History of Alpha Industries

[mulceber]

I was just idly curious when Alpha Industries was founded, and so I looked them up on wiki, and what I found was an unexpectedly detailed history. Some of the language could be clearer, but apparently Alpha is basically a successor company to Superior Toggs (makers of the B-10, B-15, B-15A) Rolen Sportswear (B-15D, L-2B, MA-1, N-2B) and Dobbs (MA-1).

Maybe this was already known, but it’s new to me, and I thought it was pretty cool.

 

[Lord Flashheart]

Very interesting Jan, that's a neat little bit of linkage. We can only speculate whether bribery was the reason the Superior Togs contract was suspended because clearly that claim stuck just a few years later.

If one were to map out the ups, downs, mergers and what have you of the various jacket makers over the years it would look like a very complicated game of snakes and ladders I reckon.

 

[B-Man2]

Nicely done Jan !
All new to me as well .

 

[Spitfireace]

When was the last time Alpha had a military contract? Seems like they are making too much money on knockoffs to really care about military contracts now.

 

[lgr1613]

I heard of "The Alpha Story" a while back and managed to find a copy. It has many historical details and photos, including color photos of many their products, including the B-10, B-15 and MA-1. I included a copy of the contents page to give an idea of the scope of what is covered. Worthy addition to any flight jacket library.
Lewis R