Future Armour
Armstrong, A. and Muirhead, A.
Submitted in the repository Curve in January 2014
Original citation:
Armstrong, A. and Muirhead, A. (2010). Future Armour. (Personal protective equipment).
Coventry: Coventry University
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http://curve.coventry.ac.uk/open
Future Armour Ltd.
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Armstrong and Muirhead are setting up Future Armour Ltd a University Spin Out company. Taking on the challenge to
establish a recognizable, strong premium workwear brand in the UK, using the latest smart fabrics, cutting edge
manufacturing processes and creative pattern cutting, to improve usability, protective characteristics and desirability, thus
significantly contributing to preventing injuries and saving lives.
Armstrong led the research on sourcing and testing the latest smart fabrics, coatings and trims their assessment in relation
to current H&S standards. She investigated the sustainability of materials and manufacturing processes and impact of end
user activity (washing and drying). Armstrong met with Sally Cowan Ltd and attended Bread and Butter at Berlin Fashion
Week, Premiere Vision, Paris (the worlds premiere textile fair) and KTN Materials - Advances in Protective Clothing
conference to inform the project.
Muirhead, led work on end user needs in terms of ergonomics, the assessment of current H&S regulations, and ensuring all
products met those standards. She devised the innovative pattern cutting and manufacturing methods and sourced
manufacturers with appropriate production skills and equipment.
Armstrong and Muirhead have been contacted by Clifford P. Lockyer CEO of ‘Redbacks’ Leaf Spring Technology and Ross
Boulding ‘City’ Link, a national logistics company who have shown serious interest in Future Armour and are now working
with Armstrong and Muirhead on individual PPE projects.
Armstrong and Muirhead are now in the first stages of product development and will launch the brand at the Health and
Safety Facilities Show at the NEC in Birmingham in October 2013.
Going forward Armstrong and Muirhead have met with experts in the military, fire service and ballistics all of whom are
experiencing the same issues with PPE as the construction industry identifying a potential broader application for the brand
in a global market.
Future Armour Ltd.
1st toile fitting
• This image has been removed as it contains an
identifiable person
Existing ATS trouser
Existing knee pads