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Burlington Industries LLC, Greensboro, N.C., a division of International Textile Group (ITG), has announced that it has been awarded a $5.3 million contract to supply micro denier polyester fabrics to the U.S. Air Force for use in physical training (PT) shorts. These fabrics will be produced at the company’s facilities in Cordova and Burlington, N. C.
The advanced woven polyester fabrics are part of Burlington’s MCS® family of performance fabrics, which are 35 percent lighter than the current fabrics used for PT shorts and have improved breathability and inherent moisture management properties. Using Sorbtek® fiber technology made by Unifi, the lightweight MCS fabric works by absorbing moisture, moving it away from the skin, and releasing it for quick evaporation. This allows the wearer to remain cool, dry and comfortable. In addition, Sorbtek fiber provides inherent soil release properties to protect the fabrics against everyday soils, like sweat and grass.
“Our MCS technology is the performance foundation of the Air Force’s improved physical training uniform,” said Burlington president Jeff Peck. “The renewed emphasis being given to physical training within the U.S. Armed Forces has made moisture management, durability and stain resistance essential performance attributes for PT uniforms.”
Burlington has been an integral part of the defense supply chain for more than 50 years and is uniquely positioned as one of today’s most diversified R&D centers for performance and technical fabrics for the military. “We continue to explore new opportunities to equip and protect our U.S. Armed Forces,” said Peck. “Our products range from basic innovations that elevate the performance of PT, battle and dress uniforms to the newest advanced technologies in infrared, insect repellent, cold weather, fire, and battle protection.” Several years ago, to expand its military business, ITG combined the resources from four of its business units, Burlington, Safety Components, Narricot, and Carlisle, to create an extensive military products platform of diversified fabrics developed to service the specific needs of the military market. Products include fabrics for camouflage combat and utility uniforms, Class A dress uniforms, physical training and extreme cold weather wear, flame-resistant and fire-fighting protective clothing, high performance equipment, ballistic fabric and webbing for body armor and load carrying equipment, and other specialty items.