Tour Of El Paso Facility Making New Military Gear For Women

Military uniforms have traditionally been made with men in mind. However, that is a thing of the past, and women will soon have their own military gear.

ReadyOne Industries of El Paso is the only company in the United States manufacturing the first uniforms designed specifically for women in the Army. Employees producing the new clothing said it is exactly what women want.

“I’m so proud, and they (women soldiers) should be proud,” said Erica Garcia an employee of ReadyOne Industries.

ReadyOne received $250,000 in federal funding to produce 2,000 uniform prototypes. The Sun City company is in the final stages of the production and should have a final uniform in a few months.

“It’s just sign of the times,” company CEO Tom Ahmann said. “Whether it’s military or regular apparel, this person is is built differently . Therefore we have to make what they want.”

ReadyOne employs more than 1,000 people in its East El Paso facilities. At least 75 percent of the direct labor force consists of employees with significant disabilities.

Joe Jimenez lost his vision a few years ago because of his diabetes. That has not been a barrier for him to do his job as a tailor.

“I’m proud they are wearing the uniform. I wish I could be in the Army and protect my country,” said Jimenez.