Allan Jones Sells Hardwick Clothes; Major Hirings Expected

In a surprise announcement, Cleveland businessman Allan Jones said that Hardwick Clothes has been sold. He said the good news is that business will continue with a major hiring effort to begin immediately. 

 

The new company, Puerto Rican Industries for the Blind – or PRIFB Corporation – met with Mr.

Jones in Cleveland on Thursday to finalize the deal. The company emphasized that all products for Hardwick will continue to be “Sewn in the South.”

 

“We are grateful to  Allan Jones for all he has done to make Hardwick a brand that is respected worldwide,” said PRIFB President Jim Nunes. “Allan emphasized throughout the process that he wanted the high quality standards to remain in place and wanted people in Cleveland to keep their jobs. Both of his wishes have been agreed upon.”

 

Mr. Jones bought Hardwick in 2014 and made national headlines for rescuing the business from bankruptcy. In less than a year after he took over control of the company, Hardwick became a regular topic on networks like Fox News and Jones himself was featured on the channel several times.

 

Hardwick was founded by C.L. Hardwick in Cleveland in 1880 and it remains the oldest manufacturer of tailor-made clothing in the United States. It began as Cleveland Woolen Mills. The company became famous in the 1960’s for making the world’s best blazer.

 

“I have always said that Hardwick’s biggest asset is its employees and those employees have a reason to celebrate this transition,” Mr. Jones said. “I have been told that at least 100 new jobs will be created with more expected in the future. Everyone keeps their jobs!”

 

PRIFB is a privately-held company based in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. The company’s mission is to train and employ people with severe disabilities, so they can achieve their economic independence.

The company is best known for designing and manufacturing uniforms and equipment for the United States Government and military.  

One of PRIFB’s main priorities, said Nunes, is producing the newly-announced Army Greens for the United States Army. The uniforms, which have received national medial attention, will debut on soldiers next summer. The uniform is a version of the pink -and-green uniforms Army officers wore during World War II.

 

“Every Army solider will wear the uniform by 2028, so this is a big deal for Hardwick and Cleveland, Tn.,” said Mr. Nunes. “This is a higher quality fabric that what current Army uniforms are made of and will last significantly longer.”

 

Bruce Bellusci, Hardwick’s CEO during the company’s time under Allan Jones’ ownership, remains in place as CEO under PRIFB.

 

“What Allan has done with this sale is to create an aggressive hiring environment,” said Mr. Bellusci. “He took Hardwick to the top of the clothing industry and now things are getting even better. Cleveland should be proud.”