Kappler History | Since 1976

Kappler Inc.

Our History

Since 1976, Kappler’s been a world leader in innovative protective apparel.

When George Kappler founded Kappler, Inc. on April 1, 1976, there were eight employees and six sewing machines. Today, the company is a respected global leader in chemical protective apparel. Now led by daughter Laura Kappler-Roberts as President and CEO, Kappler continues to grow as a certified Woman Owned Small Business.

Vintage sepia photo of a man on Kappler's early sewing manufacturing floor

Kappler Museum & Visitors Center

The Kappler Museum & Visitors Center opened in April 2016 in conjunction with the celebration of Kappler’s 40th Anniversary.

The museum is located on the Kappler campus in Guntersville, Alabama. It provides a fascinating look into the history of protective apparel — and the Kappler technology that has driven that industry since 1976.

Exhibits range from a historical timeline to how-do-they-do-that technical explainers. The exhibits are designed to be interesting and informative for a wide range of ages and interests. Kappler tour guides are available on request, and bring the museum to life with key insights and interesting anecdotes about the company’s history.

School groups as well as other groups and individuals are invited to take advantage of the Kappler Museum. There is no charge for admission. For more information or to arrange a tour call us at 1-800-600-4019 or email customer service.

Decades of Innovation

1976

Started April 1, 1976, in downtown Guntersville as contract manufacturer with eight employees and six sewing machines.

1980

Relocated to East Lake facility with 50 employees, began making “Kappler” brand disposable garments.

1982

Built facility in Mountain Crest Industrial Park. Named to Inc. 500 list of Fastest Growing Private Companies at #97.

1984-85

Named SBA’s 1984 Alabama Outstanding Small Business. Made Inc. 500 again in successive years, and formed Research & Development Department.

1986

Reorganized as Kappler Safety Group. Established Kappler Europe in Nottingham, England and began manufacturing with 10 employees.

1987

Acquired Andover Industries and relocated it to Guntersville. Renamed Life-Guard, the sister company produced high-end chemical suits using Kappler proprietary fabrics.

1989

Patent issued for Responder® fabric. U.S. manufacturing expanded with nearby Rainsville, AL, plant, plus KSG International export division established.

1990

Kappler Canada established with acquisition of Brant Packaging in Brantford, Ontario.

1992

Introduced “fabric family” concept with CPF® chemical range, plus pioneered microporous technology with ProVent® blood and viral barrier fabric.

1993

Established Kappler Engineered Specialty Fabrics division.

1994

Expansion continued with acquisitions of Protemo in Europe and Chemron in U.S.

1995-96

Introduced Reflector® chemical flash-fire fabric, and launched Pro/Shield® proprietary industrial range.
Registered to ISO-9000.

1997

Introduced patented ChemTape® plus Suit Smart® protective apparel selection software.

1999

Reflector® certified as first “single skin” NFPA 1991 chemical flash-fire suit. NexGen® revolutionized industrial market with microporous protection.

2001-2006

Kappler focused on serving the healthcare, government and military markets.
Re-entered industrial and hazmat markets with Zytron® chemical protective products.

2008

Frontline® 300 fabric offered first three-way protection for chemical, flash-fire and thermal protection.

2010

Frontline® 500 apparel certified to NFPA 1990 (1991) for chemical, flash-fire and thermal protection.

2011-2012

Innovations included ChemScan® QR Code garment labels, 2N1® Glove and mobile app version of Hazmatch® selection tool.

2013

ProVent® 10,000 fabric proved value of Kappler technology during Ebola outbreak. User education expanded through Kappler Workshop and Road Show training programs.

2014

Laura Kappler-Roberts named President.

2016

Opened Kappler Museum & Visitors Center to mark 40th anniversary.

2017

Introduced Expanded View AntiFog Visor System for gas-tight suits.

2018

Introduced three NFPA-Certified products: ProVent® Plus, DuraChem® 200 and DuraChem® 500.
DuraChem® marked the expansion of Kappler technology to woven fabric products and their enhanced protection level.

2020

Construction completed on Kappler Technology and Training Center.

2024

Launched Zytron® 300 FR for primary chemical and secondary FR protection.

2025

Kappler Certified as a Woman-Owned Small Business by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

2026

Celebrating 50 years of proven protection.