Photo: From backyard beginnings to a global brand, founder Freddie Triche’s dedication to quality remains the foundation of LAPCO’s story.
Rooted in Louisiana. Trusted Worldwide.
Our History Starts in 1989
Like any good story, this one starts with roots. To understand the culture and mindset at LAPCO Manufacturing, you must first understand where we come from.
LAPCO is a family-founded company born in Morgan City, Louisiana. In 1989, Freddie Triche, a local pipe welder, saw a need for dependable, well-made protective apparel built by people who understood the job. He designed, patented, and began producing his own leather arm pads from a small backyard workshop, with the help of his wife, Trudy.
What started as a modest operation quickly grew. A mail-order ad in a welding magazine turned into a steady stream of requests from welders across the Gulf Coast. Soon, Louisiana Apparel Company — now known as LAPCO — was outfitting workers in durable, high-quality welding shirts, leathers, and protective gear trusted for their craftsmanship and comfort.
“Freddie built LAPCO with his hands and his heart — two things that have never changed.”
Rooted in Louisiana, Built for the World
Morgan City’s story is one of hard work, resilience, and ingenuity. Known once as the “jumbo shrimp capital of the world,” this coastal hub later helped spark America’s offshore oil and gas industry. The community’s industries — from fishing and fabrication to timber and aviation — have always demanded skill, precision, and grit.
LAPCO was born out of that same spirit. The people here understand what it means to work in challenging conditions — and that perspective continues to shape every product we make.
Today, LAPCO has grown from a backyard operation into a trusted safety partner serving industrial distributors and end users across North America and beyond. Our products are worn by crews who power energy, utility, and manufacturing industries around the world.
And while we’ve expanded our reach, our roots remain strong. From our headquarters in South Louisiana, we manage every detail — from product development and inventory to customization, fulfillment, and customer care — with the same hands-on dedication that’s been part of our DNA since day one.
📍 Local Landmark: The Mr. Charlie Rig
Just a few miles from LAPCO’s home base stands one of Morgan City’s proudest symbols of innovation — the Mr. Charlie drilling rig. Built in 1954, the Mr. Charlie was the world’s first transportable, submersible offshore drilling rig and marked a turning point for the energy industry.
Today, it’s preserved as a National Historic Landmark and serves as the International Petroleum Museum & Exposition. Visitors can explore the rig, learn about offshore operations, and participate in hands-on safety training.
The Mr. Charlie remains a powerful reminder of the innovation, craftsmanship, and community that define South Louisiana — the same spirit that continues to inspire LAPCO.
Progress Through Passion
Over the last three decades, the industries we serve have evolved — and so have we. Safety standards are stronger, expectations are higher, and innovation continues to drive progress.
In 2005, LAPCO introduced LAPCO FR™, our line of flame-resistant workwear designed to protect workers in hazardous environments. Since then, we’ve expanded into hundreds of protective products, established a robust distributor network, and earned a reputation for quality, reliability, and trust.
Our focus remains on people — the welders, rig hands, linemen, and countless others who do dangerous work every day. Every design, every decision, and every stitch reflects our commitment to their safety and success.
“We know the job we do helps others return home safely. That’s what drives us every day.”
Legacy in Every Stitch
Every LAPCO product carries a piece of our story — from the first pair of leather arm pads crafted in a family workshop to the advanced FR garments worn on job sites across the globe.
We’re proud of our Louisiana heritage and the values that shaped it: integrity, craftsmanship, and care for people. From humble beginnings to a trusted global presence, LAPCO continues to stand for quality, purpose, and pride in the work we do.