For a company in the business of keeping people cool, things are really heating up at DRIFIRE®.

That’s because the company’s line of patented high-performance flame-resistant (FR) fabrics and garments continues to grow, expanding from silk-weight, next-to-skin garments into outerwear, to provide more complete protection.

Originally created to protect military and fire personnel, the market for FR materials has also grown to include industrial and consumer applications, and DRIFIRE is ready to seize the industry’s growth by taking its textiles know-how high-tech.

From fashionable jeans to the battlefields, this five-year-old, Columbus, Georgia-based company has found its niche in the technical textiles arena by offering a unique material that provides both protection and comfort.

A Powerful Combination
At the heart of all DRIFIRE garments is the company’s patented dri-Release® moisture-management technology that wicks away moisture from the skin, coupled with sturdy FR modacrylic fibers that are engineered directly into the fabric.

In addition to protection, the company also focuses on comfort, from using a special stitching on seams to creating a special Relaxed Technical Fit that hugs the body without unnecessary compression.

According to CEO L. Gene Cone, a textile industry veteran, “There are a lot of companies making FR materials and a lot of performance players, but not many who are able to do both.”

DRIFIRE continues to develop new ways to incorporate its technology into fibers and fabrics. Currently, the company is developing a denim fabric and is taking an extra step to give it a stylish, striated look and true indigo dye. The fabric will be offered in pre-washed jeans for a more comfortable fit.

The company has recently developed a line of one- and two-sided fleece outer garments, along with fashionable pants, shirts and coveralls.

DRIFIRE also delivers color along with protection. “Our garments are available in every color,” Cone notes, “and our material is the most color fast available.”

Supporting our Troops
In the Government market, DRIFIRE is building on its established U.S. military success with the Army, Marines and Air Force, for whom DRIFIRE recently created a new jacket with a camouflage design. The company also recently became a qualified supplier for the U.S. Navy.

Military users are some of the company’s biggest fans, and some of their stories are featured on DRIFIRE’s Web site. Troops stationed in Iraq must deal with extreme temperatures – from blazing heat during the day to frigid nights – all while wearing body armor. DRIFIRE’s garments help keep them dry and comfortable.

Taking the Heat Off of Firefighters
While DRIFIRE’s FR properties are an obvious fit for firefighters, heat can often be just as dangerous as flame. “One of the main concerns for firefighters is steam burns from superheating cotton t-shirts and the number one killer of firefighters is actually heat-stress-induced cardiac failure,” Cone notes. “Our FR garments with moisture control help protect them from both flame and wetness, while keeping them cooler in their uniforms.”

The company has designed unique athletic shorts for this market. Firefighters can wear them while sleeping or around the fire house, and be protected when the alarm sounds and they have just moments to jump into their gear.

Fighting Flash
Many industrial workers are exposed to the risk of electrical arc flash – a dangerous short circuit that can result from electrical equipment. The threat is so serious that the National Fire Protection Association’s Electrical Safety Requirement for Employee Workplaces (NFPA 70E) and OSHA require electrical arc flash protection apparel for many workers.

Up until now, these garments have traditionally been heavy and uncomfortable, which could compromise compliance. DRIFIRE’s garments provide lighter-weight, cooler and more comfortable protection for workers. The garments can also be made in any color, including the high-visibility colors preferred by many industrial users.
   
A Healthy Market
The company’s growing medical business takes advantage of DRIFIRE’s anti-bacterial permanent and anti-microbial properties which are engineered into the fiber, providing permanent odor and virus control.

DRIFIRE’s moisture-wicking property can also help keep bedridden patients drier, which can help prevent or heal bedsores.

“DRIFIRE garments incorporate silver, which is an FDA-approved anti-microbial,” Cone said. “These garments kill viruses, while also helping patients heal.”

Partnering for Protection
While DRIFIRE has it own full-time research and development department, the company also uses the resources of its partners. For example, DRIFIRE is collaborating with a denim manufacturer for its new denim line.

Such partnerships often come from discussions with customers or vendors at trade shows. “At Techtextil North America many people approached us about fibers, weaving, dyeing and manufacturing,” Cone notes. 

The company also believes in staying in touch with customers directly. “Our customers are our biggest advocates.”

A Growing Presence
According to Cone, DRIFIRE’s expansion plans are exponential – not additive. “We’re building on the success of our commercial market in law enforcement, industrial and fire, to take our message to chemical, petrochemical and utility organizations.”

The company also has new initiatives in their government market, which includes the military, and is expanding its active wear line with its new fleece products.

DRIFIRE’s executive team has also grown, adding five new vice presidents, all of whom have extensive experience in the textile business. The company is expanding its sales operations in new regions of the country.

Even with all this growth, Cone remains focused on the core of the business, which, as he points out, is personal safety. “Our goal is to get people into comfortable garments that provide superior protection.” And judging from the enthusiastic response from users, DRIFIRE is succeeding.

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Demonstration of flame-resistant t-shirt at DRIFIRE’s Techtextil North America 2008 booth.