Fire Resistance x Milliken - It Is Personal

Sometimes, a job is more than just a job—it's a mission, a commitment, a lifeline. For our associates, producing fire-resistant (FR) fabrics becomes an endeavor to ensure the safety and well-being of those who rely on our products.

Milliken’s history as an FR fabric manufacturer began in the 1940s, working with the U.S. military to protect our soldiers overseas. Since then, we have remained at the forefront of the FR textiles industry.

Going Beyond the Call of Duty

Brad Keller, supply chain manager at our Limestone plant, understands more than most how critical it is to produce high-quality personal protective equipment (PPE) FR fabrics. As father-in-law to a firefighter in Lincolnton, NC, he sees first-hand the daily risks firefighters take. After 24 years with Milliken, he’s witnessed production for fire service fabrics increase annually as demand grows.

“During my time at Limestone, we have supplied fabrics for Fire Service, Military, Industrial FR, and other apparel markets. We look forward to continuing to innovate and supply fabrics for these critical end uses for many years to come,” said Brad. “I continue to talk with friends and family who are firefighters and ask them what could make their PPE better. Knowing that we are making fabrics that will make my son-in-law and his fellow firefighters safer and healthier on and off the job is extremely satisfying.”

Steve Stone is a process improvement leader at our Cedar Hill fabric formation plant and an active-duty firefighter. Steve has worked for Milliken for 35 years and served in the fire service industry for 15 years. From board member to fire chief of his local department, Steve’s commitment to Milliken’s FR technology goes beyond simple manufacturing. He wears it when it matters most.

“The life safety of our firefighters is the top priority. My entire department wears TECGEN71, not because Milliken makes it, but because it was the best gear to fit our needs assessment,” said Steve. “I know Milliken’s history as an FR manufacturer, and I know our fabrics will continue to get even better and set the industry standard.”

FR When It Matters Most

While firefighting is top of mind for FR applications there are so many other ways FR fabrics protect users daily. Our Westex: A Milliken Brand business supplies electrical workers, welders, and more with key protection from arc flashes, chemical splashes, flash fires and other industry risks. Our FR mattress barriers protect you while you sleep. Combat and defense personnel rely on Milliken military-grade FR protection.

“Our research and development teams have one goal in mind: to develop and engineer protection for the warfighters, security personnel, and first responders who wear or use our products daily, especially those requiring FR fabrics,” said Bruce LaFlam, VP of Milliken’s Government and Defense business.

Milliken is there whether your job demands that you face fire directly or simply want reassurance that you’re safe from the unexpected. When you think FR, think Milliken. Learn more about our FR portfolio here.