Product News: Dow, Pella, White Swan, and Tri-Mountain's new on-line ordering system

Dow Fiber Solutions has launched a new fiber called Dow XLA™ HTT, a revolutionary, high temperature tolerance fiber stretch solution that is inherently resistant to the high heat and harsh chemicals used in industrial laundering, tunnel drying and dry cleaning. Dow XLA HTT is the world’s first olefin-based stretch fiber to withstand temperatures up to 220 degrees Celsius without compromising stretch performance. Uniform manufacturers in the workwear and career apparel sectors have begun producing garments with Dow XLA HTT fiber because the fabric withstands temperatures optimal for thermosol dyeing of polycotton and polywools, and maintains dimensional stability and stretch – all while providing lasting stretch performance through boil, UV, chemical and chlorine resistance.

“We are looking at Dow XLA HTT fiber as one key channel to increase our business,” said Yacov Cohen at Polgat, which started developing corporate wear fabrics with Dow XLA HTT in 2003. “Dow XLA HTT has soft stretch and excellent dimensional stability and durability – and unlike conventional stretch yarns, this fiber can be yarn dyed – shortening our lead time by two weeks.”

“We are very pleased to be among the first to introduce both flexible and durable stretch in workwear,” said Luc J. Perquy, product manager at Alsico. “Dow XLA HTT fiber allows us to offer our customers garments that possess the right combination of stretch and industrial wash- and dry ability.”

In addition to the benefits to workwear manufacturers and other uniform suppliers, Dow XLA HTT provides valuable benefits to end users. An externally conducted wearer focus group showed that 100 percent of uniform-wearing participants, including food service, hospitality, airline, medical, laboratory and industrial plant workers, rank “comfort” and “not restricting” as the characteristics they seek most in their uniform – since wearers are in almost constant motion throughout the day. Further, participants feel they would be more productive during their workday if they had more comfortable, “move with you” garments.

For more info rmation, please refer to the Dow XLA backgrounder or visit www.stretchforwork.com

Tri-Mountain Apparel is pleased to announce the launch of its new on-line ordering system, now available to active accounts through a secure password log-in. Customer Service personnel are standing by for the quick and easy set up process! Once completed, clients will now have access to:

-On-Line ordering with Shopping Cart feature.

-Access to “real time” inventory levels.

-Quick access to order status, order tracking info rmation, and account info rmation.

-E-mail confirmations of order status and tracking info rmation on web orders.

In a statement released to the press, Michael Snyder, director of marketing said: “We are pleased to add this convenient feature, representing just one more reason why Tri-Mountain is one of the fastest growing and most dependable apparel lines in the industry. Our unmatched inventory levels, depth of product, and dominance of the “Big & Tall” market, including Ladies Tall sizes, make us any easy choice for corporate apparel buyers. This dependability, now coupled with the ease of doing business that the new ordering system brings, clearly sets Tri-Mountain apart from the competition. Add to this our new embroidery service, and Tri-Mountain clearly is in a league of its own, catering solely to the needs of the corporate/decorated apparel market.”

To learn more, contact Michael Snyder at (888) 567-4701, or Danny Tsai, marketing mgr. (800) 824-6464 or visit www.trimountain.com

Pella Products, a manufacturer of work and rugged outdoor clothing, has just completed its new Work/Casual Apparel line for 2006. The collection features the first ever polar fleece-lined work apparel in a rugged 12 oz duck fabric, and is stone-washed for a more casual finish. New items for 2006 include:

A dual-use jacket that combines elastic waist panels and a longer straight bottom to provide warmth below the waist. Jackets have inside zipper pockets, including a vertical zipper, to keep valuables safe and protected. Specs and arm openings are oversized to provide comfort and allow for layering.

In addition to jackets, Pella is the first to offer fleece lined bibs and work pants. Fully lined and stone washed, the bibs and pants have extra deep pockets for storage. The bibs have a full zipper pocket on the inside of the chest panel and easy-off strap releases.

The new collection can be worn in many situations, including on the job, for hunting or casual occasions

You can view this extensive new line by visiting Pella on the web at www.pellaproducts.com or contact Sandra Barnum , 641-628-3092, ext. 215 or Marcia Wells 641-628-3092, ext. 210 for more details.

This month’s final product offering comes from White Swan and Life Uniform, who have partnered to bring Ready2Wear to the healthcare industry.

Ready2Wear is a new line of spill-repellent, stain-resistant, wrinkle-resistant medical apparel.

Available nationwide in most Life Uniform retail stores starting October 24, 2005, Ready2Wear medical apparel uses nanotechnology, developed by Nano- Tex, to deliver greater durability and superior performance without compromising the feel or comfort of the fabric. Nano- Tex is the first company to bring nanotechnology to the textile industry. The company's patented treatments are ideal for workwear and uniforms in industries where stains that previously were difficult or impossible to remove could ruin clothing.

Ready2Wear 65/35 poplin apparel is designed to be spill-repellent, which means liquids roll right off without soaking in. The wrinkle-resistant garments are also stain-resistant, so the fabric both repels and releases stains.

"Ready2Wear combines up-to-the-minute styling, contemporary fit, and today's hot colors and patterns with a fabric that repels liquid and resists wrinkles," says Laurie Kaplan, vice president of key accounts for White Swan. "It's the perfect solution for today's healthcare professional who seeks fashion, comfort, and superior value."

White Swan has been a leading supplier to the medical apparel industry for more than 90 years. Today, White Swan is a division of the Encompass Group, LLC of McDonough, Georgia.

Life Uniform opened its first store in 1965. Today, the company has stores in most major malls and many major hospitals across the country. Life Uniform provides one-stop shopping for healthcare uniforms, scrubs, nursing shoes, hosiery, and accessories.

Visit both companies on the web at www.llfeuniform.com and www.whiteswanmeta.net