Established in 1994, San Diego-based King Tech produces state-of-the art, high quality area reflective fabrics, photographic reflective screens (back drops), and multi-functional performance fabrics at its factory in Shanghai, China.

The impetus to move beyond traditional reflective tape started at the top. “Our production manager and owner, Tom King, is an engineer trained at Texas A&M who holds multiple patents in retro-reflective technology,” said Sean Hsu, Ph.D., of King Tech. “Through our research and testing facility, we discovered that we could do more than just reflective finishes – we could produce the entire fabric, and print various patterns on different kinds of base fabric.”

In response to new American National Standard Institute (ANSI) standards and emerging market opportunities, the company has developed three new product lines, including HYGY™ performance fabric and KTTEX™ reflective and glow-in-the-dark fabrics.

The company’s HYGY fabric was the result of testing and experimentation at its textile lab in Shanghai, where a nearly nano-silicone formula process was successfully developed to improve bonding and weather resistance of the company’s existing reflective fabrics. The process not only resulted in protecting the reflective layer, but it also changed the characteristics of the base fabric, creating performance functions including high resiliency, low friction, high strength, chemical resistance, soil repellency, color fastness and more.

The company’s KTTEX area reflective fabrics not only meet new ANSI standards, but also provide additional benefits such as breathability and softness. In the occupational safety category, these fabrics are being used in safety vests, safety t-shirts and reflective uniforms.

In the consumer market, King Tech is embedding reflective and glow-in-the dark details in clothing and accessories ranging from sportswear and outdoor wear, to backpacks and bandanas. Unlike old florescent safety vests, this clothing incorporates reflective material in subtle ways, improving safety while not sacrificing fashion.

The company’s consumer fabrics are suited to a wide range of outdoor uses. “As winter approaches with its shorter daylight hours, joggers and dog walkers need additional protection,” Hsu noted. “Our KTTEX reflective fabrics help cars see them from a reasonable distance to prevent accidents.”

King Tech is also targeting sports enthusiasts with its HYGY fabrics that are UV-resistant, anti-fungal, non-toxic, and suitable for extreme heat and cold environments, making them ideal for many outdoor activities. “We’re currently working with several companies on lines for cyclists and scooters,” Hsu said.

For extreme and adventure sports, the company’s glow-in-the-dark fabrics allow the wearer to be identified quickly – even without a light source or in water. Other applications include clothing for fishing and water sports, and camping gear, such as tents, backpacks and bags.

Home safety can also be improved with glow-in-the-dark fabrics, which can be used in bedding or furniture. And King Tech is even working ways to protect planes, cars and other equipment with tarps made from its HYGY fabric.

One of the important ways King Tech is expanding its product line is through exhibiting at Techtextil North America.  “Trade shows are an important venue for us,” Hsu said. “Our buyers are often other exhibitors on the trade show floor and we frequently get new ideas. For example, at Techtextil North America in Las Vegas this year, we met a company that is interested in collaborating on a new food-related application.”

Whether developing finishes for occupational safety or consumers, King Tech is focused on safety. “We always think about our mission of saving lives,” Hsu said. “We want safety technology and benefits to be widely available.”

And that safety mission continues to be reflected in all of King Tech’s fabrics and finishes.

For more information on King Tech Industry Corporation, contact Sean Hsu at hsu@reflectivetapes.com. He will also be a presenter at Techtextil North America Symposium 2010.