How a Leading US PPE Company Strengthened Its OEM Program with Nastah Industries
For more than a decade, a prominent US PPE brand supplying gloves to industrial, oil & gas, and automotive sectors had relied on several China-based OEM manufacturers. While the arrangement initially met cost targets, the brand gradually faced issues that began to erode customer confidence: inconsistent product quality, unpredictable tariff spikes, slow communication, and growing compliance concerns. As trade tensions intensified and tariff instability escalated—especially following the United States’ announcement of additional 100% tariffs on Chinese imports starting November 2025—the brand’s leadership recognized the urgent need for a more stable, compliant, and predictable OEM partnership.
A Growing Operational Strain
The company’s challenges compounded over time. Quality inconsistencies became more frequent, with batch variations affecting glove thickness, tensile strength, and overall reliability—issues that became increasingly visible during distributor audits. The lack of transparent documentation and traceable raw materials created further red flags. Meanwhile, long communication gaps due to time zone barriers made it difficult to resolve quality issues quickly.
With customer expectations rising and global competition escalating, the brand needed more than just a supplier—it needed a long-term strategic partner capable of offering stability, compliance confidence, and a streamlined manufacturing relationship.
A Strategic Shift to Malaysia
After an intensive evaluation process, the PPE brand selected Nastah Industries in Malaysia as its new OEM manufacturing partner. Nastah’s 38+ years of glove-making expertise, its ISO-certified facilities, and its reputation for export reliability positioned it as a strong alternative to China-based supply.
One of the key advantages was Malaysia’s more predictable tariff environment. By August 2025, US tariffs on many Malaysian exports had decreased from 25% to 19%, creating clearer cost structures and improving long-term margin planning. But beyond tariff benefits, the shift was rooted in Nastah’s proven manufacturing standards and technical capabilities.
A Partnership Built on Precision and Compliance
From the outset, Nastah demonstrated its strength in consistent quality control. Automated production lines, in-house compounding, and rigorous testing protocols ensured that glove dimensions, tensile performance, and surface properties remained stable across every batch. Full traceability and complete documentation provided the compliance assurance that the US brand required for its EU and US PPE audits.
Nastah’s team also collaborated closely with the brand to refine formulations, developing specific grip textures, color requirements, and performance characteristics that matched the brand’s established customer expectations. The detailed OEM development process ensured seamless integration into the market without interrupting supply.
In parallel, the brand welcomed Nastah’s sustainability-focused manufacturing practices—from energy-efficient curing lines to wastewater treatment systems—which aligned well with its ESG commitments.
A Structured, Low-Risk Transition
The transition to Nastah was conducted through a three-phase plan over six months. The project began with product benchmarking, where Nastah replicated the existing glove line and achieved measurable improvements—15% higher tensile strength and 20% better chemical resistance during lab tests.
This was followed by pilot testing, where 10,000 pairs were distributed across the US for real-world evaluation. The results were exceptional: a 100% approval rate based on comfort, performance, and grip consistency.
Once validated, Nastah scaled to full production, integrating custom embossing, tailored packaging, and complete documentation to support a smooth transition.
Clear, Measurable Results
Shortly after the switch, the PPE brand recorded significant improvements across all key performance metrics. Product consistency improved by 75%, while customer complaint rates dropped dramatically—from 12.3 cases per 50,000 pairs under the previous suppliers to just 1.4 with Nastah, representing an 89% reduction.
Tariff exposure decreased as well, improving landed cost predictability and strengthening competitive positioning. On-time delivery performance rose from 78% to 98%, while certification and documentation compliance reached a perfect 100%.
Most notably, the brand achieved full compliance in its US and EU PPE import audits, with Nastah earning top marks in the brand’s annual supplier review—an achievement that had not been possible under its previous sourcing structure.
What the Partner Had to Say
“Switching to Nastah was one of our best strategic decisions. The quality is consistently excellent, communication is smooth, and we no longer face tariff uncertainty or audit issues. Nastah has truly become an extension of our brand.”— VP of Operations, US PPE Brand
A Stronger, More Predictable Future
For the US PPE brand, the partnership with Nastah Industries delivered more than operational improvements—it restored confidence in supply chain stability. With consistent quality, solid compliance support, and predictable cost structures, the company strengthened its market position while reducing long-term risk.
About Nastah Industries
Nastah Industries, based in Penang, Malaysia, is a globally recognized manufacturer of reusable rubber, nitrile, and neoprene gloves. With decades of experience, advanced production capabilities, and certified manufacturing standards, Nastah partners with OEM brands worldwide to deliver consistent, compliant, and sustainable glove solutions.
Looking to Strengthen Your PPE Supply Chain?
Nastah can help your brand achieve the same stability, compliance, and quality confidence.
Contact our OEM Solutions Team sales@nastah.com.my
