Featured In
Proficiency In All Facets Of Our Industry
Our Customers Can Expect To Receive:
What Our Clients Have To Say
Hear firsthand from our clients how Dunlap Industries’ exceptional products and service have propelled their success across a multitude of industries.
Nike
“Working with Serena Williams, we have had and continue to have, with each new design brief, interesting zipper needs (i.e., custom colors, pulls, lengths, etc.) at very, very short turnaround times. Dunlap has consistently gone beyond what we thought would be possible and delivered quality products to spec, regardless of our over-the-top requests!”
Tru-Spec
“I just wanted to take a moment and thank you and the company for your continued support throughout the years. You and your staff have always been there for us on any of our needs, no matter how small or how big. Dunlap has helped us with our continued success.”
Medline
“We sincerely appreciate all the additional help you provided us while also trying to keep your workers safe during Covid. Your increased efforts and dedication to keep us supplied with inventory during a difficult time have been nothing short of invaluable. We truly value our relationship more now than ever.”
Our History
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From a Classroom Concept and Humble Beginnings to 57 Years in Business
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In the early 1960’s, the Tennessee Valley Authority’s office of Tributary Area Development contracted with the University of Tennessee’s Department of Industrial Engineering, headed by Howard Emerson and Professor Dan Doulet, to test a new approach to community industrial development. The method that was used, bootstrapping, refers to using existing resources, people and capital within the local community to start a new business. It was believed that using this method would reap the greatest economic stimulus for the area, provide better working conditions and further develop employee skills through experience. The University of Tennessee and TVA then partnered with the Sequatchie Valley Development Agency to determine the location and the product. The City of Dunlap, TN was chosen along with the product, zippers. The capital to form the corporation was 95% funded by local citizens through the purchase of company stock. Dunlap Industries Inc. was officially founded in 1966 headed by President, Mike Kwasnik Sr., producing zippers under the trade name Flint Zippers. |
Significant Growth & All That Comes With It
Three employees strong, Dunlap Industries saw rapid growth following the introduction of the coil and molded zippers in the 1970’s. During that time Dunlap Industries partnered with YKK® to become a major distributor and assembler which lasted until the year 2000. Cort Zipper of New York was acquired in 1986 which was followed by the acquisition of U.S. Thread in 1993. Dunlap Industries’ product line was expanded to meet the needs to a growing customer base, adding key trim items such as hook and loop fasteners, narrow fabric tapes, webbing, thread, elastic and plastic hardware. With the expansion of the product line, Dunlap Industries began to produce raw materials and finished products at their international facilities. Dunlap Industries currently provides products and services to several thousand customers throughout the world. In response to customer’s re-shoring initiatives, Dunlap Industries has expanded manufacturing capacity to be able to service customer’s needs in the United States. For domestic products, the manufacturing facility is located in Dunlap, TN.
