you can count on it when it matters most...
PROTECTION. COMFORT. DURABILITY. Those are the reasons why PBI-blended fabrics have been the preferred choice of active fire departments across the Americas and around the world for over 30 years.
Since their introduction in 1984, PBI-blended fabrics have been proven in the field, protecting firefighters as an automatic back-up in a worst-case situation. Consider it firefighter insurance: better to have and not need than to need and not have.
PBI Performance Products has long partnered with premier turnout gear and protective apparel manufacturers to provide the ultimate in PPE protection for firefighters, first responders, soldiers, industrial and petrochemical workers.
Today, PBI blended fabrics hold leading market shares in North-America, Great Britain, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific region. 100% made in USA is important to us. Every single strand of PBI fiber is manufactured in our plant in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Our headquarters are located in Charlotte, North Carolina with global sales offices in Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Asia.
PBI Performance Products is a wholly owned business of The InterTech Group Inc. located in North Charleston, South Carolina.
The decomposition temperature at which PBI starts to degrade is 1300°F, far exceeding Nomex and Kevlar blends, thus offering superior break-open and thermal protection.
HIGHEST FLAME RESISTANCE
Be aware of the difference between 100% MADE IN USA and MADE IN USA with foreign components. Every strand of PBI fiber is made in our manufacturing plant in Rock Hill, SC, unlike PBO fabrics that, while advertised as MADE IN USA, contain PBO fibers that are made by Toyobo in Osaka, Japan.
100% MADE IN USA
PBI-blended fabrics offer the maximum flame resistance in lightweight outer shells.
LIGHTWEIGHT PROTECTION
NO PFOA and PFAS
PBI has never used Perfluroroalkyl Substances or Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, collectively known as PFAS (which includes Perfluorooctanoic acid, or PFOA), in the manufacture of PBI.
PFAS are not contained in any form of PBI, including textile fibers. PBI has tested its products and has scientific proof that they do not have PFAS in any form.
30 YEARS OF TRUST
More firefighters in North America are protected by PBI fabrics than any other fabrics.
We are committed to providing our customers with a premium product, superior customer service and industry-leading innovation that exceeds their expectations.
William Lawson
PRESIDENT
QUALITY COMMITMENT
MASTER THE SCIENCE OF
PRODUCING PBI
OUR VISION
Our commitment to integrity and quality...
STEP 3
WEAVING THE FABRIC
Finally, the yarn is sent to our weaver who weaves it, following a specific pattern. The optimal mix of fibers and the rigorous spinning and weaving process give PBI fabrics the high levels of break-open protection, comfort and durability that PBI has been known for.
STEP 2
PBI FIBER BECOMES A YARN
The fiber is then shipped to our specialized spinner, where it’s “spun” into yarn and intimately blended with Kevlar® and other para-aramids.
STEP 1
MAKING THE FIBER
It takes more than 50 steps to manufacture PBI fiber. The process starts with the production of a golden powder and ends with what is known as “PBI staple fiber”, that is compressed and packaged into 550-lb bales, ready for shipment.