Lakeland Fire + Safety sells flame resistant, hi-viz PPE lines to National Safety Apparel

Lakeland Fire + Safety (Lakeland Industries, Inc.) today announced the sale of its High-Performance Flame Resistant (HPFR) and High-Visibility product lines to National Safety Apparel, a U.S.-based manufacturer of purpose-built PPE.

Lakeland, a global manufacturer of protective clothing for industry, healthcare, and first responders, said this sale represents an important step in its ongoing effort to streamline its portfolio and focus investment on its head-to-toe global Fire portfolio and core industrial PPE business.

NSA’s market spread the “right home” for HPFR & HiViz PPE

NSA serves industrial, utility, and public-sector customers across key industrial safety categories, including flame-resistant workwear, arc flash, and electrical PPE and high-heat industrial protection.

Lakeland said it believes NSA is well-positioned to support the HPFR and HiViz business going forward. Lakeland will provide transitional support under a services agreement to help ensure an orderly handoff for customers.

“This transaction reflects our continued focus on aligning Lakeland’s portfolio with our long-term strategy,” said Jim Jenkins, Lakeland president and CEO. “Over the past two years, we have significantly expanded our fire services platform through acquisition and organic investment, and this divestiture allows us to further concentrate on those opportunities while sharpening our focus on our core industrial PPE markets.

“The business we divested did not align with Lakeland’s core industrial product strategy,” Jenkins said. “NSA's dedicated focus on PPE across multiple end markets makes them the right home for this business and its customers.”

Divestment will allow Lakeland to focus on core industrial PPE

Lakeland said it has expanded its fire services portfolio through acquisitions and internal initiatives across the United States, Europe, and Australia. Today, the company offers fire protection products and related services including turnout gear, helmets, gloves, boots, apparel, decontamination, repair, and rental solutions.

The proceeds from the transaction are expected to support Lakeland’s balance sheet and provide additional flexibility to invest in its fire services strategy.

“This transaction allows us to realize value from the HPFR and HiViz business while increasing our flexibility to allocate capital toward the areas of Lakeland where we see the strongest long-term opportunity,” said Calven Swinea, Lakeland CFO.

Cherry Tree & Associates served as financial advisor to Lakeland. Maynard Nexsen acted as legal advisor to Lakeland.