Innotex inc

Innotex Inc. operates as a specialized manufacturer of personal protective equipment (PPE) for the firefighting and first responder sectors. The company’s history in textile manufacturing dates back to 1889 at its Canadian facility. In the late 1960s, it became the outerwear division for Bombardier Recreational Products and later transitioned to producing flame-retardant industrial and military apparel in the mid-1980s. Innotex itself was established in 1999 when a new management team, led by President Louis Carpentier, decided to merge the company's expertise in extreme sports apparel with fire-retardant textiles to create firefighter turnout gear. The first UL® certified turnout gear was produced in 2001.

The company's business model is centered on the design, development, manufacturing, and distribution of high-quality protective clothing. Its client base primarily consists of fire departments, serving some of the largest in the United States and Canada, as well as military and international clients in countries like Mexico, Kuwait, and Panama. Revenue is generated through the direct sale of its products. Headquartered in Quebec, Canada, Innotex operates multiple production facilities across Quebec and one in Ohatchee, Alabama, supporting its distribution in Canada and the United States. A significant milestone occurred in July 2024, when Innotex announced a strategic partnership with Clearspring Capital Partners, a Canadian private equity firm, to fuel its next phase of growth and expand its market reach. Following this partnership, Louis Carpentier transitioned to the role of Executive Chairman of the Board, while remaining a major shareholder. In February 2025, Erick Bellefleur was appointed CEO.

Innotex’s product portfolio includes a range of firefighter turnout gear (also known as bunker gear), technical rescue gear, gloves, and protective hoods. The gear is engineered for protection, durability, and freedom of movement in demanding situations. Key product lines include the INNOTEX ENERGY™ series, which features patented three-dimensional Airflow technology for enhanced comfort, and the INNOTEX GRAY™ line, which incorporates a particulate-blocking layer that filters over 99.9% of carcinogenic particles. The designs are inspired by decades of experience in extreme sports protective clothing, focusing on creating lightweight and ergonomic products without compromising safety. The company also offers rapid delivery gear (RDG) models that maintain the high-quality construction of its custom gear.

Keywords: firefighter protective gear, turnout gear manufacturer, bunker gear, first responder PPE, fire protective clothing, rescue gear, particulate-blocking hoods, flame retardant apparel, firefighter safety, emergency services equipment, technical rescue apparel, structural firefighting gear, protective gloves, NFPA compliant gear, North American PPE, Canadian protective clothing, firefighter equipment, public safety textiles, extreme sports apparel technology, hazard protection clothing