PrimaLoft® Insulation Technology™ to Protect U.S. Marines in Coldest Regions

ALBANY, N.Y., Dec. 14, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- PrimaLoft® Insulation Technology™, the research and development leader in high performance insulations used to enhance combat conditions for soldiers, has announced that the United States Marine Corps (USMC) has purchased 6,000 additional sets of the USMC Extreme Cold Weather Parkas, Trousers and Booties insulated with PrimaLoft® to equip U.S. Marines stationed in the coldest areas of Afghanistan and across the globe.  This new buy brings the total number of system sets currently fielded to Marines to 50,000.

Developed in partnership with the U.S. Marine Corps, PrimaLoft® insulation provides Marines with critical tactical advantages over the enemy during the most challenging extreme cold weather conditions.  The Extreme Cold Weather Parka, Trouser and Booties insulated with PrimaLoft® are packable, lightweight, weather resistant, and very warm for extreme combat conditions.  Notably, this technology works in conjunction with the USMC sleeping bag system also outfitted with PrimaLoft® insulation and allows Marines to carry a less bulky sleep system, while increasing protection under diverse environmental conditions.

"PrimaLoft® takes great pride in our work to provide the best possible insulation technology to meet U.S. Marine Corps mission readiness needs," said PrimaLoft® Vice-President and General Manager Joe Rumiesz.  "We began working with the DoD 25 years ago, and we continue to advance our unique technology to address the specialized gear needs of our men and women in uniform."

The U.S. Army originally commissioned Albany International Corp. to develop a water resistant synthetic alternative to down.  Today, PrimaLoft® is the premier supplier of insulation to the United States Army, Marine Corps and Special Operations Forces providing them with a tactical advantage over the enemy under exceptionally wet and cold conditions in temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit.  

"Our brave troops are fighting hard every day to keep America safe. This equipment being delivered by PrimaLoft will ensure that our soldiers have the equipment they need to carry out their mission," Senator Schumer said. "The freezing weather in Afghanistan can make winter in Upstate New York seem tropical, our troops need this gear and thanks to the ingenuity of the workers at PrimaLoft, they'll have it."

"This is great news for PrimaLoft and the Albany area," U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said. "This purchase will ensure our Marines are protected in the most hostile and extreme weather situations, and continue to preserve jobs in the Capital Region."

"Congratulations to PrimaLoft for creating products that help protect and prepare U.S. Marines for critical missions in the harshest of climates," said Congressman Paul Tonko. "The innovations being created at PrimaLoft are enhancing the readiness for our men and women in uniform and are contributing to our economic recovery here in the Capital Region."

About PrimaLoft®

PrimaLoft® is a registered trademark of Albany International Corp. and employs 4,700 worldwide, with 160 employees based at the company's headquarters in Albany, New York.  PrimaLoft® is a research and development leader in high performance insulations and yarns, which provide warmth and comfort from head to toe, and improve the environment for soldiers wearing US Army Gen III, US Marine Corps Extreme Cold Weather Parkas, Trousers and Booties, and Special Operations Personal Combat Uniforms.  The PrimaLoft® brand is recognized globally and is used in leading outdoor and fashion brands, home furnishings, work wear and military applications. For more information, please visit www.primaloft.com and www.primaloftyarn.com.

SOURCE PrimaLoft