THE STORY: Propel LLC develops textile-driven technologies for demanding clients, including the U.S. military and fire service. And while final assembly of all this women-owned enterprise’s products is not done in Rhode Island, Pawtucket is at the heart of the business.
› Known as a steam suit, the Damage Control Suit is protective gear for emergency responders to steam line ruptures aboard submarines, according to the U.S. Navy
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› Seventy percent of the inputs to the steam suit is made in Rhode Island
› The first prototype of the steam suit was made in early 2016
› Production of the suit will start in 2019, with 500 units expected to be made
› Each suit costs $4,500
› Propel has six employees
› Each suit takes about 70 man-hours to make
› Propel has been awarded multiple Small Business Innovation Research grants, the results of which have contributed to the development of the steam suit
› The suit fits any woman or man from 5 feet 2 inches tall to 6 feet 4 inches tall
Jaime Lowe is a PBN contributing writer.
