GE Collaborates with Rab to Launch Rainwear with eVent* DVL Fabrics

KANSAS CITY, MO.—July 2, 2012—GE (NYSE: GE) today announced that Rab—which creates outdoor apparel ‘for the most extreme conditions in the world’—will introduce GE’s new eVent DVL waterproof fabrics and technology to the market in its Spring 2013 line. eVent DVL waterproof fabric is a new textile technology and fabric line that is engineered for lightweight, high performance rainwear for outdoor and aerobic activities. eVent DVL (direct venting lite) waterproof fabric is 100 percent waterproof and features the proven air permeable and breathable performance of the patented membrane used in all eVent fabrics. Rab will show several new styles at the upcoming Outdoor Retailer Summer Market trade show that takes place from August 2-5 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Rab will introduce the Viper Jacket for men and the Maverick Jacket and Pants for men and women for Spring 2013.

The Maverick Jacket and Pants are for all-around outdoor enthusiasts who need one set of reliable, comfortable and packable rainwear for any of their activities—whether it’s hiking, spring skiing, mountain biking or climbing. Climbers or backcountry travelers who need minimalist rainwear with technical features—such as a helmet-compatible hood and a waterproof chest pocket for stowing maps and more—will be interested in the men’s Viper Jacket. Both the Maverick and Viper feature waterproof zippers throughout.

“We are proud of our commitment to using event fabrics and we have had a long and trusting partnership with the eVent fabrics team,” said Matt Gowar, CEO of Equip Outdoor Technologies, the parent company of Rab. “The new eVent DVL fabrics are a perfect solution that not only builds on our partnership but has allowed us to create a year-round rainwear line ideal for the active Rab consumer who demands performance. With its dry technology story, eVent DVL is truly the only summer rainwear that is comfortable and doesn’t create the damp feeling next to the skin.”

Rab and eVent fabrics—which were introduced to the market in 1999—have had a long alliance. Rab has featured eVent fabrics in its apparel since 2002 and uses the fabrics in its hats, jackets, pants, gaiters, gloves and mitts, as well as in high-end mountaineering tents and bivouac bags.

“We’ve had a close working relationship with Rab for a number of years,” Said Glenn Crowther, Product Line Leader for eVent fabrics. “We really appreciate the business we’ve done together and we are excited that Rab is incorporating our new eVent DVL laminates into their line.”



What is eVent DVL waterproof fabric?

eVent DVL waterproof fabric is an unlined laminate that features a protective print applied directly onto eVent’s proprietary waterproof ePTFE (expanded polytetrafluoroethylene) membrane. The print—a repeating web of outlined triangular shapes—provides a durable protective screen for the membrane. The membrane technology, with its millions of tiny pores, allows “direct venting” of the body’s heat and moisture through the fabric, yet is waterproof from the outside. The eVent DVL membrane is laminated to lightweight face fabrics for use in jackets, pants and other products.

The inaugural collection of eVent DVL fabric includes lightweight textiles that are ideal for making unlined garments for light duty use in activities such as hiking, climbing, cycling, running and cross-country skiing. Its highly breathable nature makes eVent DVL waterproof fabric appropriate in clothing for high-energy output sports where excess body heat and moisture is readily generated and where there is less demand for the durability of heavier weight fabrics. This new line expands and complements the entire eVent fabrics collection used in apparel, gear and footwear by a number of companies globally.

About Rab

Rab Carrington, one of Britain’s foremost mountaineers, established the Rab brand in 1981 to design and manufacture the world’s finest down clothing and sleeping bags. From its earliest days, Rab created a reputation for producing garments that are truly for ‘the most extreme conditions in the world’ and for searching out the finest technical fabrics to use in its designs. Rab clothing stands among the most technical and innovative on the market, designed to meet the exacting demands of the Scottish mountains that remain the inspiration and testing ground for many of its products. The Rab brand continues to be run by climbers for climbers. All products are tested in extreme environments by our team of mountain athletes. For more information, visit www.rabusa.com.



About GE’s eVent membrane technology and fabrics

Since 1999, eVent fabrics have set the standard for truly air permeable and waterproof membranes in textiles. The technology used to create eVent membranes was invented in the 1990s to improve the pollutant-capturing performance of air filtration systems and give superior protection to industrial machinery such as gas turbines. eVent fabric membranes—with billions of pores per square inch—are now widely used for filtration, venting and as a waterproof breathable barrier for products used in the automotive, industrial, apparel and other markets.

eVent fabrics—found in outdoor, protective and military apparel and footwear—were the first waterproof performance fabrics on the market that “let the sweat out”* through direct venting technology. GE, through GE Energy’s Air Filtration business based in Kansas City, Mo., manufactures both the eVent membranes and waterproof fabrics and collaborates with worldwide suppliers to offer a broad selection of textiles to manufacturers. For more information, visit http://www.ge-energy.com/eVentfabrics.

About GE

GE (NYSE: GE) works on things that matter. The best people and the best technologies taking on the toughest challenges. Finding solutions in energy, health and home, transportation and finance. Building, powering, moving and curing the world. Not just imagining. Doing. GE works. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.ge.com.

GE Energy works connecting people and ideas everywhere to create advanced technologies for powering a cleaner, more productive world. With more than 100,000 employees in over 100 countries, our diverse portfolio of product and service solutions and deep industry expertise help our customers solve their challenges locally. We serve the energy sector with technologies in such areas as natural gas, oil, coal and nuclear energy; wind, solar, biogas and water processing; energy management; and grid modernization. We also offer integrated solutions to serve energy- and water-intensive industries such as mining, metals, marine, petrochemical, food & beverage and unconventional fuels. Follow GE Energy on Twitter @GE_Energy.

###

*Trademark of General Electric Company