Wichita, Kan.-based polymer and fiber producer Invista has acquired Greenville-based Ashburn Hill Corp. including its TECGEN® brands of flame-resistant (FR) apparel and its Angleton, Texas-based manufacturing operation.
"Invista has an aggressive growth strategy that includes identifying new business opportunities to allow us to continue building a product portfolio that delivers value to customers," said Jeff Brown, executive vice president, Invista Performance Materials. "The TECGEN® flame resistant brands have quickly gained trust in the marketplace, and by coupling that expertise with Invista's existing global workwear capabilities, we have high expectations for the specialized garment segment."
Tecgen fiber is produced using a patented carbon technology process that offers advanced protection against heat and flame. Blends of Tecgen with other inherently FR fibers can be used to make lightweight, breathable garments that provide a high level of both flame protection and comfort, according to Invista. The Tecgen brands include: Tecgen Select®, an arc-rated, flame- and flash-fire-resistant line of garments for manufacturing, transportation, mining, oil and gas, and energy utility applications; and Tecgen Xtreme®, a National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)/UL-certified line of lightweight, moisture-repellent clothing for firefighters involved in wildland and technical rescue operations.
The Tecgen brands will join Invista brands such as CORDURA® in the company's Performance Materials business segment, which will provide global resources to enable the brands to expand their offerings.
Ashburn Hill was incorporated in 2006, and Invista first took an interest in the company in 2008, when Jon Heard left Invista to become its CEO. In the following years, Invista made investments in Ashburn Hill to help it scale up production.
Heard will continue to head the business under Invista ownership, and Ashburn Hill's 20 employees at the Greenville administration office and the Angleton manufacturing facility have now transitioned into Invista.
