Portwest announced last week the acquisition of IFR Workwear, an Aboriginal-owned company founded in 2005 by Reg Radford and Erin Buckland. IFR Workwear is one of Canada’s leading brands of premium FR products that design and manufacture  safety garments for millions of wearers throughout Canada.

“IFR Workwear will continue to provide fantastic quality and service to our customers,” said Erin Buckland, IFR president. “Portwest and IFR are very compatible organizations and we share the same route to market by selling only to distributors and resellers. This move will open many opportunities for our customers as well as expanding our product offerings.” 

Portwest is a global manufacturer and distributor of workwear, safetywear and PPE. Established in 1904, Portwest has a global distribution network and customer service staff in over 130 countries. Portwest is a family owned business and continues to be managed by the 3rd generation of the Hughes Family.  

“Investment in innovative, market-leading workwear and safety companies is part of the Portwest Group’s growth strategy,” said Inigo Perez Corella, managing director, Portwest Group. IFR will benefit from the global presence of Portwest and Portwest from the relevant presence in Canada and a production facility in Mexico.” 

Financial details regarding the acquisition were not disclosed.