TenCate Defense & Tactical, a business unit of TenCate Protective Fabrics USA Inc., has announced receipt of a new $13 million order for TenCate Defender M fabric from Propper International for the manufacture of uniforms for the U.S. Marine Corp's Flame Resistant Organizational Gear (FROG) program. It is the largest single order of TenCate Defender M for this Marine program.

 In 2009, sales of TenCate Defender M are scheduled to total $115 million for US DoD uniforms. Additional DoD uniform programs with UCP Nomex are expected to be $55 million, including an order for $35 million awarded in December, 2008. Another order is pending for an additional $20 million.

 This is positive news for the TenCate Defender M supply chain of the U.S. textile industry with over 10,000 employees. Yarn and fabric to fill this order will be produced throughout 2009 and into the first quarter of 2010.

Since 2007, TenCate Defender M fabrics are the choice of the U.S. Army and U.S. Marines for ground soldier combat uniforms, the company says. In addition, it says that the business unit TenCate Defense & Tactical also manufactures flame resistant fabrics for Army Aircrew Combat Uniforms (A2CU), Improved Combat Vehicle Coveralls (ICVC), Navy Shipboard Jackets, and Army Balaclavas. Both the U.S Army and U.S. Marines gave commendations of appreciation to TenCate for the development and supply of TenCate Defender M fabrics in 2008. The fabrics are made from a fibre blend that includes FR rayon from Lenzing AG of Austria. 

 The bcompany says that new TenCate products continue to be developed and are undergoing extensive wear testing by the US Military in new uniform applications designed to enhance soldier protection in Iraq and Afghanistan. Today's theatre presents new challenges from IED's (Improvised Explosive Devices), rugged terrain, and weather extremes, TenCate added.