Getting a job through the Air Force doesn’t always include working on base.
Twenty employees were hired at American Power Supply in Columbus in September, pushing the total number of employees to 95, after the clothing manufacturer began assembling the Air Force’s new physical training uniforms.
American Power currently is working on the first shipment of 30,000 uniforms to be sent to airmen serving in Afghanistan. They’ll begin a second 30,000-unit order to be shipped to Army Air Force Exchange Service outlets on U.S. Air Force bases around the world.
The new jobs will be secure as long as the plant maintains the uniform program, said Cathy Griffith, operations manager at American Power.
“If we had enough work we could put 100 more (people) to work right now. We have that many applicants coming in,” said Griffith. “More importantly, for the 80 that were already here, (the program) gives them longevity and job security.”
The plant turns out 400 uniforms each day, according to Candy Bradley, a six-year supervisor with American Power. The manufacturer currently has just three product lines — the tops and bottoms to the Air Force uniform and a line of ladies’ dress pants.
Several manufacturers around the country signed similar joint ventures through Duro Industries, which manufactures the materials used in the uniforms. American Power assembles the pieces sent from Duro.
Columbus Air Force Base airmen were among the first to try the new uniform, although CAFB may not get them in stock for months.
“I don’t know how soon we’ll start getting these in our own BX (Base Exchange). But whenever it is, we’ll know some of these came from Columbus manufacturers,” said Col. Roger Watkins, 14th Flying Training Wing commander.
Rammstein Air Force Base in Germany and Langley Air Force Base in Hampton, Va., likely will be first to receive the new suits, Watkins said.
“It’s nice to see a uniform item that’s not only going to impact the airmen at CAFB, but airmen all over the world. That the uniform is being made right here in Columbus, it really just gives us a sense of pride,” said Watkins.
The new uniforms were designed to replace workout clothes which drew complaints from airmen.
“The other uniform was not breathable. The material was not as flexible. And most importantly, it made this hideous swishing noise as you walked or ran. Airmen just didn’t like it,” said Watkins.
Lieutenants Joe Castro and Erik Svendson were among the first to try on the new track suit-style uniforms. Both agreed the new materials were lighter and more comfortable and less prone to becoming matted with sweat.
