UniFirst Corporation is a comprehensive provider of workplace uniforms, protective clothing, and facility services, serving over 300,000 customer locations across the United States, Canada, and Europe. The company's business model centers on recurring revenue from the rental, cleaning, and delivery of workwear and facility products. UniFirst operates through three primary segments. The Uniform & Facility Service Solutions segment is the core business, generating over 90% of total revenues. This segment handles the design, manufacturing, rental, and laundering of traditional uniforms, high-visibility and flame-resistant protective gear, and cleanroom garments. It also supplies facility products such as floor mats, mops, and restroom supplies. The First Aid & Safety Solutions segment (approximately 5% of revenues) provides workplace first aid cabinets, safety supplies, and pill packaging. The remaining revenue is derived from its Specialty Garments operations, which focus on specialized protective wear and decontamination services for the nuclear industry. A key competitive advantage for UniFirst is its vertical integration; unlike many competitors, the company manufactures a significant portion of its own garments at company-owned, ISO-9001-certified facilities, allowing for strict quality control and supply chain efficiency. The company's extensive network includes over 270 service locations, distribution centers, and specialized nuclear decontamination facilities, positioning it as a major player in the highly consolidated industrial laundry and uniform rental market. In March 2026, UniFirst agreed to be acquired by Cintas Corporation in a $5.5 billion transaction, pending shareholder and regulatory approvals.
