History of Gore-Tex
W.L. Gore Associates, Inc., the makers of GORE-TEX, creates many different fabrics that are not only recreational in their use, but professional as well. GORE-TEX is known all over the world and W.L. Gore Associates is commonly voted one of the best companies for which to work in Europe. They have made improvements in the technology behind GORE-TEX that are used in industries from medical to aviation.
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Research Roots
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In 1958, Bill Gore and his wife Vieve used their basement to further investigate the properties of polytetrafluoroethylene. Electronic wires were the original concern in their experiments with polytetrafluoroethylene. The Gores were seeking to use the polytetrafluoroethylene as insulation for the wires.
Stretching Surprise
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In 1969, the Gore's son, Bob, decided to try stretching the polytetrafluoroethylene, or PTFE, as quickly as he was able. He anticipated that the PTFE would break and was surprised when it did not. The PTFE proved to be very flexible and was the beginning of a new line of products bearing the GORE-TEX name.
Original Focus
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In 1971, Bob Gore created an industrial group designated to sell GORE-TEX products including pipe thread tape and joint sealant. These products were designed for such markets as the air conditioning and plumbing industries.
Beginning Use in Fabric
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In 1976, GORE-TEX sold its rainwear to the Early Winters catalog in 1976. This was the first sale of fabric for the company. Bob Gore was also named as C.E.O. of the family company.
Medical use
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In 1981, a cardiovascular patch was developed by GORE-TEX. This was the company's first PTFE product of this nature. In 1986, the W.L. Gore company also came out with a suture product for use in surgery. This same year, to test the fabric of its raincoats, GORE-TEX built a special testing room. Inside this room storms fall from the ceiling.
Pop Culture and Promises
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The television show "Seinfeld" made the GORE-TEX jacket a part of pop culture in 1993 when one character, George Costanza, wears one that is too big and puffy for him. GORE-TEX offered a guarantee a few years before, the likes of which the industry has never seen. It promised that its jackets will keep the wearer dry.
Accolades
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In 2002, GORE-TEX received a Plunkett award from Dupont Company for its antistatic technology for fabrics. The fabric, which is worn by some employees of the aviation and petrochemicals industries, lessens the risk of explosions. In 2008, the W.L. Gore company observed its 50th anniversary in business and remains one of the most respected businesses in the world.
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