Westex Inc. Overview

The FR fabric used to construct the garment is a critical aspect of any protective clothing program since the fabric is the primary contributor to the protection, comfort and value equation. Therefore, it is important to understand the experience and capabilities of the flame resistant fabric manufacturer and the proven (or unproven) performance of the fabrics in the market. We have highlighted some key points concerning Westex’ experience and capabilities below:

1. Over 50 Years Experience in Flame Resistant Fabrics
2. World’s Largest Manufacturer of Durable Flame Resistant Cotton and Cotton Blend Fabrics
3. 3 Complete INDURA® Ultra Soft and INDURA® FR finishing ranges (2 Chicago, 1 Georgia)
4. Flame Resistant Fabrics are Westex’ Primary Business and Core Competency

1. In 1987, after a major R&D program, INDURA® was Introduced by Westex
2. INDURA® was the First FR Cotton Fabric that was Guaranteed Flame Resistant for the Life of the Garment
1. This Guarantee has been Market-Proven for nearly 20 years
3. The INDURA® technology Represents a Significant Advancement vs. "Out-of-the-Box" Ammonia Cure Processes by combining
1. Special Preparation Process
2. Custom Engineered Equipment
3. Advanced Process Controls
4. Several Additional Proprietary Processing Steps
5. Computer Monitoring Equipment to Measure Consistency & Quality of the FR Technology
6. Proprietary Multi-Step Fabric Softening Process for INDURA® Ultra Soft® Includes a Unique Balance of:
1. Chemical & Mechanical Procedures
2. This Process has No Negative Effect on the Strength or Flame Resistance of the Fabric and is Far Superior to any other Technology Available Today
4. Westex’ Proprietary "Double-Shrunk" shrinkage Technology is built into every yard of INDURA Ultra Soft and INDURA
5. New in 2006 INDURA® Ultra Soft® Knits

1. Most Experienced Technical Staff in the Industry
1. Technical representation at ASTM F-18 & F-23 Committees
2. Decades of Involvement in Industry Committees that have Created Standards for Electric Arc, Flash Fire and Molten Metal Exposures
3. Thousands of Tests Conducted at Independent Laboratories to Measure the Performance of FR Fabrics to These Hazards
4. Minimum of bi-annual testing to ASTM F1959 at Kinectrics
5. Minimum of bi-annual testing to ASTM F1930 at the University of Alberta

1. ISO 9001:2000 Certified
2. Government Certified Laboratory
3. Full Staff of Experienced Technicians Focused on FR Fabrics
4. Verification Testing Involves both Physical Testing as Well as Computer Controlled Monitoring
5. Documentation Retention for a Minimum Period of 10 Years Including:
1. Laboratory Reports
2. Original Physical Samples From Each Lot
3. Lot Traceability from "Greige Goods" through Final Fabric Inspection

1. Proven Track Record of Service to the Marketplace
2. Significant Additional Production Capacity to Support Market Growth
3. Hundreds of Stock Fabrics in Many Styles & Colors
1. Committed to Inventory
4. Over 90% of Stock Items are Shipped within Two Days

1. Since 1987, Millions of Garments Annually made from the INDURA® Product Line have been Installed into Successful FR Programs Worldwide
2. Proven Performance of Multiple Characteristics including;
1. Market Proven Guarantee of Flame Resistance, Superior Physical Properties & Excellent Shrinkage Control
3. Specified by Thousands of End-Users Globally Due to Proven Track Record of Protection, Comfort & Value