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Performance Apparel Markets - Issue 6
Textiles Intelligence, Jan 2003, Pages: 82
Flame resistant fibres and fabrics are used in the manufacture of garments which provide protection against such hazards as fires, electrical arcs and molten metal splashes. They are designed primarily for use in outer garments for three key applications: industrial workwear; firefighters’ apparel; and professional motor racing apparel.
The introduction of tough legislation regarding the provision of flame resistant apparel, and the growing use of such apparel, has contributed to a drop in the number of fire-related injuries and fatalities in recent decades. Fire departments which issue high-tech turnout gear to their employees have seen a decline in the number of burn injuries. In some cases the decline has been dramatic. Similarly, the number of fatalities in professional motor racing has fallen sharply since the 1960s when it became compulsory for drivers to wear flame resistant garments.
Stricter regulations regarding fire safety and changes in market requirements have spurred the development of new fibres, treatments and fabrics. These new products have joined established names such as DuPont’s Nomex; Indura, made by Westex; Kermel; and Proban, which is produced by Rhodia.
In fire resistance applications, asbestos fibre and glass fibre have been replaced by high-tech protective fabrics which are comfortable and which fulfill stringent performance criteria. Multi-functional fabrics have become increasingly available. These combine flame resistance with other protective characteristics such as chemical resistance, anti-static properties and high visibility.
New generations of flame retardant treated (FRT) cotton offer improved durability, low shrinkage, better colourfastness and easy care characteristics. The introduction of such materials has stimulated overall demand in the market. It has also paved the way to new application areas for FRT cotton such as underwear, T-shirts and sweatshirts.
Profile of Sparco: a leader in professional motor racing apparel
SUMMARY
Sparco is one of the world’s leading producers of flame resistant apparel and accessories for professional racing drivers and automotive enthusiasts. In the niche world of motor sports, the company has developed a strong brand and a leading market position.
It is the official supplier to top names in the field of motor racing, including Formula One teams such as Williams, McLaren and Toyota. Sparco has achieved impressive growth in sales. Since 1992 sales have risen by an average of 20% a year to reach over Eur50 mn (US$51 mn) in 2002. Growth stems from rapid expansion in the 1990s, during which the company set up overseas subsidiaries and established new product ranges.
The company has set itself an ambitious goal of doubling sales over the next five years. To achieve this, it will leverage its aggressive sales and marketing initiatives and investments in new activities. In this way, it hopes to strengthen the Sparco brand globally and expand rapidly into new, high growth markets.
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