Innova® yarns selected for superior fleece fabric

Press Contact:
Tracey Campbell (800-925-0668) (twcampbell@afyarns.com)
John Avant (919-676-4115) (john.avant@avant.com)

Chapel Hill, NC (August 3, 2005) – Tullahoma Industries has developed a high performance double-sided terry fleece fabric utilizing Innova® performance yarns from American Fibers and Yarns Company (AF&Y). 

Tullahoma has branded the fabric Outerbounds™, and will launch its offerings at the AF&Y booth during the Outdoor Retailer Show in Salt Lake City, August 11-14.  Compared to branded polyester fleece products, Outerbounds features more thermal retention, weighs 22% less and provides better durability.  Independent laboratory tests are available from Tullahoma Industries.

Available for apparel or home textiles, Outerbounds comes in three weights -- temperate, alpine and arctic -- to allow consumers to choose the comfort and warmth levels they desire for specific activities.  Each Outerbounds fabric includes the following consumer benefits:

• Moisture-wicking and quick drying to keep the body dry and comfortable
• Lightweight and breathable for ease of movement and functionality
• Inherently antimicrobial for cleanliness and freshness
• Durable, stain and fade resistant, and bleach cleanable for easy care

“This application of the Innova technology is the most significant advancement for the fleece market in recent years,” said Mike Williams, Tullahoma manager of product development.  “The test results are tremendously impressive and we are eager to see the reaction when consumers get their first opportunity to see these products.”

“Innova’s characteristics are not dependent on a topical coating or a knit construction, but are inherent to the yarn itself. The Outerbounds fleece will not stain, will not fade and can be cleaned with bleach,” said Jim Morelli, AF&Y executive vice president.  “That means the performance and comfort will last as long as the fabric itself.  This technology has been rapidly accepted in other markets and we’re very excited about this extension into the outdoor retail market.  We are quite confident the Outerbounds products will noticeably outperform and outlast any competitive offerings.

About Tullahoma Industries
Tullahoma Industries began as Daun Ray Casuals in 1968 manufacturing fine Australian bikinis, and in the late 70’s began manufacturing an assortment of products for the commercial market and defense department.  Products ranged from protective garments to performance fleece products for Champion, Russell Athletic, Fruit of the Loom, and Sara Lee. In 1999 Richard Davenport purchased the company changing the name to Tullahoma Industries. Today, Tullahoma Industries produces commercial and military polypropylene thermal underwear, chemical protective garments, coverall’s for the US Army, and the coat and trousers for the newly redesigned Army Combat Uniform. Tullahoma has introduced its cutting edge Outerbounds™ fleece fabric made with Innova® yarns. Developed by product manager Mike Williams, the Outerbounds fleece surpasses the performance characteristics of conventional fleece fabrics. Maintaining its competitive edge with innovative products, Tullahoma operates three factories with two locations in Tennessee and one in Alabama, employing approximately 425 people. Tullahoma Industries is committed to providing quality products at competitive pricing. The company is ISO- 9001:2000 certified.  For more information, please call 931-455-1314.

About American Fibers and Yarns Company
American Fibers and Yarns Company (AF&Y) is the world’s leading supplier of solution dyed filament yarns.  With thousands of yarns in its product portfolio and the ability to engineer yarns to customer specifications, AF&Y is a dominant supplier to the residential and contract furnishings marketplace, and has a growing presence in the hospitality, apparel, automotive and industrial markets.  Headquartered in Chapel Hill, NC, AF&Y maintains a Technology Center that specializes in engineering filament yarn with innovative combinations not available from other suppliers.  The company also operates two U.S. production facilities totaling a million square feet of manufacturing space.  For more information on AF&Y and its products, please visit www.afyarns.com or call 800-925-0668.