When it comes to personal protective equipment (PPE), few names are as synonymous with quality and innovation as Milwaukee Tool. Spearheading the company’s PPE category is Zach Richman, vice president of Hand Tool Product Management, who has overseen the evolution of Milwaukee’s safety products to the extensive, highly advanced offerings available today.
Milwaukee Tool has recognized the critical need for PPE that not only protects workers but also increases productivity and comfort. This focus on user safety and satisfaction has led to the company’s PPE portfolio becoming a go-to resource for industrial workers across various sectors. From construction sites to plumbing jobs, Milwaukee’s PPE products are designed to protect workers, enhance their performance and ultimately keep them safe on the job.
A History of Evolution and Innovation
Milwaukee Tool’s PPE category began with a simple goal: to make the workplace safer for those who rely on protective gear daily. Since the category’s inception, the product line has grown exponentially, with Milwaukee now offering a diverse range of PPE solutions. The company’s commitment to innovation has helped drive industry trends, particularly in the areas of head protection, cut resistance and worker comfort.
As Richman highlights, there has been a significant shift in the types of protective equipment used in the field. Head protection, for example, has evolved from the traditional Type 1 hardhat to the more advanced Type 2 helmet. These new helmets provide 360-degree impact protection, covering both the top and sides of the head, with chin straps to ensure secure fitting. “We’re seeing more slips, trips and falls leading to brain injuries, so it’s critical that we evolve with the times,” Richman notes. Milwaukee’s helmets go above and beyond standard testing requirements, ensuring workers are fully protected and can return home safely to their families.
The Rise of Cut-Resistant Gloves
Another major trend in the PPE industry that Milwaukee has embraced is the growing demand for cut-resistant gloves. In the past, gloves were simply worn to prevent minor cuts or abrasions. Today, with more demanding materials like sheet metal, copper tubing and pipes being handled regularly, the need for more robust gloves is greater than ever.
Richman explains that in 2017 alone, there were more than 121,800 hand injuries in the United States workforce, many of which were attributed to workers not wearing gloves—or wearing gloves that didn’t provide adequate protection. Historically, there was a tradeoff between protection, comfort and dexterity, but Milwaukee’s cut-resistant gloves now feature advanced materials that maintain high levels of protection while still offering increased dexterity and comfort.
One of the company’s standout innovations is its SmartSwipe technology, which allows workers to use their phones without having to remove their gloves—an essential feature for the modern workforce.
As Richman puts it, “You need cut-rated gloves now, not just the standard protection.” Milwaukee’s gloves now come with cut ratings as high as Cut Level 9, providing superior protection against even the toughest materials.
Tailored for Safety and Productivity
When it comes to developing PPE, Milwaukee Tool’s commitment to safety is always front and center. However, as Jennifer Roy, Milwaukee’s senior national account manager, notes, the company also considers worker productivity in its designs. “Before we even got into PPE, we were already thinking about the safety of users. It was a natural progression for us,” Roy explains.
“Our goal is to improve how our customers work, so they’re not just safe but also more productive.”
One of the key factors Milwaukee emphasizes in its product development is comfort. The company understands that PPE needs to be something workers will wear every day. “If the gear doesn’t fit well or is too hot, workers won’t wear it,” says Roy.
Milwaukee addresses this by designing products that are not only functional but also tailored to fit various body sizes and preferences. Whether it’s a high-visibility vest, knee pads or hard hats, Milwaukee ensures that each product provides the best combination of safety, comfort and performance.
The Growing PPE Market: Opportunities for Distributors
Given the growing emphasis on workplace safety and the increasing demand for highquality PPE, there is a substantial opportunity for distributors to enter the market and partner with Milwaukee Tool.
Richman encourages distributors to consider expanding into the PPE space. “Every job requires PPE,” he says. “It’s the last line of defense to keep workers safe and productive. OSHA enforces PPE requirements on jobsites, so it’s a category that’s only going to grow.”
Milwaukee’s innovation-driven PPE solutions are in high demand across industries, and distributors can take advantage of this trend to capture a significant market share.
For distributors looking to succeed in this market, Richman offers several pieces of advice: ask leading questions, understand the PPE program requirements of your customers and provide high-quality training and support. “Distributors need to educate themselves about the full range of PPE solutions and the specific needs of their clients,” he says.
By offering tailored solutions and ensuring that products are available when needed, distributors can build long-term relationships with their customers and contribute to safer, more productive job sites.
Customization: A Key Opportunity
Another area where distributors can find success is customization. Many contractors require personalized PPE, such as company logos on helmets or visibility vests. This represents a significant opportunity for distributors to offer more value-added services. Customization can enhance brand recognition and ensure that contractors have the right equipment to meet their specific needs.
By working with Milwaukee Tool to offer personalized and high-quality PPE, distributors can stand out in a competitive marketplace. Additionally, with the rise of a transient workforce—with workers coming and going from job sites—there is a growing need for durable, easy-to-use PPE that can meet varying needs across different projects.
Milwaukee Tool has established itself as a leader in the PPE market by continuously evolving its product offerings and staying ahead of industry trends. The company has successfully met the increasing demand for high-quality safety gear that prioritizes both protection and productivity. For distributors, this rapidly growing market offers numerous opportunities to expand product offerings, improve safety standards on the job and build lasting partnerships with clients. As the PPE industry continues to evolve, Milwaukee Tool will undoubtedly remain at the forefront, developing innovative solutions to keep workers safe and productive.
Jennifer Kohlhepp
Jennifer Kohlhepp is the managing editor of IMARK Today and has more than 20 years of experience developing award-winning content for various platforms. Reach her at jkohlhepp@cmasolutions.com.