Fulton, N.Y.-based Oswego Industries Inc. — a nonprofit organization that provides manufacturing, warehousing, assembly, custodial and shipping services to industry, medical, and government partners in the United States; and offers job training and employment opportunities to adults with disabilities — has partnered with Woolrich, Pa.-based outdoor apparel manufacturer Woolrich Inc. to produce blankets for the General Services Administration (GSA) for use by the Army, Navy and Air Force. The partnership will provide employment to industrial sewing machine operators as well as packaging, warehousing and logistics workers at Oswego Industries.

Woolrich will lease production equipment to Oswego, which will produce the blankets as well as package and inventory them and ship the orders for Woolrich. Initial shipments of the blankets are expected to begin in June 2011. "We're pleased to be a partner with Oswego Industries and support their mission to develop services designed to improve the quality of life for all people, particularly those with disabilities, by providing the necessary support to enable individuals to grow with dignity and achieve their highest level of independence and self fulfillment," said Joyce Raesner, contract administrator, Woolrich Government Contracting Division. "We have high standards at Woolrich, and Oswego Industries Inc. is a great partner who produces quality products that exceed those standards."

March 29, 2011