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Westex® on the Road: Fall 2024 Tradeshow Takeaways

During August and September, our team was proud to attend two tradeshows alongside industry partners focused on safety: the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) Annual Safety Conference + Expo and the National Safety Council (NSC) Safety Congress & Expo. Showcasing Westex®, a Milliken brand, our associates highlighted how our FR/AR fabrics empower safety professionals to protect their workers every day.

What’s New at Westex®?

We introduced some of our latest innovations at both tradeshows, including fabrics designed for ultimate protection and comfort:

Polartec® Power Dry FR® Rib Knit: Now available in high-visibility yellow, perfect for cuffs, collars, and balaclavas. This NFPA 70E® Cat 2 and NFPA® 2112 certified fabric features a patented tri-blend for superior wicking action and breathability.

Westex TrueComfort® Knit: Crafted from 100% lightweight cotton jersey, this fabric offers unmatched comfort and multi-hazard protection. With a weight of 6.9 oz and lifetime flame resistance, it provides peace of mind.

Westex® DH™ Stretch Canvas: Bringing new levels of comfort to lightweight fabric, this NFPA 70E® Cat 2 and pending NFPA® 2112 certified stretch canvas is designed to provide safety and flexibility.

We enjoyed reconnecting with our customers, partners, and suppliers at both events. Keep reading for a detailed recap of each tradeshow!

ASSP Annual Safety Conference + Expo

Our team journeyed to Denver, Colorado for the ASSP Safety 2024 tradeshow in August. Here’s a closer look at what we showcased and experienced:

Westex® x DRIFIRE® Giveaway

We also partnered with National Safety Apparel (NSA) and its DRIFIRE® brand, which crafts FR garments using Westex FR fabric. Our team, along with mannequins, proudly showcased these shirts and engaged with attendees. Scott Francis, Senior Account Manager for Westex®, presented at the DRIFIRE booth, highlighting the exceptional quality and performance of our products.

“The Westex® DH Air™ fabric presentation was well attended, and the feedback was very positive. With ‘Comfort=Protection’ as a flame-resistant and arc-rated (FR/AR) garment, if the employee doesn’t wear it, they won’t be protected,” Scott described.

Participants had the exciting opportunity to enter a giveaway for a vented DH Air™ DRIFIRE® shirt. “Attendees were very interested in the fabric and the NSA/DRIFIRE® vented shirt back design as comfort is king – also evidenced by the big ‘Yeti’ cooler raffle post presentation that of course provides ‘comfort’ in a different fashion - Ha!” Scott explained.

Happy Hour

Our happy hour featured an engaging display comparing two DH Air™ shirts from Day 1 to Day 1,095, demonstrating their durability and comfort even after three years in the field. Participants also had the chance to pick up a complimentary hat or have it shipped to their home, courtesy of Westex®.

We are grateful for the opportunity to attend ASSP and share our FR fabric expertise with visitors and customers alike.

NSC Safety Congress & Expo

In September, we attended the NSC Safety tradeshow in Orlando, Florida, where Fire Department Coffee partnered with us to provide in-booth coffee, enjoyed by both Westex associates and customers. This delicious beverage served as a reminder of the importance of FR apparel in keeping wearers safe.

Insights from the Field

At Westex, we take immense pride in our partnerships and the quality products that result from them. A testament to this collaboration is the LAPCO coverall featured in the Lummus Technology study, showcasing the innovative Westex DH Air fabric.

“I started with LAPCO a little over six years ago and can honestly say that the sales support we get from Milliken is top-notch. We are constantly working on opportunities to bolster each other’s FR positioning in the market. From market insights to premium fabrics, Milliken makes sure LAPCO’s sales team is well equipped for the workday,” shared Hayden Broussard, National Sales Manager for LAPCO Manufacturing Inc.

In Pasadena, TX, Lummus Technology needed a breathable and comfortable FR fabric to outfit their team in the Texas heat. Westex was able to provide them with DH Air. The LAPCO coverall, made from Westex DH Air fabric, exemplifies our commitment to quality and innovation. We featured this coverall at the tradeshow with a QR code leading to the study for the attendees to read.

Conclusion

We’re thrilled to share our experiences at both ASSP and NSC, showcasing our advancements and connecting with our community. For more information on what’s new from Westex, download our latest PDF.