The NC State University Industry Expansion Solutions Defense Industry Initiatives team, Dr. Fiona Bater, Associate Executive Director, IES: Assistant Director, NCMEP; PI, NC Defense Manufacturing Community Support Program, Michael Mullins, Director, Defense Industry Initiatives, Giles Beal, Client Relations Manager and Dominick Stephenson, Director, Evaluation Services, have traversed the state of North Carolina and oftentimes beyond the borders of the state, educating and connecting private and public organizations with a mission to strengthen North Carolina manufacturing industry and strengthen our national defense industrial base.
“They’re giving us a competitive advantage
critical to our future.”
Industry Expansion Solutions helped Babington Technology implement lean manufacturing processes, which add value to customers and eliminate waste in every step of the manufacturing process. Industry Expansion Solutions also helped the Rocky Mount military and disaster relief equipment manufacturer to be more flexible in its specialized industry. Before their training, a request for modified equipment for field kitchens due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a project that would have taken Babington Technology a year, was completed in just eight weeks. “Now we can respond to our clients when they have an emergency,” Babington said. “The equipment that we make is very, very critical, but we’ve always been unique because our product is so special and different,” said Andy Babington, president of Babington Technology. “Industry Expansion Solutions is teaching us how to adapt our products to other markets from an operational standpoint. They’re giving us a competitive advantage critical to our future.”
The Defense Industry Initiatives division has undertaken two major initiatives since establishing its defense outreach team in 2016: the North Carolina Defense Industry Diversification Initiative (NCDIDI) and the North Carolina Defense Manufacturing Community Support Program (DMCSP).
The North Carolina Defense Industry Diversification Initiative (NCDIDI)
In the first phase of the North Carolina Defense Industry Diversification Initiative (NCDIDI) program, Industry Expansion Solutions identified defense-related companies within the state. Then, the focus was to assist those companies in expanding their commercial operations to reduce their dependence on military contracts and create more stable business models. The goal was to help companies maximize their growth potential and cybersecurity resiliency while enhancing their strategic development planning and sustainability efforts.
The NCDIDI program was managed through a partnership between NC State Industry Expansion Solutions and the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs It was funded through a grant awarded by the United States Department of Defense Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation Office.
NIST MEP surveys asked 30 NCDIDI companies to report on the business impact of the services provided by the OLDCC IR grant. The first survey results, conducted in the 4th Quarter of 2020, included 2 companies. The first company reflected an ROI or business impact of $4,957,000, and the second company reported a $1,350,000 economic impact. NCDIDI companies will continue to be surveyed for the next several years to measure the effect of the NCDIDI on companies participating in the UPGRADE program. In addition, the project has resulted in 2 SBIR/STTR Phase I grant submissions awarded to companies who received NCDIDI assistance.
During Phase I of the grant, SDG conducted a supply chain analysis. Industry Expansion Solutions published Defense Industry Profiles for 6 regions of North Carolina: Charlotte, Eastern, Northeastern, Piedmont Triad, Research Triangle, and Western.
In Phase II, Industry Expansion Solutions provided support for advanced manufacturing capabilities to North Carolina companies in the aerospace and defense supply chains, conducted needs assessments, and delivered business services to eligible companies. The program started as a pilot grant working with 10 companies. It ultimately provided implementation for 20 companies for a total of 30 North Carolina defense contractors who received assistance in identifying market growth potential and assessing supply chain, cybersecurity, and sustainability risks.
“They give you training and support. They’re truly a partner.”
The impact of the Defense Industry Initiatives at NC State University Industry Expansion Solutions is validated in client success stories, which include the North Carolina companies: Core Technology Molding, Emerging Technology Institute, K2 Solutions, Mills Manufacturing, Rousch Yates Manufacturing Solutions, and Survival Innovations. John Oswald, president of Mills Manufacturing, a military parachute manufacturer in Asheville, shared, “Industry Expansion Solutions does not come in and just do it for you. They give you training and support. They’re truly a partner.”
When interviewed for a story about Carver Machine Works, Lindsey Crisp, President, and CEO, stated, “I think our country’s seeing how important it is to have an industrial base, period, for our national security, And I think our country’s starting to understand what our welders and machinists and industrial mechanics really do, and the technical expertise and the craftsmanship that takes.”
The Industry Expansion Solutions Defense Industry Initiatives team collaborated with Reef Systems, located in Cary, North Carolina, to obtain ISO certifications, a crucial step that enabled the company to achieve a C3PAO designation—Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Third-Party Assessment Organization. This designation is critical as federal contractors prepare for the upcoming CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) requirement. Companies will need a C3PAO assessor to conduct their CMMC evaluation to comply. While this process may seem complex, it is essential for any business working with the military.
“Without those certifications, we could not have been awarded business from some of our new customers.”
Assistance was also received from the NCDIDI grant that helped companies get additional certifications to open new markets. Geoff Foster, Chief Executive Officer and President of Core Molding Technologies, says, “Without those certifications, we could not have been awarded business from some of our new customers. Injection molding is difficult, exacting, and capital-intensive. Ensuring reliable, high-quality sources of resins – very tiny plastic bb’s – is critical. You can’t run out, or you’re out of business.” “Five years ago,” says Foster, “there were 35 injection molders in North Carolina. There are half that today. Some were acquired, some went out of business because of supply chain problems, or they were in antiquated facilities, making it difficult to get certifications.”
The North Carolina Defense Manufacturing Community Support Program (NC DMCSP)
The second initiative, the North Carolina Defense Manufacturing Community Support Program (NC DMCSP), focuses on developing an NC Defense Manufacturing Ecosystem, 30 organizations collaborating to strengthen manufacturing companies—particularly small businesses and startup entrepreneurs—to better compete as military suppliers.
NC DMCSP, a model collaborative ecosystem, partners include:
Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA)
Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM)
Booz Allen
Center for Advanced Self-Powered Systems of Integrated Sensors and Technologies (ASSIST)
Defense Alliance of North Carolina (DANC)
East Carolina University
Emerging Technology Institute (ETI)
First Flight Venture Center (FFVC) and Hangar6
IQT
Manufacturing Solutions C(enter (MSC)
Manufacturing & Textile Innovation Network (MTIN)
Manufacturing x Digital (MxD)
NASA
North Carolina A&T University
North Center for Organizing Military Performance (NC-COMP)
North Carolina Department of Commerce
North Carolina Defense Technology Transition Office (DEFTECH)
North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP)
North Carolina Military Business Center (NCMBC)
North Carolina Textile Innovation & Sustainability Engine
NC State University Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) Defense Industry Initiatives
NC State University Wilson College of Textiles
Polymers Center
RTI International
Small Business Technology Development Center (SBTDC)
Southern Textiles Association (STA)
Textile Technology Center at Gaston College
Textile Protection and Comfort Center (TPACC)
The Geneva Foundation
The Nonwovens Institute
NC DMCSP partners are highlighted in a March 2024 Defense Acquisition article, North Carolina in the Modernized Defense Industrial Ecosystem.
The North Carolina Defense Manufacturing Community Support Program (NC DMCSP) is disrupting the performance and functionality that once defined the traditional textile industry. With more than 40 percent of U.S. textiles produced in the state of North Carolina, despite significant job losses due to overseas competition, NC DMCSP serves and supports textile manufacturers on the edge of discoveries that produce innovation in advanced textiles, wearables, and technologies that maximize warfighter survivability, lethality, sustainability, mobility, combat effectiveness and field quality of life.
The ecosystem model is structured to address manufacturers’ needs in 5 categories efficiently.
- Advocacy and outreach. Advocate, connect with and enhance supplier network development for the North Carolina Textiles Manufacturing Defense Industrial Base.
- Product innovation & Ideation. Identifies potential solutions, forms teams to pursue funding opportunities, and provides bespoke commercialization services.
- Entrepreneurship and commercialization. Help founders and entrepreneurs determine sufficient value to pursue a product or service idea and bridge the gap between a brilliant idea and the business value it represents.
- Manufacturing innovation and modernization. Build awareness of cutting-edge technology breakthroughs related to research and innovations to smart textiles and wearables for the warfighter.
- Workforce development. Enhance connections between the Textiles DIB and workforce development programs.
NC State University Industry Expansion Solutions Provide Resources for Defense Contractors
The Defense Industry Initiative team at NC State University Industry Expansion Solutions has produced a living resource guide for current and future defense contractors: The North Carolina Defense Contractor Resource Guide. The guide may be downloaded in PDF format here.
NC DMCSP Partner Highlight – Gaston College
Gaston College has led fiber innovation and woven fabric formation for over 80 years. They support the industry along all parts of the fiber development value chain in synthetic and natural forms. As a key player in the defense innovation ecosystem for textiles, it made perfect sense to partner with the Textile Technology Center at Gaston College for the NC DMCSP. The grant supported the purchase of a variety of equipment to enhance the ecosystem’s capabilities, including:
- Concept Micro Extruder – to provide lab-scale fiber extrusion to test new fibers in development.
- Instron Melt Flow Tester – to measure extruded fibers’ melt flow and melt volume rates.
- Instron Tensile Tester – to test the strength of textiles across multiple industries.
- EDX Detector Unit – to detect contamination of products via an electron microscope.
- ILE Yarn Evenness Tester – to identify yarn irregularities and defects during development.
- Universal Tester – to perform static, tensile, compression, bend, peel, tear, cyclical, and other mechanical tests during product development and adherence to standards.
- Favimat Fiber Tensile Tester – to test fibers developed in laboratories for tenacity and elongation and understand statistics necessary in producing quality advanced materials.
- Pinter Lab Spin – to research ring-spun yarns on a small scale.
- MDTA Table Top Sliver Unit – to conduct research and training on carding, opening, and drawing processes.
- Stereolithography Printer – for structural integration of various nonwoven materials with textiles.
- CNC Router – to develop and test the structural integration of non-textile materials.
- CCI Studio Loom with Warper – to design small-scale fabrics used in military use, apparel, and composites.
This equipment has already been used to solve real-world problems for companies supporting textile defense innovations. Several highlights are found below:
- A company in the Triad NC area (Reniassance Fiber) & Western NC (Tryon Finishing) has utilized Hemp fiber property classification to improve growth, harvesting, fiber cleaning, processing, yarn, and fabric applications for the DOD targeting reducing optical signature and radar detection for combat soldier uniforms and field applications such as canopies.
- Several national companies (Invista, Americhem, Ascend) in NC utilize this equipment for fiber, yarn and fabric development to improve soldier uniforms’ flammability.
- National companies in NC utilize this equipment for fiber, yarn, and fabric development targeted to reduce the mass and weight of soldier uniforms without sacrificing performance.
- National companies with a presence in NC utilizing TTC equipment for development targets to impart sensory (capacitance, motion) capabilities to soldier uniform fabrics by incorporating components such as sensors, wires, and graphene.
- National companies in NC utilize this equipment for fiber, yarn, and fabric development targeted to move moisture to and from specific areas of soldier uniforms for arctic and jungle environments through engineered fiber blend patterns with the yarn and fabric structure.
Gaston College is also a leader in textile workforce development, encompassing a wide range of programs and initiatives aimed at K-12 students, curriculum development for industry, customized industry training partnerships, and traditional postsecondary training. Several examples of their work in this space include:
- Lincoln County Partnership: Hosted annual summer camps for Apparel 1 & 2 students, providing hands-on activities such as fiber identification through burn tests, EDX and dissolve-out methods, testing yarn and fabric properties using advanced equipment (Favimat and Instron), enhanced student engagement with practical textile applications.
- Johnson & Wales Partnership: Collaborated on a textile apparel class to bridge academic learning with real-world applications.
- “Virtual CTE Tuesday”: collaboration with The North Face, NC State University Wilson College of Textiles, and Gaston College, engaged 35 high school students and educators in exploring textile career pathways.
- Work-Based Learning Initiatives: Partnered with local companies to create co-op-style experiences for AAS Textile Technology Pathway students.
- The Textile Technology Center staff hosted a full-day seminar on sustainability and textile fundamentals, incorporating hands-on classroom activities for students. The seminar was attended by 12 teachers representing various counties in Western North Carolina.
- The Textile Academy is a comprehensive 4-week training program designed to equip new hires, management trainees, and underemployed individuals with the foundational skills required to secure employment in the textile industry or advance within their organizations.
- Customized training: Hosted supporting textile companies such as Champion, Gildan, Parkdale Mills, U.S. Cotton, AB Carter and Luna Labs.
- Startup Projects: Partnered with Seed2Shirt and The NewNorm for TEX 110 and TEX 121 semester-long projects, enabling students to apply fundamental knowledge from textile and design courses to address real-world challenges faced by some of the industry’s most innovative entrepreneurs.
Innovation and DoD Applications
Advancements in smart textiles now encompass a wide range of capabilities, including health monitoring, communication, improved mobility, enhanced survivability, heat reduction, camouflage and signature management, physiological status tracking, and detecting chemical and biological threats. Producing smart textile technologies requires integrating innovative materials and manufacturing techniques, such as advanced fibers, yarns, inks, and dyes embedded with cutting-edge technology. Smart and e-textile applications require a variety of microelectronics to collect, send and receive data. Integrating microelectronics into textiles for warfighter applications will support several DoD thrusts, including soldier systems, cybersecurity, and biotechnology. Applicable uses in the DoD market include smart textile designs, liquid metals for stretchable conductors, fabric antennas, and flexible printed circuit boards (PCBs).
Textile innovation successes of companies participating in NC DMCSP are highlighted in the Advanced Textiles Association publications: Textile Tech Source September 2023 article, Collaborations benefit warfighters—and consumers and Specialty Fabrics Review December 2023 article,How collaborative projects may change the future of textiles.
Specialty Fabrics Review
A specialty fabrics review within the Defense Manufacturing Community Support Program (DMCSP) is an evaluation process where experts assess the potential of advanced textile materials and technologies to be used in defense applications, often focusing on innovative features like enhanced durability, protection against environmental hazards, and integration with wearable electronics, all within the context of strengthening the national security industrial base through the DMCSP program.
Key points about specialty fabrics review in DMCSP:
Focus on innovation
The review process prioritizes novel fabric designs that address specific military needs, such as high-performance protective gear, lightweight and breathable uniforms, or smart textiles with integrated sensors.
Collaboration between academia and industry
Researchers from universities and textile manufacturers often collaborate to develop and evaluate these advanced fabrics, leveraging expertise in materials science, textile engineering, and defense applications.
Application areas
Reviewed fabrics could be used for military uniforms, protective equipment (body armor, helmets), tents, shelters, medical gear, and other defense-related applications.
Assessment criteria
The review process typically evaluates factors like fabric performance characteristics (strength, tear resistance, breathability), environmental resilience (water resistance, flame retardancy), functionality (integration with electronics), and potential for scalability and cost-effectiveness.
Example of a specialty fabrics review in DMCSP:
A research team at a university might propose a new fabric incorporating advanced fiber technology that provides superior heat regulation and moisture management for soldiers operating in extreme climates. The DMCSP would then review the fabric’s technical specifications, potential impact on warfighter performance, and feasibility of scaling up production for military use.
Innovative Success Stories in NC DMCSP
Nuream, Inc.
Nuream Inc., a neuro-data science company based in Wilmington, N.C., develops cutting-edge, non-invasive neurocapture fabrics and materials that leverage brain wave data to enhance wellness, performance, and healthcare outcomes. Its dual-use technologies serve both warfighters and consumers, aligning with the Brain Health Initiative (BHI), the Cross-Functional Team (CFT) for Warfighter Lethality, and various U.S. government programs focused on improving sleep and cognitive performance.
Nuream believes that neurodata represents the next frontier in decision support. Its innovative neurosensing fabric captures brain wave activity and applies condition-specific algorithms to extract meaningful insights. The Brain Machine Body Exchange (BMBE) approach enables data-driven decision-making to optimize health and performance.
Initial applications of Nuream’s technology include pillow coverings, wrist-based wearables, and performance or wellness apparel. While the primary focus is on improving sleep, the potential extends to concussive injury assessment and recovery, PTSD and TBI treatment, and advancements in managing neurological disorders.
Aarogy Innovative Textiles, LLC
Aarogy Innovative Textiles LLC, based in Raleigh, N.C., has developed a patented textile technology that reflects far-infrared radiation into the body, promoting improved blood flow, enhanced oxygenation, reduced cortisol levels, and increased nitric oxide production—leading to various health and wellness benefits.
Designed for versatility, Aarogy’s technology allows for the adjustment of active fiber content within fabrics to optimize performance for specific needs. For instance, a fabric containing 75% active fiber achieved a zero burn score on the NC State Pyroman test while also concealing the infrared signature of warfighters. Additionally, Aarogy’s far-infrared (FIR) technology enhances focus, concentration, athletic performance, and recovery, making it valuable for both military and civilian applications.
Lumiton
Lumiton, a Charlotte-based company founded by North Carolina residents Dr. Marco Scipioni and Gates Hinds, has developed and patented Light-Smart™ clothing. This sustainable, synthetic fabric technology captures sunlight and emits red and near-infrared light. This innovation brings the benefits of red light therapy to everyday wear, allowing consumers to experience cellular-level wellness simply by getting dressed. In addition to its therapeutic properties, Lumiton’s fabric is exceptionally cool and offers built-in UV protection.
Red light therapy has been linked to numerous health benefits, including improved cellular energy, collagen production, blood circulation, lymphatic activity, tissue oxygenation and repair, muscle growth and recovery, antioxidant activity, and hair regrowth. The technology has activewear, healthcare, workwear, and military gear applications.
By transforming clothing into a source of light-driven wellness, Lumiton elevates synthetic fibers into a new category of high-value textiles. The company’s solution-dyed yarns use up to 95% less water and 85% less energy than traditional dyeing methods and are compatible with recycled polymers. Additionally, solution-dyed fabrics enhance durability, improving wash and color fastness for long-lasting performance.
Rock Spring Bio
Rock Spring Bio launched its journey through the First Flight Venture Center PROPELLER program, where the team honed its mission and forged vital connections within the biotech industry. Today, the company is at the forefront of enzyme-based technology, pioneering advanced solutions for detecting and neutralizing chemical and biological threats.
Its cutting-edge innovations include wearable sensors for real-time threat detection, anti-biofouling treatments to mitigate hazardous exposures, and a range of antimicrobial products designed for diverse applications. These include therapeutic peptides, liquids, textiles, and nanoparticles, each engineered to enhance safety and resilience in high-risk environments. By integrating biotechnology with material science, Rock Spring Bio is redefining the future of protective and responsive technologies.
Small World Sciences, LLC
Small World Sciences LLC, based in Morrisville, N.C., has collaborated with NC State University to develop advanced fibers and textiles that regulate infrared (heat) reflection and emission, inspired by the Saharan Silver Ant—an insect that has evolved to thrive in extreme desert conditions. By leveraging biomimicry, this innovative textile technology enhances thermal management, offering potential protective and performance apparel applications. The concept has been rigorously validated through a National Science Foundation-funded research project at Columbia University, reinforcing its scientific credibility and potential for real-world impact.
Nufabrx and Clothing 2.0
Nufabrx, founded by a graduate of the Manufacturing Solutions Center’s incubator program in Conover, N.C., was included in Inc. 5000 No. 50 fastest-growing private companies in 2021 by innovating the pain relief market. In collaboration with AFFOA, the company developed fabrics infused with pain-relief medications.
Clothing 2.0 has recently launched to exclusively support the growing number of partnerships across apparel, health and wellness, OTC, and textile sectors. Technology innovation allows for infusing consistent doses of medicines and topicals into yarns that create laundry-safe, reusable healthy garments and textile products.
FEDTEX: A Key Event in Connecting Manufacturers with the Defense Industry
The North Carolina Military Business Center (NCMBC), Office of US Senator Thom Tillis, Office of Senator Ted Budd, and the North Carolina Defense Technology Transition Office (DEFTECH) annually host The Federal and Defense Textile and Tactical Equipment (FEDTEX) Summit, which provides the US Department of Defense (DoD) and federal agency clothing and individual equipment buyers an opportunity to engage with textile manufacturers, cut and sew operations, research and development facilities, testing labs, academic resources and existing industry partners. The agenda includes a Wilson College of Textiles facility tour and time allotted to connect with graduate students interested in entering federal service.
FEDTEX objectives:
- Engage with existing contractors and attract new capable businesses into the federal and defense clothing, textiles, and tactical equipment marketplace.
- Engage existing textile supply chain suppliers to attract new capable businesses into the federal marketplace and to connect these component suppliers with federal prime contractors.
- Inform the industrial and academic R&D ecosystem about desired future military technology requirements, and likewise inform DoD agencies about emerging and future textile innovations.
- Establish a productive and DIRECT dialogue between businesses, government and academia around critical warfighter issues in the defense textile marketplace – including workforce, supply chain, inflation challenges, and barriers to entry.
Read more about the defense industry recap of the 2024 FEDTEX event on the Marines website, article titled Corps Collaborations: Industry Innovations in Textiles and Medical Tech on Display in North Carolina.
The 2025 FEDTEX Event will be held May 20-21, 2025, at North Carolina State University McKimmon Conference Center.
Summary of NC DMCSP Success
NC DMCSP has assisted manufacturers with procurement process efficiencies, cybersecurity capability, market diversification, production development, and adoption of new technology. NC DMCSP has worked with over 60 companies to diversify business portfolios, including entering the defense market and over 35 companies in new technology adoption.
In workforce development, NC DMCSP has provided support services in career pathway development, incumbent workers training, and K-12 STEM training. In 2024, Emerging Technology Institute, a DMCSP partner and NCDIDI company conducted 91 K-12 STEM programs for over 13,000 students in four states.
NC DMCSP and its partners host industry events and workshops across the state of North Carolina. Over 7000 individuals attended DMCSP advocacy and outreach partner events annually. Check the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP) Calendar of Events for upcoming industry events.
NC State University Industry Expansion Solutions Defense Industry Initiatives
Read the NC State University Industry Expansion Solutions Defense Industry Initiatives newsletter publication, Connecting the Dots.
For more information about programs and opportunities available for North Carolina manufacturers and defense contractors, contact Michael Mullins at mrmulli2@ncsu.edu.
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About Industry Expansion Solutions
NC State University Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) is the extension and outreach team for the NC State University College of Engineering and administers the National Institute of Standards and Technology Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NIST MEP) for North Carolina (NCMEP). IES supports all North Carolina businesses by providing connections, networking with industry experts, and helping to identify the resources, tools and customized programs needed to increase productivity, efficiency, quality and profit.
Contact your Industry Expansion Solutions Regional Manager for immediate assistance!
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About North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership
The North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP) is the state network in North Carolina for the National Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), which is part of the Commerce Department’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). MEP is a unique public-private partnership that delivers comprehensive, proven solutions to manufacturers, fueling growth and advancing U.S. manufacturing. NCMEP is administered by NC State University Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and partners with the North Carolina Community College System, NCEdge, Customized Training; the Economic Development Partnership of NC; the Polymers Center of Excellence; the Manufacturing Solutions Center; Hangar6; the University of North Carolina at Charlotte Industrial Solutions Lab; and NC State University Wilson College of Textiles.
Don’t miss the upcoming Manufacturing and Defense industry. Bookmark the NCMEP Calendar of Industry Events.
