US Uniform Manufacturer Will Not Move Overseas

Monday 02nd of July 2007 06:01:29 PM

While many of the local textile businesses throughout Pennsylvania, USA and in other states have been moving overseas for the past ten years, smaller companies like Elbeco Uniforms, which is celebrated its 100th anniversary last month, has no plans to move its five manufacturing plants out of the US.

The company specializes in uniforms for first responders such as firefighters, police, and other safety officials. They also manufacture uniforms for postal workers. While the company has one plant overseas, the company has remained profitable over the years due to marketing to a specific group of people. "We're in a niche business that demands quick response. We need to get products to the shelf when our customers need it and I think that allows us to make things domestically in our domestic plant," said David Lurio of Elbeco Uniforms.

The company employs many workers who have been with the company for years. They have a union and have experienced little turnover. In Pennsylvania, 300,000 jobs were lost to companies who have moved their base of operations to other countries where labor and materials are less expensive. In order to compete, other textile companies have has to do the same, which means even more jobs will be lost in the coming years.

But for Elbeco Uniforms, profits have remained steady because of the need to manufacture this type of clothing. "When we see these programs on TV we see the emblem and wonder did I press that shirt, you know," said Gerry Laskoski, one of Elbeco's employees. By staying in a niche market, the company has been able to survive and hold on to its loyal employees.

(c)Troy Newell, www.sxc.hu