Vendor NewsMount Vernon FR and Carhartt, America’s premium work wear brand since 1889, have partnered to launch Carhartt Flame-Resistant (FR) Extremes® Arctic outerwear. The Extremes® Arctic line is designed to offer a new level of wind resistance, durability, warmth and comfort to workers in extreme weather conditions, without added weight or bulk. Carhartt and Mount Vernon FR will officially launch Extremes® Arctic at the 2014 Enform Petroleum Safety Conference (PSC), which will be held May 6-8 at The Banff Centre in Banff, Alberta, Canada.

“Workers in extreme weather conditions have unique needs that may not be met by a one-size-fits-all approach to manufacturing FR garments,” said Mike Woods, vice president of FR fabrics for Mount Vernon FR. “Extremes® Arctic is just another example of the total choice Mount Vernon FR can provide customers when it comes to fabric constructions and finishes.”

The outer shell of the Extremes® Arctic line is made from an abrasion-resistant 9-ounce FR canvas, using Mount Vernon FR’s AMTEX™ PLUS cotton/high-tenacity nylon FR fabric. Ideally suited to extreme working conditions, such as the northern Canadian climate, Extremes® Arctic uses Carhartt’s proprietary Wind Shield™ technology to provide protection from the potentially dangerous effects of wind chill. Unique features of the line, made up of a parka, coat, biberall and hood, include:

  • Lightweight insulation for superior warmth without the bulk
  • FR Sherpa lining to trap air and maintain warmer core body temperature
  • Hi-vis reflective trim for safety
  • Multiple utility pockets for convenient storage (12 total)
  • Large, mitten-friendly zipper pulls for ease of use
  • Inner radio pocket with pass-thru for mic and cord (parka and coat)

“Our products are continually put to the test by workers in extreme climates, so Extremes® Arctic was an important step in creating garments that stand up to more rugged conditions,” said Brian Schmidt, FR product manager at Carhartt. “Working with Mount Vernon FR is a natural fit because we both share a commitment to producing innovative, durable and high quality products that enable workers to work without worry.”

Mount Vernon FR is the fabric manufacturer for the new line of protective outerwear, which will be produced under the Carhartt label. The partnership combines the reassurance of total manufacturing control – due to Mount Vernon FR’s vertically integrated manufacturing facility that controls production from fiber to FR finish – with the strength and durability expected of Carhartt for FR outerwear of unrivaled reliability and quality. Extremes® Arctic garments meet the requirements of NFPA 70E Hazard/ Risk Category 4 (PPE Level 4) as determined by ASTM F1959 testing at Kinectrics in Toronto.

This new line is also part of both company’s commitment to producing products in North America for North America.

If you plan to attend PSC and want to learn more about Carhartt Extremes® Arctic, please visit the Mount Vernon FR booth #619 in the Eric Harvie Theatre or the Carhartt booth #27 in the Kinnear Centre.

About Carhartt, Inc.

Established in 1889, Carhartt is a global premium work wear brand with a rich heritage of developing rugged apparel for workers on and off the job. Headquartered in Dearborn, Mich., with approximately 4,000 employees worldwide, Carhartt is privately owned and managed by the descendants of the company‘s founder, Hamilton Carhartt. For more information, visit www.carhartt.com.

About Mount Vernon Mills & Mount Vernon FR:

Mount Vernon Mills is a 165-year-old manufacturer of textile, chemical and related products for the apparel, industrial, institutional and commercial markets. Mount Vernon FR is part of Mount Vernon Mills’ Apparel Fabrics Group, which produces denim, flame resistant and piece-dyed fabric. It is the largest of all the Mount Vernon Mills groups, accounting for more than half of all company sales. More information can be found at www.mvmfr.com.