"Next Generation" Sunbrella® Awning and Marine Fabrics Offer 25 Percent Greater Water Repellency"

Breathability Not Compromised

Charlotte, NC (PRWEB) November 14, 2008 -- Glen Raven Custom Fabrics has introduced a "Next Generation" version of its industry leading Sunbrella awning and marine fabric, offering a 25 percent increase in water repellency with no loss of breathability. The new fabrics, which are already in distribution with awning and marine companies, also feature enhanced quality, strength and production efficiency.

"These enhancements to Sunbrella awning and marine fabrics represent a significant technical breakthrough," said John Coates, vice president for research and development for Glen Raven Custom Fabrics. "Historically, it has been extremely difficult, if not impossible, to enhance water repellency in a performance fabric without reducing breathability. After several years of intense development work, we have created a new fabric which shifts this paradigm."

According to Coates, Glen Raven has developed process and material improvements throughout the manufacturing process for Sunbrella fabrics, from fiber formation to fabric finishing. It is this combination of changes that has produced new levels of performance.

"As a vertically integrated manufacturer, we are in an ideal position to enhance every step of the production process, beginning with proprietary polymer chemistry for the fibers we use," Coates said. "Through technical changes at every step of the production process - fiber formation, yarn manufacturing, weaving and finishing - we have created a product that no one thought possible only a few years ago."

In addition to increasing water repellency with no loss in breathability, Sunbrella awning and marine fabrics also offer enhanced quality, greater strength and increased production efficiency. Sunbrella's legendary fade resistance and ease of cleaning continue at the same levels in the Next Generation product.

"The new level of Sunbrella performance is clearly visible," Coates said. "If you hold Sunbrella and competitive fabrics up to sunlight, the other fabrics appear to be full of pinholes.

"Increased production efficiency and improved quality enhances our responsiveness to customer needs," Coates said. "Awning and marine fabricators and their customers will appreciate the full range of improvements in a product that was already considered the industry standard for quality."

Glen Raven began producing the Next Generation of Sunbrella fabrics earlier this year and all fabric currently in inventory and distribution represents the improved fabric. Glen Raven chose this approach so it would not obsolete current dealer inventories.

"We have over the past few months noted a decrease in the number of questions from customers related to water repellency," said Alan Rampey, director of technical services for Glen Raven. "While we subjected the new Sunbrella fabrics to extensive lab testing, it is the experience in the field that really counts. From this initial positive response, we are confident that the new Sunbrella fabrics will result in increased customer satisfaction."

According to Coates, the new Sunbrella awning and marine fabrics offer the highest performance in the industry.

"We have conducted extensive testing of the Next Generation of Sunbrella fabrics in comparison to our previous offerings and to competitive products," Coates said. "Our test results show that no other fabric on the market today offers the combination of water repellency and breathability of Next Generation of Sunbrella."

Glen Raven has a dedicated research and development team at its Anderson, S.C. facility, including chemical and textile engineers and two Ph.D. polymer specialists. Working in the manufacturing environment in Anderson allows the research and development team to efficiently deliver new products and quality improvements that are tested and production-ready.

"The performance of Sunbrella fabrics has improved continuously since its introduction nearly 50 years ago," Coates said. "The improvements in our latest offering are significant achievements that we are very excited about delivering to Sunbrella customers."

Glen Raven revolutionized the way the world thinks about how beautiful fabrics perform with the introduction of Sunbrella in 1961. Today, durable, easy-care Sunbrella is available in thousands of sophisticated styles, patterns and colors for wherever people live, work and play. On the Web at www.sunbrella.com.

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