Leonardo Helicopters has appointed the Chepstow facility of Elis to supply and launder bespoke workwear for 1,400 employees at its Yeovil site.

Leonardo Helicopters manufactures rotary aircraft for commercial, public utility, security and defence use and its Yeovil site manages design, development, manufacture, test, customer support, training and sales.

Elis general manager Sean Goldsworthy said: “We are delighted to have been awarded the contract to supply and launder Leonardo Helicopters’ bespoke workwear.

"Elis provides a wide range of high quality, durable and comfortable, certified workwear, with all protective workwear PPE requirements covered. For businesses of all sizes, we collect soiled workwear, professionally launder and maintain it, and return the clean workwear to an agreed schedule, ensuring employees are protected, comfortable and look the part.

“Elis uses the latest technology in all aspects of its service; the workwear incorporates tiny radio frequency ID tags which means that employees can have their own workwear, with just the right fit, rather than having to share a pool stock.

"The RFID technology also means superior stock control and accountability, and the highest levels of reliability.

"With Leonardo Helicopters having workwear for 1,400 employees across 28 different departments, and apprentices moving between departments on a regular basis, our superior stock control and efficient systems are key to delivering the high service standards expected by Leonardo.”

Martin Southard, Leonardo Helicopters’ site facilities contracts manager, said: “The correct workwear for all production staff and some technical staff is fundamental to our health and safety requirements.

"Following a formal tender process, and then a series of additional reviews and a visit to an Elis laundry facility, Elis were awarded the contract to provide new bespoke workwear, including a laundry service and weekly site clinic. ”

Previously called Berendsen, Elis has been operating its workwear supply and laundry service for more than 100 years and now has a nationwide network of 43 industrial laundries and delivery fleets. It operates in 28 countries.