MECHANIC FALLS – Auburn Manufacturing Inc. recently became the first company in the world to have its heat-resistant fabrics tested and approved to a new insurance-driven standard.

The standard aims to reduce the risk of fire during hot work such as welding.

The new approval ratings attained for 10 Auburn products – more are currently in testing – will help companies in selecting the proper protective fabric for a particular application, thereby lessening the risk of fire and damage to their facilities and equipment, and of injury to their workers.

The new hot work standard, FM Global Approval Standard 4950, was developed as a result of an extensive study into the causes of industrial hot work loss incidents, together with demand by FM Global’s own insurance clients located worldwide for guidance in developing better corporate policies covering hot work management.

AMI’s approved products include welding pads, blankets, and curtains, produced with a variety of fibers and coatings, and designed for different applications and levels of heat exposure and resistance. All of these products will now bear the FM Global “Approval Mark” issued by FM Approvals, and will be listed in a published FM Approved Products Guide.

“We are extremely proud of FM Global’s approval of our products,” said Kathie Leonard, Auburn’s president and chief executive officer. “Because we make over 30 fabrics used for welding, we welcome a standard that will help our customers choose the right fabric for their jobs.”

Auburn Manufacturing Inc., since its founding in 1979, has become a leading developer, manufacturer and marketer of textile products for hundreds of extreme-temperature industrial applications throughout the world.