Workwear Transformation

A global leader in outsourcing services with over 500,000 employees, undertook a comprehensive transformation of its procurement and supply chain functions to support its operational efficiency and sustainability objectives. One of the most complex and high-impact areas within this initiative was the overhaul of its global workwear supply chain—an area with an annual spend of approximately $60 million.

THE CHALLENGE

Significant inefficiencies in its workwear operations:

Decentralised procurement model across six continents.
Range proliferation, e.g., 60 different white shirt variants across just six European countries.
Obsolescence stock build-up and inconsistent specifications.
Limited data visibility on costs, wearers, and inventory.
Service challenges from its in-house manufacturer (which supplied 15% of the global uniform demand but couldn’t match the responsiveness of local distributors.

These issues were further complicated by:

High churn rates among frontline staff.
Compressed mobilization lead times (as little as 30 days for large contracts).
Brexit-related trade risks and uncertainties.
Emotional and cultural significance of uniforms to employees.

THE TRANSFORMATION

KEY INITIATIVES

Operating Model Redesign

Evaluated 3PL vs. direct distributor relationships; opted for the latter to retain control and reduce costs.
Partnered with a boutique software firm, to digitize workwear management down to the wearer level.

Supplier Consolidation

Reduced over 200 European suppliers to a single pan-European distributor.
Conducted rigorous prequalification tenders and e-auctions to select optimal partners.

Ethical and Sustainable Sourcing

Partnered with EcoVadis to audit suppliers for modern slavery risks and ethical compliance.
Ensured all factories were fully regulated and audited, particularly in China and the Indian Subcontinent.

Range Rationalisation & User Trials

Worked with European Works Councils to test and refine a simplified uniform range.
Achieved a 60% reduction in SKUs while improving the look, fit, and feel of garments.

Enhanced Data & Performance Management

ntroduced zero-based budgeting and cost-per-user tracking.
Improved inventory management and reduced working capital tied up in stock.

Outcomes

Cost savings of 20–25% across Europe (up to 40% in some markets).
Improved user satisfaction with enhanced uniform designs.
Streamlined supply chain with improved agility and visibility.
In-house manufacture repurposed to focus on its core strengths as part of the new ecosystem.
Enhanced procurement credibility within the business, demonstrating the strategic value of supply chain transformation.

Lessons Learned

Engage operational teams and users early to ensure buy-in and accuracy in design.
Balance cost efficiency with emotional and operational factors.
A robust digital backbone is essential for scalability and control.
Procurement-led initiatives can drive transformation even in lean, service-driven organisations.