NOVEMBER 2024 EDITION
As we invest in the future of Mechanix Wear, I’m excited to share our progress. We are implementing cutting automation in our CPA processes to enhance efficiency. Our Core Refresh (FastFit, Original, M-Pact) will soon arrive at our Kansas City distribution center, reaching consumers in December and Q1 2025. This update is essential for reinforcing our position as the leader in high-performance hand protection. I’m also proud of our ongoing commitment to safety in our distribution centers and manufacturing locations, not just embodying our mission of building a world where safety is foundational but actively living it every day.
The leadership team has been diligently crafting our five-year roadmap and the 2025 Annual Operating Plan, which we will unveil at our Town Hall on December 11th. I want to thank everyone who participated in our second annual Make a M-Pact Global Survey; we look forward to sharing those insights during the meeting as well.
I appreciate each of you for your dedication to our vision, mission, and values. Your efforts are crucial in making the world a safer place.
- Safety Streaks Continue: Canada reached 953 accident-free days (yes, 2022!), KCDC over 250 days, with Skokie and Acuña both surpassing 200 days.
- October was the largest program shipping month for KCDC with $3M in programs.
- Canada launched a customer service survey platform, consistently earning 5-star ratings over the past month.
- Supply Chain/Planning revamped our AOP process, aligning sales and demand forecasting for North America. This integrates monthly cycles, establishes a future 18-month rolling forecast, and minimizes Q4 disruptions – And they completed it a month early!
- The Purchasing team continues working closely with factories through daily communication and monthly meetings to ensure lead times hold while still prioritizing urgent stock needs.
- US Customer Service excelled, processing 1,600 Amazon drop-ship orders in 2 days for Prime Day, resolving 2,750 tickets in October (above the 2,600 average), and handling 1,200 calls for the month.
- Big win for Mechanix Wear in the UK’s renewable energy sector with Durahide and Material4X gloves outperforming competitors, securing $100K+ with William Hare by replacing five gloves with one.
- Our EMEA office partnered locally to donate essential products, supporting relief efforts for communities impacted by recent flooding in Spain.
- CPA is introducing full-process automation in Cutting, with software and automated cutting equipment arriving mid-December. Launching by February, this will boost quality, cost, and speed to customer. Look for a video of the new equipment at the next Townhall.
DO IT THE RIGHT WAY
Marcus Webb
APAC Operations Manager
Marcus is leading the charge in recruiting and rebuilding our customer service team. Balancing dual roles in HR and as Operations Manager, he’s making a strong impact on our team’s growth and success.
THINK BIG
Jenny Robles
Sewing Supervisor, CPA
Jenny's follow-up and implementation of a Kaizen event as a tool to reduce lead times for Grainger orders.
BE A PROBLEM SOLVER
Jonathan Sagastume
Senior Logistics Manager
Jonathan has achieved remarkable results in recent months, from ensuring on-time container arrivals for a large program season to executing product code updates for duty savings under HTS reclassification.
THINK BIG
Kassie Layh
KCDC Material Handler
With a forward-thinking approach, Kassie streamlined full-case handling by designing a process using waist-high pallet jacks. This innovation reduces strain and improves efficiency, showing her dedication to making work smarter and safer.
TEAMWORK
Shion Motoda
Client Manager, Japan Office
Shion is the glue that holds the Japan team together, managing core processes to keep gloves moving and revenue growing. Last month, he invoiced over 130 shipments, including exports to four countries, setting a new October revenue record.
THINK BIG
Joe Ruggiero
Sales Manager Defense & Security UK & Ireland
Joe brings creativity and tenacity to expanding our presence in the tactical space. His forward-thinking approach has unlocked new opportunities with BCB, bringing in key tenders and delivering impactful wins.
Ryan Dolton (VP US Commercial Sales) and Robert Hordossy (General Manager of EMEA) recently returned from an immersive six-day visit to our overseas factories. Their tour covered our cut-and-sew, knit dip, and eyewear facilities, providing firsthand insight into each step of production, from material selection to quality assurance.
“Seeing the process and the amount of quality checks it takes to produce our product was eye-opening,” Dolton shared. This experience underscored the meticulous standards that set us apart. Hordossy echoed this sentiment, noting the importance of "Being able to meet our factory partners and seeing the strong family-like bond we have with them was special" which also plays a vital role in upholding our quality.
This trip marks the beginning of ongoing factory education for our team, equipping them with the knowledge to effectively communicate our commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Such firsthand learning is essential as we continue to grow and demonstrate the unique value we bring to customers worldwide.
The APAC team secured our first Needlestick order with Bunnings’ Trade and Operations group, their B2B channel focused on government, parks and rec, and hospitality purchases. This win is thanks to CJ and Gary, who skillfully navigated Bunnings’ unique sourcing model—Trade & Ops can only purchase through the Bunnings store network, giving Mechanix Wear a strong advantage. Over the past year, Damione and Steve conducted a roadshow across Australia, connecting with about 200 Bunnings team members to showcase our products and services. Their hard work has truly paid off!
At the heart of this order is the Original Needlestick glove, ideal for high-risk environments. Proven in the marine industry, it fills a critical need for Bunnings’ team, outperforming the incumbent product from PIG.
To support this momentum, we’re rolling out a dedicated catalog, making it even easier for Bunnings’ team to promote our products to their clients. The APAC team is set to meet with Bunnings soon to keep building on this success.
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Powering the Mechanix Wear Difference
Imagine wearing a biohazard suit, Kevlar vest, steel-toed boots, and even a suit of armor. You’d be protected, but could you get anything done? Mechanix Wear knows that true protection is about more than layers. That’s why we rely on The MX91 to create hand protection designed for real-world performance.
The MX91 is at the heart of Mechanix Wear’s product innovation, driving our commitment to protection that professionals trust. This advanced lab goes beyond standard testing, allowing us to create gloves that excel in essential features—like grip, touchscreen compatibility, breathability, and cold resistance.
So, why do professionals choose Mechanix Wear? Because The MX91 ensures our gloves don’t just protect; they deliver a total experience. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Touchscreen Ready – No need to remove gloves to stay connected.
- Breathable for Comfort – Materials that keep hands cool and dry.
- Enhanced Grip – Engineered for secure hold and reduced muscle fatigue.
- Cold Protection – Insulated for even extreme environments.
The MX91 is more than a lab—it’s our promise to make Mechanix Wear the top choice in hand protection, delivering products that professionals rely on daily.
MW Japan launched a collaboration with Evangelion that’s making waves! Our first-ever anime partnership has been incredibly well-received, showing that our brand can go beyond traditional boundaries and reach new audiences. Partnering with such an iconic series in Japan is a big deal and has already helped us stand out in an exciting way.
For those unfamiliar, Evangelion is a groundbreaking sci-fi anime following the intense journey of young pilots protecting humanity against mysterious “Angels” in bio-mechanical suits. Its themes of resilience, strength, and pushing human limits resonated with the MW Japan team, aligning well with what our products are known for: durability, innovation, and quality.
This collaboration couldn’t have come at a better time, either. With Evangelion’s 30th anniversary coming up in late 2025, there’ll be heightened awareness around the series. It’s also a fresh way for us to put Mechanix Wear on the map in new ways and introduce our brand to a whole new fanbase.
Our team continues to secure key wins across our US Consumer and US Commercial channels. Here are some recent highlights that showcase the impact of our team’s hard work and commitment to excellence.
US Commercial Wins:
- American Airlines: Secured approval for 10 glove styles, including Original, FastFit, M-Pact, welding gloves, and 8-mil disposables. This business, led by Royce's efforts, will expand through Grainger, RS Hughes, and Johnston Industrial.
- North Carolina Department of Transportation: Brian Perry, Nick Serio, and LineDrive manager Tracy Brunk established NCDOT as a key client. When Hurricane Helene hit, we were their first call for urgent needlestick protection.
- Bharat Forge: Israel Sanchez secured a conversion from competitor NSA, winning high-heat gloves, coats, and leggings, expected to grow to $200K annually through Fastenal.
US Consumer Wins:
- Eyewear at Menards: Our first inline planogram for safety eyewear is in Menards stores.
- Winter Program at Costco: Full winter program has launched in stores. Recent sale price and colder weather throughout the country has started to show increased sales.
- Love’s Travel Stops: Our debut in the travel center segment with a 2’ POG rolling out to 495 locations by year-end.
- Permanent Distribution at ACE: Achieved a 10-year goal with permanent placement, booking 1,400 Discovery POGs at the ACE Fall Show.
- Industry Update: True Value’s bankruptcy and potential sale to Do it Best could reshape the hardware retail sector, impacting market dynamics and creating new opportunities for our Consumer Channel.
In our fast-paced work culture, it's easy to overlook self-care. With packed schedules, deadlines, and endless to-do lists, taking time for ourselves often slips down the priority list. Yet, self-care is essential for maintaining emotional well-being, especially during a busy workweek. Prioritizing even small self-care practices can help reduce stress, prevent burnout, and support your overall health.
Why Self-Care Matters for Workplace Well-being
Self-care isn’t just about feeling good—it’s a foundation for sustaining focus, energy, and resilience at work. When self-care is neglected, stress and anxiety can build, leading to reduced productivity, job dissatisfaction, and potential burnout. Making space for self-care in your daily routine can help you stay balanced and energized, contributing to a healthier, more productive work experience.
