Coolture

May 29, 2015

Buffalo firm working to cool down workers during hot summer months May 29, 2015, 12:12am EDT //= $authorImg ?> Enlarge Coolture is adding new line of lower-cost vests is now under development along with a… more As the weather turns warmer, a Buffalo company is refocusing its effort on how to keep people cool. Coolture LLC makes cooling vests specially designed for individuals with medical conditions as well as athletes and people who work in hot environments. A new line of lower-cost vests is now under development along with a line of warming vests. The product line expansion comes at a time of change for the company, which this week finalized an ownership transition that makes it a woman-owned business with Luanne DiBernardo shifting to majority owner and CEO. Tom Stewart , who had been CEO, remains president. Van DiBernardo, a clothing designer who founded the company while looking for a way to deal with overheating issues related to his multiple sclerosis, is vice president of design. Home of the Day See All Homes of the Day Keeping Stewart in an executive position, Luanne DiBernardo said, was key to the shift and allows the company to capitalize on his decades of experience in the industry: Stewart spent nearly 30 years working in medical devices as president at Gaymar Industries Inc. “Tom is definitely the man who guides me and brings his expertise to the table,” she said. “If you’re selling any kind of cooling or physiology product, you want Tom on your team.” Having the woman-owned status will allow Coolture to pursue government contracts and other large company contracts. Operating from offices at the Olmsted Center for Sight, Coolture now has five employees. The company started out with a high-end line of vests geared that retail for $299. The target audience includes individuals with conditions like MS, COPD and fibromyalgia as well as athletes such as golfers and race car drivers. But the price tag put the vests out of reach for people on disability for medical conditions and for recreational sports enthusiasts. That’s why Coolture is introducing the new line, with vests that retail for $65-$75. They work with the same technology, but are sewn from a different grade of materials, she said. Cooling apparel is a growing industry, with two former Spanx executives launching a company to provide scarves and other apparel based on similar technology. Coolture's focus on people with medical conditions has led to sales at medical device retail sites and online communities. The new vests will expand its appeal as well, DiBernardo said. “We learned that as much as we build a better mousetrap, we went from the Chevy’s we were competing against to the Cadillac,” she said. “If I could do it over, I would introduce a better Chevy. Now we’re building that piece.” The company will focus more on occupational health for the new vest as well, including individuals who work in hot environments, such as a furnace room or enclosed work spaces. Coolture has also stuck with its longtime habit of working with local companies for production, contracting out the manufacturing to DC Theatricks, a Buffalo company more well known for costuming work for the theater industry. QSG Technologies in Kenmore will maintain production of its high-end cooling vests. “While they don’t traditionally take on outside projects, our timing was good for them and we were very impressed with the quality of their tailoring,” DiBernardo said. “Like our partners at QSG, they are sticklers for the smallest detail, which is a top priority for us. Also new: A warming vest that uses the same design as its cooling vest, but works with heat pack inserts that keep the user warm 12-18 hours. Want Buffalo Manufacturing news in your inbox? Sign up for our free email newsletters. Industries