Thermals a plus for Wilderness

MELBOURNE: Outerwear specialist Wilderness Wear has beaten stiff global competition to score a contract for the supply of thermal undergarments to the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
The contract, worth $750,000 and comprising around 10,000 garments, was the first of its kind to be inked in the wake of the recent enquiry into ADF clothing procurement.
The enquiry findings detailed changes to be implemented to render the procurement process more transparent, with Wilderness Wear's win demonstrating it had the capability to work within parameters of the new regime, confirmed national sales manager Jon Pote.
"Certainly to win a big contract like this so soon after the enquiry will stand us in good stead. The timing is excellent," he said.
"I think the whole scope of the job was met by our expertise in knitting and garment construction. The client specified they were looking for improvements on the undergarments worn by soldiers. Soldiers are currently wearing synthetic undergarments but they often can't wash their clothes on a daily or weekly basis and this can create health issues. Because the fibre used in our garments is natural there is no odour problem and it also breathes and wicks moisture away from the body."
First delivery was scheduled for late September and the contract - inked for the next four years - would see Wilderness Wear responding to ADF's requirements with an average two-month turnaround, he said.
Established by founder Philip Endersbee 18 years ago Wilderness Wear's core business was consumer-targeted outerwear - unique in the Australian outerwear industry because it was wholly manufactured onshore, Pote confirmed.
However its corporate clients - including national parks and the ambulance and fire services - were an important part of the business in the off-peak summer months.
Wilderness Wear was not the only winner from the ADF deal, he added.
"Summer is an off-season for our [consumer] outerwear business. The ADF contract certainly allows us to be more diversified but it's also great for Australian wool growers. All the wool used in the garments is Australian Merino."