GORE® CHEMPAK® wins war for protective garments

Tennessee Apparel Corp (TAC), manufacturer of military garments, has been identified as the only qualified source for the procurement of chemical and biological protective garments under the Uniform Integrated Protection Ensemble Increment 1 (UIPE I1) effort of the US Army. TAC has received the production option on a $129M firm-fixed-price contract that had been issued in February 2012.

The chemical and biological protective ensemble is a layered clothing system that consists of a lightweight combat uniform worn over a CB protective undergarment. W L Gore & Associates (Gore), a world leader in the development of high-performance protective fabrics, is the key material supplier on the contract. Gores stretch GORE® CHEMPAK® selectively permeable fabric is used in the protective undergarment layer of the clothing system.

This clothing system provides enhanced individual protective capabilities through superior protection from warfare agents after wear, and after exposure to petroleum, oils, lubricants (POL) and other environmental contaminants. In addition, the innovative undergarment design integrates easily with current combat gear and personal protective equipment.

The breathable performance of GORE® CHEMPAK® selectively permeable fabric reduces thermal burden by allowing perspiration vapour (sweat) to escape. In addition, the stretch construction allows for a comfortable, next-to-skin fit, which further reduces heat stress by eliminating the thermal insulating layer that surrounds the body and by increasing heat loss through convection

"We are excited about the launch of the UIPE I1 chemical and biological protective garment for the Special Operations community," says Rick Francis, Co-President of Tennessee Apparel Corp. "This durable, low-profile protective undergarment is truly a revolutionary CB product that will protect the Operator while allowing them to be more functional during operations in adverse conditions."

Mike Kienzle, Product Specialist at Gore for GORE® CHEMPAK® products, says, "This is another instance of a user group choosing GORE® CHEMPAK® selectively permeable fabric because of the combination of durable, broad protection, and reduced thermal burden. This is a paradigm shift when compared to traditional chemical and biological protective fabrics." Kienzle adds, "Our commercially available selectively permeable fabrics have been certified for use in civil responder protective ensembles and approved for use in other US military CB protective ensembles."

The chemical and biological protective clothing system is suitable for wear while performing combat operations, whether on land or at sea, in any climate, with minimal impact on combat effectiveness. The versatile design allows for easy integration with current and developmental clothing and equipment including load-bearing equipment, handwear, footwear, and protective masks.

Tennessee Apparel Corp was founded in 1901 and started producing military trousers for the Department of Defense in 1957. They have produced in excess of 42 million military dress trousers and slacks, over 1.2 million cold weather parkas, and over 1 million cold weather trousers, along with several other specialty items, such as chemical warfare suits, sleeping bag covers, helmet covers, surgical gowns and drapes, and battle dress uniforms.

Gore is a technology-driven company focused on discovery and product innovation. Well known for waterproof, breathable GORE-TEX® fabric, the companys portfolio includes everything from high-performance fabrics and implantable medical devices to industrial manufacturing components and aerospace electronics. Founded in 1958 and headquartered in Newark, Del, Gore posts annual sales of more than $3.2 billion and employs approximately 10,000 associates with manufacturing facilities in the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, Japan and Chin