The NAUMD now accepts and has been expanding to include a global membership. To better meet the needs of existing members who manufacture and distribute in numerous countries, the non-profit trade organization is changing its name to now be known as the Network Association of Uniform Manufacturers and Distributors.
“There is tremendous interest in companies from North America wanting to grow their business in new, emerging and mature markets around the planet,” says Rick Levine, executive director of the NAUMD since October 2021. “And now, we have members from many countries who wish to connect more with North American companies. So, we are evolving products and services here at the association to assist members in growing their network of international business partners.”
The association was founded in 1932 as the National Association of Uniform Manufacturers (the Distributors part came later). Uniforms of the time were specialty garments constructed by a small group of manufacturers who produced inside the United States.
In the past 15 years, companies from Canada and Mexico expressed interest in being part of the association, and so the group became the North American Association of Uniform Manufacturers & Distributors.
Today’s NAUMD member network includes companies from the United States, Canada, Mexico, Pakistan, India, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, England, United Arab Emirates, Israel, Turkey, and Germany.
Through virtual network groups, webinars, news publications and podcasts the NAUMD is working with uniform, image apparel and workwear members across the world who are sharing best practices and discussing common interests.
There is a shared set of core beliefs among members, promoted by the NAUMD.
“We believe that heroes wear uniforms. We believe that uniforms empower employees. We believe that uniform companies are good corporate citizens,” says Levine.
The NAUMD encourages everyone to join as a Manufacturer Member, Distributor Member, Associate Member, or individual Professional Member. More info at NAUMD.com/join
