OTEX is proud to be featured in Specialty Fabrics Review’s article, “Made in America: Strategies for U.S. Success in a Global Industry.” The feature highlights OTEX’s commitment to American manufacturing, innovation and specialized textile solutions for industries ranging from aerospace and defense to fire safety and fall protection.
The following article was published in the July 2026 issue of Specialty Fabrics Review:
OTEX Specialty Narrow Fabrics
For OTEX Specialty Narrow Fabrics® in Bernardsville, N.J., the key to vitality is innovation. “In an age of ever-increasing globalization, the way the U.S. has continued to succeed has always been through innovation and specialization,” says Eric Aerts, director of marketing/research and development.
OTEX’s story is an example of using innovation to transform. The company once manufactured decorative ribbons, but when overseas manufacturers introduced ribbons to the U.S. market, OTEX pivoted by producing specialty narrow textiles. Today, OTEX manufactures products for aerospace, the military, fire safety, transportation, outdoor, marine and medical industries.
“It’s always going to take a little courage to think outside of your box,” says Aerts. “It has played out very well for us. I think it’s less of a risk than standing still.”
Sometimes, though, inputs have to be imported. “Everything we produce is made in the U.S., and the vast majority of our products are comprised of USA-made materials,” says Aerts. “That being said, there are times when offshore raw materials are the only choice.”
Company partnerships and networking via industry association events and participation can play a role in finding items produced closer to home.
“Have long-term shared goals, strategies and initiatives,” says Aerts. “Whether these are relative to building market share, developing new products or finding ways to lower costs, achieving these as partners will have a better chance of success than aiming at shortsighted temporary gains.”
The patented and branded Sentry LifeLine® leading-edge webbing was a breakthrough for OTEX Specialty Narrow Fabrics®. With the ability to replace heavy steel cables, the product was the first webbing to pass the strict ANSI Z359.14.2021 testing standard for lifelines in fall-protection self-retracting devices.
While the federal government influences U.S. manufacturing by being involved in everything from tariffs and trade agreements to loans, more assistance might be needed.
Read the full article here.
American-made specialty narrow fabrics
OTEX is proud to be featured in Specialty Fabrics Review’s article. The feature highlights OTEX’s commitment to American manufacturing, innovation and specialized textile solutions for industries ranging from aerospace and defense to fire safety and fall protection.
Contact OTEX today to learn how our innovative, American-made specialty narrow fabrics can support your next application.
