Top Ten Companies in Advanced Thermal Protective Gear and Clothing

Report Highlights

• The value of the thermally protective garment industry in the U.S. was $2.1 billion in 2010 and $2.3 billion in 2011. This figure is projected to reach $2.8 billion in 2016 yielding a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.6% between 2011 and 2016.
• The ancillary (respirators and gloves) segment within the U.S. was $1.5 billion in 2010 and $1.7 billion in 2011. The projected estimate for 2016 is $2.1 billion given a CAGR of 4.6% between 2011 and 2016.
• The thermally protective apparel segment in the U.S. was $566 million in 2010 and $590 million in 2011. The segment should increase at a CAGR of 4.7% to reach $741 million in 2016.

INTRODUCTION

Report Scope

The markets for thermally protective clothing and ancillary products are fragmented.  There are significant and specific segments of these markets.  To get these products to the stage of being classed as thermally protective involves fiber and polymer makers, those that might weave the cloth of various types, and those manufacturers that design and manufacture the clothing that is usually made to comply with some government specifications. Within each segment there is a variety of players from the government organizations that create, develop, and enforce the regulations and standards, the raw material suppliers, the fiber and fabric manufacturers, the mills and fabric producers and weavers and the finished goods’ manufacturers and suppliers and distributors.  Simply put, the supply chain is highly complex.

In this report, BCC Research identifies the top 10 companies in the thermally protective clothing market, and explains the rationale behind these selections. Factors taken into account include technical innovation, market leadership, and commitment to this market via investment in products.

When selecting these top 10 companies, BCC Research looked across the industry spectrum and selected the most active and significant contributors while recognizing that there are many other contenders.  Some of these “significant others” are included but to a less detailed extent than the top 10 companies.

Heat- and flame-resistant clothing, including firefighters’ turnout gear for structural, proximity, and wildlands’ fire service, as well as industrial fire resistant garments for use in electric and gas utilities or in industrial applications where electric arc and flash fire are hazards. Ancillary components for fire fighting including respirators and some components such as respirators are included for information, though not as specific components of the top 10 companies in thermally protective gear.  Important definitions, regulations, materials, technologies, market size, and anticipated growth are discussed.

METHODOLOGY AND INFORMATION SOURCES

A structured research approach was used, based on optimal use of BCC Research’s own databases and proprietary information, as well as primary and secondary research techniques and methodologies. The material researched and presented in this technical market report is based on information gathered from personal contacts within government agencies, individuals involved in materials and manufacturing, industry consultants, and to some degree, on the author’s personal experience in speaking with industry sources knowledgeable in the subject material.

Additional data was obtained from reviews of secondary sources, such as trade publications, trade-associated company literature, government documents, and recent patents.  This was done in an effort to supplement the application, market, and trend data gathered from primary sources.  All monetary projections presented in this report are reported in constant U.S. dollars. A targeted and selective analysis of recent patents is encompassed in the document.

Analyst Credentials

Anna Welch Crull, a chemist and experienced private consultant, is qualified in electrochemistry, polymers, membrane materials, and advanced materials.  Ms. Crull has worked with BCC, Inc. (now BCC Research) for 30 years and has authored more than 112 technical/marketing and business reports, helped establish 10 technical newsletters, and assisted in numerous special consulting studies and conferences for more than 35 corporations and intelligence for U.S. government entities.  She has worked for the U.S. Army Materials Command on rocket technology, propellants, and explosives. Ms. Crull is a graduate of the School of Engineering, University of Mississippi and holds a Masters Degree in Chemistry from the University of Missouri.

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DISCLAIMER

The information developed in this report is intended to be as reliable as possible at the time of publication and of a professional nature.  This information does not constitute managerial, legal or accounting advice, nor should it serve as a corporate policy guide, laboratory manual or an endorsement of any product, as much of the information is of a speculative in nature.  The author assumes no responsibility for any loss or damage that might result from reliance on the reported information or from its use.