"Uniformer's innovative safety products have found significant application and prominence in a wide array of industry verticals."

Uniformer, a brand of Mahavir Spinfab Pvt. Ltd., is a leading innovator and supplier of textile systems, developed for the safety of humans. We work with various industries and defenceorganisations, delivering them innovative products – to protect their people from life-threatening situations. Sneha Jain, Executive-Business Development dwells more on the organization.

Interviewed by Adeesh Sharma

Please tell us about your organization and its objectives to promote Safety in Indian organisations

Uniformer, a brand of Mahavir Spinfab Pvt. Ltd., is a leading innovator and supplier of textile systems, developed for the safety of humans. We work with various industries and defenceorganisations, delivering them innovative products – to protect their people from life-threatening situations.

Established in 1995, with a vision to harness the advancements in technical textiles to produce garments and safety solutions for challenging environments. The organisation started as a small coating facility in Kanpur, India. Since then, we have grown, both vertically and horizontally, expanding and cultivating our team and capabilities. Today we’re a proud group of more than 1000 people, with an annual production capacity of 15 million metres of fabric and 3 million units of garments.

Owing towards our commitment – we control the manufacturing process – right from the fibre stage. We weave, process, finish and fabricate everything in-house. We have developed an expertise in textile and apparel technology and continue to leverage it to build robust systems that can withstand the test of time and the challenging environment that they can be used in.

The primary objective of our company is to promote safety in Indian organizations:

• Production of High-Quality Safety Products: The foremost objective is to design, produce, and supply high-quality safety textiles and garments that meet or exceed relevant safety standards. We ensure that all safety products manufactured meet the safety standards and regulations set by government authorities and industry organizations in India as well as internationally. We also provide customized safety solutions tailored to the specific needs of different industries and organizations. This involves creating specialized garments or textiles for various hazardous environments.
• Innovation and training: Investing in research and development to innovate new materials and technologies for improved safety products. This includes finding more durable, comfortable, and effective safety textiles and garments as well as collaborating with clients and organizations to provide training and education on the proper use and maintenance of these safety garments.
• Sustainability as well as supply chain ethics: We aim to focus on sustainable manufacturing processes and materials to minimize environmental impact while ensuring worker safety and provide transparency in the supply chain, ensuring that raw materials and manufacturing processes adhere to safety and ethical standards.

What kind of safety products and solutions you have for the Indian industry?

We have successfully developed an extensive range of safety products designed to cater to the diverse needs of various industries. These products are meticulously crafted to provide utmost protection for workers facing different occupational hazards :-

• Inherent FR Coveralls: Inherent Flame-Resistant (FR) coveralls are designed to offer fire and heat protection that is woven directly into the fabric's fibers. This makes them exceptionally durable and long-lasting. They are ideal for professionals in industries where there is a constant risk of fire or heat exposure, such as petrochemical, oil and gas, and firefighting.
• Treated FR Coveralls: Treated FR coveralls are crafted with materials that are treated with flame-resistant chemicals. They are an excellent choice for industries where occasional exposure to flames or heat is expected, such as construction, welding, and manufacturing.
• Arc Flash Suits: Arc flash suits are specially designed for professionals who work around electrical equipment and face the risk of arc flash incidents. These suits provide comprehensive protection against high-intensity electrical arcs and ensure the safety of electricians and workers in the power and utilities sector.
• Welding Kits: Welding kits encompass a range of safety gear tailored to the unique requirements of welding professionals. This includes welding helmets, gloves, aprons, and other accessories that protect against sparks, UV radiation, and heat generated during welding operations.
• HTP Suits: High-Temperature Protection (HTP) suits are engineered to safeguard workers from extreme heat conditions in industries like foundries, metal casting, and glass manufacturing. They offer excellent insulation and heat resistance, allowing individuals to work in extreme environments with peace of mind.
• Safety Workwear for Metal Industries: The aluminium and steel industries pose specific safety challenges due to the nature of the materials involved. Uniformer offers a specialized range of safety workwear designed to protect workers in these industries. This includes flame-resistant clothing, heat-resistant gloves, and protective gear tailored to handle the unique risks associated with working in metal production and processing.

Which industry verticals do you focus on the most with your solutions?

Uniformer's innovative safety products have found significant application and prominence in a wide array of industry verticals.

• Oil & Gas: In the oil and gas industry, where workers face constant exposure to flammable gases and liquids, Uniformer's Inherent FR coveralls and Treated FR Coveralls offer unparalleled protection. These garments not only shield against flames but also provide comfort and durability for workers operating in harsh and demanding environments, including drilling rigs, refineries, and petrochemical plants.
• Power Generation: Uniformer's Arc Flash Suits are vital for the power generation sector, where professionals work near high-voltage electrical equipment. These suits protect against arc flashes and electrical fires, ensuring the safety of electricians, maintenance personnel, and engineers working on power lines, transformers, and generators.
• Welding: For welding professionals in the manufacturing and construction industries, Uniformer's Welding Kits are indispensable. These kits include specialized helmets, gloves, and protective clothing that shield against the intense heat, sparks, and UV radiation generated during welding operations.
• Metal Industries: In the metal industries, such as foundries and metal processing plants, workers are exposed to extreme temperatures and molten metal. Uniformer's D3 and E3 products offer the ultimate protection against these conditions, ensuring that individuals can work safely in environments where heat and molten metal are everyday challenges.
• Cement Industries: Uniformer's safety products are crucial for the cement industry, where workers encounter dust, chemicals, and extreme temperatures. The HTP Suits designed for the cement foundries provide comprehensive protection for employees, reducing the risk of injuries and ensuring their well-being.
• Defence: The defense sector demands top-notch safety gear for personnel engaged in various tasks, from handling explosives to working in hazardous environments. Uniformer's safety products, including specialized protective suits and equipment, contribute to the safety and effectiveness of defense personnel during training exercises, combat, and other military operations.
• Construction: Construction sites are rife with diverse hazards, from falling debris to electrical risks. Uniformer's range of multi-norm safety products, including High Visibility, FR coveralls and Arc Flash Suits, safeguards construction workers, ensuring their safety and well-being while they labor on projects that shape our infrastructure.

What are your plans for further expansion in India in future?

Uniformer's future expansion plans in India encompass a comprehensive approach to enhance their operations, accessibility, and product offerings. These initiatives reflect our dedication to serving the Indian market more effectively and efficiently.

• Infrastructure Expansion at Mahavir Spinfab: Doubling the stitching capacity at Mahavir Spinfab is a strategic move aimed at meeting the increasing demand for safety products in India. This expansion will not only ensure that Uniformer can fulfill orders promptly but also cater to larger volumes, supporting businesses and industries that rely on their products. Furthermore, the installation of a spinning unit signifies a deep commitment to vertical integration. By producing our own textiles, Uniformer gains greater control over the entire supply chain, from raw materials to the finished product. This leads to improved quality control, cost efficiency, and agility in adapting to market fluctuations.
• Digital Initiatives through the Uniformer Website: In the digital era, having a strong online presence is crucial for reaching a diverse customer base. Uniformer's plans to enhance its digital initiatives are exemplified by the redesign of our website. This user-friendly platform will make safety products easily accessible to people all across India. It will not only streamline the purchasing process but also provide comprehensive product information, sizing guidance, and safety resources. The addition of e-commerce capabilities will enable customers to place orders and track shipments with convenience. Uniformer's website will become a valuable resource for individuals, businesses, and industries seeking top-quality safety solutions.
• Product Development with New Fibers:Uniformer's commitment to product development is evident in their utilization of new fibers. This strategy is geared toward providing safety products that offer superior performance and are cost-effective, catering to the specific needs of the Indian customer base. By incorporating innovative fibers, Uniformer can create protective gear that is not only more efficient in safeguarding against various hazards but also more accessible in terms of affordability. This approach aligns with our goal of making safety products accessible to a wider range of industries and individuals in India.

Uniformer's expansion plans in India represent a holistic approach to growth, emphasizing not only production capacity but also accessibility and product innovation. By investing in infrastructure, digital technologies, and product development, we are poised to serve our Indian customers better. Ultimately, these initiatives are geared toward enhancing workplace safety across diverse industries and sectors in India, making a positive impact on safety standards and overall well-being.