Burlington Industries LLC, a division of Greensboro, N.C.-based International Textile Group Inc. (ITG), received a $5.3 million contract from the U.S. Air Force to provide microdenier woven polyester fabrics that will be used to make physical training (PT) shorts.
The fabrics — part of Burlington's MCS? line of performance fabrics — are 35-percent lighter-weight than those currently used in the Air Force's PT shorts, the company reports. MCS fabrics feature Greensboro, N.C.-based Unifi Inc.'s Sorbtek? fiber technology, which offers inherent moisture-management and soil-release properties as well as improved breathability.
"The renewed emphasis being given to physical training within the U.S. Armed Forces has made moisture management, durability and stain resistance essential performance attributes for PT uniforms," said Jeff Peck, president, Burlington, noting that lightweight performance fabrics are a core competency at Burlington.
Burlington will produce the fabrics at its facilities in Cordova, N.C., and Burlington, N.C.
This marks the seventh military contract Burlington has been awarded this year. Prior contracts include four in April totaling $71 million and two in June totaling $160 million (See "Burlington Awarded $160 Million In Military Contracts, Becomes bluesign? System Partner ," TextileWorld.com, June 18, 2013).
