The U.S. Congress and President Bush has approved over $15 million for Polartec garments for the U.S. Military in the 2006 Defense Spending Bill. Included in this funding is $1.1 million to complete a third year of research and development of electronic textiles for the Armys Combat Casualty Care program, which provides remote physiological monitoring of soldiers in combat.
In addition to electronic textiles, three Polartec® programs continue to receive funding in the 2006 Defense Spending Bill.
First, the Army Extended Cold Weather Clothing System (ECWCS) uses a range of Polartec® fabrics to meet peacetime and deployment requirements for cold weather operations. The Polartec® family of next-to-skin, thermal and weather protection fabrics allows the ECWCS system to provide increased protection and comfort between +40 and -60 degree F, enhances soldier mobility, reduces weight, and significantly reduces the bulk of the garments, allowing the warfighter to move faster and farther.
Second, the Marine Corps Mountain Cold Weather Clothing and Equipment Program (MCWCEP) includes an integrated clothing component, which consists of a next-to-skin layer, a light and heavy weight insulating layer, a protective shell, and an outer insulating layer. The properties delivered by the Polartec® fabrics that make up this system include a high warmth-to-weight ratio, anti-microbial performance, and wind and water resistant characteristics. The high level of performance enabled by Polartec® fabric technologies will allow Marines to operate in greater safety and comfort in virtually any extreme combat environment.
Third, the Navy Air Warfare Centers Multi-Climate Protection System (MCPS) is a modular ensemble that provides total performance by layering thermal protection and shell garments. The system integrates technology from Malden Mills, DuPont, and Peckham Vocational Industries. Malden Mills Polartec® Thermal-Flame Resistant (FR) with NOMEX fabrics provide aircrew with enhanced thermal protection, flame protection and reduced thermal burden via dimensional moisture management. The MCPS components replace eight outdated garments that are bulky, do not fit the aircrew population, have minimal water and wind resistance, limited moisture management and cannot decrease or increase thermal value by addition or removal of layers.
“Warfighters want and need only the best gear available,” said Malden Mills CEO Michael Spillane. “Our continued relationship with the U.S. military is a testament to the quality of our products and our research capabilities. We are honored to have this business and to have the support of our elected officials. They have worked tirelessly to ensure that our deployed soldiers have the gear necessary to successfully execute their mission.”
Polartec® fabrics are used extensively in all branches of the United States military including the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Special Operations Forces.
“Malden Mills workers continue to innovate and produce the most cutting-edge cold weather gear available, and Im pleased that our troops will continue to have the best products available as they serve our country,” Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA) said.
“The men and women of our Armed Forces need the best tools available to continue to protect our national security and freedoms,” said Senator Judd Gregg (R-NH). “Malden Mills has developed a strong reputation thanks to the quality of their products, which has been recognized by Congress and the Department of Defense. Malden Mills will use these funds to continue to make a significant contribution to the best military force in the world.”
“Our troops on the front lines in Iraq and fighting in the War on Terror deserve the best clothing and equipment. I have traveled around the world visiting our troops and have seen first hand how much they rely on the top quality gear manufactured by Malden Mills,” said Congressman Meehan (MA-05). “This funding is great news for the workers of Malden Mills and the communities of Lawrence and Methuen who produce the clothing that is so vital for our men and women in uniform.”
Congressman Charles Bass (NH-02) said, “Men and women in uniform put their lives on the line every day to ensure our freedom. I am proud that the workers of Malden Mills have again exhibited their commitment to aiding our troops by providing them with the best possible equipment to suit their needs.”
“The announcement of $15 million for Malden Mills to continue their research and development is great news for the state of New Hampshire and our armed forces,” stated Congressman Jeb Bradley (NH-01). “New Hampshire citizens have long played a vital role in our nation's defense as members of the armed services and as civilians working at the many businesses that produce high quality products for the military. The products developed and manufactured by Malden Mills are indispensable tools for winning the war on terror at home and overseas.”
