Setting the benchmark for effective military clothing management and demonstrating exceptional cost efficiences and logistical advantages, Lion Apparel is proud to be a shareholder in the joint venture LHBw, part of the LHD Group, to supply the German Federal Armed Forces with a clothing management service. The 12 year contract provides the personal clothing and equipment needs for 252,000 German soldiers in addition to approx 80,000 civilian co-workers. The joint venture has rapidly increased supply chain efficiency as well as the service to the individual soldier and represents a real advance in how military organisations can manage their clothing and equipment supply, freeing their time and resources for other operations.

The service involves the co-ordination of all aspects from design, textile research and development, purchasing, quality control, storage, distribution, the operation of service ports, washing and laundry services, repair maintenance, return logistics, reporting, demand planning, cost control and administration. Not only has it improved the efficiency of clothing management ( in January 2010 2.3 million pieces of equipment were issued and only 19 pieces of kit were 'missing' ), it has also improved the cost to the national Exchequer. Savings of EUR 145 million in excess of the targeted savings of EUR 718 million ( for the duration of the 12 year contract ) have been achieved so far.

Purchase prices for uniforms have been reduced by 19% on average and despite never being 'out of stock', inventory levels have been reduced by 59% from EUR 625 million to EUR 255 million.

Commanding General German Support Command Lt General Engelhard is quoted as saying " We are very satisfied with the speed, flexibility and adaptability of the service ".

New civil customers for the joint venture include airlines, transport companies, retailers and security forces, and new partnerships are on the horizon in the UK and other EU markets as well as the Asia Pacific region.

Through offices in the U.S., Canada, U.K., Germany, France, Australia and Spain, Lion Apparel serves the uniform, PPE and CBRN garment protection requirements of police and fire departments, civilian government agencies, emergency services, and military organizations around the world. For info click www.lionapparel.com