Gelmart Heritage

The company was founded by four members of the Nasser family in 1950 as the Philippine American Embroideries Company. It was a partnership which included a manufacturing plant in the Philippines and corporate/sales offices throughout the U.S. and in key international markets. Initially, Philippine American Embroideries manufactured embroidered handkerchiefs. Here in the U.S., members of the management team were regarded as pioneers because they were some of the first to manufacture overseas and import into the U.S. for domestic sales and distribution. Overseas manufacturing is commonplace in today’s market. However, it was revolutionary in the 1950’s. This contributed to the instant success of the company. The Philippine American Embroideries Company supplied wholesale clients with top quality product at unbeatable prices.

As the business grew, the company expanded into other Apparel and Accessories categories. They produced hats and gloves and built a hugely successful childrenswear business. To support this expansion, the Philippine manufacturing plant became fully vertical by 1960. This was one of the first overseas facilities of its kind. The plant procured yarn to do its own knitting and weaving. They purchased resin and other raw materials to produce their own polybags and shipping cartons in preparation for final export. All phases of supply chain were managed from under one roof. At its peak, the Manila-based manufacturing plant created employment for as many as 20,000 Filipinos and was the Philippines largest exporter (across all industries).

The 1960’s brought about further expansion and diversification. Along with several other acquisitions, the Nasser family purchased a bra manufacturing company known as Gelmart Industries Inc. Gelmart, as we know it today, was born. Throughout the 70’s and 80’s, Gelmart’s bra business grew immensely. Gelmart became a leading supplier of bras to retailers worldwide including Walmart, Kmart and Sears, and was a highly-regarded contract manufacturer for well-known companies such as Playtex and Maidenform.

During the 1980’s, Gelmart began producing in Egypt and Haiti. And in the 1990’s, Gelmart began further expanding its factory base to countries such as China, Indonesia, and India to keep up with the ever changing demands of the market. By the mid 1990’s, Gelmart’s primary product was bras and other intimate apparel products. Emphasis was being placed on supplying solution-based products that were trend-right and value-driven. The company expanded its design and merchandising capabilities throughout this time to maintain its competitive edge in the marketplace. By the turn of this past century, Gelmart had established itself as a full-service vendor partner with the ability to design, source, manufacture, and market superior quality product to valued customers at the best possible price. By this time, the company had been awarded numerous coveted awards for being a loyal and reliable vendor partner.

Throughout the early 2000’s, Gelmart worked to reposition itself in an increasingly competitive market. Several strategies were implemented to evolve the company to where it stands today. The company-owned manufacturing plant in the Philippines was closed in 2005 after fifty-plus successful years. The company’s U.S. headquarters were moved to midtown Manhattan in 2007 and the distribution center was moved to New Jersey. In January 2011, Gelmart’s board of directors appointed Yossi Nasser as president of the company. Nasser is responsible for leading the company into its next phase of development and establishing Gelmart’s strategic direction. With an eye on the long-term growth and success of the company, he has already implemented various growth initiatives and upgraded its infrastructure, which will significantly increase Gelmart’s market share over the next few years. As the son of one of the company’s founders, Jack Nasser, Yossi is fully committed to Gelmart. Nasser says, “I am very excited and honored to be leading Gelmart. I have very high confidence in the future success of this company. I am not only motivated as an owner; I am proud to continue the legacy of this family business which has maintained strong family values throughout its history. I have a high level of regard and confidence in the people that work with me. Together, we are taking Gelmart to the next level.” Under Nasser’s leadership, the company’s forward-thinking initiatives are being implemented and their goals are being realized.

In April 2011, the company announced that it has officially changed its name from Gelmart Industries Inc. to Gelmart International. This name change is indicative of the company’s global presence; Gelmart is partnering with retailers in key international markets to build upon their strong U.S. business. The company has also implemented a new company logo with an updated brandmark. The new corporate image reflects the new direction of the company while still paying tribute to Gelmart’s long history. Coupled with an innovative marketing plan and several key strategic growth initiatives, Nasser expects the company to grow significantly over the next five years. In early 2011, Gelmart opened an overseas office in mainland China which serves as a product development and sourcing center and includes a state-of-the-art company-owned sample room. As a company, Gelmart never wants to lose sight of its roots. But, recognizes that it is important to evolve and move forward to best service its loyal customers.