Bulwark FR— a Nashville, Tennessee based manufacturer of flame-resistant safety apparel and a division of VF Corp., Greensboro, N.C., the world's largest publicly traded apparel company have partnered with Spartanburg-based Milliken & Company, to develop better smarter productive garments with a first-of-its-kind fabric. The iQ Series of comfortable, flame-resistant (FR) apparel.

The specially designed fabric technology provides mobility, softness, durability, breathability and moisture-wicking properties in addition to protection from flash fires, arc flash and similar dangers for workers in the electric utility, oil and gas, emerging energy, and manufacturing industries.

Bulwark, in partnership with Milliken & Company, a global innovation leader across a range of industries including specialty textiles and protective fabrics, developed the innovative science behind the iQ series. As part of the engineering process, Milliken specially developed the yarns, fabric, and chemistry used in the garments that will help increase workers’ comfort and productivity while providing protection against flame or heat.

The iQ Series currently includes six knits and three wovens offered in men’s and women’s styles, and Bulwark has future plans to expand the iQ Series line.

Together with Bulwark, Milliken have developed a scientific breakthrough — improved molecular technology that fuses total comfort with protection for FR wearers, said Jack Spoon, business manager, workwear fabrics, Milliken & Company.

Chris Holcombe, vice president and general manager, Bulwark FRC said that by working with Milliken to develop the iQ Series, they are weaving technological advances deep into their products. Their 43-year history of design capabilities, technical expertise and end-wearer insights, combined with Milliken’s scientific acumen, will write the future of FR.