Textiles by Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) at their IFAI Expo specialty fabrics trade show, which took place in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA, last week.
Globe received the award for its new Athletix turnout gear, which the company says is a unique product in its field. Globe collaborated with three supplier partners on the development of the new materials to enable an all-new design, which incorporates: Kombat, Stretch OBI/Kelvar fabric, manufactured by TenCate Protective Fabrics. The fabric allows for a closer, less bulky fit, which allows unrestricted motion and more flexibility, while providing premium thermal break open protection. Nomex Nano (NN) is used for the thermal barrier material. NN, which is manufactured by DuPont Protection Solutions, is said to be thinner, lighter, more flexible, more breathable, and quicker drying than other similar products. For the relfective material, 3MScotchlite Comfort Trim is segmented and heat sealed to be lighter, more flexible, and breathable without sacrificing visibility.
“At Globe, we are proud of our long history of innovation. It’s in our DNA,” said Rob Freese, senior vice president, marketing, Globe Manufacturing Company. “Our new Athletix turnout gear was inspired by interviews with hundreds of firefighters and made possible through collaboration with our suppliers who take the same ‘Voice of the Customer’ approach to product development and share our passion for firefighter safety.”
IFAI received a total of 296 entries from 10 countries in 42 categories in this year’s competition. The winners were selected from a criteria based on complexity, design, workmanship, uniqueness, and function. Judges included industry experts, editors, architects, educators, and design professionals.
Globe operates two plants for turnout gear - Pittsfield, in New Hampshire and Ada, in Oklahoma. The company also has a facility that makes footwear in Auburn, in Maine. Globe says these plants incorporate some of the latest cutting and sewing manufacturing technology available and employ 425 employees in more than 130,000 square feet of manufacturing space.
Image source: Globe Manufacturing Company