Why American-Made Antimicrobial Fabrics Are the Best Choice

The last decade has been filled with various supply chain disruptions, making sourcing medical supplies difficult. In many cases, hospitals and cities compete for the limited stock available. When foreign manufacturers or ports reduce their functions, American hospitals lose access to vital imported goods. Many hospital suppliers wonder, “Why are we doing things this way?”

The global supply chain failed many U.S. hospitals when doctors and nurses needed it the most. Critical shortages of PPE, including masks and other protective devices, have put hospital workers and the general public at risk during a global public health emergency. Additionally, poor quality control from overseas manufacturers led to medical practitioners receiving defective, potentially dangerous imported masks and testing kits.

Patient and caregiver protection doesn’t stop with PPE—all healthcare fabrics used within healthcare facilities contribute to safety and well-being. In this post, we’ll explore the benefits of using domestically manufactured antimicrobial fabric and what makes a manufacturer uniquely qualified to supply hospitals during a pandemic crisis.

More reliable access to materials

Domestic manufacturers are more reliable for several reasons, not the least of which is their physical proximity. Domestic manufacturing requires fewer links in the supply chain to get products from the factory to the end user, which almost always means lower potential for disruptions. The absence of international shipping, trade wars, and locally managed quality control makes U.S.-based producers desirable for hospitals.

When selecting an antimicrobial fabric manufacturer, the safest bet is to choose a company operating in the U.S. for some time. Under the best circumstances, repatriating production stateside is very difficult for suppliers—and nearly impossible during a lockdown. A longstanding American manufacturer has the infrastructure and expertise to do the job right.

Sure-Chek Promise - All of the features essential to medical facilities

Quality is always vital for hospital materials. During a pandemic, substandard medical fabric can lead to widespread disease transmission, worsening an already difficult situation. The stakes are higher than ever. You want the highest-quality materials to protect your doctors, nurses, and patients.

Choosing a product made in the USA and held to strict quality control standards ensures the best performance from the material. Manufacturing irregularities that could go unnoticed in a lower-stakes environment could spell trouble during a pandemic. Herculite healthcare textiles are unique in the industry for their ISO 9001 certification, a quality assurance standard set by the International Organization for Standardization.

Supporting the U.S. economy

A local manufacturing company like Herculite plays a crucial role in the economic vitality of a community by providing employment opportunities to hundreds of individuals within a single area. These jobs are not just numbers; they represent livelihoods for families who depend on stable incomes to meet their daily needs and aspirations.

When you purchase domestic fabric, you are making a significant impact beyond the transaction itself. You are actively preserving worker pay and benefits, ensuring that employees receive fair compensation and access to essential services such as healthcare and retirement plans. Moreover, your support extends to the broader local economy, which thrives on the spending power of these manufacturing families. The money earned by workers circulates within the community, supporting local businesses, schools, and public services. In this way, American-made fabric becomes more than just a product; it transforms into a vital source of revenue that sustains and uplifts communities facing economic challenges, helping them survive and flourish in the long term.

Herculite: An Experienced Domestic manufacturer

Herculite has been a cornerstone in manufacturing performance fabrics in Pennsylvania since 1954, establishing a legacy of quality and innovation over the decades. This long-standing experience has allowed Herculite to refine its processes and develop a deep understanding of the needs of the healthcare industry. Among its most notable contributions is the spotlight healthcare product line, Sure-Chek, which represents a family of versatile, industry-leading antimicrobial healthcare fabrics. These fabrics are meticulously designed to meet the rigorous demands of healthcare environments and are commonly utilized in various applications, including curtains, bedding, mattress exteriors, and more. The versatility of Sure-Chek fabrics ensures they can be adapted to numerous healthcare settings, providing essential protection and durability. For hospital suppliers, these fabrics not only meet but exceed all necessary technical qualifications, offering added advantages such as enhanced durability, superior antimicrobial properties, and ease of maintenance. This makes Sure-Chek an invaluable asset in maintaining hygiene and safety standards in medical facilities, ultimately contributing to better patient care and operational efficiency.

Manufacturing Oversight

Herculite takes pride in owning and managing the entire manufacturing process in-house, from the initial stages of design and development to the final stages of production and quality assurance. This comprehensive control over the manufacturing process ensures that every aspect of product formation and the intricate processes involved in creating Sure-Chek products are meticulously overseen. This level of oversight allows Herculite to maintain a high standard of quality and consistency, ensuring that each product meets the rigorous demands of the healthcare industry. Healthcare organizations that choose to purchase products made with Sure-Chek can be confident that they are receiving materials crafted with precision to exact specifications. These materials undergo thorough testing to ensure they meet all regulatory requirements, providing an additional layer of assurance regarding their safety and efficacy. Furthermore, the advantage of local production means that Herculite is uniquely positioned to respond swiftly to changing needs and demands. This capability allows them to engineer products tailored to custom specifications, adapting quickly to the evolving requirements of healthcare facilities and ensuring that their products remain relevant and effective in a dynamic environment.

Certification Advantage

During a pandemic, there’s no room to “take someone’s word” on the quality of their products. Herculite is proud to have secured the coveted ISO 9001 certification, which is exclusively awarded to industry-leading quality management systems. It serves as validation of an ongoing commitment to superior quality and value at Herculite.

Quality Assurance

Reputation matters. Herculite has backed up claims about superior products with experienced personnel, extensive testing and certification, constant process monitoring, and transparent product controls. 

During an emergency, that quality advantage provides assurance that your team is protected.

Ready to partner with an experienced domestic manufacturer? Contact us to learn more about Sure-Chek, request a quote, or request a sample.