The Netherlands-based TenCate Advanced Textiles – a manufacturer of protective fabrics for workwear
and professional wear – and Thailand-based Union Textile Industries Public Co. Ltd – a vertical
textile manufacturer from spinning and weaving through finishing – have formed a joint venture
under which they are producing work- and safetywear fabrics in Thailand. The fabrics are being
produced under the name TenCate-Union Protective Fabrics Asia Ltd. TenCate holds the majority
interest in the venture.
TenCate President and CEO L. de Vries noted that because of increasing interest in the
protective fabrics industry, the company realized the need to make the Asian work environment safer
by producing fabrics that will better protect workers from hazards such as fire, heat and
chemicals.
TenCate is contributing the funding and expertise, as well as the licensing for its brand
names, including TenCate Tecasafe®, TenCate Tecashield® and TenCate Millenia®. Union Textile is
providing its existing finishing production facilities and related production and sales team, along
with an entry into the local Asian market. This venture is the first pursuit of a non-Asian company
in the protective fabrics market in Asia, according to TenCate.The approximately
11,000-square-meter production facilities are located south of Bangkok in Thailand’s Samutprakan
district. The operation employs approximately 200 workers.
November/December 2008