NJMEP’s Mike Womack wrote an article in Manufacturing Matters about Unionwear,  summarized here.

The Secret Behind Unionwear’s Domestic Manufacturing Achievement

At a time when so many American industries struggle to maintain their presence on home soil, Unionwear stands proud as a testament to determination, innovation, and a skilled workforce. Mitch Cahn, President of Unionwear, built the company on the foundation of American manufacturing, particularly in the baseball hats and sewn bags sectors. Unionwear’s unwavering commitment to domestic manufacturing and its unique approach to workforce development have ensured its continued success in a fiercely competitive global market.

Unionwear’s Origin: The Birth of a Hat Company

Unionwear began in 1992 with Mitch Cahn’s vision to create baseball hats for the burgeoning fashion industry. At the time, baseball hats were primarily worn in sporting events and promotional activities. However, Cahn observed a growing trend of baseball hats in popular culture that was not yet reflected in the retail space.

Cahn recognized an opportunity and seized it, purchasing the equipment from a defunct baseball hat factory in Jersey City and hiring its original six employees. Fast forward to today, and Unionwear boasts around 135 full-time employees and a successful track record in the textile industry.

The Workforce Secret: Maximizing Employee Potential

Unionwear’s achievements are a direct result of its commitment to its workforce. The company utilizes automation not as a tool to replace jobs, but to optimize the productivity of existing employees. By investing in state-of-the-art technology and continuously improving its manufacturing processes, Unionwear can keep pace with – and even outshine – its rivals in the industry.

The Challenge of Training and Development

But technology is just one piece of the puzzle; another crucial factor lies in the development of Unionwear’s human capital. Mitch Cahn emphasizes the importance of ongoing training and nurturing employees to reach their full potential, noting that the management’s role is to ensure workers are well-versed in the best practices for the company.

In a world where skilled laborers are becoming a scarce resource, Unionwear has found a way to attract and retain talent by offering a well-structured onboarding program that clearly defines employees’ roles and responsibilities. This streamlined process, alongside effective vetting and analysis of candidate strengths, ensures that new hires are set up for success from day one.

The NJMEP Partnership: A Win-Win Collaboration

For nearly two decades, Unionwear has worked closely with the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program (NJMEP), which provides vital support to manufacturers in the state. The NJMEP has placed professionals in a variety of non-production roles within the company, helping to fill vacancies and strengthen its workforce further.

The NJMEP partnership is particularly valuable as Unionwear seeks to attract young talent to the manufacturing industry. With an average full-time manufacturing employee salary approaching six figures annually in New Jersey, the opportunity for a well-paying, challenging career in the sector should be more than enough to grab the attention of job seekers.

The Unwavering Commitment: Keeping Manufacturing Domestic

What truly sets Unionwear apart from other manufacturers is its commitment to domestic manufacturing, using continuous improvement, lean manufacturing, automation, and technology to produce high-quality products in a fiercely competitive global market. The company remains dedicated to ensuring its workforce is equipped with the skills required to drive its ongoing success, with sustainability and growth at the forefront of its agenda.

In conclusion, Unionwear is an inspiring example of how a small, determined manufacturer can flourish on American soil. Its dedication to developing its workforce and providing high-quality products has made the company a shining beacon and a case study for other companies seeking to make their mark in domestic manufacturing. As a company built on true American values and an undying patriotism, Unionwear symbolizes the successful marriage of skilled labor and visionary leadership – truly, a story of manufacturing success made in the USA.