30 August 2024
How a collaborative vision transformed True North's protective gear
With a legacy of innovation and a commitment to safety, True North has been at the forefront of creating high-performance gear for those who face the toughest conditions. This journey has been significantly bolstered by their strategic partnership with us.
The start of a partnership
Founded in 1992 with a vision to create high-quality, durable safety gear for emergency responders, the True North Gear family of brands, including DragonWear, have prioritized quality and functionality. The DragonWear line of PPE apparel launched in 2006, and is specifically designed for linemen, wildland firefighters, and other emergency responders. Over the years, DragonWear has become synonymous with reliability and durability, making it the gear of choice for professionals across various demanding fields.
The partnership with True North + DragonWear began in 2010 as a shared vision to enhance the safety and performance of protective apparel. According to President, Steve Misiano, "We were seeking materials that could offer superior protection without compromising comfort. Teijin Aramid's reputation for innovation made them the ideal partner."
Innovations with Teijinconex® and Twaron®
Our advanced materials, Teijinconex® and Twaron®, have been pivotal in creating the unique fabrics that set DragonWear products apart. Teijinconex®, known for its flame-resistant properties, and Twaron®, renowned for its high strength and durability, have allowed DragonWear to meet and exceed industry standards for performance. Notable products like the Shield shell jacket and Alpha fleece jacket, developed in collaboration with our fibers, have set new benchmarks in safety apparel.
"The integration of Teijin Aramid's fibers has transformed our product line. Our customers now benefit from gear that offers superior protection while being lightweight and comfortable."
Michael Batson, Director of Innovation, True North.
Rigorous testing and field feedback
A key factor in the success of DragonWear’s performance-based PPE apparel line is the rigorous testing and feedback loop; every new fabric and design undergo extensive field testing before it hits the market. "The Shield jacket, for instance, went through over 50 iterations based on real-world feedback from linemen and firefighters," notes Michael.
In 2016, during a particularly harsh wildfire season, the Shield jacket received overwhelmingly positive feedback from field users about its durability and comfort under extreme conditions. This performance was a testament to the strength of the collaboration between our two companies.
The DragonWear range has also significantly impacted lineman rodeos, where elite competitors showcase their skills and speed. Participants wearing DragonWear consistently report higher performance levels, attributing their comfort and safety to the advanced materials used in their gear.
Continual knowledge exchange
Our partnership with True North + DragonWear has also been about knowledge exchange. In 2016, we hosted a joint workshop where our experts trained their team on the latest advancements in aramid technology. This collaboration extended beyond technical aspects, fostering a deeper understanding and integration of our teams.
Into the future
Beyond the technical advancements, our partnership has shown the power of strong relationships. "It's not just about the products; it's about the people behind them," says Steve. This sentiment is echoed throughout both companies, where collaboration and trust have fostered a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
This partnership shows how working together can lead to exceptional outcomes and is an example of what can be achieved when industry leaders join forces, driven by a shared commitment to safety, quality, and performance. As both companies look to the future, we remain dedicated to protecting those who brave the toughest conditions, one innovative fabric at a time.
Learn more about how we make protective wear more sustainable
Related news
As partners in a variety of industries that use our aramids in their products, Teijin Aramid actively participates in numerous events and trade shows. Discover more about these, along with updates on our work, here.
