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Lenzing increases Lenzing FR® fiber production capacity for TenCate Defender™M military fabrics

14.07.2008

The production capacity of Lenzing®FR – The Heat Protection Fiber – is being increased substantially by Lenzing AG of Austria. The capacity expansion enables TenCate to supply larger quantities of TenCate Defender™M fabric to the US military, taking effect late 3rd quarter. TenCate Protective Fabrics, based in Union City, Georgia, USA is the leading supplier of various types of flame resistant (FR) fabrics to the United States armed forces. The Lenzing Group is the leading supplier of specialty cellulose fibers in the world, with a clear focus on innovation.

In March 2007 TenCate introduced its Defender™M fabric which has become an integral component of US military combat uniforms. Continued demand from the US Army and the US Marine Corps for TenCate’s flame resistant fabrics outgrew the available production capacity of FR viscose and meta-aramid fiber suppliers. With the expansion of Lenzing FR® fiber capacity TenCate is able to supply a substantially higher volume of Defender™M fabrics than before. As reported earlier, TenCate Defender™M fabrics are made from a fiber blend that includes Lenzing FR® from Lenzing AG of Austria.

Utilizing its know-how and in close cooperation with Lenzing, TenCate offers a material (TenCate Defender™M) that meets the rigorous performance standards of the US military forces. With TenCate Defender™M, TenCate met the enhanced need for flame protection spawned by frequent attacks with improvised explosive devices (IED’s). In August 2007 TenCate was officially commended by the United States Marine Corps for superior excellence in delivering an outstanding level of quality in its products and services in response to the demands of the US Military Forces. In February of this year, a 5 year waiver for FR viscose fiber was signed into law allowing the US military to continue to source garments made from TenCate Defender™M fabrics.

Global military interest
The armed forces of countries other than the United States also face the enhanced flame and heat risks of present day military reality. Due to the large volume needed by the US Military and existing supply constraints, TenCate has been limited in its efforts to serve the international needs. Lenzing’s investment in new production capacity enables TenCate and Lenzing to pursue international military business.

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Contact:
Christina Kreuzwieser
Lenzing AG
Business Unit Textile Fibers
Head of Global Marketing Communications
A-4860 Lenzing, Austria

Tel.: +43/7672 701 2331
Fax: +43/7672 918 2331
E-Mail: marketing@lenzing.com