It is often said that a challenge is merely an opportunity in disguise. And, at Vanguard Safety, we couldn’t agree more. Our industry is certainly no stranger to complicated business scenarios, but we continue to turn those challenges into spectacular growth opportunities. In fact, the way in which we work together is a true testament to our overarching goal: providing long-lasting value for our partners and to those they serve.
In 2024, for the first time since the Covid recovery, we saw significant production cost increases in categories like Nitrile gloves. Inventory, overseas production, and transit lead times also took center stage as the Middle East conflict brought on container shortages and subsequent global supply disruptions. Those same disruptions continue to impact the US supply chain today.
At Vanguard Safety, we consistently evaluate the industry, with special attention given to the global supply chain, regulatory issues, raw material costs, policies, disruptions, logistics, and inventory. Because of that diligence, we’ve been able to maintain strong service level targets and planned lead times. Additionally, we’ve made significant capital investments in inventory to help support our customers and buffer against shocks. Whenever possible, we’ve also absorbed large portions of the production cost increases.
By the time Nitrile exam glove tariffs became a national news headline, we were already in the background, working to secure our positioning from a production-capacity standpoint. We’ve utilized our non-China factory lines and reintroduced key non-exam products help to help ensure our customers also maintain a strong position as they head into 2025.
For Vanguard Safety, 2024 “Growth and Opportunity” became a recurrent theme. We added several new products to our PPE portfolio including coveralls, chemical resistant reusable gloves and cut-resistant gloves. We opened a new warehouse in the Southeast and added additional team members in key customer service and sales positions to help our distribution partners grow their end-user business.
Our Commitment Remains Steadfast
We fully expect 2025 will bring more bumps in the road, but that’s a challenge we won’t shy away from! With a watchful eye on the tariffs and close evaluations of potential port disruptions, Vanguard Safety remains your trusted partner for personalized solutions. We’re here to help you grow your business.
Thank you for your incredible support and for making what we do possible. Your trust in our products and services helps to drive our mutual success story and provides the opportunity for continued growth.
On behalf of our entire team, we wish you a happy, healthy and successful new year.
SK