About Us

History

Founded in 1925 as Southern Mills, TenCate Protective Fabrics USA, the parent division to TenCate Defense and Tactical, produces landmark advances in proven technology. Beyond its superior military fabric solutions, TenCate Protective Fabrics USA is also a worldwide leader in flame resistant fabrics for Emergency Responders and Industrial Workers. Due to the unparalleled success of the innovative TenCate Defender™ M fabric, the TenCate Defense and Tactical business unit was established in 2008 as a separate entity focused solely on the ever-changing needs of the world's military units.

TenCate companies in the United States employ more than 1,400 Americans. We proudly produce millions of yards of protective fabrics in the United States each year to protect warfighters, firefighters
and more.

Key milestones in TenCate Defense and Tactical's history include:

2010	TenCate doubles durability of Defender M, increasing longevity of uniforms in theater.
2009	United States Marine Corps selects TenCate Defender M laminate and stretch woven for it's Inclement Weather Combat Shirt (IWCS) program.
2008	Developed and introduced Defender M flame-resistant stretch woven fabrics.
2008	Developed and introduced Defender M flame-resistant knits.
2007	Received commendation from the Unites States Marine Corps for Defender M.
2007	United States Marine Corps adopts Defender M.
2007	First to supply flame-resistant fabric to the United States Army for infantry uniforms.
2007	Developed and introduced Defender M, patented, FR rayon blend flame-resistant fabric for military combat uniforms.