Hainsworth Protective Fabrics has cemented its position in the UK firefighter market after being chosen to be part of the prestigious Collaborative Procurement Framework.
It follows the company’s success earlier this year in being selected for the Central PPE and Clothing Contract (CPCC).
The Collaborative Procurement Framework, which runs for four years, can be accessed by all fire services in the UK.
Bristol Uniforms, a key partner of Hainsworth Protective Fabrics, was named as the preferred supplier of PPE kit.
Both programmes will see firefighters able to choose Hainsworth’s TITAN 1260 outer fabric, which is woven in a combination of DuPont™ Nomex®, DuPont™ Kevlar® and PBI fibres in a natural black gold colour, and incorporates a Gore CROSSTECH® Fire Blocker moisture barrier.
In the case of the CPCC, the PPE range also includes a new wildland, single layer garment, using Hainsworth’s ECO-DRY Shield fabric, which is specially designed for firefighters battling scrub, woodland and heathland wildfires. Also included is the company’s ECO-DRY Active double layer lining fabric which assists in keeping firefighters dry, cool and comfortable when wearing their protective garments.
The first UK fire service to successfully introduce TITAN 1260 as part of the CPCC was Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Service. More than 1,800 sets of garments incorporating TITAN 1260 were rolled out to both full-time and retained firefighters across the county.
Julia Skinner, Contracts Manager for Lincolnshire FRS, said: “The process of moving to the new kit was very smooth. We were keen to introduce the new garments as quickly as possible, within a three or four week period. The response to the new kit has been excellent.”
Tom Hainsworth, Managing Director of Hainsworth Protective Fabrics, said: “We are delighted to have been included on the CPCC and Collaborative PPE frameworks.
“They are recognition of the strong partnership we have with Bristol Uniforms not just in the UK but also globally.
“We are continually gathering information from our industry partners and end users around the world which, in turn, ensures we are bringing best practices to our fabric technologies.
“There is a growing recognition in the UK and elsewhere in the world of the importance of choosing quality ensuring not only the best possible protection for firefighters but also greater durability and a longer lifetime for the garments.”
Dave Matthews, one of the world’s foremost standards experts, said: “Hainsworth has always been considered an innovator. The company has the knowledge, passion, commitment to quality and ability to move with the times.
“There is a saying in the industry. If you want quantity, go to China. If you want quality, go to Hainsworth.”