HexArmor® announced today that it has formed a strategic partnership with uvex Winter Holding, parent of the uvex safety group, to immediately expand HexArmor’s portfolio of industry-leading personal protective equipment (PPE).

Steve VanErmen, President and CEO of HexArmor, describes his enthusiasm for the partnership: “The uvex safety group is globally known for its leading role in the market and its innovation in safety. For several years HexArmor customers have asked us for solutions beyond our core technologies of cut, puncture and impact resistance in hand protection,” said VanErmen. “In partnership with the uvex safety group, the HexArmor product expertise immediately expands to deliver a broad range of new safety solutions and innovations for our customers. This partnership opens up new opportunities for our employees as well as allowing us to continue to accelerate growth.”

“The synergies are significant,” said VanErmen. “HexArmor is built on innovation, leadership, premium protection and differentiation. Our focus is to bring the best products to the market to protect people. The mission of uvex Winter Holding has always been protecting people. They have a 90-year track record of success, and have a portfolio of advanced products previously unavailable in North and South America. As a family owned business for over 90 years, they have built a powerful culture of innovation and sustainability. Their design expertise and manufacturing competence is simply unparalleled in the PPE sector. These new products made in Germany will further differentiate HexArmor from the rest of the market. The uvex safety group partnership with HexArmor perfectly aligns the interests of the shareholders of both companies.”

In 1993, uvex Winter Holding, parent of the uvex safety group, sold its U.S. business including the trademark rights in the Americas. “After an absence of more than 20 years, the partnership with HexArmor clearly signals the return of the uvex safety group to the American safety products marketplace,” said Stefan Brueck, CEO of uvex safety group. “HexArmor is a trusted advisor to safety professionals and workers across North America. The HexArmor brand represents innovation and high-performance in hand protection, a perfect platform for the uvex safety group in the Americas. Additionally, their track record of growth, even through the market events of the past two years, is quite impressive.”

There will be no changes in leadership, personnel or culture at HexArmor. HexArmor will continue its unwavering commitment to safety focused innovation. Customers may anticipate many new offerings from both HexArmor and uvex safety group in the coming months. uvex safety group’s innovative products, including eye, head and hand protection, will be sold under the HexArmor brand in the Americas, while HexArmor’s high-tech hand, arm and body protection will be sold by the uvex safety group in certain markets in the Eastern Hemisphere.

About HexArmor®

Founded in 2004, HexArmor is based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Co-founded by Steve VanErmen and Brent Lohrmann, HexArmor has defined the market for high-performance cut, puncture and needle resistance. It also leads the industry in hand impact protection. HexArmor employs more than 150 safety professionals who work hard each day to solve difficult hand protection problems for leading companies in oil and gas, construction, energy, lumber, pulp and paper, transportation and other industrial segments. www.hexarmor.com

About uvex group

The uvex group brings together three globally active companies under one roof: the uvex safety group, the uvex sports group (with uvex sports and Alpina Sports), and Filtral. The uvex group is represented in 22 countries by 48 subsidiaries but chooses to do most of its manufacturing in Germany and Europe. Two thirds of the company’s 2.300-strong workforce (as at 31 July, 2016) is employed in Germany. uvex sports group is a global partner to international elite sport and equips a host of top athletes. The motto protecting people is at the heart of the company’s activities. uvex group develops, manufactures and distributes products and services for the safety and protection of people at work, in sport and for leisure pursuits.