UniFirst
| Company type | Public |
|---|---|
| Industry | Uniform rental services, protective clothing manufacturing |
| Predecessor | National Overall Dry Cleaning Company |
| Founded | 1936 |
| Founder | Croatti family |
| Headquarters | Wilmington, Massachusetts , United States |
Area served | United States, Canada, Europe |
Key people | Steven S. Sintros (President & CEO) |
| Products | Uniforms, work apparel, protective gear, cleaning products, facility maintenance services |
Number of employees | 14000+ |
| Website | www |
UniFirst Corporation is a company specializing in uniform rental services, with its main office located in Wilmington, Massachusetts, United States. The firm designs, produces, markets, and rents out uniforms and protective clothing. Employing over 14,000 individuals and operating more than 260 facilities throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe, UniFirst's infrastructure includes customer support centers, nuclear decontamination units, cleanroom facilities, distribution hubs, and manufacturing sites.
The range of products and services offered by the company includes uniforms, work apparel, protective gear, uniform rental programs, laundering, repairs, embroidery, pickup and delivery services, facility maintenance, and scheduled upkeep. UniFirst targets a diverse client base through a business approach centered on comprehensive uniform solutions and facility management.
In fiscal year 2022, UniFirst reported revenues near US$2 billion, with operating profits amounting to US$134.3 million and net earnings of US$103.4 million. The company’s total assets were valued at US$2.4 billion, while shareholders' equity stood at US$1.91 billion. Steven S. Sintros holds the position of President and CEO.
To broaden its market presence, UniFirst operates several subsidiaries including UniTech, UniClean, and UniFirst-First Aid Group. The company’s strategic vision prioritizes growth by diversifying its product lines and service offerings across various sectors and geographic regions.
History
UniFirst originated in 1936 when the Croatti family established the National Overall Dry Cleaning Company. Operating initially from a repurposed horse barn with limited equipment, it catered to factory workers in the Boston area who required frequent cleaning of heavily soiled work garments. The business was formally incorporated in Massachusetts on October 6, 1950.
During the 1980s, UniFirst resolved a class-action lawsuit concerning pollution that impacted Woburn, Massachusetts’ water supply by paying one million dollars without proceeding to trial. This event was portrayed in the book and film A Civil Action. Since that time, the company has enhanced its environmental performance and has been recognized with awards for its water treatment efforts from industry organizations.
Ronald Croatti assumed the role of CEO in 1991, became president in 1995, and chairman in 2002, guiding the company through significant expansion phases. In 2011, UniFirst gained wider public exposure via an episode of the reality television series Undercover Boss. After Croatti’s passing in May 2017, Steven S. Sintros was named President & CEO and has continued to advance the company’s strategic growth initiatives.
Products and services
UniFirst offers a variety of uniforms and protective apparel as well as cleaning products such as floor mats, mops, air fresheners, and soaps. The company manufactures core clothing items including work shirts, trousers, outerwear, and flame-resistant garments—most of which are produced internally for their rental programs.
Subsidiaries
The subsidiaries under UniFirst expand its service capabilities and market coverage. Green Guard provides corporate first aid supplies; UniTech Services Group focuses on laundering and decontamination services tailored for the nuclear sector; UniClean specializes in cleanroom apparel and associated services. Additionally, UniFirst operates a Canadian uniform rental division known as UniFirst Canada.
Performance
In the quarterly report dated July 2, 2025, UniFirst revealed revenues totaling $610.8 million, marking a 1.2% rise compared to $603.3 million from the prior year, though this figure fell short of analyst projections by $3.7 million. The company’s net income increased to $39.7 million, or $2.13 per share, up from $38.1 million, or $2.03 per share, year-over-year. Revenue from specialty garments grew to $47.8 million, despite a reduction in profit margin from 23.9% to 22.8%. These results demonstrate consistent growth within a challenging competitive landscape.
See also
- Anderson v. Cryovac, Inc. for suit by residents of Woburn, Massachusetts
External links
- Companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange
- Manufacturing companies based in Massachusetts
- Companies based in Wilmington, Massachusetts
- American companies established in 1936
- Clothing companies established in 1936
- Clothing manufacturers
- Cleanroom technology
- 1936 establishments in Massachusetts
- Companies of the United States by year of establishment