Environmentally friendly
GOING TO work is just as meaningful as the day I first started here 27 years ago, soon after I left design school. I was introduced to the operations of Fire Equipment Sales Services Limited (FESS) with a small but dedicated staff for the production of industrial safety clothing, with the primary focus to supply to laboratories and manufacturers and industrial maintenance employees. This was an area in designing I didn’t think I would enjoy, because it was a different market, but I am never one to turn down a challenge, as I was exposed to dressmaking at a very early age.
The mass production of safety clothing, such as overall, lab coats, and nurses’ scrubs, pants and shirts, were the primary focus, adhering to strict safety specifications. FESS has always ensured that the quality and standard of the fabric could stand up to the rigours of the industry, while at the same time remaining comfortable and environmentally friendly. This was where my skills were developed. To be able to identify material, manipulate the equipment, such as the industrial cutters, sizing and making patterns to fit persons who may be too petite or out of the standard sizes; and to train staff to become champions in their area of specialisation. It is a blessing to see their confidence now. It is not always easy to fit everyone, but we listen to stories and see the look on their faces when we make it happen for them. As a result, FESS have many repeat and walk-in customers.
Today, Fire Equipment Sales has expanded to produce school uniform apparel, including the traditional khaki shirts and pants for all sizes and embroidered logos stitched on the shirt pockets. One of our achievements include recognition award from the governor general for the supply of Brownie and Girl Guide uniforms.
My staff remains upbeat and loyal in recognising that all customers should be treated with the same respect, no matter how much they spend, especially during the ebb and flow of the economy over the period; to source more affordable material with stiff competition from the ready-made garments from China. It is my duty to motivate staff members and to make their task meaningful, and maintain a high standard to compete. Therefore, we encourage our new customers with out-of-the-ordinary need, to contact us before the peak periods to avoid lengthy delays.
As we forward to surmount greater heights, we are implementing strategies to streamline some processes with technology, as well as more flexible work hours, together with our annual staff get-together. I thank my production team for their continued support as we move into the future together to deliver our brand. JUDITH RAINFORD
Production Supervisor
Fess (Uniforms)