Counselor Top 40 supplier alphabroder (asi/34063) has announced a partnership with the Berne Apparel Company (asi/40260), a 100-plus year old manufacturer of rugged outdoor workwear and safety apparel. Effective immediately, alphabroder is offering the Ossian, IN-based manufacturer’s insulated jackets and coats, sweatshirts and hi-visibility styles.

“Berne’s partnership with alphabroder is ideally suited for capturing growth in the rapidly expanding workwear segment of the promotional products industry,” said John Nussbaum, president of Berne. “Berne’s expertise in rugged outerwear coupled with alphabroder’s industry leadership will allow us to reach new heights in apparel sales. We're looking forward to working together and building a long-term profitable relationship.”

“Berne is a workwear category leader with a loyal customer base that appreciates the incredible value of the brand,” said Andrea Routzahn, senior vice president of portfolio & supplier management at alphabroder. “We see nothing but upside in the workwear segment and are excited to add Berne Apparel to our growing family of premium brands.”

With reported North American promotional product revenue of $1.64 billion, alphabroder is the largest supplier in the industry, according to Counselor’s most recent rankings. The company’s five-year average annual growth rate is 14.6%. Earlier this year alphabroder added the PUMA Sport and PUMA Golf brands to its product lines.