Our History
Dartex Coatings has been producing quality transfer coated and transfer laminated fabrics since 1971.
Over time Dartex in the UK and US have had several different names. Derby Nyla, Penn Nyla and Penn Nyla Coatings were previous names of Dartex Coatings in the UK and in the US Dartex Coatings was originally known as Enterprise Coatings. In 2001 the companies were united under the fabric brand name Dartex. Dartex Coatings USA increased our manufacturing capability and product portfolio. A brief history of how this came to be is below ;(Details appear when you run over the dates).
We feel justifiably proud of our achievements since 1971, and will be striving even harder to make the future an even greater success.
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2011
Following a restructure of our parent company, Dartex Coatings joins the Waterlinks Investments group. -
2009
Dartex introduces MelaphosFR™, a break-though in halogen-free flame retardant technology, which delivers superior flame retardant performance.
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2006
Developed by Dartex Coatings and Smith & Nephew Extruded Films, Dartex Silver3® is proven to kill 99.9% of microbes on contact, when incorporated into a medical device.
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2003
In order to service transfer coating demand in the USA a 'Wet Lamination' modification is added to the transfer lamination line at Dartex Coatings Inc. The USA facility broadens its portfolio taking it to new markets. Dartex Coatings Inc patents a safe way of coating ptfe film without requiring the use of the Hypol Polymer.
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2001
To distinguish the separate identity of the growing Coatings division, the Penn Nyla name is dropped and Dartex Coatings, the company is born. Dartex Coatings and Enterprise Coatings are acquired by UK investment group Harris Watson, to trade independently under the single company name of Dartex Coatings.
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2000
Courtaulds Textiles is bought by US conglomerate, Sara Lee. Conflicts of interest lead to the offering for sale of the 22 fabric manufacturing business around the world.
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1998
Enterprise patent Windbloc ACT the first controlled airflow laminated fleece offered to the market. This is followed by further developments in controlled air permeability leading to the first softshell concepts branded as Powersheild.
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1995
Enterprise Coatings moves to their own new, larger premises in historic Slatersville RI, where the US Textile Industry started.
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1992
BS5750 acquired, the first transfer coater in the world to achieve this distinction.
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1991
Enterprise Coatings pioneers waterproof, windproof and breathable laminate which Malden Mills launches and brands as Polartec®, Windbloc® for the outdoor market.
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1989
Derby Nyla and its PU division merge with Penn International to become Penn-Nlya.
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1986
Enterprise Coatings is founded by entrepeneur Mark Shanley in Massachusetts.
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1981
Derby Nyla is commissioned to produce stretch cover fabric for hospital mattresses, superseding all other products on the market and significantly reducing the incidence of pressure sores.
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1977
The name "Dartex" is registered as a trademark and becomes recognised as the gold standard for PU coatings.
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1971
A Courtaulds Textiles company, Derby Nyla, installs a polyurethane transfer coating machine for the demands in "Mock Leather." Derby Nyla's PU division is born in Nottingham, UK.