Just over two weeks after announcing its formation, Parsons Logistik has announced its first major acquisition.
The total apparel management operator has acquired 99-year-old design and manufacturing business Australian Defence Apparel (ADA). The deal will see Parsons Logistik and ADA operate separately on a day-to-day basis, but the pair will unite on uniform supply projects when desired.
Parsons Logistik executive officer David Giles-Kaye said ADA's established customer base, local manufacturing expertise, commitment to research and development and investment in new technologies would all be of benefit to Parsons Logistik.
Meanwhile ADA general manager Nigel Whelan emphasised the logistical benefit the deal will have for ADA.
“We've seen the emerging trend globally toward online total apparel and inventory management. This is not part of the current ADA offering – we have excellent design and manufacturing capabilities but lack the advanced logistic skills that the Parsons Logistic joint venture bring to the table,” Whelan said.
“Uniting the two companies makes perfect sense and will bring new opportunities and possibilities.”
Currently ADA designs and manufacturers protecting clothing, equipment and uniforms for organisations including the Australian Defence Force, fire and emergency services, and law enforcement staff.
Parsons Logistik is a much younger operation, a joint venture between fabric wholesaler Charles Parsons and Canadian firm Logistik Unicorp. Parsons Logistik specialises in 'total apparel management', or the control of uniform creation from the design stage right through to delivery and replenishment.
ADA has bases in both Bendigo and Melbourne, Victoria, while Parsons Logistik is based in Sydney.