With over 30 years of experience focused solely on FR clothing, we can safely say we know more about manufacturing flame-resistant clothing than anyone else in the world.
Workrite believes that the future of the FR protective apparel market lies in providing both better products and better service solutions to its customers. Workrite is committed to continuous improvement and cost reductions for both Workrite and its customers.
We've built a reputation on our ability to accommodate special needs and custom orders.
At Workrite, we've developed our operations to adapt to the customer, not the other way around. You need a pocket here, a zipper there, special patches or reflective tape - no problem. Many of our customers have unique needs, and they count on Workrite to accommodate them effectively and efficiently.
Workrite's automated manufacturing processes are focused on quality and fast cycle time without reducing flexibility. We believe it is a fundamental requirement of a FR clothing manufacturer to provide specialized garments and custom features in a reasonable time frame. Nobody else in the industry can beat Workrite for adaptability and ability to deliver customized garments upon customer request.
Domestic and offshore facilities make us cost-effective and flexible.
Our flexibility is in part possible because we have manufacturing facilities both in the USA and in Mexico. Domestic facilities provide the ability for fast turn around on custom orders, versus some companies who manufacture everything off shore and can require significant lead times for non-stock items.
With our various manufacturing sites, you are able to choose cost effective NAFTA garments, or specific "Made in USA" garments. And wherever we make our apparel, you can depend on it for outstanding quality and flame-resistant protection.
Workrite has re-engineered our manufacturing process over the past several years to meet the conflicting demands of providing an ever-larger selection of high quality products and faster service, while simultaneously reducing costs. Today, Workrite has one of the most automated yet flexible manufacturing processes in the U.S. Our process allows for rapid changing of colors, styles and fabrics, while at the same time streamlines operations, improves quality, and reduces costs. Workrite is committed to continuously increasing production efficiency, eliminating non-value added handling, and improving quality without sacrificing flexibility and service.
The impact of our manufacturing automation has been profound. Workrite has dramatically reduced our manufacturing cycle times, allowing us to service customers quickly without requiring excessive and costly inventories. We can add or change products without negatively impacting our workflow. We can offer a broader range of styles and colors with reasonable service and delivery. The quality and reproducibility of our garments have been vastly improved, while costs have been reduced. Finally, Workrite can service our customers with custom and special garments faster than any other manufacturer in the industry.
Our industry-leading construction techniques actually extend the life of the durable fabrics from which our garments are made. Some of the key elements that enhance Workrite's product quality and durability include:
- Double-needle lock stitching on pockets and flaps to prevent thread from ripping out
- Triple feld-lock seams on pants that virtually cannot be torn
- Top-stitched seams on stress areas to shift stress from the thread to the fabric
- Pockets reinforced with extra layers of fabric to avoid tearing and break-through
- Stress points reinforced with bar-tacks, such as the corners of pockets or the bottom of the zippers
- No raw fabric edges to prevent unraveling
- Sewn with FR components such as thread, zipper tapes, and pocketing
Our Nomex garments have the look of permanent press for better appearance.
Our proprietary autoclave process for Nomex IIIA shirts and pants dramatically improves the appearance and shape-retention of garments over time, laundering after laundering, and provides the wearer true "wash and wear" performance. In addition, Workrite became Dupont's first quality licensed Nomex manufacturer.
Garments certified under the QL Nomex program satisfy an extensive set of performance criteria set forth by DuPont, the world leader in protective technology.
Workrite has a comprehensive quality program across the entire organization. Workrite conducts detailed raw materials inspections on representative samples to ensure conformance to quality standards. We require certifications from our suppliers for compliance with flammability standards, physical properties, etc. Throughout manufacturing, fabric handlers and operators are trained to continually inspect for quality issues. Defects and flaws are marked and returned to the appropriate production area for corrective action. Using statistically-based sampling methods, work-in-progress garments are inspected at milestone operations (for example, after cutting and before sewing). All finished goods are subject to final inspection by our quality auditors.
Workrite is certified to ISO-9001:2000. Workrite achieved a "Best Practice" designation related to goals for our quality objective processes. TUV, our ISO certifying organization, awards a Best Practice designation in less than 5% of the companies it audits.
ISO (International Organization for Standardization) 9001:2000 certification assures that products and processes meet documented standards of quality and consistency. ISO 9001 certification encompasses a comprehensive breadth of operations, including procurement of materials, design and development, product manufacturing, installation, final inspection and testing, employee training and servicing customers. ISO certification requires that a company set up and document its procedures, then hold itself accountable for complying with them.
Workrite requires our suppliers to maintain extensive documentation about their products, such as manufacturing date, lot designation, specific product characteristics and test results. Our internal processes are equally stringent. For example, every garment we sell can be traced back to specific fabric lots and components using a unique Workrite lot number. If needed, Workrite can trace each garment back to the specific materials from which it was made.
Workrite strongly supports the ISO process, and believes that we have benefited greatly from this 3rd-party certification. |
