“Unisol started as a vision to empower experienced sewers in our community while addressing the demand for high-quality uniforms. Today, we’re not just making uniforms; we’re revolutionizing the industry through innovation and technology,” Chief Executive Officer Jonas Quilantang said.
In 2017, Quilantang, chief executive officer of Unisol, realized a gap in the clothing industry. “We saw a gap in the uniform industry. With Unisol, we aim to fill that space by offering high-quality, scalable uniform solutions, while employing skilled workers in our community.”
While the market for ready-to-wear fashion had established major players, the workwear and uniform sector needed a go-to brand. This realization sparked the creation of Unisol, a company driven by a bold vision: to revolutionize the uniform industry and become the leading brand in the Philippines.
From Hobby to Enterprise
Quilantang started selling T-shirts in school as a hobby. However, two key realizations in 2017 set the course for its establishment.
First, despite the high demand for uniforms, there was no dominant brand in the market. Unlike food or shelter, clothing, while a basic need, was underserved regarding professional workwear.
Secondly, Lapu-Lapu City, where Unisol is based, is home to large manufacturing facilities for international brands like Adidas and Under Armour. When these brands’ contracts ended, experienced workers—skilled in producing high-quality garments—were often left unemployed.
“It sparked the vision of Unisol,” Quilantang explains. “We saw the opportunity to create a social enterprise that could provide these experienced sewers a second chance at employment, while also filling a market gap.”
Building from Scratch
Starting with just five sewing machines and no factory, Unisol had humble beginning. Setting up a fully functional factory took years, as they expanded to include essential machinery such as embroidery machines and sublimation printers. When he established his company, he saw that the country’s uniform industry still used outdated processes. Unisol aimed to change that.
Quilantang and his team focused on modernizing uniform production by integrating technology into the entire process. By 2022, after five years of setting up their production facility, Unisol was ready to scale and innovate. Their goal was not just to make uniforms but to revolutionize how uniforms were produced, making the process more efficient, scalable, and adaptable to market demands.
Tech-Driven Innovation
Today, Unisol is a tech-driven apparel company that utilizes innovative processes to streamline uniform production. One of its standout innovations is its booking and order management system, which addresses common issues in the uniform industry: long lead times and unpredictable delivery dates. With this system, Unisol ensures that clients receive high-quality uniforms on time, every time.
“We want to be the ‘Jollibee’ of uniforms in the Philippines,” says Quilantang, referring to the country’s beloved fast-food chain known for its reliability and consistency. Unisol’s vertically integrated manufacturing facility allows the company to control the entire production process, from fabric selection to final assembly. This ensures that every uniform meets their high standards of quality and durability.
Social Enterprise at Its Core
Beyond profit, Unisol operates with a strong social mission, creating employment for skilled workers who had previously been let go by international brands. Unisol also showed its capability to adapt to challenges.
During the pandemic, there was no demand for uniforms. While other businesses had to suspend operation, Unisol made adjustments by producing face masks to meet the high market demand. This allowed Unisol to employ around 3,000 sewers—up from their usual team of 300 to 500 workers. This not only validated their business model. It also reinforced their role as a social enterprise committed to supporting the local community.
“Unisol is about more than just uniforms,” Quilantang emphasizes. “We’re about creating jobs, empowering workers, and contributing to the economy.”
Revolutionizing Workwear
Unisol’s products include T-shirts, polo shirts, button-downs, jackets, and pants. These come in various fits and designs to suit different industries and client preferences. They’ve even introduced a line called “A Family,” which offers complete uniform sets for workers to wear from Monday to Friday—a solution for companies that want their employees to look consistent throughout the week without repeating outfits.
Unisol is proud to offer two unique product lines to meet the diverse needs of businesses everywhere. It introduced the Chameleon uniform set for companies and organizations who want a complete and cohesive look for the entire workweek. The Chameleon set is crafted from premium materials and provides comfort and durability.
For those on the go or those needing fast and easy-to-order uniforms for events, Unisol offers the menu-based U-Go Unliprint uniform collection. This collection offers a choice of T-shirt, polo shirt, button-down, or jacket designed to look professional. Unisol’s innovative unliprint technology, uniforms will no longer be boring.
By offering diverse product lines, including items tailored to schools and corporate clients, Unisol can cater to different market segments while maintaining high standards.
Looking Ahead
Unisol now plans to expand its market reach nationwide. With eyes on the future, Unisol will join the Manila Fame 2024 Reimagination, a Home, Fashion, and Lifestyle Trade Show set on October 17-19, 2024 to be held at the World Trade Center.
Unisol is poised for continued growth as it refines its production capabilities and expands its product offerings. With a research and development team dedicated to testing and improving products, Unisol remains committed to innovation. Their goal is clear: to be the number one provider of uniform apparel in the Philippines while uplifting the community that helped them get there.
“Unisol is more than a business—it’s a movement,” says Quilantang. “We’re here to disrupt the industry, provide opportunities for our workers, and offer high-quality, affordable uniforms that help brands and companies shine.”
In a market that’s ready for change, Unisol is leading the way.
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