What Corporate Responsibility Looks Like at Every Stitch: Inside LAPCO's Ethical FR Supply Chain

In the world of flame-resistant (FR) workwear, performance, protection, and compliance often take center stage. But behind every LAPCO FR garment is a deeper story of integrity, responsibility, and long-term vision.

At LAPCO, we believe that how a garment is made matters just as much as what it's made for. From ethical labor practices and complete supply chain control to consistent product quality and operational transparency, we've built our manufacturing model to stand for more.

Ethical Manufacturing, By Design

We don't outsource our values — we own them.

LAPCO FR products are manufactured in our privately owned facility in Mexico, a decision rooted in our desire to maintain:

• Brand integrity
• Supply chain consistency
• Ethical labor practices

This model gives us complete visibility into how, where, and by whom each garment is made. It also ensures that over 600 employees across the U.S. and Mexico — the backbone of our business — are treated with dignity and respect. At LAPCO, people aren't just part of the operation — they're the reason it works.

Supply Chain Control = Accountability You Can Trust

In-house manufacturing allows us to track each garment from raw material to finished product. That's not just good business — it's a differentiator in an industry where many industrial buyers now require traceability and compliance.

We source our materials from suppliers in the U.S. and Mexico, keeping our operations close to home, reducing international freight emissions, and supporting domestic and nearshore economies. This sourcing strategy minimizes waste, shortens lead times, and gives us tighter control over the quality and consistency of every garment we produce.

Our use of lean manufacturing practices ensures that every step — from sourcing to assembly — is intentional, efficient, and designed to eliminate waste. This approach allows us to deliver consistent quality while reducing environmental impact and operational inefficiencies.

By avoiding reliance on third-party or contract manufacturers overseas, we can:

• Monitor quality at every stage
• Ensure ethical sourcing
• Minimize disruptions and inconsistencies
• Support regional jobs and suppliers
• Guarantee the standards our customers expect

You don't have to wonder where your PPE comes from. With LAPCO, you already know. This sourcing and production model improves product quality and aligns with modern ESG goals for transparency, ethical labor, and local economic impact.

Built for Safety, Engineered for Longevity

LAPCO products are built to meet or exceed industry standards, including:

• NFPA 2112
• NFPA 70E
• ASTM F1506

But beyond certification, our garments are designed for durability. A longer product life cycle doesn't just reduce replacement costs — it also reduces environmental impact. Fewer garments replaced means less waste is sent to landfills and fewer raw materials are consumed over time.

Durability is sustainability. And it's built into every LAPCO FR product.

Value-Added Customization, With Less Waste

Customization, from embroidery and digitizing to reflective taping and emblems, is handled at our Louisiana headquarters. This centralization:

• Streamlines operations
• Reduces unnecessary transit
• Minimizes waste from third-party rework
• Offers distributors a turnkey solution

We make it easier to get the right product, the right way, without compromising turnaround time or adding hidden costs to the environment.

Responsibility Isn't an Initiative, It's Our Infrastructure

Corporate responsibility isn't a campaign we launched. It's the way we've always done business.

• We invest in our people.
• We own our processes.
• We build for the long haul.
• We deliver with care to our customers, our communities, and the industries we serve.

When you choose LAPCO, you're not just getting FR workwear you can trust. You're partnering with a manufacturer who stands behind every product and every person involved in its creation.

Let's Build a Safer, More Responsible Supply Chain Together

If your organization wants to align PPE procurement with ESG initiatives, reduce waste, or partner with suppliers who put people and transparency first, we're here to help.

Contact us to learn more about our commitment to ethical manufacturing, or explore our product catalog to see how responsibility and performance go hand-in-hand.