Uniform Group, the Australian company behind PSW, Academy Uniforms, Pickles Schoolwear and Strive sportswear, has signed a new commercial deal with Chinese apparel and textile business Dishang Group.
Uniform Group services more than 1200 schools across Australia and will continue to operate under its current leadership and structure.
The group’s CEO, Adam Wilkinson, said the partnership with Dishang gives the Australian company access to expanded manufacturing, sourcing and design technology capability as it moves into its next phase of growth.
“It means we can keep improving the product and service we offer schools, and expand our category offering without changing how we operate here in Australia,” Wilkinson said.
Dishang Group was founded in 1993 and employs approximately 52,000 people across around 115 countries. Its capabilities cover research and development, design, manufacturing and supply, and retail and e-commerce, supported by a sourcing network of more than 5,000 suppliers. The group uses 3D modelling and AI technology in its design and development process, and already has an established presence in school uniforms and sportswear.
“School uniforms are a category Dishang understands well, which made this a natural fit,” Wilkinson said. “Combining our long-standing relationships with Australian schools and our understanding of this market with Dishang's global scale, opens up real opportunities in product development, manufacturing and supply that will directly benefit the schools and families we work with.”
Uniform Group is one of a handful of businesses in Australia that supply schoolwear to a multitude of schools across the country. This also includes Lowes, Trutex and Midford.
According to Uniform Group, the partnership represents a new phase of growth, which should allow for additional category expansion and greater market reach.
As well as schoolwear, the group also hold the exclusive teamwear licence for Puma, alongside partnerships with Frank Green, New Era, July, Colorado Footwear and Engine Swimwear.