Salisbury, Maryland, May 19, 2003 -The major combat in Iraq is over, but two manufacturing facilities in Salisbury and one in Cumberland, Maryland, divisions of Blind Industries and Services of Maryland, continue to produce uniforms for the U.S. Army including camouflage Battle Dress Uniforms (BDU) and Physical Fitness Uniform (PFU) jackets.  What makes these operations special is that more than 75% of the direct labor associates who cut and sew these uniforms to military specifications are blind.

Randy Holmes of Salisbury, MD, Assistant Production Manager
 

Randy Holmes, 47, from Salisbury, MD has been an associate of Blind Industries for the past 14 years and is proud of all he has accomplished.  "I was bitter because my eyes went bad about the time I was to get my first car.  But, it's just great to work somewhere you're accepted as one of the crew and it makes me very proud to know our troops are wearing the uniforms that we make here."

Together these three facilities employ 58 blind associates who manufacture an average of 11,300 PFU jackets each month and cut approximately 72,000 units of the Army BDUs.Ý

Following their rescue in Iraq, the seven American POWs arrived in Germany wearing the Army PFUs that are made by Blind Industries and Services of Maryland.

Jack Grizzel, Sewn Operations Manager for all three facilities, oversees the manufacturing of these army uniforms.  Grizzel says, "It's wonderful to be making uniforms that keep our troops comfortable.  Its a group effort here and our blind associates are very motivated knowing that what they're doing here in Maryland is helping overseas."

Blind Industries expects its contract for the uniforms, which ends in December, to be renewed and their units to increase.

Randy Holmes knows life would be different without his job.  Holmes adds, "Without Blind Industries I would never have been able to buy a house.  I'm sitting in the boss' office right now with a promotion coming this week.  They really do care about employing blind people and making you feel good about yourself."Ý

Blind Industries is a not-for-profit organization that employs over 130 blind or visually impaired associates who work in 10 facilities located across Maryland, Delaware and Washington, D.C.  Blind Industries is a major manufacturer and retailer of quality blind made products.  Blind Industries also provides a full array of rehabilitation programs that provide over 2,500 people each year the training needed to live an independent life.

Contact Lish Ephraim at (240) 395-0225 ext 107 or at lishe@zpr.com for more information or to arrange a visit or interview

Pictures Left to right:
Roger Seehafer, Salisbury, MD, Material Spreader
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Following their rescue in Iraq, the seven American POWs arrived in Germany wearing the Army PFUs that are made by Blind Industries and Services of Maryland.
 

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