Uniform News - September 2007

Here and Abroad

Report Says US Textile Mills Revenue for ‘06 Topped $38,690,000,000

Dublin, Ireland, August 17, 2007, (Business Wire) - Research and Markets has announced the addition of “Textile Mills Subsector in the U.S. and its Foreign Trade (1997-2009)” to their offering.

This industry report focuses upon the Textile Mills Subsector. The subsector’s revenue for the year 2006 was approximately $38,690,000,000. The gross profit was 23.49% at $9,088,281,000. There were 3,420 establishments in this subsector that year. Thus, average contribution (or revenue) per establishment annually was $11,312,000. The total import export value for the year 2006 was $16,557,995,000.

Industries in the Textile Mills subsector group include establishments that transform a basic fiber (natural or synthetic) into a product, such as yarn or fabric, that is further manufactured into usable items, such as apparel, sheets towels, and textile bags for individual or industrial consumption. The further manufacturing may be performed in the same establishment and classified in this subsector, or it may be performed at a separate establishment and be classified elsewhere in manufacturing.

The main processes in this subsector include preparation and spinning of fiber, knitting or weaving of fabric, and the finishing of the textile. The NAICS structure follows and captures this process flow. Major industries in this flow, such as preparation of fibers, weaving of fabric, knitting of fabric, and fiber and fabric finishing, are uniquely identified. Texturizing, throwing, twisting, and winding of yarn contains aspects of both fiber preparation and fiber finishing and is classified with preparation of fibers rather than with finishing of fiber.

NAICS separates the manufacturing of primary textiles and the manufacturing of textile products (except apparel) when the textile product is produced from purchased primary textiles, such as fabric. The manufacturing of textile products (except apparel) from purchased fabric is classified in Subsector 314, Textile Product Mills, and apparel from purchased fabric is classified in Subsector 315, Apparel Manufacturing.

This industry report includes 240 pages of the latest market research information. In addition to the detailed explanations of the provided statistical data, there are 112 charts, 18 tables, and 2 maps to effectively illustrate the content. The report can be used as an in-depth analysis of the industry, an industry reference guide, an aid for benchmarking and forecasting, and as a tool for uncovering new business opportunities.

There were 195 countries that conducted foreign trade with the U.S. in 2006, same as year 2005. The top trading countries were: Mexico, $3,456,045,000 (20.87%); Canada, $2,249,478,000 (13.59%); China, $1,534,484,000 (9.27%); Honduras, $1,019,275,000 (6.16%); and Korea, $705,384,000 (4.26%).

The combined total represents approximately 54% of all imports and exports. The total import value for the year 2006 was $7,360,574,000. This represents a 1.2% decrease from year 2005. The U.S. had imported industry related merchandises from 139 countries in 2006. The top importing countries were: China, $1,104,944,000 (15.01%); Canada, $992,714,000 (13.49%); Korea, $603,130,000 (8.19%); Mexico, $575,274,000 (7.82%); and Italy, $538,287,000 (7.31%). Their combined total represents approximately 52% of import from all countries.

The total export value for the year 2006 was $8,780,747,000. This represents a 0.3% increase from year 2005. The U.S. had exported industry related merchandises to 180 countries in 2006. The top exporting countries were: Mexico, $2,873,886,000 (32.73%); Canada, $1,243,895,000 (14.17%); Honduras, $1,015,127,000 (11.56%); Dominican Republic, $617,728,000 (7.04%); and El Salvador, $409,626,000 (4.67%). Their combined total represents approximately 70% of export to all countries. Adding the import and subtracting the export, the total U.S. consumption value of this subsector for the year was $37,270,000,000.

This industry report packs 10 years of data from hundreds of reliable government and private statistical resources. For more information, visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c65987

Crime Sparks Stab-proof Uniforms

London, August 18, 2007 (Herald-Sun) -- Parents are sending their children to school in stab-proof uniforms to guard against knife crime.

They are paying a firm that makes body amour to line blazers and jumpers with the stab-resistant material, Kevlar.

The precautions come as street crime spills over into schools. A wave of stabbings involving teenagers included the killing of promising footballer Kiyan Prince, just meters from his school in north London.

Kevlar is a synthetic fiber that can be spun into fabric five times stronger than steel, and is used in armored vests worn by British troops in Iraq.

The Essex-based firm BladeRunner produces clothing lined with the material for police and security guards.

Director Barry Samms said the company initially produced stab-proof hooded tops.

Parents then asked about the possibility of strengthening school uniforms with Kevlar.

"The blazers and jumpers have come on the back of the hooded tops, which we launched in April," Mr. Samms said.

He said parents who had inquired about stab-proof clothing were genuinely fearful for their children's safety. "From what I can gather and from speaking to parents, its peace of mind for them," he said.

Police said the precautions were an "extraordinary step."

Teachers are demanding to be equipped with stab-proof vests as they frisk pupils for knives and guns.

New laws allow staff to conduct forcible searches of students suspected of carrying offensive weapons. But a teachers' association said they should not be made to carry out searches unless they are provided with body armor.

Company Press Releases

The Big Book by Cintas Delivers Fresh Looks to Apparel Fashions

Chicago, IL, August 2, 2007— Fresh from the runway into businesses around the world, Cintas has redefined fashion and style in uniforms, bringing chic new looks to the hospitality industry with The Big Book. Delivering hundreds of new options in suiting, shirting and accessories, this year’s new catalog gives hospitality executives stylish uniform options that mirror current retail styles.

“The face of the hospitality industry is evolving at an unprecedented rate so apparel lines need to reflect that,” says Kirsta Stull, senior designer for Cintas. “Our intent with this year’s line is to update the world of workplace apparel and keep associates looking and feeling sharp.”

Offering contemporary selections and styles from the front to the back of the house, timeless and versatile pieces pervade this year’s line, enabling styles to be crossed throughout a variety of job functions. For instance, stylish new cocktail options can be worn by servers, but also female bartenders and hostesses.

“The styles and designs featured in The Big Book will define and enhance our clients’ brand,” says Ahmed Said, marketing director, Cintas. “Associates wearing our apparel should not only look and feel good but also represent the brand and the experience a guest will have at the property.”

In conjunction with The Big Book, Cintas has also launched www.cintasfashion.com. Visitors to www.cintasfashion.com can register to win an all expense paid trip for two to New York Fashion Week along with a $25 Cintas gift card.

The Image Makers are an elite team of eleven designers who have drawn inspiration from styles seen on runways across the world and translated them into contemporary workplace apparel featured in The Big Book. Carefully considering the environment in which the uniform will be worn in conjunction with functions performed by the associate, each designer has delivered the perfect blend of form and function to this year’s line.

“We always consider the fabrications when designing each garment,” says Stull. “For example, we have introduced a new tailored collection that offers technology allowing the wearer to home launder, which eliminates expensive dry cleaning costs. We also have designed garments that offer moisture management and wicking capabilities to keep wearers comfortable throughout the day.”

With hundreds of pages featuring high profile models and the year’s most fashionable styles, The Big Book should be seen by everyone within the hospitality industry.

“The Big Book offers a sense of style, a desire to look your best while delivering couture fashion to the masses,” says Stull. “It further establishes Cintas as a leader in the industry, demonstrating our company’s desire to meet the ever changing needs of our clients.”

For a preview of some of the styles seen in The Big Book, go to www.cintasfashion.com.

NAUMD Extends Membership Eligibility to Canada, Mexico and Beyond

New York, August 9, 2007 - In an unprecedented action, the membership of the National Association of Uniform Manufacturers & Distributors voted by an overwhelming majority of 87.5 percent to expand the association’s membership to now include uniform & accessories dealers, distributors and manufacturers based in North-America as members of the organization.

“As of this date, NAUMD formally welcomes membership applications from all uniform dealers, distributors, manufacturers and qualifying associate members who provide products, raw materials and other services to those in the uniform industry!” said NAUMD President Richard J. Lerman.

As part of the association’s 2006-07 Strategic Business Plan, the NAUMD board of directors created a taskforce to study the issue of international membership expansion. The taskforce, chaired by Steve Robinson, Liberty Uniform Mfg. Co., Inc., who also serves as member-at-large on the association’s Executive Committee, met in New York in February of 2007 and discussed all aspects of international membership expansion and its possible impact on current NAUMD membership.

The taskforce was composed of industry leaders Ashley Bullock, Burlington Worldwide, John Couchell, Milliken & Company, Jim DiRosa, Quartermaster Uniforms, Brian Garry, CINTAS, Mark Isoe, QST Industries, Sol Jacobs, I. Spiewak & Sons, Inc., Richard J. Lerman, NAUMD, Blaine Madden, Milliken & Company, Ilene Rosen, Hamburger Woolen Company, Jim Tewmey, VF Imagewear and Jerry Vereen, Riverside Manufacturing Company.

Chairman Robinson presented the findings and recommendations of the taskforce during the recently completed 2007 NAUMD Convention in Atlanta. With the vote of approval by the Board to move the measure forward, all due diligence was performed to determine the legal ramifications and conditions upon which the association could accept members from uniform companies based on the North-American continent. After a thorough review, the only remaining obstacle for such expansion was the requirement for the current membership to vote on the eligibility revisions.

In an overwhelming show of support for the measure, 87.5 percent of the current association membership voted to welcome members from North America, including Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico and the United States and its other provinces.

“We believe expansion of our membership to North America to be one of the most positive moves our organization can make in building value and meaning to our entire organization, “ said Ron Pate, NAUMD’s chairman and vice president of Unison Marketing Group. “We live and work in a global economy and to welcome uniform industry leaders in North America, including Canada & Mexico, who had long been seeking membership in NAUMD, seems at this juncture the best possible direction for all current and future members.”

“Expansion into the North American continent is simply the natural progression of both our organization and the uniform industry,” adds Lerman. “We look forward to welcoming neighbors from the north and south into the NAUMD family and to the future success of our organization they will bring with them,”

Plans for the first of many promotional campaign stops will occur in September in Canada. Phil Newman of Cobmex, a current NAUMD member with operations in Amherst, NY and elsewhere in Canada, will host the first of these meetings to formally introduce NAUMD to prospective new members in Canada. Additional meetings in both Canada and Mexico are planned for later in the year.

Prospective members are cordially invited to visit the Association’s website and download a membership application at www.naumd.com , or to contact NAUMD directly by phoning 1.212.869.0670.

Elbeco Launches National “Every Elbeco Uniform Tells a Story” Contest

Reading, PA, July 31, 2007 — Elbeco Incorporated, America’s premier manufacturer of uniforms for the police, fire, EMS, postal, security and tactical industries, is celebrating its centennial year in 2007. To commemorate this milestone, the company will honor the men and women who wear their uniforms.

In September, Elbeco will launch the “Every Elbeco Uniform Tells a Story” contest encouraging current and past service professionals to submit interesting stories that happened while they were wearing an Elbeco uniform. “We’re looking for an interesting story that demonstrates how an individual made a significant impact through his or her actions, how an individual performed service to the community exceeding their normal duties, or a genuinely heartwarming story,” comments David Lurio, president, Elbeco Incorporated. “We really want to thank and honor the people who wear our uniforms, and have made us successful for 100 years. We’re giving them an opportunity to have their stories heard, and to win prizes for themselves and their departments.”

Service professionals interested in entering the “Every Elbeco Uniform Tells a Story” contest can pick up an entry form at participating local retail dealers where they purchase their Elbeco uniforms, or enter online at the redesigned Elbeco website. While not required, Elbeco Incorporated is encouraging entrants to submit pictures of themselves in uniform. “We’ll be posting online the stories of the Grand, Second and Third Prize winners and the finalists. Hopefully we’ll be able to post most of their pictures too,” states Mike Vasilik, Director of Marketing. “We are extremely proud of the men and women who wear our uniforms, and look forward to reading their entries and sharing in their unusual and interesting experiences.”

Five monthly finalists will be chosen by a panel of judges, for the months of September, October, November and December. Each finalist will win a $100 Elbeco credit, an Elbeco NANO-Technology cap, an Elbeco Uf/x Performance Tee and an Elbeco mug. From those 20 finalists, another judging panel will choose the Grand Prize, Second and Third Prize winners. The grand prize winner will receive $5,000 cash and a $1,500 Elbeco credit for his or her current or past department. The second prize winner will receive $2,500 cash and a $1,000 Elbeco credit for his or her department. The third prize winner will receive $1,000 cash and a $500 Elbeco credit for his or her department.

The “Every Elbeco Uniform Tells a Story” contest runs September 1, 2007 through December 31, 2007. The grand prize winner will be chosen and officially notified by January 31, 2008.

For additional details or an application, visit www.elbeco.com

Red House Joins the Celebration of World-Class Architecture and Winemaking

ST. Helena, CA, August 2, 2007 - Noted architect Frank O. Gehry recently joined vintners Craig and Kathryn Hall to celebrate the groundbreaking for the new Hall Winery in Napa Valley. Among the 300 dignitaries, neighbors and friends were Hall Wines associates who added a distinctive touch to the occasion by wearing Red House apparel, the official apparel partner of Hall Wines.

“At Hall Wines, we have an unwavering commitment to create the best. Red House apparel reflects that. It’s a natural fit. Like our wines, Red House sets the benchmark for quality. We’re proud to wear Red House apparel and offer it in our gift shop,” said Christine Komons, director of marketing communications.

The winery employees wore Red House Honeycomb Performance Pique Polos. Tastefully decorated with the Hall Wines logo, the sport shirts kept everyone cool and comfortable with an easy care cotton blend and moisture wicking properties.

SanMar Corporation, a leading supplier of wholesale imprinted apparel and accessories, is the sole supplier of Red House apparel. For more information on SanMar and Red House, visit www.sanmar.com or www.redhouse.com

End Users in the News

New Uniforms for U.S. Border Patrol Agents

Aug 17, 2007, (KOLD News 113) - The U.S. Border Patrol uniform is getting its first makeover in more than 50 years.

The new uniforms, introduced nationwide this week, look like military fatigues complete with nylon belts with quick- release plastic buckles.

Slacks have been replaced with lightweight cargo pants, and cloth patches are now being used in place of badges and nameplates.

The new look is designed to reflect how illegal border crossing has changed in the last decade.

Border Patrol says as enforcement increases, crossers move from the streets of border cities to remote mountains and deserts along the U.S.- Mexico border.

That means agents working in extreme heat and rugged areas.

Plainfield Police Force Changes to 'More Functional' Uniforms

Plainfield, August 25, 2007 (Norwich Bulletin) - The town's police officers are sporting a new look and paying for the privilege.

Police this week unveiled two new uniforms -- one they will wear while on regular patrol and another when directing traffic at road construction projects or other work sites. The department's only canine officer also will wear a new uniform that differs from his fellow officers.

"The new uniforms were something the officers suggested," Sgt. Michael Surprenant, president of the police union, said. "It's something the union membership wanted, and Chief (Robert) Hoffman approved our suggestion to move forward with the changes."

Surprenant said the new look comes at no cost to Plainfield taxpayers. Police officers footed the bill individually for the new uniforms, a cost he estimated at about $800 per officer.

"The new uniforms are lighter, will be less expensive to replace and are more functional," Sgt. Todd Shaw said. They are made of a poly-rayon material that helps to repel water and dirt, he said. The material will make them more comfortable in summer heat, but continue to provide warmth in winter, he said.

The new patrol uniforms feature a dark blue tactical shirt and matching battle dress uniform-style pants. It includes a lightweight nylon gun belt, replacing the heavier patent leather belt, with nylon pouches to carry ammunition, pepper spray and other normal police tools. The uniform is topped off with an aviator-style hat, which replaces the campaign hat formerly used by the department. The shirt and pants feature hidden pockets in which officers can place other items they need.

"The lighter weight of the uniforms and gun belts will be especially welcome to officers who work double shifts or get called in on overtime," veteran Officer Gerry Geyer said.

The traffic uniform consists of a highly-visible "safety" green polo shirt, with the department's emblem and the name of each officer emblazoned on the front and the department name on the back in reflecting black letters, along with the patrol pants and a baseball-style cap.

Surprenant said the replacement costs for the new uniforms also will be lower than the previous uniforms.

"The new shirt and pants costs about $90 per set, compared to about $150 for the old uniform," he said.

Surprenant said while police officers receive a uniform and meal allowance of $300 every three months, that money barely covers the cost of keeping uniforms dry cleaned.

Reserve Command Mandates Uniforms for Techs

Washington, August 10, 2007 (Air Force Times) - The Air Force Reserve Command has directed all Air Reserve technicians to wear their uniforms on the job every day, a move taken as part of the Total Force Initiative.

“I believe wearing uniforms is an important step to being a full partner and an Unrivaled Wingman in today’s Air Force,” Reserve Command head Lt. Gen. John A. Bradley said.

But the new instruction already is being panned by many Reserve technicians, who are civil service employees — most of them union members — in addition to airmen.

“We told [the Reserve Command] it was a bad idea,” said Mark Gibson, a labor relations specialist with the American Federation of Government Employees. “But because it’s a work condition change, they’re going to have to negotiate it with all the [union] locals.”

Reserve officials said the change will be effective immediately for non-union Reserve technicians.

The Air Force Reserve has more than 8,000 enlisted Air Reserve technicians, of which about 6,600 are union members.