Kraig Biocraft Laboratories in Ann Arbor has implemented new quality assurance management and production procedures at Prodigy Textiles, its Vietnamese subsidiary. It obtained mulberry for feedstock and climate controls in the new facility during the offseason.
The successes come after a production hiccup caused by the company’s winter launch. The company’s business plan or prospects are not expected to be impacted. It will continue its breeding programs and still plans to produce its first commercial batch of Dragon Silk.
February is generally a better month for rearing silkworms than January. Kraig also plans to use land set aside by the government to immediately plant an additional 40 acres of mulberry trees. The land expansion and work with local farming cooperatives will allow for tighter control of the trees.
Kraig also installed and began using specialized fiber testing equipment that mirrors that of its researcher headquarters in the U.S. to monitor fiber performance including tensile strength and elasticity. The equipment allows for the identification and selective mating of the best performing silkworms.
“Kraig Labs is laser focused on the commercialization of our exceptional materials,” says Jon Rice, COO. “Recognizing challenges to that vision and quickly adapting to overcome those obstacles is a core piece of our corporate DNA. 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.”
