TMD 402H - Globalization in the Textile and Apparel Complex

Industrial Textiles

Deborah Anderson, Manager of Business Development

Summary by Maureen Rabbitt 

Deborah Anderson, manager of business development for the Cooley Group, recently spoke about industrial textiles and the many products and services that the company offers. Anderson began her lecture with a brief overview of the Cooley Group. Since 1926 the Cooley Group has been at the forefront in the development of chemical coatings and flexible substrates. This involvement has led to the development of proprietary polymer technology. As a result, this technology has afforded the Cooley Group the unique ability to design and respond to opportunities for new products on a worldwide level.

Anderson then went on to discuss in detail the engineered membranes that are a significant aspect of the Cooley Group's production. She said that some of the world's toughest challenges are in the form of high performance geo-membranes and single-ply roofing. The Cooley Group is the preferred supplier of products ranging from geo-membrane applications on land and in the water. Geo-membrane products include urethanes, Elvaloy® terpolymer, and polypropylene polymers. All of these products are lined and reinforced with scrims and woven membranes that are specifically designed for high performance and durability. Cooley geo-membranes are used for secondary containment of underground oil, gasoline, and other chemicals. The group's proprietary technology for liners meets and exceeds the industry's requirements, giving the Cooley Group a competitive edge.

Anderson also discussed the industrial products that the Cooley Group offers; she informed the group that there are many diverse applications for Cooley's reinforces polymer material. The Cooley Group has sophisticated membrane technology that gives them a new opportunity to produce products such as protective covering materials for the trucking, railroad, airline and marine industries. Anderson also said the Cooley Group has a broad range of industrial clients, including the U.S. military, specialty product suppliers and the pool covering industry.

One of the Cooley Group's largest divisions is the sign and digital products division. The company was the first to develop translucent materials for applications for signs and awnings. Anderson pointed out that the Cooley Group was the trailblazer in the field of flexible substrates in the digital printing market, and that thirty percent of Cooley's business is in the billboard industry.

Anderson concluded with a discussion of the Cooley Group's recent acquisition of Van Besouw Kunststoffen in January of 1999. Located in the Netherlands, VBK specializes in coated fabrics, roofing membranes, rigid thermoplastic sheets, and specialty coatings. Their fabrics are highly durable, UV resistant, and manageable under all weather conditions. VBK's single-ply roofing is waterproof, easy to process, and recyclable. Anderson also noted that VBK is the leading manufacturer of thermoplastic roofing membranes, producing millions of square meters per year.

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