INVISTA, a global maker of polymer and fiber products, has acquired Ashburn Hill Corp., a Greenville company that makes flame-resistant clothing for firefighters and others working in dangerous environments.
The sale, which was completed Monday, includes INVISTA’s acquisition of Ashburn Hill’s two trademarked TECGEN clothing brands, its administrative office and personnel in Greenville and its manufacturing plant in Angleton, Texas. TECGEN administration will remain in Greenville, a spokesman said.
The sale price was not disclosed. Both companies are privately held. INVISTA is a subsidiary of Koch Industries and had held a minority interest in Ashburn Hill.
Jon Heard, who left INVISTA in 2008 to become chief executive of Ashburn Hill, becomes vice president of the TECGEN business unit under INVISTA, the company said.
A spokesman for INVISTA said all Ashburn Hill’s employees, including the marketing and administrative staff in Greenville and those in the Texas plant, are retained.
Jeff Brown, vice president of INVISTA performance materials, said the TECGEN “flame-resistant brands have quickly gained trust in the marketplace, and by coupling that expertise with INVISTA’s existing global work-wear capabilities, we have high expectations for the specialized garment segment.”
In 2010, Ashburn Hill brought TECGEN SELECT, lightweight, breathable moisture-wicking flame-resistant protective gear to market specifically for the electric, oil and gas and manufacturing industries. In 2011 the company doubled its sales and marketing staff and tripled customer service personnel.
Its other brand, TECGEN Xtreme, is tailored for firefighters in wildland and technical rescue applications.
