ALPHA

Samuel Gelber and Robert Lane found Dobbs Industries on June 7, 1957, in Knoxville, TN, in order to manufacture outerwear for the U.S. Department of Defense. Soon Dobbs is producing Air Force flight jackets and hoods and Army raincoats. In 1959 Alpha Industries is awarded its first U.S. Department of Defense contracts to manufacture Air Force N-3B parkas and Navy shipboard shirts. These are the first real tests for the fledgling apparel company. To keep production lines running between government contracts, in 1970 Alpha Industries begins manufacturing small amounts of jackets specifically for the commercial market. Rather than only using the Alpha name, several different brand names are used, including Concord Industries and Intercon Apparel. 1982: Alpha’s founder, Samuel Gelber, passes away at the age of 67. His wife, Mildred Gelber, son-in-law, Alan Cirker, and John Niethammer, become the leaders of the company. They begin to expand Alpha’s commercial business and build its brand image by trademarking the three bars found on Alpha’s commercial labels since the 1960s. After nearly 30 years in business, Alpha Industries develops its first brand logo. It debuts on the cover of Alpha’s second wholesale catalog, which features an expanded product line including jackets specifically designed for the commercial market. In 1992 as Alpha’s presence in the consumer market continues to grow, it’s time for a facelift. The “Flying A” logo is introduced, referencing Alpha’s military heritage as well as the three-bar labels that Alpha had become known for. At the really beginning from 1993 till 1997, only the basic and core styles were available in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. After that time period, in 1998, Alpha Industries started to create their own collection for the European Market, not only a Men’s Collection also Women’s and Kids got their own beside the basic and core styles that were already available. To celebrate their 60th anniversary, Alpha Industries has created a new premium line called "SIX DECADES ALPHA INDUSTRIES - 6DAI" for men and women that serves as a modernized ode to an impeccable tradition of quality.