UniFirst helps leading tire manufacturer overcome work uniform service shortcomings

Summary:

A global leader in tire manufacturing with over 500 employees at its West Point, Mississippi facility faced critical service gaps with its previous uniform rental provider. Persistent work uniform shortages and slow, unresponsive service negatively impacted operations and employee satisfaction. Recognizing the need for a dependable uniform provider, they turned to UniFirst for a managed uniform rental program that resolved their challenges, streamlined their program, and improved operational efficiency.

Challenge:

The tire manufacturer faced ongoing work uniform service issues that created significant business disruptions:
  • FREQUENT WORKWEAR SHORTAGES
    Repeated failures to deliver the required number of work uniforms and flame resistant (FR) workwear left employees unable to safely perform their job duties, jeopardizing productivity and risking safety and compliance. When workers did not have the right work uniforms available on time, shifts were delayed and operations on the factory floor were interrupted.
  • SLOW ONBOARDING FOR NEW EMPLOYEES
    Delays in outfitting new hires with the right types of work uniforms and FR workwear prevented timely start dates, prolonged onboarding timelines, lowered morale, and reduced confidence for both staff and supervisors.
  • UNRESPONSIVE COMMUNICATION AND LACK OF SUPPORT
    Slow responses and unclear processes from the prior provider led to unresolved issues, manager stress, and organization-wide confusion. The company’s leadership and frontline staff found it increasingly difficult to get the urgent support they needed to keep production running smoothly.
These persistent challenges threatened worker safety, productivity, team morale, and the company’s overall operational effectiveness.

Solution:

UniFirst delivered a strategic, customer-focused program with targeted solutions for each challenge:
Countless workwear uniforms hanging inside a UniFirst location ready for delivery
Inventory accuracy and Visibility

To eliminate work uniform shortages, UniFirst implemented advanced garment scanning and rigorous tracking for all workwear. The UniFirst Portal provides real-time inventory visibility and delivery tracking, ensuring each employee receives the correct garment counts—on time, every time—so production lines stay moving and teams remain properly equipped.

A UniFirst RSR standing with a customer looking at his handheld and working on their rental account
Streamlined Onboarding and Sizing

With 24/7 access to the UniFirst Portal, the company can now quickly add or remove wearers online. Our Try-for-Size program features hands-on work uniform sizing sessions with sample garments, so every new hire can confirm the correct fit and comfort before being assigned a work uniform. All sessions and sizing approvals are tracked in the portal for transparent recordkeeping, minimizing returns and ensuring a smooth, well-documented onboarding experience.

A UniFirst representative sits with a uniform customer showing a tablet
Responsive, Proactive Support

We implemented our industry-leading service model to ensure clear accountability and communication. With Triple Pro Service, three dedicated local uniform experts support the account, backed by a closed-loop service request system. This structure delivers proactive updates, faster issue resolution, and responsive support tailored to the company’s needs, eliminating ambiguity and reducing operational stress.

A UniFirst RSR sitting in his delivery truck ready to take on his route
Flexibility and Dependability

Even in the face of contract or supply chain delays, UniFirst adapted to the manufacturer’s evolving requirements while maintaining project timelines. Our hands-on project management ensured the large-scale work uniform rollout, which included garment installation for 80 FR uniform wearers, was completed on schedule and to exact specifications.

Countless workwear uniforms hanging inside a UniFirst location ready for delivery
Inventory accuracy and Visibility

To eliminate work uniform shortages, UniFirst implemented advanced garment scanning and rigorous tracking for all workwear. The UniFirst Portal provides real-time inventory visibility and delivery tracking, ensuring each employee receives the correct garment counts—on time, every time—so production lines stay moving and teams remain properly equipped.

A UniFirst RSR standing with a customer looking at his handheld and working on their rental account
Streamlined Onboarding and Sizing

With 24/7 access to the UniFirst Portal, the company can now quickly add or remove wearers online. Our Try-for-Size program features hands-on work uniform sizing sessions with sample garments, so every new hire can confirm the correct fit and comfort before being assigned a work uniform. All sessions and sizing approvals are tracked in the portal for transparent recordkeeping, minimizing returns and ensuring a smooth, well-documented onboarding experience.

A UniFirst representative sits with a uniform customer showing a tablet
Responsive, Proactive Support

We implemented our industry-leading service model to ensure clear accountability and communication. With Triple Pro Service, three dedicated local uniform experts support the account, backed by a closed-loop service request system. This structure delivers proactive updates, faster issue resolution, and responsive support tailored to the company’s needs, eliminating ambiguity and reducing operational stress.

A UniFirst RSR sitting in his delivery truck ready to take on his route
Flexibility and Dependability

Even in the face of contract or supply chain delays, UniFirst adapted to the manufacturer’s evolving requirements while maintaining project timelines. Our hands-on project management ensured the large-scale work uniform rollout, which included garment installation for 80 FR uniform wearers, was completed on schedule and to exact specifications.

Impact:

The switch to UniFirst produced immediate and measurable improvements across the organization:
dollar sign savings icon
On-Time, On-Budget

The installation was completed on schedule. We also collaborated with the company to create a work uniform program that worked within their budget without sacrificing quality.

button-down uniform shirt icon
Increased Employee Morale

Employees reported greater satisfaction due to the higher quality uniforms and workwear, and consistent availability.

UniFirst truck icon
Streamlined Service and Operations

Prior work uniform shortages and delays were resolved, establishing a smoothly running uniform program from day one.

Conclusion:

UniFirst’s partnership with this global tire manufacturer shows how responsive service and customized uniform programs remove operational barriers and drive better business outcomes. By solving longstanding issues and delivering on our commitments, we provided a foundation for continued growth and a safer, more productive workplace.

If you’re looking to revamp your managed uniform rental program to build trust and confidence with your customers, reach out to our uniform experts today and begin your work uniform transformation.

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