ANN ARBOR—Kraig Biocraft Laboratories Inc. (OTCQB: KBLB), the developer of genetically engineered silk with some of the strength properties of spiderweb fibers, announced that it has implemented new quality assurance management and production procedures at Prodigy Textiles, the company’s Vietnamese subsidiary, based on lessons learned from its production rollout.
The company embarked on an aggressive winter production rollout to accommodate urgent requests for materials from partners and potential customers. The result was a launch in what is normally the Vietnamese silk offseason. Company officials said this faced two challenges—obtaining quality mulberry for feedstock and climate controls in the new facility during the winter. They said the company would address better climate control equipment to ensure uniform and consistent year-around production, and will plant an additional 40 acres of mulberry trees, whose leaves serve as food for silkworms.
Kraig officials called the current production difficulties a “hiccup caused by the winter launch (which) is not expected to impact the company’s business plan or prospects.”
Additionally, the company installed and has begun using fiber testing equipment, which mirrors that of its research headquarters in the United States, to monitor fiber performance, including tensile strength and elasticity. This equipment allows for the identification and selective mating of the best performing silkworms.
Kraig Labs will continue to monitor and implement procedures to ensure its product meets its high standards and its potential commercialization partners’ expectations.
“Kraig Labs is laser focused on the commercialization of our exceptional materials. Recognizing challenges to that vision and quickly adapting to overcome those obstacles is a core piece of our corporate DNA,” said COO Jon Rice. “By implementing the new processes, Kraig Labs continues to show its commitment to upholding sustainable fiber production and goals, as well as our commitment to our valued business partners. Despite our winter launch hiccup, we remain on track to meet our goal of delivering superior fibers to our clients.”
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Kraig has used genetic engineering techniques to splice spider genes into silkworms, leading to silkworms that spin cocoons whose fibers have some of the strength properties of spiderweb fibers. Among the first products eyed for development by the company are super-strong textiles for military and other applications. More at https://www.kraiglabs.com/spider-silk-company/.