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Image caption: 50 Years of Proven Protection logo.<\/em><\/p>\n
Based in Guntersville, Alabama, Kappler turns 50 as a technology leader that continues to redefine the concept of worker protection. From the company\u2019s earliest hazmat suits to recent innovations for biological, fire retardant and thermal protection, Kappler has led a critical industry with unmatched quality and user training.<\/p>\n
Founded by George Kappler Jr., the company is led today by President and CEO Laura Kappler-Roberts.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn 1976 no one expected my father\u2019s small company sewing disposable coveralls would evolve into a technology-based leader in life-saving apparel,\u201d Kappler-Roberts said. \u201cThe company\u2019s development of broad-based chemical protective fabrics literally redefined hazmat protection on a global basis.\u201d<\/p>\n
From six sewing machines and eight employees Kappler grew into a complex business that boasts almost 30 patents for composite fabrics, seaming techniques and other aspects of protective technology.<\/p>\n
\u201cInnovation is the backbone of the company. It is how we have survived and will be the key to thriving for the next 50 years,\u201d Kappler-Roberts said.<\/p>\n
Along with the\u00a0innovative\u00a0products themselves, Kappler also developed a reputation as the industry\u2019s unmatched training expert. From ASTM testing methods to National Fire Protection Association chemical suit standards, Kappler developed user education programs and tools that made complex technical concepts easy to understand.<\/p>\n
Kappler also developed HazMatch\u00ae, the first digital selection tool for protective clothing. Beyond suit type and size details, HazMatch provides extensive\u00a0third-party\u00a0chemical test results and other technical data that help users understand not just the suit but the hazard scenario itself. The platform is a tangible example of the company\u2019s long-time tagline: \u201cKnow What You\u2019re Getting Into.”<\/p>\n
In reflecting on the company\u2019s 50-year history,\u00a0George Kappler\u00a0recalled how they had to do a lot of pioneering work in the early days to explain exactly what the company did.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe started saying ‘Kappler keeps bad stuff off people\u2019 and that eventually became the company\u2019s mission statement,\u201d\u00a0Kappler\u00a0said.<\/p>\n
“We make protection for people who do hazardous jobs. At the end of the day, when they put on our suit they\u2019re putting their life in our hands. That\u2019s a responsibility we take very seriously.\u201d<\/p>\n